15 Dishwasher Mistakes That Can Make Your Dishes Unsafe
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In these days, dishwasher is a game changer for modern kitchens, it saves us time and effort after a hearty meal. Many believe that loading the dishwasher means you’ll be left with sparkling clean, sanitary dishes and they’re not entirely wrong. However, your plates, glasses, and utensils can end up less clean than you’d like—or even downright unsafe—if you’re not paying attention to some poor habits or details.
Imagine making a meal with love, and pouring it onto plates that are home to hidden bacteria. Not healthy right? Let’s see what you might be doing wrong and how you can fix it.
Not Rinsing Off Food Debris
A lot of people don’t rinse plates and bowls before they put them in the dishwasher, thinking the machine will scrape it all off. Modern dishwashers are supposed to deal with food particles, but chunks of food can get trapped in the filter or spray arms. Poor cleaning performance or worse, bacterial proliferation on your dishes can occur. Just scrape off the leftovers before loading and you’ll have less issue in the long run.
Overcrowding the Racks
Squeezing every last dish into one load to try and be efficient is a fast track to dishes that don’t get cleaned properly. Water and detergent can’t reach all the surfaces when dishes are packed too tightly. Some items will come out just as dirty as they went in, so give your plates and cups some space to breathe.
Using the Wrong Detergent
Dishwasher detergents are not all created equal. Some are made for certain water types, such as hard or soft water and others aren’t powerful enough to get rid of tough grease. Choose a detergent that goes with your water conditions and check your manufacturer’s recommendations. A study found that improperly washed dishes are a major source of bacterial cross contamination — something that could easily be prevented with the right cleaning agent.
Avoiding the Hot Water Setting
It may seem cold water is better for energy efficiency, but it won’t kill bacteria hiding on your dishes. Almost all dishwashers have a high temperature setting that’s meant to sanitize your load. It is advised that water at least 165°F is used, to kill harmful germs.
Ignoring the Filter
The dishwasher filter is garbage can of all the leftover food particles and it needs to be cleaned frequently. A clogged filter not only cuts down on your dishwasher’s efficiency, but can also leave dirty water circulating back onto your dishes. An easy fix is to check and clean your filter once a month—it can make a big difference.
Placing Plastic Items on the Bottom Rack
Plastic storage containers or kids’ dinnerware can warp or melt when they are placed on the bottom rack near the heating element. Plastics should always go on the top rack, away from direct heat. Even a small warped lid could be an irritation, as melted plastic will release toxic chemicals.
Not Cleaning Spray Arms
You guessed it, those spinning spray arms that shoot water onto your dishes can clog up with food bits or mineral deposits. If your plates are coming out spotty or unclean, you may want to take a look at your spray arms. Clear the holes every few months with a toothpick or brush.
Metal Mixing in the Same Load
Silver and stainless steel utensils placed together in the dishwasher can cause a chemical reaction called galvanic corrosion that will result in pitting and discoloration. Keep your utensils in good shape, and separate different metals, so you don’t have any unpleasant surprises when you unload.
Leaving Dishes in the Dishwasher for Too Long
After all, life can get busy and it’s a shame on our part but we may leave a load of clean dishes in the machine for hours or even days. This negligence does make for a moist, warm setting for bacteria. Don’t wait until the dishwasher is done to empty it, because you’ll recontaminate it.
Not Checking to See if Item Is Dishwasher Safe
Just because something fits in the dishwasher doesn’t mean it belongs in the dishwasher. Wooden utensils, cast iron pans, or even some nonstick coatings are susceptible to damage or toxicity when dealing with high heat. Always check the label before loading.
Using Too Much Detergent
If a little detergent was good, a lot would be better, wouldn’t it? Not quite. Too much detergent will give your dishes and glasses a soapy film that is unsightly and unsafe. You can follow the recommended amount for the dishwasher it fit for your model.
Skipping Regular Maintenance
Dishwashers also need some TLC. To keep your machine running smoothly, get a yearly check up to descale and inspect it to prevent buildup. It’s not just about longevity, regular maintenance keeps your dishes actually clean.
Not Preheating Your Water
Did you know that it takes a few seconds for your water heater to send hot water to your dishwasher? Before you start your dishwasher, run the kitchen faucet until it’s hot. This will ensure the machine is hot water ready and will clean better.
Overusing Quick-Wash Cycles
Quick wash cycles are convenient but usually don’t get hot enough to kill germs well. Use these for lightly soiled dishes, but for anything that’s been sitting out or is really dirty, go for a longer, hotter cycle.
Ignoring the Odors in Your Dishwasher
If your dishwasher gives off a funky smell, it’s probably because there’s some bacteria or mold buildup. To take care of this, run an empty load with a cup of white vinegar in it on the top rack. If your dishwasher smells fresh, your dishes will be too.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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