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.
Not only will that benefit your health, but it’ll also keep your dishwasher in tip-top shape.
What’s more, is that it’s compatible with all dishwashers including those by LG, Bosch, Whirlpool, Samsung, Maytag, and Kitchenaid.
ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner is designed to work on any dishwasher, from commercial automatic machines to household machines.
Featuring a deep descaling formula, it will make your dishwasher shine by removing grime, limescale, grease, and other residues. In addition to that, it also comes with a fresh odor eliminator that will effectively remove all odors.
One package also comes with 24 tablets, which is more than enough for a year's supply. The box even comes with an easy-to-follow schedule that allows you to track your cleaning. That way, you won't have to worry about forgetting to clean your dishwasher.
- Tablets are convenient and easy to use
- Cost-effective as one pack comes with 24 tablets
- Effective at removing limescale deposits
- Lemon Scent Booster is great at removing odors
- Safe for the environment and septic systems
- Customers outside of the U.S. will have to pay extra for shipping
Using White Vinegar
White vinegar is a great alternative if you need to clean your dishwasher in a pinch. It has slightly acidic properties, which will break down any leftover food, soap scum, grease, and other grime.
Simply pour one cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl. Place it on the top rack of the washer, close the door, and run a hot cleaning cycle.
Cleaning the Dishwasher Filter
The filter is usually found on the bottom of the sprayer arm or in the back corner of the machine. Generally speaking, they consist of two parts: an upper and lower assembly.
To remove the filter, turn the upper filter a notch- it should unlock and come loose. Next, remove the lower filter; you should be able to pull it straight out.
Fill a sink with hot water and rinse out the filter pieces. You can also give it a bit of a scrub with an old toothbrush and some dish soap.
Tip: You can check whether or not the filter is clean by holding the filter components under running water. If the water comes out clear, it’s clean and ready to be put back into the dishwasher.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?
Assuming that you use the dishwasher regularly, you want to clean it at least once a month. Not only will that prevent bacteria and germs from growing but it’ll also get rid of any debris that may be inside. That way, the dishwasher will be able to run efficiently each time.
And if your dishwasher has a manual filter, you want to wash it at least once a month (more often if you don’t rinse your dishes before loading). That’ll prevent it from clogging, which can lead to various issues.
