In contemporary diets, greasy foods commonly require a substantial amount of dishwashing detergent for cleaning. After consuming such meals, dishes typically retain oil, leading many people to excessively use detergents. However, the issue arises when dishes are not thoroughly rinsed, increasing the risk of ingesting detergent residues. Therefore, it’s important to learn effective oil removal methods and proper dishwashing techniques.
1. Residual Detergent in Hastily Rinsed Dishes
Residual detergent in kitchenware is a significant concern during dishwashing. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Engineering in Korea emphasized the importance of thoroughly rinsing dishes to prevent detergent residues. In this study, the average detergent amount typically used in Korea, 8mL, was applied to clean four types of dishes. The dishes were rinsed under running water for 7 and 15 seconds, respectively, and then analyzed for surfactants using distilled water. The 7-second rinse detected surfactants on all dishes, with concentrations of 4.68mg/L in earthenware pots, 1.22mg/L in frying pans, 0.57mg/L in glass bowls, and 0.25mg/L in plastic containers. However, almost no surfactants were detected after a 15-second rinse, except in earthenware pots. The study suggested that the amount of residual surfactant increases with the variety and number of dishes used.
2. Surfactant Ingestion Can Weaken Immune Function
Minimizing detergent residue is best achieved by reducing the amount of detergent used and ensuring thorough rinsing. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Area Landfill Management Corporation, the recommended amount of kitchen detergent is about 1.5-2mL per liter of water. Direct application of detergent to a scrubber often exceeds this recommended amount. To prevent this, it’s advisable to dilute the detergent in a dishwashing tub filled with water. Initially, soak the dishes in water, then mix a moderate amount of detergent into the water. During rinsing, even if no bubbles are visible on the dishes, it’s crucial to allocate sufficient time to rinse them thoroughly.
3. Removing Oil Using Soju
Over time, oil residues on pans and dishes can harden, making them difficult to remove. Therefore, it’s important to wash them as soon as possible. The first step is to remove the oil, and using soju (a type of Korean alcohol) can be effective for this purpose. Pouring a little soju into the pan and heating it helps dissolve the oil into a liquid state. The liquefied oil should then be wiped off with kitchen towels or paper, avoiding disposal down the sink to prevent clogging. After removing most of the oil, use hot water and dishwashing detergent in a washing tub for cleaning.