The best and most effective way to wash dishes is with hot water and soap. Hot water helps to dissolve grease and food residue, making it easier to remove from dishes. Additionally, hot water helps to kill bacteria and other harmful pathogens that may be present on the dishes.
Here's a general guideline for washing dishes:
Scrape off excess food: Before washing, scrape off any leftover food or debris from the dishes into the trash or compost bin.
Pre-rinse if necessary: For dishes with dried-on or stubborn stains, a quick pre-rinse under warm water can help loosen the residue.
Fill the sink with hot, soapy water: Plug the sink and fill it with hot water. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid or soap to create a soapy solution.
Wash dishes with a sponge or brush: Use a sponge or a dish brush to clean the dishes. Start with the least soiled items and work your way to the dirtiest. Wash each item thoroughly, including all surfaces and crevices.
Rinse with hot water: After washing each dish, rinse it under hot running water to remove soap residue.
Let dishes air dry: Once washed and rinsed, place the dishes on a dish rack or clean towel to air dry. Avoid using a cloth to dry dishes, as it can potentially transfer bacteria.
Using cold water to wash dishes may not effectively remove grease and food residues, and it may not kill harmful bacteria adequately. However, if you're washing dishes by hand and your water heater is not working or you're trying to conserve energy, you can still wash dishes with cold water and soap. Just be aware that the cleaning process may be less efficient, and you may need to put in more effort to remove tough stains and residues.
In summary, hot water is generally preferred for washing dishes due to its ability to dissolve grease, remove residues, and kill bacteria more effectively.