Washing dishes that came into contact with raw meat with soap and water is generally sufficient to remove most bacteria and ensure their cleanliness. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Temperature: Hot water is more effective at killing bacteria than cold water. Therefore, using warm to hot water for washing dishes can enhance the cleaning process.
Proper washing technique: Make sure to scrub the dishes thoroughly with soap and water, paying attention to all surfaces, including utensils, cutting boards, and cookware. This mechanical action helps to remove any remaining food particles and bacteria.
Dishwasher: If you have a dishwasher, using it can provide an extra layer of sanitation. Most dishwashers have water temperatures that reach high enough levels to kill bacteria effectively. Additionally, the high-pressure water jets and prolonged exposure to heat during the drying cycle help sanitize the dishes.
Cutting boards: Cutting boards that have been in contact with raw meat require extra care. It's best to have separate cutting boards for different food groups to avoid cross-contamination. Plastic cutting boards can be sanitized in the dishwasher or by soaking them in a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water) for a few minutes. Wooden cutting boards are more challenging to sanitize thoroughly, so it's advisable to replace them if they have been heavily used with raw meat.
While washing with soap and water is usually sufficient for general cleaning, if you have specific concerns about bacterial contamination or if you are serving individuals with weakened immune systems, sanitizing dishes that came into contact with raw meat can provide an extra layer of assurance.