Cleaning dishes is an essential part of everyday life, but have you ever wondered if using just hot water is as effective as using hot water and detergent? The short answer is no, and there are scientific reasons behind this.
Dishes, utensils and other kitchen items can become contaminated with a variety of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. These microorganisms can cause illness if they are not properly removed through cleaning. Hot water alone is not sufficient to remove these harmful microorganisms. The reason being that microorganisms are protected by a slimy, protein-based film called a biofilm, which is difficult to remove with just water. This film can be removed with the help of detergents, that allows the water to better penetrate and remove microorganisms from the surface of the dishes.
Detergents also work by lowering the surface tension of water, which allows the water to better penetrate and remove food and other debris from dishes. Detergents also contain active ingredients that can kill microorganisms, such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide or hydrogen peroxide, which are especially important for cleaning dishes that have come into contact with raw meat or other potentially contaminated food items.
However, it is worth mentioning that not all detergents are created equal. Some detergents may not be as effective as others in removing microorganisms or are more harsher on the environment. It is important to use detergents that have been proven to be effective against microorganisms and have biodegradable properties, to avoid the negative impact on environment.
When it comes to hand soaps, it is essential to understand that hand soap is a type of detergent and it's designed to remove dirt and microorganisms from the skin. This is achieved by a process called emulsification, which is when the soap molecules surround and lift away dirt and microorganisms. Hand soaps canalso contain antimicrobial agents, such as triclosan, that can kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
In conclusion, using hot water alone is not enough to effectively clean dishes and remove harmful microorganisms. The addition of detergent, specifically formulated for dishes and with the right properties, plays a crucial role in ensuring that dishes are clean and safe to use. When it comes to hand soaps, the same principle applies, using just water is not enough to effectively remove microorganisms and dirt from our hands, the emulsifying and antimicrobial properties of hand soaps are essential to keeping our hands clean and healthy.
