Are you making this dishwashing mistake that’s harming your health?

After a hearty home-cooked meal, the urge to simply leave the dirty dishes in the sink and ‘let them soak’ is almost universal. We’ve all been there.

The kitchen is warm, your belly is full and the last thing you want to do is roll up your sleeves and tackle a pile of pots and pans.

Surely, letting them soak overnight will make tomorrow’s clean-up a breeze, right? Well, not so fast.

That innocent habit could be doing more harm than good—to your dishes, your kitchen and even your health.

The hidden dangers lurking in your sink

Let’s start with science. While soaking dishes can help loosen stubborn food bits, it also creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Warm, moist environments are a bacteria’s paradise—and your sink is no exception.

In fact, studies have shown that bacteria can survive on dishes for up to four days. And that’s just the start. 

If you’ve been handling raw meat, especially chicken, the risks multiply.

Did you know that up to 65 per cent of raw chicken sold in supermarkets contains E. coli?

This harmful bacteria is responsible for tens of thousands of food poisoning cases every year.

When you leave utensils and plates that have touched raw meat to soak, you’re giving bacteria a head start to multiply and spread.

That harmless ‘soak’ could quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria.

The right way to wash up

So, what’s the best way to keep your kitchenware sparkling and your household safe?

If you’re lucky enough to have a dishwasher, use it. Modern dishwashers are not only time-savers but also more water-efficient and effective at killing germs than handwashing.

If you’re washing by hand, try the two-basin method. 

Scrape off any leftover food first. Fill one side of the sink with hot, soapy water for washing, and the other with clean, cool water for rinsing.

This helps prevent cross-contamination and ensures your dishes are properly cleaned.

After washing, let your dishes air dry on a rack—it’s more hygienic than using a tea towel, which can harbour bacteria.

Don’t forget the sink itself

Here’s a not-so-fun fact: your kitchen sink is one of the dirtiest places in your home. It’s easy to forget, but it needs regular cleaning too.

Experts recommend giving it a good scrub at least once a week with dishwashing liquid and hot water.

For a deeper clean, try a 1:1 mix of bicarb soda and vinegar or use a disinfecting wipe—especially after handling raw meat.

And what about that trusty sponge? It’s a bacteria magnet. Replace it every two weeks, or more often if it starts to smell.

A clean kitchen is a happy kitchen

We understand—it’s tempting to leave the dishes for your future self to handle. But a few extra minutes now can save you a world of trouble later.

Not only will your kitchen look and smell better, but you’ll also be protecting your health and prolonging the life of your cookware.

Do you have any dishwashing tips or stories to share? Have you ever discovered something unexpected in your sink after a night of soaking?

We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below—your insight might just help another reader keep their kitchen clean and healthy.

Also read: Stop wrecking your dishes: Seven things you must place on the top rack only