It's generally safe to leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher for a short period, such as a day or two, before running the appliance. Modern dishwashers have airtight seals, and the enclosed environment helps to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria during this short time frame. However, it's essential to follow some guidelines to ensure that leaving dirty dishes in the dishwasher remains hygienic:
Scrape off excess food: Before placing dishes in the dishwasher, scrape off any large food particles to avoid clogging the dishwasher's filter and to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Rinse dishes if necessary: If you anticipate leaving the dishes in the dishwasher for an extended period, you might want to rinse them with water to prevent dried-on food particles and odors.
Don't leave perishable food: Do not leave perishable or highly soiled dishes in the dishwasher for too long, as they can attract pests or lead to unpleasant odors.
Use the "rinse-only" cycle: If your dishwasher has a "rinse-only" cycle, you can use it to rinse off dishes without running a full wash cycle, reducing the likelihood of odors and stains.
Avoid hot and humid conditions: If your home is particularly hot and humid, it may promote bacterial growth, so try to run the dishwasher within a day or two.
While it's generally safe to leave dishes in the dishwasher for a short period before running it, it's best not to make it a regular practice. Leaving dirty dishes sitting for an extended period can lead to foul odors, dried-on food that is harder to clean, and the potential for bacterial growth. Running the dishwasher promptly is more efficient and hygienic in the long run. If you're concerned about the cleanliness of your dishwasher, consider occasionally running an empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner to remove any built-up residue and bacteria.