Can Dishwashers Kill Mould On Plates?

CONTENTS

• Understanding mould and its proliferation
• The invisible threat of mould
• Dishwashers and their cleaning capabilities
• Can dishwashers kill mould?
• Limitations of dishwashers in eradicating mould
• Maintaining a mould-free environment beyond the dishwasher
• Frequently asked questions
• Get in touch

Discovering mould on plates can be alarming and dangerous. Mould's infectious nature makes difficult to tackle on your own, and whilst it may be tempting to use a dishwasher to clean the mould, this may not be the correct solution.

Dealing with mould can be overwhelming for most people, which is why we provide excellent mould remediation solutions at ICE Cleaning that guarantee a mould-free environment, ensuring your surroundings are secure and tidy.

Read on to learn about how dishwashers work and if they can tackle these microscopic growths.

Understanding mould and its proliferation

If you leave your kitchenware in moist and warm locations, mould can spread, taking over your belongings. According to the CDC, mould can cause health issues like allergies or asthma.

The science behind its growth comes from its mould spores being airborne. These invisible organisms land on surfaces where warmth, moisture, and food are provided. They then multiply rapidly, forming colonies which we see as those unsightly patches.

Understanding how mould grows helps us tackle it effectively. From plates in cupboards to dishwashers, every corner of our kitchens needs vigilance for these growths.

The invisible threat of mould

Often, we see mould as a surface issue. But it goes beyond these patches of mould. Mould spores, invisible to the naked eye, float in our environment, constantly looking for their next home.

If your plates are not dry or stored in damp conditions, they might become a perfect area to create a colony. So, even if your dishes look clean after a run through the dishwasher, hidden mould could still be lurking on them.

Ingesting mouldy food or mould itself from a dirty plate can lead to health problems such as allergic reactions and respiratory issues. These may affect you later in life and leave you with chronic ailments.

Dishwashers and their cleaning capabilities

If you have ever wondered how your dishwasher keeps plates sparkling clean, it is all about the power of heat, water pressure, and soap. When you hit 'start', hot water jets burst out to dislodge food particles.

Your dishwasher then heats up even more during a cycle. This steamy environment is effective for cleaning and kills many types of bacteria. However, even if they are good at their job, dishwashers are not a single resolution - they need some help sometimes.

Can dishwashers kill mould?

The concise response is affirmative, though it is not as simple as one may assume. While dishwashers can kill some types of mould on plates using hot water and detergents, they may struggle with more stubborn strains.

This happens because mould often hides in tiny crevices that the dishwasher’s spray jets cannot reach. Moreover, if your dishwasher does not heat up to at least 60°C —the temperature needed to kill most moulds—it will not do the job effectively.

So while a thorough cycle in the dishwasher will help keep things clean, do not rely on it entirely for eliminating mould. It is crucial to combine this with other preventative measures.

Limitations of dishwashers in eradicating mould

Dishwashers can be great at eliminating visible grime, but they are not always reliable with mould. That is because mould spores can cling onto tight areas that are tough for dishwasher jets to reach.

The heat from a standard wash might not be enough. Some types of mould need hotter temperatures than your typical cycle offers. In essence, relying solely on your dishwasher may leave some growths behind on your plates. 

Maintaining a mould-free environment beyond the dishwasher

Beyond dishwashers, other steps can ensure a mould-free kitchen. It goes beyond cleaning, becoming just as important as prevention and maintenance.

You must dry all plates thoroughly before stacking them in cupboards. This step is crucial as mould thrives on damp surfaces and may thrive in a dark area like a cupboard. Using a quality drying rack will let air circulate dishes, reducing moisture build-up.

Regular deep cleaning of your kitchen using effective anti-mould cleaners like those from Dettol’s range will also help eliminate spores that may have escaped the dishwasher cycle. Finally, maintaining good ventilation reduces humidity levels and is vital for preventing mould.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a plate that has mould on it?

Scrub off visible mould, then place the plate in your dishwasher for a hot cycle at 60°C, and it will be safe to use.

Can you wash mouldy dishes?

You can, but should also use hot soapy water to scrub away the growth before using your dishwasher.

What causes mould on a plate?

Mould thrives in damp conditions. Leftover food or moisture from washing up provides an ideal environment for its growth on plates.

How do you get rid of mould on plates?

Dishwashers that reach 60°C usually kill most fungi due to high temperatures during washing cycles. Handwashing with antibacterial soap also helps eradicate them.

Get in touch

Our leading mould removal services at ICE Cleaning completely eradicate all traces of mould from your property for a secure environment. Restoring your home’s structure will guarantee the safety and protection of you and your family to ease your mind. 

Our mould cleaning team operates all year round nationwide, 24/7, so contact our friendly team today at 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk, and we will promptly attend to your needs.