Have you ever stood at your sink, staring down at a pile of dirty dishes, and wondered if you could break away from the norm and wash them with cold water?
I’ve prepared this guide to walk you through the dynamics of washing with cold water. I’ll take you through the role of detergents, and the science behind temperature, I’ll also offer some practical tips to achieve spotless results without relying on hot water.
Let’s dive in.
Quick Summary
- Cold water can help you wash dishes effectively, especially with modern detergents containing enzymes, but may struggle against grease without additional help such as specific additives or pre-soaking.
- While cool water can clean effectively with the right detergent, it may require longer soaking times or additional additives for heavy grease and grime.
- Washing dishes with hot water, typically between 110-140°F (43-60°C), is more effective for cutting through grease and killing germs compared to cold water.
- Using additives like baking soda or vinegar can enhance cold water’s cleaning power, making it more effective against stubborn residues.
Is Cold Water Effective for Dish Washing?
Yes, cold water is effective for dishwashing particularly when paired with modern detergents designed to perform in lower temperatures.
However, cold water’s lower kinetic energy can make it less efficient at breaking down and removing grease and food particles, which is where hot water generally has the upper hand.
This is where detergents come in.
Dish Soap in Cooler Temperatures
Traditional dish soap and dish detergent are a staple in tackling kitchen grime. But they have their shortcomings.
The thing is, in cooler waters, these dish soaps don’t dissolve as readily, which can mean a less thorough clean if you’re not careful.
However, modern dish detergents have been formulated with enzymes that don’t shy away from cold, breaking down food particles effectively even at room temperature.
So, while hot water may help your dish detergent spread its wings a bit more, with the right detergent, you can still wash dishes perfectly, even with cold water.
Assessing Cleanliness After a Cold Water Wash
While certain chemicals combined with an ozone system can make cold water just as disinfecting as hot water, this isn’t a typical setup for most home kitchens.
Cold water can be a resourceful ally for light to medium soiling, but the real test lies in whether all traces of soap and grime have been dismissed.
Interestingly, cold water may remove surface soap layers swifter due to its viscosity, yet a hot water “squeak test” remains a reliable indicator of cleanliness.
Considering these points, it’s evident that cold water can hold its own, but it might need a little extra muscle behind it to reach its full potential.
Hot Water’s Role in Dish Hygiene
Hot water can dissolve grease and oils that stubbornly cling to dirty dishes. It is overflowing with kinetic energy which helps attack grime and stains with a vigor that cold water can’t match.
Here’s what hot water does:
- Thins out sticky foods
- Keeps detergent molecules close, creating a powerful cleaning team
- Lessens the elbow grease needed
- Helps powdered detergents reach their full potential
As you can see, hot water seems to have an edge in washing dishes over cold water.
Now, let’s explore its effectiveness in fighting germs.
Fighting Bacteria
Hot water is good at killing germs, especially at temperatures of more than 160°F(71°C), the US Food and Drug Administration’s recommended temperature for sanitization.
Now, while hot water heater can be effective at this, dishwashers take the prize for sanitizing, reaching temperatures that most hands can’t handle.
“Water hot enough to sanitize dishes is much too hot for your hands, even with dish gloves.” Meghan Overdeep, Author at Southern Living
A hot water rinse of temperatures 110-140°F (43-60°C) sweeps away soap and sends bacteria down the drain, ensuring our dishes are as hygienic as they look.
Cutting Through the Grease
The good thing with hot water is that it isn’t just about hygiene; it’s a formidable foe against grease, slicing through oily messes to help you wash dishes with ease.
The combination of hot soapy water and grease-fighting dish soap forms an effective duo, making light work of greasy dirty dishes.
Hot water excels at dissolving sticky substances such as jelly and honey, which, when faced with cold temperatures, are even more stubborn.
For those pots and pans that have faced the fiery depths of cooking, a hot water soak can mean the difference between a quick wash and a prolonged scrub session.
So, while cold water has its place, hot water remains a formidable opponent against the grease present in dirty dishes.
Best Temperature for Sparkling Results
So, what’s the best water to use for washing dishes?
Warm water is the winner here. It’s just right for washing dishes: not too hot, not too cold. Warm water is good at getting food off without being too hot.
Finding the Middle Ground
Warm water is the sweet spot for those who seek safety in hand-washing dishes along with cleaning efficiency. It’s adept at removing the day’s culinary remnants while being kind to our hands.
Warm temperature offers a comfortable dishwashing experience that doesn’t compromise on cleanliness.
It’s about choosing a temperature that’s both practical and protective, ensuring that our dishes and our skin are treated with care.
Scrubbing Action and Water Heat
Let’s not forget about the physical aspect of dishwashing. The scrubbing action, when paired with the right water temperature, can make all the difference.
Interestingly, cold water’s higher viscosity can aid in soap removal due to increased shearing action during scrubbing.
So while warm water may be the ideal temperature for most, a good old-fashioned scrub still plays a pivotal role in achieving those pristine plates.
Rinsing: Cold or Hot Water?
Rinsing with warm or hot water helps remove the last traces of soap, which, if left behind, can attract bacteria.
Hot water also accelerates drying, reducing the window of opportunity for bacteria to take up residence on our dishes.
For a rinse that leaves dishes not only clean but also crystal clear, make sure to rinse dishes with warm water. It helps avoid the dreaded water spots and ensures that we’re not dining with a side of detergent.
And if you’re after that showroom shine, particularly on glassware, a splash of white vinegar in the rinse water can work wonders.
Alternatives and Additives for Cold Water Washing
As we’ve seen, cold water can hold its own when washing dishes, although it needs a little boost.
Enter the world of additives, these secret agents that can elevate cold water from a simple solvent to a cleaning powerhouse.
Common additives include:
- Baking soda. When added to cold water, it becomes a formidable force against food residue and grease.
- Vinegar: It can cut through grease and leave your dishes with a streak-free shine, especially when dealing with hard water.
- Salt: With its gentle abrasiveness, it can assist in scrubbing away persistent particles, complementing the chill of cold water.
- Essential oils: A few drops can leave your dishes smelling fresh and fragrant, with the added benefit of antibacterial properties.
- Lemon juice
Try experimenting with these additives to find the perfect combination for your dishwashing needs.
FAQs
Is It Better to Wash Dishes With Hot or Cold Water?
Warm water is the best option for washing dishes, as it effectively cleans without the risk of getting burned by hot water or being less effective than cold water.
Does Hot Water Dry Dishes Faster?
Yes, hot water helps dry dishes faster and reduces water spots and marks.
Is Using a Dishwasher More Water-Efficient Than Hand Washing?
Yes, an Energy Star-rated dishwasher can be more water-efficient than hand washing, especially when using eco-friendly modes and washing full loads.
Reference
- https://www.fda.gov/media/164194/download?attachment
