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Are Hand Washed or Dishwasher Washed Dishes Cleaner?

A person rinses a white plate in a sink.
Romix Image/Shutterstock.com

In the battle of dishwashing techniques, an age-old question lingers: Are hand-washed dishes cleaner, or does the dishwasher reign supreme?

While all of us certainly have our preferences and opinions when it comes to dishwasher vs. hand washing, the truth is… the dishwasher leads to “cleaner” dishes.

While handwashing enthusiasts argue that their meticulous scrubbing leaves no room for food remnants or grease, the dishwasher is designed for efficient sanitization. The combination of washing time, water distribution, and temperature in your dishwasher all lead to a more consistent clean.

Dishwasher Magnet Clean Dirty Sign

Always know the state of the dishes in your dishwasher.

While it’s true that a hands-on approach allows for precise attention and can lead to a spotless dish, the intense jets of hot water, high-pressure sprays, and specialized detergents in a dishwasher provide an extra level of sanitization. Handwashing struggles to achieve the same result.

Not only that, but the dishwasher is more efficient and uses less water than handwashing typically does. Handwashing can deliver exceptional results with proper care and attention, but the dishwasher offers efficiency, consistency, and sanitization benefits that are hard to beat.

Always remember, the key to cleanliness lies in using quality detergents, hot water, and ensuring proper drying to avoid bacterial growth.

Ultimately, the choice between handwashing and using the dishwasher is up to personal preference, time constraints, and the specific items being washed… but the dishwasher is more efficient.

Abbey Ryan Abbey Ryan
Abbey Ryan is a storyteller, preferably of stories in written form. Across the 5 years of her professional writing career, her work has been featured in The Chicago Tribune, Amazon, The Medical News Today, and more. When she's not writing (which is rare), she's likely traveling, painting, or on the hunt for a good snack. Read Full Bio »
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