According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, there is a hierarchy of sanitary drying methods. That’s right: Having clean dishes isn’t just about washing them but also about drying them in a way that doesn’t sabotage your cleaning efforts. Let the ranking below be your guide—start with the most sanitary drying technique possible, then work your way down the list. When you select the “heated dry” option, the machine pumps in hot air, causing the moisture on the dishes to evaporate into steam. This is the most sanitary way to dry dishes, but some warn that because it works the appliance’s air fan harder, it can put extra strain on the machine. If you want to extend the life of your dishwasher while still getting the cleanest dishes possible, consider using this method sparingly, such as when washing baby bottles or when someone in your house is sick.
