Reasonably sensible. But I take issue with this gem:
Hot tap water is not hot enough to kill bugs. The water need to be boiling or close to it for most bacteria.[/FONT][/COLOR]
One of the reasons I hate using plates/glasses/cutlery in the office. Does a dishwasher use boiling water?
No, I think mine gets up to about 70 degrees. Not designed to 'kill bugs' per se (although the reasonably caustic dishwashing stuff will help!), but will do a much better job of it than regular hand washing up.
Although if you do catch anything off a plate that's been properly cleaned through a dishwasher, cultivate it and sell to the highest bidder.
Whilst I agree that hot water from the tap at approx. 50-55°c won't kill a lot of germs, it's better than nothing. Better again is to use soap or detergent, which I understand will remove a lot.
My understanding is most germs don't survive beyond 60-65°, hence the reason this is the temperature food should be heated to, or kept above. No need to boil - overkill.
Given the above, dishwashers that heat to 70° and use highly caustic cleaner, will kill pretty much everything.
In any event, hand washing is good enough at home, as is using a dishwasher!
EDIT: Just double checked the recommended temp - from a credible source (Vic gov better health website), the recommended temp to heat food to so that all harmful bacteria are killed is 75°. Pretty sure a dishwasher at 70° with caustic powder would kill pretty much everything!
