6 dishwashing habits that "invite trouble" that many families are making!

Washing dishes like this will sooner or later cause bacteria to grow and diseases to silently come.

Washing dishes is a familiar daily task, seemingly simple, but if done incorrectly, it will accidentally turn the kitchen into a "bacteria nest", directly affecting the health of the whole family. In particular, many bad habits are very common in families, especially the elderly. Below are 6 typical mistakes when washing dishes, if you are making them, you should adjust them as soon as possible.

1. Stacking dishes on top of each other after washing

Many people have the habit of washing and then stacking dishes on top of each other to save space. However, this inadvertently causes the contact surface between the dishes to stay moist for longer, creating conditions for bacteria to grow.

According to a survey, the number of bacteria on a set of dishes stacked on top of each other can be 70 times higher than when each dish is left standing upright to drain. A simple but effective solution is to place dishes upright on a tray or rack, creating ventilation for the surface to dry quickly, limiting bacteria.

2. Soak dishes overnight

Some families often soak dishes in water after meals, waiting to wash them the next day for convenience. However, this is an extremely wrong operation. Because when soaked in water for too long, the amount of bacteria on the surface of dishes can increase tens of thousands of times compared to the original.

Washing again afterwards is not certain to completely remove the bacteria that have grown during the soaking process. Therefore, you should wash immediately after meals to limit the growth of harmful bacteria.

3. Dilute dishwashing liquid to save money

Because they want to save money, many people have the habit of diluting dishwashing liquid with water before using. However, dilution will break the inherent antibacterial ability of the product, making it easier for bacteria to penetrate the solution. At that time, the dishwashing liquid is no longer clean, but on the contrary, it can further contaminate the dishes.

Use pure dishwashing liquid in moderation, store in a dry place, and cover tightly after use to ensure cleaning efficiency.

4. Using dishwashing cloths for too long without changing them



If used for too long, dishwashing cloths or sponges will become "bacteria nests". According to research, each square centimeter of dishwashing cloth can contain up to billions of bacteria - dozens of times higher than toilet lids. No matter how thoroughly you wash them, towels that have been used for a long time still have the risk of cross-contamination when washing. So change dishwashing cloths once a week and remember to dry them after each use.

5. Not sterilizing dishes

Very few families have the habit of sterilizing dishes, but this is an important step to help prevent bacteria, especially Helicobacter pylori - the cause of stomach ulcers.



If you don't have a sterilizer, you can use the traditional method of boiling water and soaking clean dishes for 15 to 30 minutes. This method helps to remove bacteria effectively without being expensive.

6. Overusing dishwashing liquid or choosing poor quality products

Many people think that the more thoroughly they wash and the more dishwashing liquid they use, the cleaner they are. But in fact, overusing this product has the potential risk of chemical residue, affecting the liver, kidneys and endocrine system.

Some poor quality dishwashing liquids also contain chemicals that do not completely decompose, stick to dishes and enter the body through food and drink. Therefore, when buying dishwashing liquid, always choose products from reputable brands, control the dosage when using and rinse thoroughly with clean water.