We all have to deal with dirty dishes, especially if we don’t have a dishwasher. Some people are more aware that doing so is not convenient, while others often hide behind the excuse of leaving it for later because nothing happens. However, any reason we can think of to postpone this domestic task, even though it may seem banal, is not recommended.
There are some compelling reasons why, if we are from this second group, we should leave laziness aside and consider putting an end to the piles of plates and pots in the sink. And we are not just talking about something unsightly or a recurring reason for arguments between cohabitants.
Dirty dishes, a breeding ground for bacteria
We leave the dishes in the sink because we are not usually aware of the inconveniences of doing so. In reality, what we are doing when we don’t wash them right away is leaving a source of bacterial growth in the kitchen, an open invitation to germs and a door to bad odors.
Bacteria, under the conditions they are in – humidity, time and, in some cases, temperature – can multiply quickly and spread from the sink to other parts of the kitchen.
These germs can come from numerous sources. If we have cooked with raw meat or seafood, there may be bacteria such as E.coli or Salmonella, therefore, it is best to wash potentially contaminated dishes immediately to prevent these pathogens from spreading.
We must not forget that we use the sink not only to wash dishes and other utensils, but also to rinse products or wash the utensils with which we cook, which leads us to consider that it is one of the places that we most tend to forget when We talk about food security.
Studies like this one from the United States Food Safety and Inspection Service confirm that it is one of the areas that is most contaminated. According to research, and after preparing a meal with raw sausages, eggs in the shell and fresh fruit such as melon cut into pieces, the surface that is most contaminated after preparation is the sink. The bacteria we can find there can cross-contaminate other foods, including those we normally eat raw.
Leaving them soaking, a risky practice
If, in addition to leaving dishes in the sink, we have the habit of soaking them before washing them, perhaps we should reconsider. We do it mostly because we think it will be easier to clean them later or sometimes even out of pure laziness. However, it’s actually not a good idea because although soaking dishes may look clean, they are actually riddled with germs and bacteria that can stay alive for hours.
The problem with this practice is that organisms, including bacteria, viruses or parasites, will grow faster if the dishes are soaked and can survive and multiply in the accumulated water if we do not regularly refill it with fresh water. The water temperature will most likely be below 60°C, which is again an ideal environment for the development of microorganisms. In fact, we are helping these living beings to develop and multiply.
The longer we leave dishes unwashed, the more time bacteria will have to grow on them, especially if we leave them in warm water, which can quickly turn into bacteria soup. We must keep in mind that, in the sink, even a small amount of bacteria can multiply quickly as it is a humid environment full of nutrients from food remains. The most advisable thing, therefore, is to avoid disorder in it.
How to wash dishes in the sink well (and how to wash the sink)
If, after reconsidering leaving dirty dishes in the sink, we are going to wash them, it is important that we do so with hot water and detergent and rub vigorously to remove any food remains that may have been trapped.
To do this, we must also pay attention to the scouring pad and kitchen cloths, making sure they are really clean to be able to clean the dishes well. Sponges are an ideal refuge for bacteria and germs. In fact, there are several studies that confirm that sponges are one of the dirtiest places in the house.
Like this one published in Nature, which reveals the density of microscopic bacteria that is in a dirty kitchen sponge, even if it is washed with soap or in the microwave, since it has been shown to harbor more bacteria called Moraxella osloensis which, although common and harmless, can cause infections in people with compromised immune systems.
It is of no use to wash the dishes well if we then dry them with a dirty cloth that has become a reservoir for spills and other small disasters in the kitchen. This means it will be full of dirt and germs. To avoid this, there are some tricks we can follow to keep them clean and odor-free.
The work doesn’t end when we take the last plate or pot out of the sink. We must also wash this area, clean and disinfect it well, since every time we leave dirty dishes in the sink, the food remains that remain come into contact with the bottom or sides and leave traces of bacteria that could spread.
Therefore, it is important not only not to leave dirty dishes in it, but also to disinfect it well, the base and the sides, periodically in order to minimize the risk of this spread. This cleaning should not ignore the faucet, since we often touch it with our hands, as well as the drain and the sink rubber, which we can clean with an old toothbrush to prevent the formation of a biofilm, that is, a layer of microorganisms.
We can use warm water and soap and, to disinfect, apply a disinfectant and let it air dry. If we clean and disinfect well, we significantly reduce the risk that our food and other utensils may become cross-contaminated.
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