Not everyone is partial to using a dishwasher. Perhaps they think it uses more water. Or, they get into the habit of washing the dishes by hand, because, for one or two people, using an automatic dishwasher doesn’t seem to make sense. But, using a dishwasher has some health benefits which may surprise you.
But, let’s examine that concept more closely. Perhaps using a dishwasher has benefits which remain relatively unheralded.
Kills bacteria
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of dishes cleaned by a dishwasher is that they are, well, cleaner. A study by the University of Louisville School of Medicine on dishwasher bacteria showed that a load of dishes washed in a dishwasher had an average of one bacteria per plate. In contrast, hand washed dishes in the same study had an average of 390 per plate--an almost 400 X increase!
For families, especially those with children and others with compromised immune systems, using a dishwasher makes sense.
But, keep it clean!
At the same time, a dishwasher can be teeming with bacteria and fungus. After all, it's the perfect environment for bacteria growth, as it often contains old food, warm moisture, and fluctuating temperatures. So, what does this mean for the homeowner?
Essentially, it means that your dishwasher is not a sterile place at all, even though it produces remarkably clean dishes. The water can be full of bacteria at the end of the dish cycle. So, how does the dishwasher finish with a load full of clean dishes?
The drying cycle
After the wash and rinse cycle, the drying cycle takes over and finishes cleaning the dishes. It’s during the drying cycle when dishes become their cleanest. Not only that, but it’s important not to open the dishwasher before it cools down, because that warm, most air which can escape right after the end of the dry cycle can also be full of unhealthy microbes. There is no reason to turn them loose in your kitchen!
Finish the cycle
When you do open it, you may want to wipe down the rubber seal, which is a place where bacteria can hide between cycles. But, essentially, even if it does, it won’t affect the cleanliness of the dishes, and you can clean the seal when you perform the regular dishwasher cleaning job.
Water savings
In addition to making dishes cleaner, a newer dishwasher also uses less water than hand washing. A dishwasher doesn’t fill up like a sink, but, rather, uses the sprayers at the bottom to clean the dishes. A typical Energy Star dishwasher can use as little as three gallons, compared to a handwashing, which can easily use twenty-seven gallons. It’s more efficient at heating the water than your water heater, as well which results in an energy savings.
If you need an honest, dependable plumber in the Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler area, call Jimmy at 480-757-1273.
