Branch Basics Dishwashing 101: From Handwashing to the Dishwasher

Dishwashing 101

Did you know that standard dishwasher detergents are the #1 cause of childhood poisonings and can leave caustic chemical residues on your dishes and silverware? These products are chock full of nasty ingredients, and they often leave residues behind after you wash. Why would we ever want them lathered onto our dishes?

When it comes to hand washing, or just prepping your dishes for the dishwasher by rinsing of foodstuff, grease, etc., Branch Basics cleaning soap is amazing. Just a few sprays of the All-Purpose, and the food will disappear from the surface. It's even great for removing lipstick stains on wine glasses!

How To: Branch Basics Dishwashing

Dishwashing 101: Hand Washing

Spray dirty, greasy dishes with a standard All-Purpose solution, scrub as needed, and rinse under warm water. For tougher grease or cooked-on messes, try using the Bathroom spray instead, which is a stronger dilution. You can also use the Foaming Soap bottle and squirt the soap onto a sponge or brush if you prefer to see more foaming action (from the mechanical foaming pump - not synthetic foaming agents). Either of these methods works well for cleaning your dishes. Live Life Clean Tip: We don't recommend using Teflon or other nonstick cookware for cooking. Although it is often easier to clean, it contains harmful chemicals that offgas as you cook. If you are wary of converting to traditional cookware (like ceramic, glass, stainless steel, or cast iron), particularly for foods like eggs, we assure you that Branch Basics soap can make clean-up a breeze, even on a nontoxic pan. When in doubt, spray the pan and let it soak. Then wipe, scrub, or brush clean.

Dishwashing 101: Sink Washing

If you're used to squirting a conventional dishwashing gel into a sink full of water and dirty dishes, you can also use Branch Basics - just a capful of Concentrate in a sink full of water. Remember, however, that it doesn't contain the toxic ingredients that cause significant sudsing action, so don't worry when you don't see the bubbles. Leave the dishes to soak and rinse clean. This method also works well when you're on a camping trip! The dirty dishpan contains biodegradable cleaning soap, which can be safely dumped nearby your campsite.

Dishwashing 101: Dishwasher

Fill the dispenser with Oxygen Boost and 1-2 teaspoons of Branch Basics Concentrate just as you would with any dishwashing detergent. If you prefer, you can experiment with mixing the soap with a little water first and tossing the soapy water over the top rack (similar to the way you mix with water when washing clothes in an HE washing machine). Some customers even simply toss the Concentrate onto the top rack unmixed. We've found that the hardness/softness of your water also plays a key factor in determining how much soap to use and how to add it. If you think you have hard water, we recommend reading more about how to best use Branch Basics cleaning soap with hard water here: Optimize Your Branch Basics Cleaning Experience. If you have really hard water, you can also add a ½ - 1 cup vinegar to a glass in the upper level of the dishwasher or in the rinse aid compartment as a natural softener. If you still see food stuff after you run a dishwasher cycle, add more Concentrate. If you see streaks, try using less Concentrate next time.