What is a Sanitize Cycle?

Posted on July 25th

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A sparkling clean kitchen is a dream for every homeowner, and although cleaning with supplies like bleach and disinfecting wipes helps prevent harmful germs and bacteria from spreading, these chemicals can be pretty harsh. That's where the sanitizing cycles in dishwashers and washing machines come in.

These cycles found on select dishwashers, washers, and dryers are designed to reduce germs on everyday items, from dishes to clothing to bedding. we'll delve into what a sanitizing cycle is, and its significance in maintaining a hygienic kitchen and home.

Sanitize Cycle In Dishwashers

Harmful bacteria, like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria, secretly linger on your plates, glasses, and silverware, and continue to spread the longer your dishes sit in the sink. The sanitize cycle in dishwashers is a specialized program designed to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and germs from your dishes, glassware, and utensils.

During the final rinse, the dishwasher raises the water temperature to a high level, typically around 155°F (68°C) or higher. This intense heat effectively kills harmful bacteria, ensuring that your dishes not only come out clean but also thoroughly sanitized.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Hygiene: The sanitize cycle provides an extra layer of protection against harmful bacteria, maintaining a clean and germ-free kitchen environment.

• Safe for Baby Items: It ensures that baby bottles, pacifiers, and utensils are impeccably sterilized, offering peace of mind to parents.

• Effective Cleaning of Heavy-Soiled Items: For heavily soiled items like dishes used to prepare raw meat, the sanitize cycle works to guarantee thorough cleaning and sanitization, preventing cross-contamination.

Our Pick: GE Profile Dishwasher (PDP715SYVFS)

Why We Love It: This dishwasher model offers a range of innovative features, including the highly sought-after sanitize cycle. With the sanitize cycle, the GE Profile dishwasher takes cleanliness to a whole new level. During this dishwasher cycle, the appliance raises the water temperature to a high level, effectively eliminating 99.9% of bacteria and germs from your dishes, glassware, and utensils.

If you want to discover more state-of-the-art dishwashers with high-tech features, head to our blog “Top 5 Most Popular Dishwashers of 2022”.

Top Features:

• Microban Antimicrobial Technology

• Sanitation Cycle

• 4 Bottle Wash Jets

• Built-In Wi-Fi

Sanitize Cycle In Washer & Dryers

Similar to your dishes, your clothes and bedding can host a range of harmful bacteria, including rotavirus, norovirus, salmonella and E. coli, that regular warm water can’t kill. The sanitize cycle in washing machines operates similarly to dishwashers but targets a different set of items. This feature is designed to eliminate bacteria and allergens from clothing, bed linens, and other washable items.

The washing machine increases the water temperature during the wash and rinse cycles, effectively killing bacteria and ensuring a thorough cleaning process. The dryer’s sanitization feature also uses a much higher heated dry cycle and a longer cool-down cycle to protect users from hot garments.

Benefits:

• Allergen Elimination: The sanitize cycle is especially beneficial for allergy sufferers, as it helps remove allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen from fabrics.

• Germ-Free Fabrics: Washing bedding, towels, and clothing on the sanitize cycle ensures they are free from bacteria and odors, promoting a clean and fresh living space.

• Ideal for Baby Clothes: The sanitize cycle is perfect for sanitizing baby clothes, blankets, and cloth diapers, keeping them safe and hygienic for your little one.

Our Pick: Speed Queen FF7 Front Load Washer (FF7009WN)

Why We Love It: Designed to deliver exceptional performance, this front-load washer combines advanced technology and thoughtful features to meet all your laundry needs. The Pet Plus Sanitize Fast Cycle sets this washing machine apart from the rest. With this wash cycle, the Speed Queen FF7 provides a powerful wash to sanitize your laundry and effectively remove pet hair, stains, and odors, while also ensuring 99.9% of bacteria and allergens are eliminated.

Top Features:

• Pet Plus Sanitizing Cycle

• Oxi Sanitize Cycle

• 4 Bottle Wash Jets

• Stain Boost Cycle

Clean, Safe, & Sanitized: Sanitize Cycle FAQs

Is the sanitize cycle safe for all types of dishes and materials?

The sanitize cycle is generally safe for most dishwasher-safe materials like glass, ceramic, and stainless steel. However, it's essential to check your dishwasher's user manual for specific guidelines and to avoid using it with delicate or non-dishwasher safe items.

Is the sanitize cycle safe for all types of fabrics?

While the sanitize cycle is generally safe for most fabrics, it's essential to check your washer's user manual for specific guidelines. Delicate or non-washable items may not be suitable for the sanitize cycle, so it's best to use this feature on items labeled as washer-safe.

Does the sanitize cycle remove allergens from clothes?

Yes, the high heat of the sanitize cycle in a dryer can help remove allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen from fabrics, providing a fresher and allergen-free laundry experience for you and your family members.

Does the sanitize cycle add to the dishwasher's overall energy consumption?

While the sanitize cycle uses more energy due to the higher water temperature, modern dishwashers are designed to be energy-efficient. The increased energy use is minimal compared to the benefits of a thoroughly sanitized kitchen.

Can I use the sanitize cycle for every wash?

The sanitize cycle is an optional feature, and you can choose whether or not to use it for each wash. It's recommended to use it when dealing with heavily soiled or germ-prone items for optimal results.

How long does the sanitize cycle typically last?

The duration of the sanitize cycle varies among dishwasher models but usually ranges from 1 to 2 hours. Some dishwashers also offer an express sanitize cycle that completes in a shorter time.

Do you use detergent on the sanitize cycle in a washing machine?

Yes, you should use detergent when running the washer sanitize cycle. While the sanitize setting raises the water temperature to eliminate bacteria and germs, detergent plays a crucial role in removing dirt, stains, and other contaminants from your load of laundry. Using the right detergent in combination with the sanitize cycle ensures a thorough and hygienic cleaning process.

Do you use detergent on the sanitize cycle in a dishwasher?

Yes, detergent is essential when using the sanitize cycle in a dishwasher. The sanitize cycle's primary function is to use high temperatures to kill germs and bacteria, while detergent helps to break down food residues and grease, ensuring your dishes are not only sanitized but also sparkling clean.

The Best Dishwashers & Washing Machines

Whether you're looking for a dishwasher with a sanitize cycle to maintain a pristine kitchen or a washing machine to ensure germ-free fabrics, we have the perfect solutions for you. Our wide range of high-quality appliances, including dishwashers, washing machines, ranges, refrigerators, and more, are packed with innovative features and technology. Browse our selection of the best industry-leading appliances from well-known brands like Bosch, GE Profile, Beko, KitchenAid, and more.

Visit our appliance store locations in Minnesota and Virginia such as Annapolis, MD, or Alexandria, VA, to find the perfect washing machine and dishwasher for your home. Bray & Scarff can help make your living space a haven of cleanliness and health with powerful home appliances that offer great cleaning performance and sleek style. What are you waiting for? Upgrade your home and kitchen today!