Granule-assisted dishwashing improves cleanliness

The cleanliness of plates and dishes washed in two different types of machines was investigated. Both machines were one-tank dishwashers; one of them used water and detergent, the other used plastic granules, water and detergent as the cleaning medium. The mechanical effect of plastic granules, water and detergent cleaned the dishes better than water and detergent alone. For easily removed soil, as characterized in the international standards ANSI/NSF 3 and DIN 10512, both dishwashing machines resulted in clean dishes. Dishes covered with a more adhesive soil were clean only after washing in the granule-assisted washer. The importance of cleaning plates and dishes, in order to avoid cross-contamination and the spread of infection, is discussed.