Question

How do I wash dishes that were left in the sink for over a year with food still on them? I already tossed the plastic and wood.

Answer 1

Washing dishes that have been left in the sink for an extended period with food residue can be challenging, but it's important to thoroughly clean and sanitize them to ensure they are safe to use. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you tackle this task:

1. Precautions: Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from potentially harmful bacteria or mold.

2. Scraping off excess food: Use a rubber spatula or a stiff brush to scrape off any remaining food particles from the dishes. Dispose of the scraped-off food residue in the trash.

3. Soaking: Fill a large basin or sink with hot water and add a generous amount of dishwashing liquid. Submerge the dishes in the soapy water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This will help loosen the dried-on food and make it easier to clean.

4. Scrubbing: After soaking, use a sponge or a non-abrasive scrub brush to scrub each dish, paying close attention to any areas with stubborn food residue. Apply additional dishwashing liquid as needed. For particularly stubborn stains, you can create a paste by mixing baking soda with water and gently scrubbing the affected areas.

5. Rinse: Thoroughly rinse each dish under hot running water to remove all soap and remaining food particles.

6. Sanitizing: To ensure proper sanitation, you have a few options:

   • Boiling water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Submerge each dish in the boiling water for a few minutes to kill any remaining bacteria. Be cautious with delicate items that may not withstand high heat.
   • Dishwasher: If the dishes are dishwasher-safe, run them through a hot-water cycle in your dishwasher to sanitize them effectively.
   • Bleach solution: Prepare a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water. Submerge each dish in the solution for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

7. Drying: Allow the dishes to air dry completely or use a clean dish towel to dry them manually.

Remember, it's important to exercise caution when dealing with dishes that have been left for an extended period, as harmful bacteria or mold may have developed. If you encounter dishes with severe mold growth or those that appear to be damaged beyond cleaning, it's advisable to discard them for safety reasons.