Plus , the best ways to get smasher ironic when time and countertop real estate are of the essence .

happen the veracious method for drying dishes is n’t one sizing fits all . It can issue forth down to a variety of factors , most of which hinge on time and space , two scarce resources in many domicile . “ Most of us likely allow convenience head our mantrap - drying substance abuse , but there ’s one more factor to count : the cleanliness of our choose technique , ” say Myhanh Truong , senior specializer app engineer at 3 M Home Care , Auto , and Workspace .

A dishwasher can be a safe and effective agency to forfend bacteria and bug transfer when drying lulu , particularly if used on the sanitize oscillation . “ Per theNational Sanitation Foundation , dishwashers are required to heat water supply to a minimum of 150 ° fluorine ( although some dishwashers may go above that ) , ” says Bree Lemmen , Whirlpool kitchen brand manager . “ A sanitize cycle will typically increase the heat during the main wash and complete with an even hotter net rinsing . ” But if there ’s lingering water on the acme of your upside - down cups , dishware crevices , and more , finding an alternate dry out method might still be key .

person cleaning dishes with towel

Credit:Getty Images / Grace Cary

Here , Truong and Lemmen share more point for avoiding germs while stillgetting saucer dry .

Getty Images / Grace Cary

The Best Way to Dry Dishes

We all recognize that the goal of drying dishful is to take out water , but just how to achieve optimum results is the tangible question . According to Truong , the ripe elbow room to go about it , both from a hygiene and practicality standpoint , is to aura dry . “ Once the dishes are wash and on a dry rack , you countenance nature and gravity take its course , ” she explains . “ This is usually done using asink - side drying wheel . ”

But there are times when air - drying just wo n’t cut it — whether from a time stand or if you need to get dishes out of the way rather rather than afterward when companionship is number . For that reason , she and Lemmen suggest two choice . Just make indisputable you follow their wind to decrease the likelihood of bacteria transfer .

The Best Way to Dry Dishes Using a Cloth

While it can be safe to use atowel to dry dishes , there are certain factors to keep in psyche , peculiarly when it comes to textile natural selection and the cleanliness of the towel . “ Microfiber cloth is regarded as the best stuff for dish towels , ” says Truong . “ If dishes are wet and you do n’t have time to let them air juiceless , pass over them off with a fresh microfiber cloth before you put them away . ”

Avoid stacking plates or dishes when soaked , as Truong says this is a surefire way to proliferate bacterium . “ If you mustuse a dish towelfor items that ca n’t air - dry , seek to wash out the towels as often as possible , ideally using a clean towel every twenty-four hour period , ” says Truong . “ Also , let it dry out between use . ”

Using a dishcloth that is besotted or soiled could re-introduce bacterium and other impurity , while even neat non - microfiber cloths could leave behind vulcanized fiber and potentially other element that you probably do n’t need tarry on your dishware .

The Best Way to Dry Dishes in the Dishwasher

thing can get a little complicated when it comes to determining the best way to dry out dishes using the dishwasher . “ While the Heat Dry cycle is typically the favorite method , the same cps should not be used for each eccentric of payload , ” explains Lemmen . “ For example , the sanitize wheel is great for tough dozens and periodic abstruse cleanup , but not necessary for routine washes due to the extra time , Energy Department , and piss it apply . ”

Once you determine the right way for your need , Lemmen allow for a few more tips for make the most out of your dishwashing machine ’s dry cycle .

Dish-Drying Methods to Avoid

“ air travel - drying dishful or using a microfiber textile is just a matter of the available space on the knockout rack , ” says Truong . So if time or blank does n’t allow for , you might regain yourself needing to dry dish antenna by hand or stretch them into the dishwasher in a pinch . In that case , there are certain factor to avoid , most notably , paper towels .

As Truong excuse , using newspaper towel would be a wasteful choice , particularly if you have a cabinet’s - worth of lulu to make it through . Although opting for the dishwashing machine can be both effective and reliable if following the manufacturing business ’s best practices , it can potentially leave in less - than - ideal result like using mountain of vigour while still sometimes leaving cup of tea wet .

so as to make the most of your drying method , whatever it may be , succeed Truong and Lemmen ’s advice and you should set yourself up for a more successful ( and bacterium - costless ) dish responsibility .