- You should not use potentially contaminated water for anything having to do with the preparation or eating of food. Therefore, it is not a good idea to use potentially contaminated water to hand wash dishes. You can:
- Use boiled (then cooled) water, or
- Use water from an alternate source, or
- Use your water, but after washing with dish detergent, rinse for a minute in a mixture of 1 tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water. Allow dishes, cutlery, cups, etc. to completely air dry before use.
You can use your home dishwasher if you know that the hot wash is at least 170 degrees F and includes a full dry cycle. However, most home dishwashers do not reach this temperature. If you are uncertain of the temperature of your dishwasher, wash your dishes by hand using one of the three steps listed above.