Are Dishwashers Just for Clean, or Also for Sanitized?
Okay, picture this: you’ve just finished a spaghetti dinner, your plates are smeared with sauce, your fork has been through a noodle war, and your toddler’s sippy cup? Let’s not even go there.
You load it all into your trusty dishwasher, hit start, and walk away feeling accomplished. But here’s the big question—are those dishes just clean, or are they actually sanitized? Like, germ-free, bacteria-zapped, health-inspector-approved sanitized?
If you’ve ever wondered whether your dishwasher is secretly doubling as a mini science lab for sterilization—well, you’re not alone. Let’s get into what your dishwasher really does behind that closed door and whether it’s actually killing germs… or just making things look clean.
What Does “Sanitize” Even Mean in Dishwasher Terms?
First things first—cleaning and sanitizing aren’t the same thing. Cleaning removes food particles, grease, and visible gunk. Sanitizing, on the other hand, is about reducing the number of bacteria to a safe level.
Think of it this way: cleaning is giving your dishes a shower. Sanitizing? That’s like giving them a flu shot.
Dishwashers that claim to “sanitize” often do so using high heat. We’re talking around 150°F to 160°F (65°C to 71°C)—hot enough to meet NSF/ANSI Standard 184, the fancy certification for sanitization.
So if your dishwasher has a “sanitize cycle,” that’s not just marketing fluff—it’s actually a real feature with real temperature targets.
So, Do All Dishwashers Sanitize?
Short answer? Nope. But let’s unpack that.
Older models and budget-friendly dishwashers might not hit the heat needed for true sanitization. They’ll still get things clean—like, sparkly clean—but may not eliminate all germs.
Newer models, especially those labeled with a NSF Certified Sanitize Cycle, will reach temps high enough to kill 99.999% of bacteria. That’s not just a marketing claim—that’s microbiology-backed.
Check your settings. If you’ve got buttons labeled “Sanitize,” “High Temp Wash,” or “Steam,” congrats—you’re packing some sanitizing heat.
And if your dishwasher doesn’t? Don’t worry. There are still ways to boost the hygiene factor (hang tight—we’ll get into that next).
How to Help Your Dishwasher Sanitize Like a Pro (Even Without the Fancy Settings)
Alright, so maybe your dishwasher isn’t the latest high-tech model with a sanitization cycle worthy of a lab coat. No problem! You can still level up its germ-fighting game with a few simple tricks.
1. Use the Hottest Water Setting Available
Most dishwashers let you choose between settings like “Normal,” “Heavy,” or “High Temp.” Go for the one that cranks up the heat. Even if it’s not technically “sanitizing,” higher water temperatures do a better job at knocking out bacteria.
Pro tip: Run your kitchen tap on hot for a few seconds before starting the dishwasher. That gets hot water into the machine faster.
2. Let That Dry Cycle Do Its Thing
We get it—air-drying saves energy. But if your goal is to sanitize, stick with the heated dry cycle. Why? Because bacteria love moisture. A bone-dry plate is a safer plate.
3. Load Dishes the Right Way
If your plates are playing bumper cars in the racks or bowls are blocking each other, water (and heat) can’t get where it needs to go. Spread things out and point those dirtiest surfaces toward the spray arms.
Think of it like organizing a concert crowd—everyone needs their own space for the best experience.
4. Don’t Skip the Detergent
We know, it sounds obvious, but using the right dishwasher detergent—especially one labeled antibacterial—can give your machine an extra sanitizing punch. Just don’t go overboard; more soap doesn’t mean more clean, it just means more suds.
Wait—What About Hand Washing? Isn’t That More Hygienic?
Ah, the age-old debate. You might be thinking, “Hey, I can just scrub with super-hot water and be done with it, right?”
Well… not exactly.
Even if you’re comfortable handling steaming-hot water (think 160°F), the average human can’t keep their hands submerged in that temperature for more than a few seconds. So unless you’re washing with rubber gloves and boiling water (please don’t), your dishwasher still wins the sanitizing game.
Plus, handwashing often leaves behind more bacteria due to uneven scrubbing or using an old sponge (a.k.a. bacteria hotel).
Bottom line? For sanitization, dishwashers—especially with the right settings—are your best bet.
So, Do You Really Need a Sanitized Cycle?
Not necessarily, but if you’ve got small kids, someone in the house with a compromised immune system, or you just want peace of mind (we get it!), using a sanitize cycle is a solid move.
Think about it like this: your dishes won’t always need to be sanitized, but during cold and flu season or after someone’s been sick? It’s a no-brainer.
Dishwasher = Secret Hygiene Hero
So there you have it—dishwashers don’t just clean, they can sanitize too. Whether you’ve got a top-of-the-line model or a dependable older machine, you can still take steps to get those dishes not just sparkling, but safe.
Next time you load up your dishwasher, take a second to pick the right cycle, space things out, and let that heat work its magic.
And hey—give your dishwasher a little credit. It’s not just doing the dirty work; it’s out here battling bacteria while you binge your favorite show.