Washing Dishes This Way Is Like "Drinking Poison"
To ensure the health and safety of your entire family, health experts have listed four extremely harmful dishwashing habits that you must avoid.
We are always reminded that "disease enters through the mouth," which is why choosing clean food is a top concern for many. However, many families overlook the importance of properly cleaning dishes. Meanwhile, bowls, chopsticks, pots, and pans come into direct contact with the food we eat. If not cleaned properly, dishwashing chemicals can be harmful to health, essentially "inviting toxins" into the body.
For adults, a strong immune system can fight off disease-causing agents. However, children are the most vulnerable due to their weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to bacteria and viruses. This can lead to symptoms ranging from stomach pain and diarrhea to gastroenteritis. Therefore, parents must pay close attention.
To ensure your family's health, experts have highlighted four extremely harmful dishwashing habits you should avoid.
Washing Dishes This Way Is Like "Drinking Poison" 1. Soaking Dishes for Too Long in the SinkLeaving dirty dishes in the sink for too long after meals is a common mistake in many households. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, especially within 1 to 4 hours after eating, and bacteria can multiply rapidly within 8 to 18 hours.
To maintain hygiene, you should wash dishes within four hours of eating and avoid soaking them in the sink for too long.
2. Pouring Dish Soap Directly onto DishesPouring dish soap directly onto dishes may seem like an effective way to clean them, but in reality, it’s not. This practice increases the risk of leaving detergent residue on dishes, which can lead to diarrhea and other digestive issues.
According to scientists from The Health, all detergents work by using chemicals to break down grease and dirt on surfaces. Dishwashing liquid can be harmful if used excessively, with some containing chemicals that may even increase cancer risks.
Instead, dilute dish soap in water and use a sponge or cloth to clean each dish and utensil thoroughly. If you're concerned about detergent safety, you can switch to natural cleaning alternatives such as rice water, lemon, baking soda, or pomelo peel, which are both safe and effective.
3. Storing Dishes Without Drying Them CompletelyWooden utensils like chopsticks, spoons, and plates stored in damp conditions or before they are fully dry can easily develop mold. Some molds may contain toxins like aflatoxin and Helicobacter pylori, both of which are linked to cancer risks.
To ensure safety, rinse dishes with hot water as a final step, let them drain, and dry them under the sun before storing them in the cabinet.
4. Not Replacing Dish Towels RegularlyUsing a single dish towel for everything in the kitchen—from wiping the table to drying dishes—is not only unhygienic but can also lead to health issues such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and acute gastroenteritis.
Additionally, unclean dish towels encourage mold growth, which creates an environment for aflatoxin—a toxin linked to liver cancer. To protect your family's health, use separate towels for dishes and wash or replace them weekly.
