How to use the sanitize cycle on your dishwasher to kill most food soil bacteria

Most people rely on their dishwasher’s Normal Wash cycle for everyday loads and then switch to the Heavy Duty cycle for more challenging jobs. 

But what about your dishwasher’s Sanitize cycle, which is engineered to kill 99.999% of food soil bacteria? This article explores the Sanitize cycle on dishwashers by providing the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

What is a dishwasher’s Sanitize cycle?

The Sanitize cycle kills 99.999% of food soil bacteria through a combination of hotter water and longer wash times. 

A common question is how hot must the water be for a dishwasher to sanitize effectively. Per the National Sanitation Foundation, dishwashers need to heat water to a minimum of 150°F. However, certain dishwashers are programmed to go above that. Often, a Sanitize cycle will increase the heat during the main wash and then increase it further to provide an even hotter final rinse.

Some things to know about the Sanitize cycle:

• Sanitize settings can add up to 1.5 hours to your cycle. 

• On the dishwasher console, this cycle will sometimes be labeled as “Sani-Rinse” or “Sani-Wash” and is used in addition to existing cycles. 

• This cycle often uses a light to indicate if the load has been sanitized successfully. 

• The Sani-Rinse option on a Whirlpool® Dishwasher can help eliminate 99.999% of food soil bacteria. It is an add-on to a normal, sensor/auto or heavy cycle. To run a Sanitize cycle, you don’t have to load the dishwasher differently or perform any additional steps.

How often should I use my dishwasher’s Sanitize cycle?

The Sanitize cycle typically works well for challenging loads and infrequent deep cleaning. That said, it is not intended or practical for everyday washes as it requires additional time, energy and water. 

Using a Sanitize cycle as directed, or at least monthly, can help kill 99.999% of the food soil bacteria that lingers after a normal wash has been completed. 

Can the Sanitize setting clean my dishwasher?

While a Sanitize cycle is designed to kill food-soil bacteria, you'll still want to use a dishwasher-specific cleaning product to remove any streaks or residue left on your appliance’s interior.

Affresh^® dishwasher cleaner* and similar products typically recommend using a Normal cycle instead of a Sanitize cycle. 

Do I need to use detergent with the Sanitize cycle?

Yes, you must use detergent with the Sanitize cycle. 

During the Sani-Rinse option, the hot water performs a thorough cleaning, but detergent is still required to help remove grease and stuck-on food from dishes. Before buying a detergent, refer to your appliance’s owner's manual for cleaning solution requirements.

For specific information about your Whirlpool^® Dishwasher, consult your model’s owner’s manual on the Whirlpool Manuals & Literature page.

Is the Sanitize setting the same as the Sterilize setting?

No, the Sanitize and Sterilize settings are different. 

While the Sanitize cycle can kill up to 99.999% of food soil bacteria, they can not reach the temperatures needed for sterilizing dishes.

What is the difference between sanitizing and sterilizing?

Sanitization and sterilization are antimicrobial processes but their difference resides in the degree to which each method kills harmful germs and bacteria.

Most commonly used in hospitals and pharmacies, sterilization is a process used to eliminate all traces of bacteria whereas the goal of sanitization is to merely reduce bacteria. Unlike sterilization, sanitization can be achieved via an array of non-commercial technologies, like those employed in a residential dishwasher.

Do dishwashers get hot enough to sterilize?

No, dishwashers are not able to reach the temperature needed to sterilize items. A minimum temperature of 250°F must be maintained for several minutes for sterilization to happen where microorganisms are eliminated on items like dishes. Since this temperature is higher than what most home dishwashers can reach, running dishes through a Sanitize setting will not achieve sterilization.

Discover Whirlpool^® dishwashers

Sanitizing dishwashers can help keep your dishes, bowls, mugs, cups and utensils clean and ready for your next meal.

From large capacity and portable units to top and front control models, Whirlpool brand’s extensive dishwasher collection gives you the power to find an appliance ideally suited to your needs. Simplify and streamline cleanup and mealtime by finding the Whirlpool^® Dishwasher that’s right for your kitchen.

_{*Affresh^® and the recommending brand products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.}