Expert: Carol Schlitt - 11/14/2006

Question
thank you for the answer! that is very helpful.  also re -sponges does it get
rid of bacteria from raw meat to wash them in the dishwasher? i had heard
the dishwasher doesnt get hot enough but that doesnt seem like it would be
true? thank you so much for your help.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I you have a bowl to clean that raw meat was in, is it better to wash it out in
the
sink or put it right into the dishwasher? I assume that  washing out bowls that
had raw meat in them will then contaminate the sink? Also should you throw
away the sponge used to clean the bowl? Or does the soap used make the
sponge ok? Many thanks.
-----Answer-----
Hi Stephanie,

It's okay to rinse the bowl that contained raw meat in the sink before putting
it into the dishwasher. Yes, there is the possibility that bacteria from the meat
juices will get on your sink. Your job after using bowls and utensils that
touched raw meat is to wash the sink out with hot water and detergent.  This
will flush the bacteria down the drain and the sink will now be at a pH that
does not support the growth of bacteria.

You should wash the sponge the was used to clean the bowl in hot, soapy
water before using on any other surfaces. Soap helps to bring dirt to the
surface for the water to flush it away. Soap also has a high pH and most
bacteria do not survive in that pH.

I hope this answers your question. If I can be of further assistance please let
me know.

Carol

Answer
Hi Stephanie,

Sorry for the delay in answering you. I'm travelin and had problems with internet connection.

Yes, washing sponges in the dishwasher is okay as a way of sanitizing. Most home dishwashers have a booster heater that brings the internal temperature of the water in the 160-170 degree range. This is sufficient for killing bacteria.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Carol