Dishwashers may wash your dishes, but did you know that they need to be washed too? The truth is, they’re breeding grounds for germs and microbes, many of which can make you sick.
This has to do with the heat and moisture inside the dishwasher, which provides the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to grow.
Where do these bacteria come from? There are several possibilities. For example, they can get into the dishwasher via contaminated food.
But wait, don’t dishwashers kill germs? The answer is yes- hot water cycles eliminate up to 99 percent of germs. Having said that, the dishwasher is not completely free of bacteria. Remember, all it takes is one sole survivor to multiply into a colony.
In fact, studies have shown that 100 percent of dishwashers contain bacteria and other germs. That’s why it’s crucial to clean your dishwasher regularly.
3 Ways Your Dishwasher Is Making You Sick
A dirty dishwasher can easily make you sick without you even knowing. Here are a few ways that it can happen.
1. Bacterial Contamination
Dozens of bacteria can be found in a dirty dishwasher, including Escherichia coli and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, both of which can make you sick. For example, the former can cause stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What’s worse, is that some of these bacteria may be drug-resistant, which makes them that much harder to treat.
Acinetobacter is another bacteria that’s commonly found in dishwashers and is linked to infections of the skin, urinary tract, and inner heart lining.
As we mentioned earlier, these bacteria can come into the dishwasher via multiple routes including contaminated food, tap water, and people.
2. Fungi
Have you ever noticed black spots in your dishwasher? While a lot of people think it’s mold, it’s actually a type of yeast that thrives on salt, one of the many ingredients found in dishwashing detergents.
While it’s not harmful to most people, it can cause health complications in babies, seniors, and those who are immunocompromised.
Mold and mildew, two other types of fungi, can also grow inside the dishwasher. While they can grow on any surface, they’re typically found on the rubber seal on the inside of the dishwasher door as that’s where moisture tends to accumulate.
If you come into contact with their spores, they can cause a variety of symptoms including sneezing, coughing, and breathing problems. Not only that but they can also trigger allergies and asthma.
3. Viruses
Viruses, including SARS-CoV-2—which was responsible for the recent pandemic—can get into the dishwasher through contaminated dishes and glassware.
While they’re typically inactivated during the wash cycle, some can remain if the temperature is not high enough (most viruses die at 140 degrees Fahrenheit). And if that happens, they can continue to spread and replicate themselves inside the dishwasher.
That’s why it’s highly recommended to dry your dishes on high heat after running a hot water cycle.
The Best Ways to Clean Your Dishwasher
Fortunately, there are several different ways that you can clean and sanitize your dishwasher. That way, you won’t have to worry about any germs.
Using ACTIVE Dishwasher Tablets
ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets are specifically designed to clean your dishwasher and recently topped our list of the best dishwasher cleaning tablets. They feature a powerful descaling formula that will effectively remove grease and other grime. That way, your dishwasher will be free of stains and germs.