What is the proper method for cleaning dirty utensils

What is the correct order of steps for cleaning and sanitizing utensils by hand? It might not be something you think about if you have a dishwasher. However, after a disaster like a flood, you need to know the correct steps to cleaning utensils to ensure all dirt and pathogens are gone. Learn how to clean and sanitize kitchen utensils the right way.

1. Scrap any food or particles that you can from the utensils.

2. Fill a sink with hot water and a few squirts of Dawn.

3. Allow the utensils to soak for five or so minutes.

4. Use the scrub brush or scrubber to scrub all the debris from the utensils.

5. Drain the sink and fill it with hot water.

6. To sanitize, add two tablespoons of bleach.

7. Allow the utensils to sit in the bleach water for ten or so minutes.

8. Drain and rinse the utensils in hot water.

9. Allow to air dry.

One cup of hydrogen peroxide can be substituted if bleach is not available.

If you don't want to use bleach or have metal utensils, you don't want to use bleach. In this instance, you want to use boiling water. According to the Health Department, you want to immerse utensils into hot water of at least 180 degrees but no more than 200 degrees to sanitize utensils. For this cleaning and sanitizing kitchen utensils of metal, you need:

• Pot for boiling

• Thermometer

• Dish soap

• Scrub brush

• Gloves

Sanitizing Kitchen Utensils of Metal

1. Fill a pot with a gallon of water and bring it to a boil.

2. Remove any large dirt and particles from the utensils.

3. Fill the sink with hot soapy water, using the scrub brush as necessary.

4. Drain the sink.

5. Use the thermometer to check the temperature of the water.

6. Pour the 171-degree water over the utensils.

7. Allow them to sit for at least a minute.

8. Carefully, due to the boiling water, drain the sink.

9. Allow the utensils to air dry.

Even if you don't own a restaurant, it's essential to keep your utensils clean and sanitized to ensure no one in your house gets sick. However, there are certain times that you want to ensure you clean utensils.

• After large gatherings or continuous use

• When they've been packed away or sitting for a long time

• After a natural disaster, flood, or mold infestation

When you are sanitizing your utensils, there are a few things you need to consider. For example, if using a chemical sanitizer, it is vital to use the right concentration to be effective according to the Center of Disease Control. Other issues to consider include:

• The hardness of your water - This can affect the sanitizing agents.

• Contact time - It's crucial to ensure the utensils soak for the required amount of time.

• Temperature - This is especially true for heat sanitation.

You might think that washing and sanitizing are the same thing, but they are different. Washing means that you remove food particles and crud from your utensils. However, this doesn't mean that you're killing the germs. This is where sanitizing comes in. Sanitizing is where heat or a sanitizing agent, like bleach, are used to kill the germs to an acceptable level.

When sanitizing your utensils for any reason, you want to make sure you do it in the correct order. You wouldn't want to sanitize utensils with food still on there. Therefore, you want to clean the utensils of any food or particles before you start using a heat or chemical sanitizer.

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Utensils are quick and easy to clean. Simply wash the utensils with hot water and soap, or use the natural cleaning power of the sun, salt, and lemon if you’re cleaning wooden utensils. If you want to sterilise the utensils, try soaking them in boiling water. Before you know it your utensils will be sparkling clean.

1. 1

   Scrape any excess food into the bin with a paper towel. Leftover food will make the water dirty and cause it to be less effective. Use a paper towel to wipe off any big chunks of food that are stuck to the utensil.[1] X Research source Go to source

   • Don’t worry about removing small bits of food as this can be removed when you are washing the utensil.

2. 2

   Fill your kitchen sink with hot water and dishwashing liquid.[2] X Expert Source

   
   Melanie Garcia
   Professional House Cleaner Expert Interview. 10 October 2019. Go to source Put the plug in the sink and turn on the hot tap. As the sink sink is filling up with water, squeeze about 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of dishwashing liquid into the water.[3] X Research source Go to source
   • Read the label of the dishwashing liquid bottle to find the correct amount of liquid to use as some concentrated detergents won’t require as much.

3. 3

   Add 2 tbsp (30 grams) of baking soda to the water for some extra cleaning power. If you are a looking for a natural cleaner, baking soda is a great option. The powder will help to reduce smells and break down stains. Add the baking soda to your sink of water and dishwashing liquid and mix everything together.[4] X Research source Go to source

4. 4

   Put the utensils in the sink and scrub off the food with a dish brush. Place the least soiled utensils into the sink first. This will stop the water from becoming too dirty. Scrub each utensil with a dish brush until all of the food has been removed. Once the utensil is clean, place it onto a drying rack.[5] X Research source Go to source

5. 5

   Leave the utensils to soak if the food is stuck on. If the food isn’t coming off the utensil, leave it to soak in the sink while you wash the rest of the dishes. This will cause the food to loosen its grip on the utensil. Try scrubbing it again once all the other dishes have been washed.[6] X Research source Go to source

   • If necessary, use a dish scourer to remove any remaining food from the utensils.

6. 6

   Dry the utensils with a tea towel or leave them to air dry. Dry each utensil individually with a tea towel and return them to their drawer. Alternatively, leave the utensils on the drying rack to dry naturally. This option is easy and avoids stainless steel utensils getting a smeary look.[7] X Research source Go to source

   • If you are air drying your utensils, make sure that they aren’t stacked on top of each other as this will stop the air circulating and drying them.

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1. 1

   Scrub the utensil with hot soapy water. Use a scrubbing brush to remove any surface food from the wooden item. Don’t be alarmed if there are stains under the food - this is normal for wooden utensils.[8] X Research source Go to source

2. 2

   Use a cut lemon to rub coarse salt over the utensil. Cut a fresh lemon in half and cover it with coarse salt. Rub the lemon over the utensil until all of the salt has dissolved. The natural cleaning properties of the salt and lemon will help to remove any smells and stains from the utensil.[10] X Research source Go to source

   • If the wooden utensil is still stained, scrub 1 tsp (5 grams) of baking soda and a few drops of lemon juice into the stain. This should help to lift out the rest of the stain.

3. 3

   Rinse the utensil with cold water. Hold the utensil under running water until all the lemon juice and salt has washed off. If necessary, use a dishcloth to help push off the salt.[11] X Research source Go to source

4. 4

   Leave the utensil to dry in the sun. The sun will help to fade any old or residual stains on your wooden utensil. Leave the utensil in the sun until it has dried. This should take about 1 hour, depending on the temperature outside.[12] X Research source Go to source

1. 1

   Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Use enough water to cover all the utensils that you want to sterilise. Place a lid on the pot to help the water boil faster. The boiling water will kill any bugs or bacteria that are on the utensils leaving them sparkling clean and hygienic.[14] X Research source Go to source

2. 2

   Place the utensils in the boiling water for 10 minutes. Carefully place all the utensils into the pot of boiling water and make sure that all the utensils are covered. If necessary, add extra water to cover any utensils that are sticking out of the water. Keep the pot on the stovetop so that the water continues to boil.[15] X Research source Go to source

   • Turn down the heat if the water is bubbling over the sides of the pot.

3. 3

   Remove the utensils from the water. Turn the heat off the stovetop and use a pair of clean tongs to carefully remove the utensils from the water and place them onto a clean drying rack. Be careful not to touch the utensils as they will be burning hot.[16] X Research source Go to source

   • Transfer 1 utensil at a time to avoid accidentally dropping them.

4. 4

   Leave the utensils on a drying rack for 1 hour. Air-drying is the most hygienic way to dry dishes as there is no contamination from a towel. Arrange the utensils so that they aren’t touching each other. This will help the air to circulate around the dishes and help them to dry faster.[17] X Research source Go to source

• How do you disinfect wooden utensils naturally?

  

  To disinfect wooden utensils naturally, fill a spray bottle with water and vinegar. Place the utensils on a paper towel and spray them with the water and vinegar mixture. After, let the utensils air dry.

Co-authored by:

Professional House Cleaner

This article was co-authored by Melanie Garcia. Melanie Garcia is the Co-Owner of Oranges & Lemons, a small, family cleaning business based in Downtown Los Angeles, California (DTLA) in operation for over 40 years. Oranges & Lemons operates while partnering with the National Domestic Workers Alliance and Hand in Hand: Domestic Employers Network. This article has been viewed 20,942 times.

Co-authors: 4

Updated: March 19, 2021

Views: 20,942

Article Rating: 100% - 1 votes

Categories: Kitchen Utensils

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