Dishwasher Water Temperature

I just wanted to give everyone a heads up on dishwasher water temperature.

Many people think that throwing dishes into a dishwasher to clean dishes is the way to go. But you need to realize that "clean" does not mean sanitized. Without properly sanitizing you stand to lead huge amounts of bacteria on your dishes.

Let's say you wash your dishes and then immediately grab a fork out to use. The fork may be clean but there may be a harmful level of live bacterial left on the fork. The fork with the bacteria goes straight into your mouth. That is not good at all.

In order to kill bacteria you need to have a dishwasher that can get the water temperature to 140 degrees or higher.

Older dishwashers use water straight from your water heater. Typically set for 120 degrees. A far cry from the 140-degree temperature needed.

For those who own older dishwashers you would have to raise the water temperature on your water heating unit to achieve that. This will cost you severely in your utility bills. Worse yet you set yourself and family for accidental scalding.

More than likely if your dishwasher is not getting up to the 140-degree temperature it is time to upgrade.

Newer dishwashers have a built in heater. Rather than running a 140-degree money wasting scalding hot temperature in your water heater, these dishwashers with built in heaters will heat the water up above 140 degrees when needed. A much better deal.

Even if you have a newer model with a built in heater you should check the water temperature frequently so that it is heating that water above 140 degrees.

If you are looking for a new dishwasher you should keep in mind that not all models have a built in heaters. So keep this in mind when shopping.

Also, built in heaters may consume more electricity but you should allow a little leeway for the sake of your health and your family's health.