The right way to hand wash dishes for the cleanest dishes possible.
Your mother was right. There really is a "right" way to wash dishes. If you follow the following steps - dishwashing will be easier and your dishes will be cleaner.
First, you'll want to neatly stack your dirty but scraped and rinsed dishes on the counter outside the sink. If you are using a double sink you'll need to run a sink full of hot, soapy water. The water should be as hot as your hands can stand it. In fact, for the protection of your skin, you should wear rubber gloves while washing dishes which will also allow you to use a higher temperature of water. You should use enough antibacterial soap to make plenty of suds, but not so much that rinsing is made difficult. If you are washing items that have been in contact with a sick family member or raw meat, you should add a cup of bleach to your dishwashing solution. On the other side of the double sink, you can either fill it with clean water which will conserve water or leave it empty and rinse as you go.
If you only have one sink available, it can be used for both washing and rinsing. You won't be able to catch water though, so this method is not as ecologically friendly.
Now, you're ready to get started. The first items you should wash are cups and glasses. These are the least dirty dishes and also the ones you have the most bodily contact with, so you want them to be especially clean.
If you're washing in a single sink, you'll want to squirt soap onto your wet dishcloth. Note: sponges are one of the most bacteria-ridden items in most kitchens. They collect and grow germs in their pores. If you are especially careful and properly dry your sponges and send them thru the microwave to kill germs every day, then sponges might be the right choice for you. However, most people will find that dishcloths are more sanitary and simple to use and care for. Just be sure to spread it out where it can dry when you're finished washing dishes.
Scrub every surface of the item you're washing and then rinse completely before putting into the drain board. A note on drain boards - be sure yours is big enough for the amount of dishes your family uses. Air dying is much more sanitary than towel drying. You'll want to have plenty of room to stack dishes in an organized manner that allows for good air circulation and prevents accidents that could result in broken glass or china.
After the cups and glasses you're ready to move on to the silverware. Save cooking utensils for last. Next, you'll want to wash bowls and plates. And finally you're ready for pots and pans. Your water may be dirty at this point if you have a double sink, so you may want to give the pans a good soak in the dirty water and then start over with fresh soapy water.
After you've finished washing all the dishes, rinse out your dishcloth and give the counters, sink, and stovetop a good wipe down. Once you've rinsed and wrung out your dishcloth you're ready to spread it out to dry and go put your feet up.
