Can I say this vague comment when the next situation shows up?
In the restaurant I work at, a customer ask for a plate to which i reply saying: we don't have plates for the moment. Suddenly a coworker shows up then say what do you need? To which I answer: plates; he then go back to the kitchen to wash the plates, then I (almost unconsciouslly, without thinking on my words nor even trying to communicate what I'm saying but saying to myself) make this comment: it was needed to wash them.

Does that comment fit I mean is it well said?

Question

Can I say this vague comment when the next situation shows up?
In the restaurant I work at, a customer ask for a plate to which i reply saying: we don't have plates for the moment. Suddenly a coworker shows up then say what do you need? To which I answer: plates; he then go back to the kitchen to wash the plates, then I (almost unconsciouslly, without thinking on my words nor even trying to communicate what I'm saying but saying to myself) make this comment: it was needed to wash them.

Does that comment fit I mean is it well said?

Answer

I would understand you, no problems. But not quite natural.

'He's going to clean some plates' is a better response, IF you don't mind the  customer knowing  they need to be cleaned first.
But if you want to hide the fact of the plates having to be cleaned, a more general comment would be: 'He's going to look for some spare plates'.

Answer

I should have washed them.  . Or: all I needed to do was wash them.

Answer

I think THEY JUST NEEDED TO GET WASHED  is better. But I’m not sure.

Answer

what you mean actually