Bacteria can also live and thrive in a dishwasher, especially if it stays moist for a prolonged period.
But with good hygiene practices, youre much less likely to get sick from harmful germs.
Do You Really Need to Sanitize Your Dishware?
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Cleaning physically removes visible debris, like leftover food.
Dishwashers accomplish this with detergent and jets that spray hot water on the dishes.
If you dont have a dishwasher, the best way to clean dishes is with a two-basin method.
To sanitize without a dishwasher,it’s possible for you to use a chemical solution.
Let the dishes soak in the solution for about two minutes before letting them air dry.
You should also clean your sink after doing dishes or preparing raw food.
When youre putting them away, check that your hands are clean, Buffer said.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Cleanliness helps prevent foodborne illness.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Difference between cleaning, sanitizing, & disinfecting.
Maytag.How do dishwashers work?.
Whirlpool.Using the dishwasher sanitize cycle to kill 99.999% of food soil bacteria.
Whirlpool.How to clean a dishwasher to reduce smells & dirt.
Consumer Reports.The best way to hand-wash dishes.
Michigan State University.Keep your sponges and dish cloths bacteria-free.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.How do I clean my kitchen sponge?.
2021;84(7):1239-1251. doi:10.4315/JFP-20-314
