{"id":21944,"date":"2022-10-03T21:15:10","date_gmt":"2022-10-03T21:15:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/?p=21944"},"modified":"2024-08-05T18:00:10","modified_gmt":"2024-08-05T18:00:10","slug":"how-to-wash-dishes-the-eco-conscious-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/live-cleaner\/how-to-wash-dishes-the-eco-conscious-way\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Wash Dishes the Eco-Conscious Way"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swapping disposable water bottles for a chic reusable one. Tossing your old coffee grounds and banana peels into a compost bin instead of the trash. Opting for public transit instead of a solo ride to work\u2014yes, there are so many small ways every day we can support the wellness of our planet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But did you know that you can give Mother Nature a helping hand right from your kitchen sink?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The way you wash your dishes can make an environmental impact\u2014and no, it\u2019s definitely <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">just a drop in the bucket. Whether you&#8217;re using <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-powered<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> liquid dish soap or being mindful of the running water while hand-washing dishes, there are simple ways to have an impact. Follow along for a step-by-step guide on hand-washing dishes the eco-conscious way.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 1: Don\u2019t Wait Too Long to Wash<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We realize this first step to dishwashing success may be the hardest one. After a rich, hearty meal, the sofa might be calling your name more than ever. But if you want your dishwashing to be Mother Earth-approved, it\u2019s important not to wait too long.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wondering why? It\u2019s pretty simple\u2014all the leftovers from the delicious foods you just enjoyed can start to dry, leaving crusty, hardened residue behind. That means you\u2019ll have to use even more water to make those plates squeaky clean and you might be scrubbing hard to get dried food particles off the cooking pot and utensils. By working quickly, you\u2019ll be able to conserve this precious resource and enjoy sparkling plates.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 2: Assemble Your Eco-Conscious Dishwashing Supplies<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll need to prepare some supplies to make your dishwashing go smoothly. Here are a few things to have on hand before you start:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>An <\/b><b>plant-powered<\/b><b> dish soap<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Your liquid dish soap comes in contact with your plates, your skin, and the environment, so why not choose one that\u2019s good for all three? <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/dishwashing\/dish-soap-free-clear\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ECOS dish soap<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> uses a our formula is 100% vegan formula that won\u2019t harm water systems. It\u2019s also hypoallergenic and pH balanced, so it won\u2019t dry out your skin. <\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>A scrubbing tool <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 Instead of disposable plastic sponges and scrubbers, look for eco-conscious options made from natural, plant-based, and biodegradable materials. A compostable or plant-derived dish sponge is a great alternative.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Two dishwashing tubs for washing and rinsing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 These will help you save both time and running water during the washing process. If you have a double-sided sink, this supply is optional. However, having an extra tub on hand can allow you to keep one side of the sink open.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>A drying rack <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 A drying rack can help keep your dishes from slipping and sliding all over the counter in between washing and drying. It can also come in handy if you simply don\u2019t have time to dry by hand.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>A few towels <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 You\u2019ll need a clean towel or two to dry and polish up your dishes when the washing\u2019s all done. We suggest reusable dish cloths rather than paper towels. Not only will they soak up much more moisture, but you\u2019ll be able to save a few trees in the process.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-opt-id=158223478  fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-21945\" src=\"https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:640\/h:427\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavar-platos-a-mano-niña.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:640\/h:427\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavar-platos-a-mano-nin\u0303a.jpg 640w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:1024\/h:683\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavar-platos-a-mano-nin\u0303a.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:768\/h:512\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavar-platos-a-mano-nin\u0303a.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:1536\/h:1024\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavar-platos-a-mano-nin\u0303a.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:1620\/h:1080\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavar-platos-a-mano-nin\u0303a.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:18\/h:12\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavar-platos-a-mano-nin\u0303a.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 3: Fill Your Tubs of Water<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve assembled your supplies, fill your two tubs (or your double-sided sink) with warm water. In one tub, include a small squeeze of your dish soap. The other should only include clean water.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our goal is to use those two tubs as our washing and rinsing water, rather than continuously running our plates under a sink. The reason? Keeping that faucet on uses up a lot of H2O. According to the United States Geological Survey, washing dishes by hand can use 9\u201327 gallons of water every time<sup>1<\/sup>.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Using the tubs instead allows you to stretch your water supply much further and potentially save gallons.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 4: Scrape Your Plates<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You know how you use a spoon to get every last bit of ice cream out of the tub? The same energy applies here.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you dunk your plates in the water, scrape off any remaining bits of food and sauces into the trash or compost bin. This scraping will make your dishes easier to wash, but they\u2019ll also help you keep the washing and rinsing water as clean as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ll emphasize that scraping over your trash or compost bin, and not your sink, is a crucial step. Even if you have a garbage disposal, it\u2019s a good idea to keep the majority of food waste out of your sink. The reason? According to Consumer Reports, certain foods will not only gunk up the drain but can also cause clogs in your water system.<sup>2<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 5: Soak the Hard-to-Remove Residue<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If any foods have dried faster than you can get to them, don\u2019t worry. We can work this into our dishwashing strategy just as easily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After scraping as much as you can, slide the tough-to-clean dishes into the tub of soapy water first. We\u2019ll wait to work on these until all the others are clean, allowing time for the soap and water to soften the tough stuff.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>A tip to make the process even more efficient:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if you used a cooking pot or deep pan to cook with, this can serve as an extra soaking tub. Simply fill it with a dab of soap and warm water, and pop in any smaller dishes and utensils that need some extra TLC.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step 6: Wash and Rinse Your Dishes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At last, it\u2019s time to begin washing. Remember that tub of soapy water you filled up earlier? Now is its time to shine. Here\u2019s how it works:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Place your dishes into the tub of soapy water.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using your scrubber or dish sponge, scrub and wipe down each item one at a time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dip the item back into the soapy water once more to remove any remaining bits of food.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once only suds remain, dip the dish in your tub of clean water to rinse.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, set the clean dishes to the side or in your drying rack.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a large stack of dishes to wash, you may need to complete this process in several rounds. Our tip? Start with the least dirty dishes before you move on to the rest. Using this order can help you keep the washing tub from becoming dirty too quickly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The foods and drinks you used with those dishes might affect your order, but here\u2019s a helpful guide to keep in mind\u2014from cleanest to dirtiest:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glasses, cups, and silverware<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plates and bowls<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pots, pans, and cooking utensils<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any dishes you\u2019ve soaked<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><strong>Step 7: Dry Your Dishes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, it\u2019s easy to feel like you\u2019re done when the dishes are in the drying rack. But taking an extra minute to towel-dry your dishes has a few benefits:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can put them away immediately, clearing up counter space.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It helps you avoid water spots, especially on glass and metal dishes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can wipe away any remaining residue that could leave your dishes cloudy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019d rather let the dishes drip dry on a dish rack, feel free. But to achieve that extra sparkling shine, your best bet is to dry them with a soft, absorbent dish towel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What about wine glasses or other clear-glass dishes? These can be more challenging to dry by hand, but there\u2019s an easy trick: use two towels. The first towel is your \u201cdamp towel,\u201d which you\u2019ll use to remove any water droplets and moisture. The second is your \u201cdry towel.\u201d Use this to gently polish the glassware (and take a moment to admire the resulting sparkle).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Tips to Ensure Your Dishwashing Is Good for Your Plates and the Planet<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once your dishes are glittering clean, all that remains is to dump those tubs and give the sink a quick wipe-down. But how do you ensure that what you send down the drain won\u2019t cause any damage?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In truth, some of the products used to give cleaning power a boost can end up harming the precious ecosystems of our planet. A few smart strategies and some eco-conscious products can help you save the earth and your skin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few tips to keep your dishwashing eco-conscious:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use dish soap without toxins or harmful ingredients. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chemicals like phosphates, synthetic polymers, and ethanolamines can negatively affect our health and our planet. Opt instead for a dish soap made from plant-derived ingredients like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/dishwashing\/dish-soap-pear\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ECOS dish soap<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use biodegradable sponges or scrubbers. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plastic options can end up sending microplastics down the drain and pile up in landfills when we\u2019re done using them.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Don\u2019t leave the water running. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This one\u2019s worth repeating, as it\u2019s one of the major ways you can make your dishwashing routine less wasteful. Using tubs to wash and rinse instead can help you save gallons every day.<sup>3<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re hand washing your dishes or using a dishwasher, simple changes can make a great impact on the environment. Understanding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/live-cleaner\/dishwasher-vs-hand-washing-the-sustainable-choice\/\">the water usage of a dishwasher<\/a> vs hand washing is a great first step in cleaning in a more <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sustainable<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-opt-id=1969965488  fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-21946 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:640\/h:480\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavar-platos-a-mano.jpg\" alt=\"Asian baby boy learn to washing dish with his mother in kitchen.\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:640\/h:480\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavar-platos-a-mano.jpg 640w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:1024\/h:768\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavar-platos-a-mano.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:768\/h:576\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavar-platos-a-mano.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:1440\/h:1080\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavar-platos-a-mano.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:16\/h:12\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavar-platos-a-mano.jpg 16w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:1440\/h:1080\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavar-platos-a-mano.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our kitchen successes can bring a whole lot of delight, and at ECOS, we believe dishwashing should feel the same way.\u00a0 Just learning how to wash dishes can bring a whole lot of ease to your post-dinner routine. But knowing where to find products that help more than harm can be a challenge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s where ECOS can help. Our <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-powered<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dish soap is gentle on the skin and kind to Mother Nature. It&#8217;s also made in Climate Positive facilities using 100% renewable energy\u2014so you can start washing knowing we mean \u201cclean\u201d in every way.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a cleaning solution that helps your plates and planet shine, shop with ECOS.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Sources:\u00a0<br \/>\n<\/b><sup>1<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/sup><b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">United States Geological Survey. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Per capita water use: How much water do you use at home?<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/water.usgs.gov\/edu\/activity-percapita.php\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/water.usgs.gov\/edu\/activity-percapita.php<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<\/b><sup>2 <\/sup><b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consumer Reports. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foods You Can &amp; Can&#8217;t Put Down a Garbage Disposal. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/garbage-disposals\/foods-you-can-cant-put-down-a-garbage-disposal-a1074300549\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/garbage-disposals\/foods-you-can-cant-put-down-a-garbage-disposal-a1074300549\/<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<\/b><sup>3<\/sup> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">United States Geological Survey. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Per capita water use: How much water do you use at home?<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/water.usgs.gov\/edu\/activity-percapita.php\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/water.usgs.gov\/edu\/activity-percapita.php<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Swapping disposable water bottles for a chic reusable one. Tossing your old coffee grounds and banana peels into a compost bin instead of the trash. Opting for public transit instead of a solo ride to work\u2014yes, there are so many small ways every day we can support the wellness of our planet.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":21947,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21944","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21944","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21944"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21944\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24667,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21944\/revisions\/24667"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21947"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21944"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21944"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21944"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}