When it comes to soaking dishes in a sanitizing solution, I’ve found that using a chlorine bleach solution is quite effective. The recommended duration for soaking is at least one minute. To prepare the solution, you’ll need unscented chlorine bleach and cool water.
First, take one tablespoon of unscented chlorine bleach and mix it with one gallon of cool water. It’s important to use cool water because hot water can actually deactivate the bleach and prevent it from effectively sanitizing the dishes.
Once you’ve prepared the solution, you can start soaking your dishes. Make sure the dishes are fully submerged in the sanitizing solution. I usually use a large container or sink to hold the dishes while they soak.
During the soaking process, it’s a good idea to agitate the dishes slightly to ensure that all surfaces come into contact with the solution. You can use a sponge or a brush to gently scrub any stubborn stains or food particles if needed.
After the dishes have soaked for at least one minute, you can remove them from the solution. It’s important to rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining bleach residue. I usually prefer to rinse the dishes under running water, but you can also use a separate clean container filled with water for rinsing.
Once the dishes are rinsed, you can set them aside to air dry or use a clean towel to dry them manually. It’s worth noting that drying the dishes with a towel can potentially introduce bacteria or other contaminants, so air drying is generally recommended.
Soaking dishes in a sanitizing solution made of 1 tablespoon of unscented chlorine bleach + 1 gallon of cool water for at least one minute is an effective way to sanitize them. Just remember to rinse the dishes thoroughly afterwards and allow them to air dry.