Yes, it is not recommended to wash dishes with bleach. Bleach is a powerful chemical used for disinfection and whitening, but it is not safe for use on dishes and food-contact surfaces for several reasons:
Toxic Residue: Bleach can leave behind toxic residues on dishes, even after rinsing. If you use dishes or utensils that still have bleach residues, it can contaminate your food and be harmful if ingested.
Health Risks: When bleach comes into contact with certain substances commonly found in the kitchen, such as vinegar, ammonia, or acidic foods, it can produce harmful fumes. These fumes can cause respiratory irritation and other health issues.
Corrosive to Metals: Bleach is corrosive and can damage metal utensils and the dishwasher's internal components if used inappropriately.
Unsuitable for Many Materials: Bleach can degrade and discolor various materials commonly used for dishes, such as plastic, certain types of glazes on ceramics, and wooden items.
Ineffectiveness on Grease: While bleach is excellent at killing bacteria and viruses, it is not effective at cutting through grease and oil, making it less suitable for dishwashing purposes.
For proper dishwashing and sanitization, it is best to use a mild dishwashing detergent specifically designed for cleaning dishes. These detergents are formulated to remove grease and food residues effectively while being safe for use on dishes and food-contact surfaces.
If you need to disinfect your dishes due to potential contamination, you can use hot water with dish soap and let the dishes air-dry. Alternatively, you can use a dishwasher with a high-temperature sanitizing cycle to effectively kill bacteria and viruses without the need for bleach.
Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for your dishwasher and dishwashing detergents to ensure the best results while maintaining safety and the longevity of your dishes and dishwasher.