Washing dishes can seem like a never-ending action, but it's an action that everyone does differently. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that everyone has their own unique style when it comes to washing dishes. Of course, you can never tell for sure how a person washes their dishes until you actually live with them, but here are a few of the typical styles of dish washing:
1. The I Don't Want to Touch the Sponge:
This particular style of dishwashing is used by minimalists, or people who are always in a hurry. It's performed optimally by turning the water on scalding, and by setting the sink head to power wash mode (or splatter water all over the sink mode). The method behind this style is simple: spray the left over food fragments off by using as much heat and force as possible. This style is sometimes performed out of fear for the unknown sink-life of the current sponge in the sink. Therefore, they look for an alternate way to expunge the food on their plates. It's also performed by those trying to save their hands from soggy fingers and palms.
2. The I'll just Stick It in the Dishwasher:
I'll Just Stick It in the Dishwasher is common among those who lead a laid back or extremely busy lifestyle. This is probably the simplest way of washing dishes if you have the luxury of owning a dishwasher. All you have to do is stick all of your dishes in the dishwasher without a rinse or a scrub. Just throw them on in. Well, maybe not throw. I suppose place is a better word, but you get the gist, I hope. Then, put a dishwashing tablet in and close the dishwasher door. The final step is to press a button and get on with your life.
3. The I Think it Needs to Soak First:
A favorite of any hesitant dishwasher. Dishes can often be too greasy or caked on with food, so it's no wonder why someone would be hesitant to take the plunge and get started. This is often performed by squirting some soap in the dish/pan, and filling up the dish with hot water. The ultimate goal of this style of dishwashing is to give you time, so you can come back to wash the dishes later.
4. The Hand Wash Everything Before You Put it In the Dishwasher:
The perfectionist's favorite method of dishwashing. This particular style uses a combination of washing dishes by hand and using the dishwasher. First, proceed to make your dishes clean enough on their own, and then load them into the dishwasher. The goal is to make the dishes perfectly clean, and use the dishwasher as a sanitizing cycle for your dishes. You have a myriad of options with this one. You can even use a combination of styles 1 and 3 with this style. Or, you can scrub endlessly. Beware, these type of dishwashers sing to pass the time. And they may suggest that the dishwasher needs to be loaded a specific way.
So, what style do you use to wash your dishes?
