The best temperature to wash dishes depends on a few factors, including the type of dishes, the level of soiling, and personal preferences. In general, the three main temperature options for dishwashing are:
Hot water: Hot water, typically around 120°F to 140°F (49°C to 60°C), is effective in removing grease, oils, and dried-on food particles. It can also help sanitize dishes and kill bacteria, making it a good option for cleaning and disinfecting. However, using extremely hot water can be wasteful in terms of energy consumption.
Warm water: Warm water, around 90°F to 110°F (32°C to 43°C), is a more energy-efficient option compared to hot water. It can still effectively clean most dishes and remove light to moderate soiling. Warm water is a good compromise between energy conservation and effective cleaning.
Cold water: Cold water, around 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C), is not as effective at removing tough stains or grease, but it can work well for lightly soiled items or when pre-rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. Using cold water is the most energy-efficient option, but it may not provide the same level of cleanliness and sanitization as hotter temperatures.
For dishwashing by hand, a common approach is to use warm water with a mild dish soap. This temperature is comfortable for handling and can still effectively clean dishes in most cases. However, if you have dishes that have come into contact with raw meat or other potentially harmful substances, it's best to use hotter water to ensure proper sanitation.
If you're using a dishwasher, most modern dishwashers have built-in heating elements to boost the water temperature, ensuring effective cleaning and sanitization even with lower temperature inputs.
Ultimately, the choice of temperature comes down to personal preference and the specific cleaning needs of your dishes. Just be mindful of conserving energy and water when possible.