Hot Water

• According to the Soap and Detergent Association, dishwasher water should be no lower than 130 degrees during the wash cycle for optimal soap dissolving. In fact, according to food safety standards, water should be at 165 degrees for proper sanitation. Unfortunately, most residential water heaters are set to 120 degrees or below to save energy. The results in dishes not only remaining dirty, but with bacteria spreading in the dishwasher. To ensure that your dishwasher effectively sanitizes the dishes, consider getting a dishwasher with a water temperature booster built in.
  
  

Bleach

• Chlorine bleach is the strongest and most effective sanitizing agent. When added to a dishwasher cycle, it kills bacteria and viruses as well as deodorizes the dishwasher. Bleach is especially useful for glass cups and plates. Bleach is an oxidizer, so never use bleach in a wash cycle with metal items. Additionally, bleach should not be used with colored plastic, as it will fade the color.
  
  

Vinegar

• Vinegar's highly acidic pH makes it a useful disinfectant. Additionally, vinegar also cuts through oil and water buildups on dishes and within the dishwasher to wash away bacterial breading grounds. Vinegar is safe to use on all types of dishes including metal, and will actually remove rust from metal during the wash cycle.
  
  

Lemon Juice

• While not as potent as bleach or vinegar, lemon juice is a natural disinfectant that can be safely added to your wash cycle. Similar to vinegar, it will bacteria and viruses without damaging dishes. When using lemon juice, fresh squeezed juice has the strongest anti-germ properties.