Does Dishwashing Liquid kill bacteria?Updated a day ago
TL;DR: Dishwashing Liquid lifts grease and food residue from plates and pans so they rinse away with the water. For everyday washing up, that physical removal is the job. If you also need a sanitising step, use a dishwasher sanitise cycle or finish with a hot rinse and full air-dry.
Does Dishwashing Liquid kill bacteria?
✓ How it cleans: lift, then rinse
Dishwashing Liquid works mechanically. The formula loosens grease and food residue during the soak, and the microbes living in that residue leave with the water when you rinse. For sanitising, use heat or a dedicated food-contact sanitiser after washing.
For everyday washing up that is the whole job. Physically removing the food is what keeps a kitchen in good shape day to day.
How do I sanitise dishes when I need to?
✓ Heat does the sanitising
In a dishwasher, run a cycle with a final hot rinse around 65 to 70°C, or the dedicated sanitise option, using Dishwashing Tabs. Hand washing, rinse in the hottest water your hands and the items comfortably tolerate, then air-dry on a rack rather than wiping with a tea towel.
✓ When you need a dedicated product
Baby feeding equipment, someone in the house being unwell, or a specific hygiene requirement at home all call for a sanitiser labelled for food-contact surfaces. Use it after washing, follow its directions, and rinse as that product tells you to.
What are good washing-up habits?
✓ The daily routine
Scrape food off first, wash with detergent, rinse well, then air-dry. Skip the damp tea towel. Change sponges and Swedish Dishcloths often, and wash cloths on a hot cycle.
⚠ Two things to keep separate
Do not put Dishwashing Liquid in a dishwasher. Use Dishwashing Tabs for the machine. And do not mix it with bleach, ammonia or any other cleaning product, which can produce fumes and will not clean any better.

pH 6.5, 11 ingredients, made in Australia. GECA certified, Sensitive Choice approved, Dermatest tested, Eczema Association recognised. Lasts 1 to 2 months.

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: September 2026 · Koh Australia

