When you wash dishes with dishwashing detergent, especially in a dishwasher, the fat and grease on the dishes are broken down and emulsified by the detergent. Dishwashing detergents are designed to be effective at removing grease and oil, which are common components of fats.
Here's what happens to the fat after washing dishes with dishwashing detergent:
Emulsification: Dishwashing detergents contain surfactants, which are molecules that can interact with both water and grease. When you apply the detergent to the greasy dishes and scrub or rinse them, the surfactants surround and encapsulate the fat molecules.
Dispersion: The surfactants in the detergent help disperse the fat molecules into tiny droplets. These droplets are then dispersed throughout the soapy water, making it easier to rinse them away.
Rinsing: As you rinse the dishes with water, the emulsified fat droplets are washed away from the dishes, along with the soapy water. The combination of the surfactants and the force of the water stream helps to remove the fat from the dishes' surfaces.
Drainage: In a dishwasher, the fat and soapy water are drained from the dishwasher's interior after the washing cycle is complete.
Filtration: In some dishwashers, there may be filters designed to catch food particles and other debris. These filters can also capture some of the fat and grease that are rinsed off during the washing process.
Disposal: The fat and grease, along with the soapy water, are typically carried through your plumbing system and eventually end up at a wastewater treatment facility. There, the wastewater undergoes treatment processes to remove contaminants, including fats and oils, before being discharged safely into the environment or reused.
It's important to note that excessive amounts of fat and grease can cause issues with your plumbing if they solidify and clog the pipes. Therefore, it's a good practice to scrape off excess food and fat from dishes before placing them in the dishwasher or washing them by hand. Additionally, avoid pouring cooking oils and grease down the sink as they can also lead to plumbing problems. Instead, it's best to dispose of fats and oils in the trash.