When washing dishes, the general order of washing is as follows:
Utensils: Start by washing utensils such as knives, forks, spoons, and other smaller items. These are typically the least greasy and the easiest to clean.
Glasses and Cups: Next, move on to washing drinking glasses and cups. They usually have fewer food residues compared to plates and can be easily washed with minimal effort.
Plates: After washing the glasses, move on to washing plates. Since plates can have more food residues and greasy substances, washing them after glasses and utensils helps prevent cross-contamination.
Cookware and Larger Items: Finally, wash larger items like pots, pans, and baking dishes. These items might have more stubborn residues, so it's best to leave them for last.
By following this order, you can maintain a cleaner washing process, and it will be easier to get through the task efficiently. Additionally, it helps ensure that items are not contaminated with leftover food from other items in the sink.