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How to Hand-wash Dishes and Cutlery — Items safely arranged after cleaning with no visible soil left on the surfaces

Kitchen cleaning

How to Hand-wash Dishes and Cutlery

Keep a clear order from separating knives to dry storage.

Read the full guide
Time
10–20 minutes active work, plus complete drying
Difficulty
Easy
Recommended frequency
Wash after each meal's use
Risk
Medium
Reference number
HW131

Overview

Scrape leftovers and separate knives; check chips and consult care instructions for delicate or valuable pieces. Use comfortably warm water and the labelled detergent dose; wash cleaner cups and cutlery before greasy dishes.

Tools needed

  • Hand dishwashing detergent
  • Clean soft sponge
  • Washing-up bowl
  • Drying rack

Cleaning steps

Step 1

Separate knives

Scrape leftovers and separate knives; check chips and consult care instructions for delicate or valuable pieces.

Step 2

Wash light soil first

Use comfortably warm water and the labelled detergent dose; wash cleaner cups and cutlery before greasy dishes.

Step 3

Rinse every surface

Wash both sides and fork gaps one item at a time; hold knives by their handles separately, change greasy water and rinse thoroughly.

Step 4

Drain before storage

Air-dry on a stable rack with blades facing safely; store fully dry items and clean the sink and sponge.

Common mistakes

Hiding knives under suds — Scrape leftovers and separate knives; check chips and consult care instructions for delicate or valuable pieces.
✕ Avoid

Hiding knives under suds

✓ Correct action

Scrape leftovers and separate knives; check chips and consult care instructions for delicate or valuable pieces.

Washing greasy pans first — Use comfortably warm water and the labelled detergent dose; wash cleaner cups and cutlery before greasy dishes.
✕ Avoid

Washing greasy pans first

✓ Correct action

Use comfortably warm water and the labelled detergent dose; wash cleaner cups and cutlery before greasy dishes.

Missing cup bases and fork gaps — Wash both sides and fork gaps one item at a time; hold knives by their handles separately, change greasy water and rinse thoroughly.
✕ Avoid

Missing cup bases and fork gaps

✓ Correct action

Wash both sides and fork gaps one item at a time; hold knives by their handles separately, change greasy water and rinse thoroughly.

Stacking wet dishes in a cupboard — Air-dry on a stable rack with blades facing safely; store fully dry items and clean the sink and sponge.
✕ Avoid

Stacking wet dishes in a cupboard

✓ Correct action

Air-dry on a stable rack with blades facing safely; store fully dry items and clean the sink and sponge.

Practical tips

Tips for helpers

  • Clear the drying area first.
  • Change greasy wash water promptly.

Tips for employers

  • Specify care for valuable dishes.
  • Provide a safe knife storage place.

Completion checklist

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How to Hand-wash Dishes and Cutlery

Before you begin: safety guidance

  • Do not touch broken glass or chipped edges with bare hands; stop use and tell the employer.
  • Avoid scalding water; do not mix bleach, acidic products or automatic dishwasher detergent.

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