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Cleaning moldy dishes can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can be done effectively. Start by wearing gloves and removing any visible mold from the dishes using a scrub brush or sponge. Then, create a cleaning solution by mixing equal parts of hot water and white vinegar. Soak the dishes in this solution for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, scrub the dishes again and rinse them thoroughly with hot water. Finally, dry the dishes completely before storing them. Remember to regularly inspect and clean your dishes to prevent mold growth in the future.
Dishes that are covered in mold not only look unappetizing, but they also pose a health risk. It is important to clean mold off dishes before using them in order to maintain good health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to mold can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, wheezing, and even lung infections. Given the potential problems associated with mold on dishes, it is essential to know how to effectively clean them.
Cleaning Mold off Dishes
If your dishes are covered in mold, it is crucial to clean them thoroughly as soon as possible. Start by trying to remove the mold with hot, soapy water. In many cases, this simple method is sufficient to safely eliminate the mold. If the mold comes off easily and you are able to clean the dishes thoroughly with some scrubbing, then they can be used safely. However, if the mold does not come off completely or leaves stains, you will need to sanitize the dishes to remove the mold.
If hot, soapy water does not effectively remove the mold, vinegar can be used as an alternative. Mold does not respond well to acidic conditions, and vinegar can help eliminate it. Scrubbing the dishes with vinegar may quickly and easily remove the mold. If vinegar does not sufficiently clean the dishes, then it is time to use bleach.
Using Bleach to Clean Mold
When using bleach to clean mold off dishes, it is important to exercise caution as bleach can stain surfaces. It can easily stain fabrics and surrounding surfaces, such as countertops. It is best to clean the dishes with bleach inside a sink or a dishpan to prevent any staining.
To clean dishes with bleach, mix the bleach with water. According to Stop Foodborne Illness, a mixture of ¼ teaspoon of bleach to 1 quart of cool water is an effective bleach solution. This solution will remove the mold and sanitize the dishes. After cleaning the dishes and silverware with this solution, rinse them thoroughly.
Read more: How to Remove Bleach Stains from Stainless Steel
Removing Mold from a Dishwasher
Sometimes, if you leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher for too long, mold can develop. This is especially common if there are food residues on the dishes that have been left for more than two or three days. The bacteria in the leftover food can cause mold to grow. If you find mold on dishes in the dishwasher, it is important to clean the interior of the dishwasher to remove the mold. According to GE Appliances, there is an effective method to remove mold from the interior or gasket of a dishwasher.
Follow this mold removal procedure to clean the interior of the dishwasher. Mix 3 cups of water with ½ cup of bleach. Dip a rag or sponge into the mixture and use it to thoroughly clean the interior of the dishwasher and the gasket. After cleaning the interior, run the dishwasher through a rinse cycle without any dishes to remove any remaining cleaner that could potentially stay on dishes.
Note: It is important to never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach together for cleaning, as this combination produces a dangerous gas that can be life-threatening.
Find out more: How to Eliminate Mold & Mildew from the Inside of a Dishwasher
Preventing the Growth of Mold on Dishes
According to the CDC, mold tends to thrive in areas with high levels of moisture. Therefore, the drier you can keep the environment around your dishes, the less likely you are to encounter any mold. To prevent mold from appearing on your dishes stored in cabinets, make sure to thoroughly dry them before storing. Failing to do so may result in mold growth on your dishes.
It is essential to have clean and sanitary dishes for your meals. If you are facing issues with mold on your dishes, it is necessary to identify the source of moisture that is causing the mold and take measures to prevent further exposure to moisture. By doing this, you can effectively keep your dishes free from mold.
