Is it Better to Hand Wash Dishes or Use a Dishwasher?

One can hand wash dishes as safely as if one uses a dishwasher. However, the process to safely hand wash dishes is extensive and must always include the "three-bowl" system in order to ensure that all germs have been removed from the dishes. The three bowl system, or three sink system recommended for when you hand wash dishes is the following: Have three separate sinks or containers. The first should contain water as hot as you can stand, and detergent. The second container should be used to rinse the dishes. The third container should be a mix of water and bleach solution, normally 1.5 teaspoons bleach to a gallon (3.78 L) of water. Unfortunately for some, adding bleach causes irritation to the skin and mucus membranes when you hand wash dishes in this way. In these cases, one can use water in all three containers that is at least 170 degrees F (76.66 C). The water must maintain this temperature throughout the process, which usually means adding additional hot water as it cools. ...  more

One can hand wash dishes as safely as if one uses a dishwasher. However, the process to safely hand wash dishes is extensive and must always include the "three-bowl" system in order to ensure that all germs have been removed from the dishes. The three bowl system, or three sink system recommended for when you hand wash dishes is the following: • Have three separate sinks or containers. • The first should contain water as hot as you can stand, and detergent. • The second container should be used to rinse the dishes. • The third container should be a mix of water and bleach solution, normally 1.5 teaspoons bleach to a gallon (3.78 L) of water. Unfortunately for some, adding bleach causes irritation to the skin and mucus membranes when you hand wash dishes in this way. In these cases, one can use water in all three containers that is at least 170 degrees F (76.66 C). The water must maintain this temperature throughout the process, which usually means adding additional hot water as it ...  more