How To Clean Mold on Dishes (And Prevent It)

Balancing work and life can be difficult, especially if your job involves frequent travel. Imagine coming home from a trip, only to discover mold on dishes left in the dishwasher or sink. You’re left wondering whether to throw them away or find a safe way to clean mold off dishes.

If you are currently in this situation, don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about safely cleaning (or removing) mold from your dishes, whether it’s mold on dishes in the dishwasher, sink, or cabinet. You’ll learn about how mold grows (conditions that should be met), cleaning methods to get rid of it for good, and practical steps you can take to prevent mold from returning.

Why Do Dishes Get Moldy?

Before you can say for sure that your dishes have mold on them, you need to know how to recognize it. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to spot. Let’s go over the signs of mold:

Common Signs of Mould on Dishes:

• Fuzzy green patches that look like tiny forest clusters
• White or gray spots that are powdery or cotton-like
• Black specks or bigger dark patches
• Blue-green spots
• Pink or orange slime

Even though these are the most common signs of mold, it’s easy to mix them up with other stains. Here’s how to tell the difference:

• Hard Water Stains: These also look white, but they feel chalky and rough. Unlike mold, they don’t spread or grow over time, and they don’t have the fuzzy texture that mold does.
• Food Residue: Old food stains are usually flat and the same color as the food that caused them (black, orange, etc.). They don’t have the fuzzy, raised texture that mold does.

The same goes for mineral deposits and rust. A quick test is to check if the stain is fuzzy and has gotten bigger over time. If it has, it’s probably mold!

What Causes Mold Growth on Dishes?

Now that you know how to spot mold, let’s look at why it even shows up in the first place. Mold needs three main things to grow on your dishes:

1. Moisture – This can come from unwashed dishes, not drying them fully, or from humid air.
2. Food sources – Tiny bits of food, grease, or even soap residue can feed mold.
3. Time – Mold usually takes 24-48 hours to start growing.

But here’s something important: not all dishes react to mold the same way. The type of material your dishes are made from can make a big difference in whether they can be cleaned or need to be thrown away.

• Non-porous materials like ceramic, glass, and stainless steel are easy to clean. These smooth surfaces stop mold from getting inside.
• Semi-porous materials like wood and bamboo are harder to clean. They can soak up moisture and trap food particles in small cracks, which makes a perfect home for mold.
• Porous materials like plastic are the trickiest. Mold can get deep inside, so it’s nearly impossible to clean them fully.

Now you know how to identify mold in your dishes and how they affect different materials such as ceramic and plastic dishes, let’s take a look at how you can properly clean utensils that have been contaminated with mold. Here’s what you need to have ready before you begin.

How to Clean Moldy Dishes

Dealing with moldy dishes can be unpleasant, but with the right techniques, you can remove mold safely and effectively. In the following sections, we’ll cover step-by-step cleaning methods, recommended cleaning solutions, and tips to prevent mold from returning.

What You’ll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Mask (preferably N95 or respirator)
• Safety goggles
• Long-sleeved clothing
• Dish soap
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• Bleach (for non-porous surfaces only)

Before diving into the actual cleaning, you need to assess the situation carefully. Pick up each item and examine it without disturbing the mold. Check for the extent of visible mold growth and note which items are made of what materials (it will help you decide what can be saved and what needs to be trashed).

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

1. Pre-Soak in Hot Water and Dish Soap

Begin by filling your sink with hot water and adding dish soap. Gently submerge the moldy dishes to avoid releasing spores into the air. The soap and water will help loosen any mold. Allow the dishes to soak for about 15-20 minutes to soften the mold growth, without scrubbing just yet.

2. Gently Scrub Underwater

After soaking, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub away the loosened mold, doing so under the water. This method prevents spores from spreading. Once done, drain the soapy water and rinse each dish thoroughly with hot water.

3. Use White Vinegar for Stubborn Mold

If some mold remains, try using white vinegar. Pour undiluted vinegar directly onto the moldy spots or transfer it into a spray bottle and apply generously to affected areas. Let it sit for about an hour. After soaking, use a scrubbing brush to remove any remaining mold, then wash the dishes with hot water and dish soap as usual.

4. Try Baking Soda as an Alternative

If vinegar isn’t an option or you prefer an alternative, baking soda works well. To make a solution, mix ¼ tablespoon of baking soda with 16 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Shake until the baking soda is dissolved, then spray it over the dishes and let it sit for 10 minutes. Afterward, scrub with a brush, focusing on textured areas or crevices. Finally, wash your dishes with soap and water.

5. For Porous Surfaces, Use Hydrogen Peroxide

For stubborn mold, especially on dishes with cracks or porous surfaces such as plastic dishes, 3% hydrogen peroxide is a great solution. Pour it into a spray bottle and apply it to the moldy areas. Let it sit for 15 minutes – you may notice it bubbling and fizzing, which is normal and helps lift mold from deep within cracks. After soaking, scrub thoroughly and wash with warm water and dish soap.

6. For Non-Porous Materials, Use Bleach

For non-porous surfaces like ceramic dishes, glass, and stainless steel you can use a bleach solution. Mix one tablespoon of bleach with one gallon of water, soak the dishes, scrub them well, and then rinse. Be cautious not to use bleach on porous materials like plastic or wood, as it can be difficult to remove and might not be safe for food contact. Always follow safety guidelines when handling bleach or other cleaning products.

How to Prevent Mold on Dishes

If you’ve successfully cleaned the mold off your dishes, congratulations! Now, it’s time to ensure it never comes back. Follow these simple prevention tips to keep your dishes mold-free:

1. Develop Daily Habits

One of the best ways to prevent mold is by building good kitchen habits. Don’t leave plates in the sink or dishwasher for more than 24 hours, as this gives mold a chance to grow. If you’re too busy to wash your dishes immediately, at least rinse them to remove food particles. Try setting a routine to wash your dishes, like right after dinner or before bed.

2. Always Dry Your Dishes

Make sure to dry your dishes completely before storing them. Avoid stacking wet plates, as the moisture can create perfect conditions for mold growth. Use dish racks instead, as they allow air to circulate and dry your dishes. If you’re using a dishwasher, open it as soon as the cycle ends and let the dishes air out for 15-30 minutes before storing.

3. Control Kitchen Moisture

Since moisture contributes to mold growth, controlling the humidity in your kitchen is essential. Here’s how:

• Open windows when cooking or washing dishes
• Use exhaust fans while cooking and after
• Keep a box of baking soda in cabinets to absorb moisture
• Consider installing a dehumidifier in your kitchen

Conclusion

When mold grows on dishes, it creates an environment for harmful bacteria, posing health risks. By cleaning dishes properly and preventing mold growth, you ensure food safety and reduce the risk of illness.

Preventing mold is far easier than dealing with it. Simple habits like washing dishes on time, drying them properly, and controlling moisture can save you trouble in the future. Next time you see something that looks like mold, you’ll know exactly what to do!

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FAQs

Will dishwasher kill mold on dishes?

While dishwashers use hot water that can kill some mold, it’s not the safest way to handle moldy dishes. Mold spores can spread to other plates or parts of your dishwasher. Instead, follow our cleaning steps using soap and hot water, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide to properly remove the mold first. Once cleaned, you can then run them through the dishwasher for regular washing.

Is black mold on dishes more dangerous than other colors?

No, while black mold might look scarier, any color of mold on dishes is a concern. Black mold, like other types, can grow when dishes are left wet or dirty for too long. The color doesn’t determine how harmful it is – what matters is cleaning it properly using the methods we discussed above or disposing of items if they’re made of porous materials like plastic where mold has penetrated deeply.

Should I throw away dishes with mold?

It depends on the material of the dishes and the extent of the mold growth. Non-porous materials like glass and stainless steel can generally be cleaned safely. However, for porous materials like plastic or wood, it can be challenging to completely remove the mold, and it might be safer to dispose of these items. Always consider the safety of using the dishes after cleaning and follow the guidelines provided in the article.

Will dish soap kill mold on dishes?

While dish soap can help to remove surface mold, it might not completely kill all of the mold spores. Therefore, it’s important to use additional cleaning methods such as vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide to ensure that the mold is effectively eliminated from the dishes. Always prioritize thorough cleaning and follow the guidelines provided in the article to properly remove mold from your dishes.

Adrian Simmons( Licensed Appliance Repair Expert )

Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.