Does Dishwashing Liquid kill bacteria?Updated 3 hours ago
TL;DR: No. Dishwashing Liquid is a detergent that lifts grease and food residue so microbes rinse away with the water. It's not antibacterial and makes no sanitising claims. If you need sanitising, use heat (dishwasher sanitise cycle, or very hot water for hand-washing) or a food-safe sanitiser as directed.
Does it kill bacteria?
⚠ No. It cleans, not disinfects.
Dishwashing Liquid lifts grease and food residue from dishes so microbes living in that residue rinse away with the water. It's not antibacterial, makes no sanitising claims, and isn't a substitute for sanitising when sanitising is what you need.
✓ When you need sanitising
Use a dishwasher sanitise cycle or a final hot rinse (65 to 70°C). For hand-washing, rinse in the hottest water your hands and items safely tolerate, then air-dry. For baby items, illness, or food-safety needs, use a food-safe sanitiser as directed.
What are good washing-up habits?
✓ Daily routine
Scrape food off first, wash with detergent, rinse well, then air-dry. Skip the damp tea towel. Change sponges and dishcloths frequently, and wash cloths on a hot cycle.
⚠ Don't mix
Don't mix Dishwashing Liquid with bleach, ammonia, or other cleaning chemicals.
Dishwashing Liquid · for the wash
Fragrance-free. Septic and grey water safe. Made in Australia. Lifts grease and food residue.
Dish Starter Kit · new at Koh?
Includes Dishwashing Liquid plus the Dish Pump. Soak your dishes, then wipe and rinse, no scrubbing needed.
Last reviewed: May 2026