Is my dishwasher making me sick?

Author: Dr. Maegan Mueller  |  Last update: Thursday, October 16, 2025

Up to 74 species of bacteria can be found in a dirty dishwasher, including Gram-positive bacteria like Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Escherichia coli. Some of these bacteria can be drug-resistant, cause diarrhea, and be fatal to immuno-compromised individuals.

Can a dishwasher cause health problems?

Rinse aids in commercial dishwashers often contain alcohol ethoxylate. This substance damages the intestinal epithelium, which can lead to chronic diseases.

Can dishwasher residue make you sick?

Dish soap residue can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can also cause skin and eye irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

How to get rid of dishwasher bacteria?

Vinegar kills 99 percent of bacteria and 82 percent of mold species, and it's safer to use inside the dishwasher than bleach.

Can dishwasher fumes make you sick?

Respiratory Issues: VOC fumes released during dishwasher operation can contribute to respiratory problems such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.

How dirty is your dishwasher?

What to do if you inhale dishwasher fumes?

If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Is dishwasher mold toxic?

If anyone in your household falls into any of these higher risk groups, it is that much more important that you take extra precautions in preventing mold growths from persisting in your household. Mold in your dishwasher can make you sick if you are susceptible, so keep it in check.

How do I detox my dishwasher?

Pour 2 cups (500 mL) of white vinegar into a glass measuring cup or other dishwasher-safe container and place upright in the lower rack. Run a normal cycle with the heat dry option turned off to clean the inside of your dishwasher.

What are E. coli symptoms?

coli can cause diarrhea. Some kinds can cause bloody diarrhea, watery diarrhea, or both. Some of these E. coli can cause other symptoms, including stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever.

Can E. coli survive the dishwasher?

Plus, a dishwasher is certain to be hotter, in almost every case, than the hot water used in hand-washing. Most people cannot tolerate temps above 104 degrees F, and that's still not hot enough to kill some of the most potent foodborne germs, like E. coli and salmonella.

Can a dirty dishwasher filter make you sick?

Up to 74 species of bacteria can be found in a dirty dishwasher, including Gram-positive bacteria like Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Escherichia coli. Some of these bacteria can be drug-resistant, cause diarrhea, and be fatal to immuno-compromised individuals.

Is cascade dishwasher detergent toxic?

Warnings. CAUTION: HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED. EYE IRRITANT. SEE CAUTION ON SIDE PANEL.

Why do dishes feel weird after dishwasher?

It may be the detergent is not rinsing effectively. First, if your dishwasher has a rinse aid compartment, buy a rinse aid and start using that (usually you fill the compartment and that lasts for a while; you're not filling it every time like the detergent).

Can dishwashers cause stomach problems?

This residue, further, damages the natural protective layer in the gut that can contribute to the onset of chronic diseases, as demonstrated by researchers working with organoids. The study team used various biomolecular methods to investigate the effect that commercial detergents and rinse aids have on these cells.

Is a family's health affected by using a dishwasher?

About 12 percent of the families hand washed their dishes. The scientists found that children in these families had about half the risk of developing allergic conditions compared to kids in families that used dishwashing machines.

What are the signs for dishwasher safe?

Dishwasher safe symbols often appear as a couple of circles, usually one smaller and one larger, representing plates. They look like they're being rained on, either with images of water droplets or diagonal lines.

What are the symptoms of listeria?

For the more severe, life-threatening invasive form of the disease, symptoms may include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Invasive listeriosis is a potentially life-threatening event, especially for newborns, adults over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune systems.

How do you flush E. coli out of your system?

Consume plenty of liquids.

Drinking water (especially after intercourse) helps dilute urine and spur more frequent urination, which flushes E. coli from the urinary tract.

What are the signs and symptoms of Shigella?

What are the symptoms? Symptoms of shigellosis include diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal pain, stomach cramps, and fever. Sometimes people infected with Shigella have no symptoms at all, but can still pass the bacteria to others. Symptoms usually begin 1 to 3 days after being exposed to Shigella.

Can I run vinegar through my dishwasher?

Pour one cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe mug. The mug should be about 2/3 full of vinegar. Place the mug upright on the top rack of your dishwasher and then close the door of the appliance. Run the dishwasher on the normal cycle with hot water for extra sterilization.

How do I get rid of bacteria in my dishwasher?

- Hydrogen Peroxide: Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with hydrogen peroxide and place it on the top rack of your dishwasher. Run a hot water cycle. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that can help eliminate bacteria and odors.

How often should you clean your dishwasher?

If you wipe down every day spills and splatters on your dishwasher daily and remove leftover food particles from the bottom weekly, it makes the need for a deep clean less frequent. If frequent cleanings slip your mind, do a thorough cleaning seasonally or about every three months.

What are symptoms of black mold exposure?

The most common symptoms of black mold exposure include:
  • Sneezing.
  • Coughing.
  • Nasal congestion.
  • Postnasal drip.
  • Red eyes.

How do I test my dishwasher for mold?

Mold and bacteria swabs are the most common samples taken for testing inside a dishwasher or refrigerator with suspect mold. Water intrusion from your roof and gutters is common after a storm. When inspecting your attic, pay close attention to visible mold on the insulation and the HVAC system.

Are dishwasher fumes toxic?

Furthermore, when mixed with other ingredients from other cleaning products it can form toxic fumes, which are unpleasant and often dangerous to inhale. If you or any member of your household have asthma, eczema or allergies, then it's best to ditch the non-eco dishwasher tabs for a healthier choice.

Previous article
Can you repair cracked cast iron?
Next article
Can heat damage ceramic?