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Does Dishwashing Liquid kill bacteria?Updated 13 days ago

TL;DR: No. Dishwashing Liquid is a detergent that lifts grease and food residue so microbes rinse away with the water. It's not antibacterial and makes no sanitising claims. If you need sanitising, use heat (dishwasher sanitise cycle, or very hot water for hand-washing) or a food-safe sanitiser as directed.


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Koh Dishwashing Liquid lifestyle
Koh Dishwashing Liquid features

Does it kill bacteria?

No. Koh Dishwashing Liquid is a detergent, not a disinfectant. It lifts grease and food residue from dishes so microbes living in that residue rinse away with the water. It makes no antibacterial or sanitising claims. For sanitising, use heat (a dishwasher sanitise cycle, or very hot water for hand-washing) or a food-safe sanitiser as directed by the manufacturer. For baby items, illness, or food-safety needs, sanitising is a separate step from washing.

⚠ No. It cleans, not disinfects.

Dishwashing Liquid lifts grease and food residue from dishes so microbes living in that residue rinse away with the water. It's not antibacterial, makes no sanitising claims, and isn't a substitute for sanitising when sanitising is what you need.

Not antibacterial Not a disinfectant Cleans by lift and rinse

✓ When you need sanitising

Run Dishwashing Tabs on a cycle with a final hot rinse (65 to 70°C) or the dedicated sanitise option. For hand-washing, rinse in the hottest water your hands and items safely tolerate, then air-dry. For baby items, illness, or food-safety needs, use a food-safe sanitiser as directed.

Hot rinse 65 to 70°C Air-dry Food-safe sanitiser

What are good washing-up habits?

Scrape food off first, wash with detergent, rinse well, then air-dry rather than wiping with a damp tea towel. Change sponges and dishcloths frequently and wash cloths on a hot cycle. Don't use Koh Dishwashing Liquid in your dishwasher (use Koh Dishwashing Tabs instead) and don't mix it with bleach, ammonia, or other cleaning chemicals. These routine habits do more for kitchen hygiene than any single antibacterial claim.

✓ Daily routine

Scrape food off first, wash with detergent, rinse well, then air-dry. Skip the damp tea towel. Change sponges and dishcloths frequently, and wash cloths on a hot cycle.

Scrape first Rinse well Air-dry Fresh cloths

⚠ Don't mix

Don't use Dishwashing Liquid in your dishwasher (use Dishwashing Tabs instead). Don't mix with bleach, ammonia, or other cleaning chemicals.

Not for dishwashers No bleach No ammonia
Koh Dishwashing Liquid 500ml

Dishwashing Liquid · for the wash

Fragrance-free. Septic and grey water safe. Made in Australia. Lifts grease and food residue.

Koh Dish Starter Kit with Dish Pump

Dish Starter Kit · new at Koh?

Includes Dishwashing Liquid plus the Dish Pump. Soak your dishes, then wipe and rinse, no scrubbing needed.

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Last reviewed: April 2026

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