Washing dishes with vinegar alone may not be enough to effectively kill all germs and bacteria. While vinegar does have some mild antimicrobial properties, it is not a strong disinfectant. It is more commonly used as a cleaning agent to remove stains, grease, and mineral deposits from surfaces.
To properly sanitize dishes and eliminate harmful bacteria, you should use a combination of hot water and soap. The hot water helps to break down grease and grime, while the soap helps to lift away and remove any dirt, bacteria, and pathogens from the surface of the dishes.
To ensure proper sanitation, follow these steps:
- Rinse the dishes with warm water to remove any visible food debris.
- Apply a small amount of dish soap to a sponge or brush and thoroughly scrub the dishes, making sure to cover all surfaces.
- After scrubbing, rinse the dishes with hot water to remove any soap residue.
- To sanitize the dishes, you can use hot water with a temperature of at least 170°F (76°C). Many dishwashers have a sanitize setting that reaches this temperature. If you're hand-washing, you can use a sanitizing solution made of 1 tablespoon of unscented chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Let the dishes soak in this solution for about a minute, then air-dry them.
Remember, using just vinegar and hot water might not be enough to ensure proper sanitation, especially when dealing with potentially harmful bacteria from raw meats and other sources. Using a combination of soap and hot water, along with proper drying, will help keep your dishes clean and safe to use.