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Deadly Dishwashing Mistakes You’re Probably Making

In the world of dishwashing, certain habits that are incredibly common can pose a significant health risk to your family. These seemingly harmless practices can have unintended consequences, and it's time we shed light on them.

Administrator

24 July, 2024

Washing dishes may seem like a simple and harmless daily task, but if not done properly, it can have negative consequences for your health and that of your family.

Harmful mistakes when washing dishes

Many people make the following bad habits, and their effects are much greater than they imagine:

Piling dirty dishes in the sink

Many people have the habit of soaking all the dirty dishes in the sink without washing them immediately after eating. This action creates favorable conditions for bacteria to grow. Bacteria can start to invade the dishes within 1-4 hours and thrive after 8-18 hours. Piling dirty dishes on top of each other also risks cross-contamination, making cleaning more difficult.

Soaking all the dirty dishes in the sink for several hours is a harmful mistake that many people make when washing dishes. (Photo: Getty)

The correct way is to sort the dishes according to the type of food and wash them immediately after eating. You should wash the oil-free dishes first, then the greasy ones. Dishes containing cooked food should be washed first, and dishes containing raw meat or raw food should be washed last.

Pouring dish soap directly on dirty dishes

This is also a harmful mistake that many people make when washing dishes. Pouring dish soap directly on dirty dishes does not help remove grease better, but it wastes water and abuses detergents. If you don’t rinse thoroughly afterwards, the detergent residue on the dishes can enter your body and cause digestive symptoms such as diarrhea and stomach ache.

You should dilute the dish soap with a little water before washing. Use this mixture to wash dishes to ensure safety and save money.

Overusing detergents

Detergents often contain artificial additives, and overuse can leave chemical residues on dishes.

To minimize their harm, you can use natural detergents such as rice water, salt, or lemon peel to wash dishes. If using dish soap, use a moderate amount and rinse the dishes several times under running water to remove all detergent residues.

Scrubbing chopsticks together

Many people have the habit of scrubbing a bunch of chopsticks together because they think it’s a quick and convenient way to clean them. In fact, this action can damage the outer protective layer of the chopsticks, creating small cracks that make the surface of the chopsticks rough, providing an ideal environment for microorganisms to grow, and can cause cross-contamination of bacteria from one person’s chopsticks to another.

You should use a dish sponge to clean each chopstick, removing grease and soap suds. If the chopsticks are greasy and difficult to clean, you can rinse them with hot water before washing and rinsing them again, then dry them or let them air dry.

Using the same dish sponge for too long

One of the most common harmful mistakes when washing dishes is not changing the dish sponge frequently. According to a study by Charles Gerba, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona, there are about 10 million bacteria/2.54cm² on a dish sponge, while a toilet seat has only about 50 bacteria/2.54cm². Bacteria on the dish sponge multiply and divide every 20 minutes, so it’s much dirtier than a toilet seat.

It’s best to replace the dish sponge every two weeks. In the kitchen, towels should also be categorized, with separate towels for hand drying and kitchen use to prevent the spread of bacteria between them. The dish sponge should also be thoroughly dried after use.

Some habits that seem harmless when washing dishes can actually pose health risks. (Photo: Getty)

Putting away dishes before they’re completely dry

Not drying or air-drying dishes before putting them away creates a damp environment, which is ideal for bacteria and mold to grow. In addition, a damp environment can also produce serious carcinogens such as aflatoxin.

After washing the dishes, make sure to dry and air them in the sun before putting them away in a cool, dry place. Choose a chopstick holder with air holes to prevent water from pooling.

Not disinfecting dishes

No matter how thoroughly you wash your dishes, you can’t completely remove all bacteria. Regular disinfection is the best way to eliminate bacteria completely.

If possible, use a dishwasher to sterilize dishes at high temperatures. If you don’t have a dishwasher, you can soak the dishes in boiling water for about 3 to 5 minutes to disinfect them.

Using the same set of dishes for years

All items have a certain lifespan. Dishes that have been used for many years may have cracks or breaks, so they should be replaced to ensure safety, especially wooden chopsticks and cutting boards, which are prone to mold, termites, and scratches, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.

Washing dishes correctly not only keeps them clean but also protects the health of you and your family. Avoid these harmful mistakes when washing dishes, and review and adjust your dishwashing habits today to protect your family’s health and ensure a clean and hygienic kitchen environment.

According to VTC News

Frequently asked questions

Some common mistakes include not scraping or rinsing dishes before washing, using water that’s too hot or too cold, not changing the wash water frequently enough, and not drying dishes properly. It’s also important to use the right amount of dish soap and to avoid over-soaking dishes, as this can damage them over time.

Scraping and rinsing dishes before washing helps to remove any large pieces of food or debris, which can clog your drain and cause bacteria to build up. It also helps to prevent your wash water from becoming too dirty too quickly, which means you won’t have to change it as often.

The ideal water temperature is hot, but not too hot. You should be able to comfortably keep your hands in the water without it feeling scalding hot. Using water that’s too hot can damage your dishes and your hands, while water that’s too cold won’t effectively remove grease and bacteria.

You should change your wash water frequently, ideally after every 2-3 dishes. If you’re washing a large number of dishes, you may need to change it more often. Washing dishes in dirty water can cause bacteria to spread and make your dishes less clean.

The best way to dry dishes is to air-dry them by placing them in a dish rack. You can also use a clean towel, but make sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent water spots and bacteria growth.

Yes, over-soaking dishes can damage them over time. It can cause dishes to become brittle and crack or break more easily. It’s best to only soak dishes for a short period of time if necessary, and to avoid leaving them in water for extended periods.