How to Wash a Dish Drainer

The days of washing dishes by hand are just about gone, but some dishes don't fare well in automatic dishwashers. Hand-washing is the best way to maintain special dishes in pristine condition. A dish drainer holds the dishes in a way that allows them to dry completely without touching each other or the surface of the counter or cabinets. A dish drainer should be washed every two weeks in order to keep it hygienically suited for holding clean dishes. Washing a dish drainer is a simple process that any homeowner can manage with ease.

Things You'll Need

• Dishwashing liquid
• Bleach
• Sponge
• Medium-bristled brush or nylon scouring pad (optional)
• Soft cloth

Instructions

1. Plug the drain in the kitchen sink and pour one tbsp. of dishwashing liquid into the sink.

2. Fill the sink three-quarters full with hot water.

3. Add one tbsp. of bleach to the hot water to kill bacteria, mold and mildew.

4. Place the dish drainer in the sink and allow it to soak for 10 minutes.

5. Wet a sponge with the sink water and wipe the drainer to remove any stains. If stains are more persistent, use a medium-bristled brush or a nylon scouring pad to scrub away the stains.

6. Drain the water from the sink and thoroughly rinse the dish drainer in cool water. Make sure you remove all traces of bleach from the drainer.

7. Dry the drainer with a soft cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear gloves when working with bleach.

References

• "Clean It Fast, Clean It Right;" Jeff Bredenberg; 1998