Let’s get real for a sec.
You load up your dishwasher, toss in that little pod of detergent, hit start, and walk away feeling like an absolute adult. Dishes = done. But at some point, maybe while watching a cleaning TikTok or listening to someone rave about steam sanitizing, you think…
“Wait, are my dishes just washed in there… or are they actually sanitized too?”
Good question. And honestly? The answer’s a little more layered than a lasagna pan on the bottom rack.
Let’s dive in.
First of all, what’s the difference between washing and sanitizing?
Yep, there’s a difference. A big one.
- Washing = removing visible gunk, grease, food bits, and crumbs.
- Sanitizing = killing bacteria and germs you can’t see.
Think of washing like wiping mud off your shoes, and sanitizing like using disinfectant spray afterward so your shoes don’t make your floor a bacterial crime scene. Make sense?
So… what do dishwashers actually do?
In most cases? Both. But here’s the catch—it totally depends on your dishwasher’s settings and how fancy (or not-so-fancy) it is.
- Basic dishwashers (your everyday models) primarily wash your dishes using hot water and detergent. They get rid of food residue and, yes, some germs too—because hot water does kill some bacteria—but it’s not officially “sanitizing” unless it hits certain temps.
- Dishwashers with a sanitize cycle? Now those are the overachievers. They crank the water temp up to around 150–160°F (65–71°C) or use a steam burst at the end to meet NSF/ANSI standards for sanitization. That means they kill 99.999% of bacteria. Basically, they’re the germ assassins of the kitchen.
If your dishwasher has a button that says “Sanitize”, “High Temp Wash”, or “Steam Clean”—that’s the magic right there.
But wait—doesn’t the hot water already sanitize?
Sort of… but not completely.
Regular dishwasher cycles use water between 120–140°F (49–60°C). That’s hot enough to melt cheese off a plate, but it’s not always hot enough to guarantee full sanitization. Especially if you’re dealing with raw meat juice or someone in your house is sick.
Also, the detergent does some germ-fighting too—but it’s mostly designed to cut grease, not wage war on bacteria.
So, unless your dishwasher specifically says it sanitizes, it’s probably just giving your dishes a good, solid wash. Which, to be fair, is usually fine for most households.
How do I know if my dishwasher sanitizes?
Great question. Here’s what to look for:
- Check the control panel for a “Sanitize” or “High Temp” button.
- Peek at your manual (yeah, I know, who keeps those? But it’s probably online).
- Look for NSF-certified sanitize cycles, especially on newer models.
- If it has a sanitize light that turns on when selected, that’s your clue.
No sanitize setting? Don’t panic. You can still run your dishwasher on the hottest cycle and it’ll get the job done pretty well. It just won’t be officially considered “sanitized.”
Do I need to sanitize my dishes?
Honestly? It depends on your lifestyle.
- Got little kids, elderly folks, or someone with a weakened immune system in the house? Sanitizing’s a smart move.
- Hosting people or dealing with raw meat, chicken, or fish? Might be worth it.
- Just doing regular day-to-day dishes? A standard hot wash is probably good enough.
In general, most healthy adults aren’t going to get sick from a regular dishwasher cycle. But if you want that extra layer of germ-fighting peace of mind, go for it. No judgment either way.
Final takeaway?
Dishwashers are champs at washing—no doubt about that. And many of them can sanitize too, but only if they’re built for it or have that extra-hot cycle.
So next time you hit “Start,” ask yourself: Do I just want clean dishes, or do I want them hospital-grade clean?
Either way, now you know what your machine is (and isn’t) doing behind that steamy door.
Now go check your dishwasher buttons. Who knows? You might’ve had a sanitize option this whole time and didn’t even know it. 🤯
Want more cleaning tips and appliance hacks? Stick around—I’ve got loads more where this came from.