The Pains of Working as a Restaurant Dishwasher

Dishwashing is not an easy job. At DishwasherHero we tend to highlight the positive aspects of working as a dishwasher. We are aware that being a dishwasher can also be a hard, thankless job. There are many sacrifices one has to make to be a great dishwasher, and we would like to identify the hardest aspects of the dishwasher job for those interested in becoming a dishwasher. We have many opportunities available in Boston, Manhattan, Chicago, Washington D.C., Texas, San Francisco, California, Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal and Quebec City.

Photo courtesy of the New York Times

1. Long hours & Missing summer

Yes, the hours for the typical dishwasher are quite long. Most shifts are 12 hours—sometimes ending into the midnight hours. Restaurants need their dishwashers in the summertime and during major sporting and city-wide events, so that also means most of the summer and a lot of potential party time is spent at the dish pit.Dishwashers are oftentimes expected to show up no matter what to keep the restaurant service going. Consequently you may have to work on your day off.

2. Pay

Some restaurants do not appreciate the hard work of a dishwasher. They insist that dishwashers should earn below a living wage. We are not of that belief.  Unfortunately, hard work coupled with low pay can certainly make the job of a dishwasher harder.

3. Smelly

Dish washing can be nauseating for those with weak stomachs. The smells that a dishwasher encounters occur as a result of many different foods combining together as well as food that has spoiled (depending on the kitchen standards). Removing stuck food on plates can be difficult for some people. Food may also spill on you from time to time, and  you may end up smelling like old food.

4. Getting wet

Water bouncing off plates can leave you drenched. Additionally submerging plates in water and wrangling the hose are also key contributors to dishwashers being perpetually wet. Investing in key pieces—such as a waterproof apron, rubber gloves, and even rubber boots will be a life safer. Furthermore, submerging your hands in water four hours on end can also leave your hands irritated. Therefore it is best to treat your hands with care with the right products. 

5. Fatigue

The wear and tear the long hours in the kitchen can lead to burnout for workers. Dishwashers lift heavy items, encounter sharp objects, and stand on their feet for long hours. Protect yourself and prevent workplace injury by learning the workplace safety measures for the job. 

 

 

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DishwasherHero is the top destination for finding emergency dishwashers for restaurants. Book your dishwasher today. We also love blogging about dishwashing and providing dishwashers with employment opportunities!

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