Hand-washing dishes immediately after use with soap and hot water is generally considered sanitary. It is a common practice in many households and is effective in removing dirt, grease, and bacteria from dishes.
Using hot water and soap helps to break down and remove food particles, oils, and bacteria that may be present on the dishes. The heat from the water also aids in killing some types of bacteria. However, it's important to ensure that the water is hot enough to be effective. Ideally, the water temperature should be at least 120°F (49°C) to effectively kill bacteria.
While soaking dishes can help loosen stuck-on food, it is not always necessary. If you are diligent about immediately washing dishes after use and scrubbing them thoroughly with soap and hot water, soaking may not be required. However, if you have dishes with stubborn, dried-on food, a short soaking period can make them easier to clean.
It's worth noting that some dishes and utensils may have specific cleaning instructions, such as those made of delicate materials or with non-stick coatings. In such cases, it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning to maintain their quality and safety.
Overall, as long as you are using hot water, soap, and scrubbing the dishes thoroughly, hand-washing immediately after use is generally considered sanitary.