Yes, many people fill their kitchen sink with water to let dishes soak. Soaking dishes in water can help to loosen and remove stubborn food residues, grease, and other stains, making them easier to clean later. It is a common practice for dealing with dishes that have dried-on or hard-to-remove substances.
To soak dishes, people typically fill the sink with warm soapy water, place the dirty dishes in the water, and let them sit for a period of time. The soaking time can vary depending on the level of dirtiness and the type of residue on the dishes. For example, pots and pans with baked-on food might require longer soaking times than regular plates and utensils with just leftover food particles.
After soaking, the dishes are usually much easier to clean, as the soaking process helps to soften the food particles and makes scrubbing or washing them off more efficient. It can also be a time-saving technique if you don't have time to wash dishes immediately after a meal or want to tackle a large pile of dishes in one go.
However, it's essential to remember that if you choose to soak dishes in the sink, it's crucial to rinse them thoroughly before using them again to ensure that no soap or detergent residue remains. Also, if your sink is made of certain materials (e.g., certain types of stone or composite materials), prolonged exposure to water and detergent might not be recommended, as it could potentially damage the sink's surface. In such cases, using a dishpan or a plastic basin to soak dishes might be a better alternative.