Dishwashing
Overview
Dishwashing is the household labor of washing dishes, spoons, pots, cooking utensils, and other tableware used after a meal and returning them to a reusable, hygienic state. Although it appears to be a simple cleaning act, it consumes resources such as water and detergent and is also a social scene in which division of labor and conflict among family members occur. Recently, methods are changing rapidly with the spread of dishwashers and the development of eco-friendly detergents and water-saving technologies.
Main content
Etymology and definition
'설거지' is said to be a combination of '설(洗)' and the Sino-Korean word '거지(去滓)'; narrowly, it refers to the act of washing dishes, and broadly, it includes the act of tidying the entire cooking space. In English-speaking areas it is expressed as 'washing dishes' or 'doing the dishes', and in Japan it is called 'しょっきあらい(食器洗い)'. Academically, it is classified as a subcategory of domestic labor.
History and changes
In ancient times, dishes were rubbed and washed using water, sand, and ash. Lye water (an alkaline liquid obtained by leaching ash) served as a cleaning agent for a long time, and after soap became widespread in the 19th century, washing efficiency greatly improved. As materials such as ceramics, glass, and stainless steel diversified, washing methods by material developed, and with the appearance of electric dishwashers in the mid-20th century, household chore time was dramatically reduced. In Korea, demand for dishwashers began to increase in earnest after the 1990s with the spread of apartments.
Tools and materials
Representative tools include scrubbers, dishcloths, rubber gloves, dishwashing tubs, drainboards, and drying racks. The scrubber (susemi) originated from the loofah gourd, and it is currently subdivided by use into sponge type, steel wool, silicone scrubber, and others. Detergent has surfactants as its main component, and recently eco-friendly detergents based on plant-derived ingredients and highly concentrated detergents have been spreading. Hot water is effective in removing grease, so water around 40–50 degrees is recommended.
Standard procedure
Generally, the process proceeds in the order of ① emptying leftovers and soaking in water ② washing cups and glasses with little grease first ③ washing pots and frying pans with a lot of grease later ④ rinsing with running water or collected water ⑤ standing them on a drying rack to remove moisture. To prevent cross-contamination, it is recommended to wash cutting boards that held meat and dishes for raw food separately.
Hygiene and safety
Detergent residue left on dishes that are not rinsed sufficiently can cause hygiene problems, so rinsing at least twice is recommended. Dishcloths and scrubbers are breeding grounds for bacteria, so it is desirable to boil or replace them at least once a week. Since mold occurs when they are stored wet and stacked, drying is important. Wearing rubber gloves not only protects the skin but also helps prevent burns from hot water.
Environmental impact
Dishwashing accounts for a significant portion of household water consumption. Using collected water rather than continuously rinsing under running water greatly reduces water use. If detergent ingredients flow into sewage, they can cause water pollution, so the use of phosphate-free and biodegradable products is recommended. Separating and disposing of food leftovers rather than letting them flow into water is also an important environmental rule.
Social and cultural aspects
Dishwashing is a representative household labor that frequently causes conflict among family members over who is in charge. According to statistics, it is reported that even in dual-income households, women tend to bear more household labor, including dishwashing. Accordingly, taking turns, preparing a role division chart, and introducing a dishwasher are suggested as ways to alleviate conflict. Meanwhile, 'dishwashing' is also used as a metaphor for handling follow-up work or leftover tasks within an organization.
Latest trends
As of 2024–2025, demand for small dishwashers, desktop-type washers, and built-in integrated models is growing rapidly, driven by the increase in single-person and dual-income households. Ultrasonic cleaning, high-temperature steam sterilization, and automatic drying functions have become common, and some products use AI to detect the degree of contamination and adjust water and detergent use. Energy-saving and water-saving modes that display water and electricity use in real time have emerged as key marketing points, and the detergent industry is promoting highly concentrated, plant-based, and fragrance-free products. In addition, due to changes in social awareness of the division of household labor, content sharing lifestyle rules such as 'dishwashing rotation' is spreading. It is also noteworthy that kitchen robots and automatic organizing systems are being studied as next-generation home appliances.
Related topics
- [[식기세척기]]
- [[가사노동]]
- [[주방]]
- [[세제]]
- [[1인 가구]]