Is it ok to rinse and reuse dirty dishes?

[futuremama88]

Is it ok to rinse and reuse dirty dishes? For example to rinse off my plate and then use it later for something else, or a fork, or a pot, etc. I've always done this but should I stop now that I'm pregnant? Could it bring bacteria into my body and hurt the baby or am I still fine? I've been doing this forever.

 

[lalitas charm]

Personally I would never do that. Ever. I guess it depends on what was on the plate before as well, you should use your own judgement on this but take care with things which could cause bacterial build up.

 

[Miss MellyG]

^^ Same.
Especially now your pregnant you need to be careful with bacteria etc.

 

[kdutra]

I would never ever do that either! Yucky

 

[futuremama88]

I mean I rinse it off quite well, there's never any dirt left on it. But does the bacteria stay behind? For example I will use a pot for the breakfast oatmeal, scrub it clean with a tiny bit of soap but not a proper washing, then use it later to boil potatoes or pasta. I'll rinse and reuse the forks and everything. Is this really so unusual? And I tend to just use the same glass to drink water in all day, just keep it by my desk and continuously fill it and drink. I cook so much I would end up going through 4-5 pots a day otherwise.

 

[babyblog]

I wouldn't worry, the only thing i think that would be harmful would be meats and fish but i guess you would wash that properly anyway?

 

[lalitas charm]

I mean I rinse it off quite well, there's never any dirt left on it. But does the bacteria stay behind? For example I will use a pot for the breakfast oatmeal, scrub it clean with a tiny bit of soap but not a proper washing, then use it later to boil potatoes or pasta. I'll rinse and reuse the forks and everything. Is this really so unusual? And I tend to just use the same glass to drink water in all day, just keep it by my desk and continuously fill it and drink. I cook so much I would end up going through 4-5 pots a day otherwise.

I'd say that bacteria would stay there, they are sneaky little buggers. It sounds as though you are pretty careful but if you go to the effort to thoroughly rinse it then there isn't a lot more effort to wash it properly. I'm particularly careful with cutlery as they have little groves and hidey holes for bacteria to fit into and spoons and forks go into your mouth which would concern me. I cook loads as well and go through a lot of pots and baking trays etc but they all get washed between uses even though I HATE doing the dishes!! When you have your LO as well you'll get paranoid about food borne bacteria as well!! Well I know I am!!

I use the same water glass all day too as water is generally ok. But, if I was having a glass of cola or fruit juice then I wouldn't reuse that as it is sugary and asking for bacteria to build up.

 

[futuremama88]

No, not meat, I mean for instance oatmeal, potatoes, pasta, etc. That's what I mostly do it for. But I'm too much of a paranoid preggo now lol I'm not going to do this anymore. Terrified!

 

[trulybl3ssed]

I don't understand why people are saying that it's a bad idea lol. It's like those who have their own coffee mug. They drink out of it every single day, wash it out and reuse it. I don't think people use different coffee mugs, right? I would assume anyone would use a dish, then wash it out, put it away for next time, correct? I know that's what I do so I don't get the big deal. Maybe I'm understanding wrong.

 

[futuremama88]

I don't understand why people are saying that it's a bad idea lol. It's like those who have their own coffee mug. They drink out of it every single day, wash it out and reuse it. I don't think people use different coffee mugs, right? I would assume anyone would use a dish, then wash it out, put it away for next time, correct? I know that's what I do so I don't get the big deal. Maybe I'm understanding wrong.

I mean I rinse it and then use it again later in the day. I only do the dishes properly in the evenings so I'll use the same dishes multiple times a day. I'll rinse everything off it, leave it on the counter, then use it again. It's just rinsed under the sink with a cloth or sponge and maybe a tiny squirt of soap, but not immersed and washed properly in hot soapy water like when I do my proper dishes after supper.

 

[babyblog]

I don't understand why people are saying that it's a bad idea lol. It's like those who have their own coffee mug. They drink out of it every single day, wash it out and reuse it. I don't think people use different coffee mugs, right? I would assume anyone would use a dish, then wash it out, put it away for next time, correct? I know that's what I do so I don't get the big deal. Maybe I'm understanding wrong.

I think she means she rinses it under water but maybe doesn't wash it with washing up liquid or put it through the dishwasher. I don't see the problem either!

 

[trulybl3ssed]

I don't understand why people are saying that it's a bad idea lol. It's like those who have their own coffee mug. They drink out of it every single day, wash it out and reuse it. I don't think people use different coffee mugs, right? I would assume anyone would use a dish, then wash it out, put it away for next time, correct? I know that's what I do so I don't get the big deal. Maybe I'm understanding wrong.

I mean I rinse it and then use it again later in the day. I only do the dishes properly in the evenings so I'll use the same dishes multiple times a day. I'll rinse everything off it, leave it on the counter, then use it again. It's just rinsed under the sink with a cloth or sponge and maybe a tiny squirt of soap, but not immersed and washed properly in hot soapy water like when I do my proper dishes after supper.

Ohhhhhh, ok NOW I understand. Sorry, I must've been having preggo-brain or something Um, yea I would be careful then because if you aren't properly washing what you're using, the bacteria can definitely stay behind. Like someone said on here, I'd be extra careful about meat!

 

[Whitbit22]

No, not meat, I mean for instance oatmeal, potatoes, pasta, etc. That's what I mostly do it for. But I'm too much of a paranoid preggo now lol I'm not going to do this anymore. Terrified!

All that's left behind would be starches I don't see why it'd be a problem. Meats and cheeses are another story. I myself have reused pasta pots. But you said you're using a little soap so I'd think that'd get anything harmful off it.

 

[trulybl3ssed]

No, not meat, I mean for instance oatmeal, potatoes, pasta, etc. That's what I mostly do it for. But I'm too much of a paranoid preggo now lol I'm not going to do this anymore. Terrified!

All that's left behind would be starches I don't see why it'd be a problem. Meats and cheeses are another story. I myself have reused pasta pots. But you said you're using a little soap so I'd think that'd get anything harmful off it.

That's true too. She's using soap. It isn't like she's just using water and that's it. But I too would worry about meat. Other than that, I think it's safe.

 

[futuremama88]

I'm going to break the habit regardless. But what about when I'm reusing it immediately? Like when I drink a glass of milk and immediately afterwards would like to have a second glass. Can I use the same glass or must I still get a fresh cup?

 

[Devi_a]

Also if you're boiling whatever is in the pots, it kills any bacteria that may remain from your first use. Don't fret TOO hard....we're all /covered/ in bacteria from the moment we're born. Most aren't bad for us, and some are good for us!

 

[trulybl3ssed]

I'm going to break the habit regardless. But what about when I'm reusing it immediately? Like when I drink a glass of milk and immediately afterwards would like to have a second glass. Can I use the same glass or must I still get a fresh cup?

No hon. You're fine. You're drinking the same drink. If you were to drink milk, then go for soda (just saying, bad mix lol), then yes, washing it out properly would be your best bet. You don't want milky soda now do you? I think you're just fine!!

 

[trulybl3ssed]

Also if you're boiling whatever is in the pots, it kills any bacteria that may remain from your first use. Don't fret TOO hard....we're all /covered/ in bacteria from the moment we're born. Most aren't bad for us, and some are good for us!

Worded perfectly! I was just going to say, we have soooo many bacteria on us and IN us it's ridiculous! Some we need and some we can really do without but it is what it is. You won't die and nothing will happen to your baby!

 

[lalitas charm]

I'm going to break the habit regardless. But what about when I'm reusing it immediately? Like when I drink a glass of milk and immediately afterwards would like to have a second glass. Can I use the same glass or must I still get a fresh cup?

I'd use the same one, that seems perfectly fine to me, but if you had the milk with breakfast and then left the glass all day and went for another one at bed time well no I wouldn't do that.

Bottom line, it has never done you any harm up until now so you are obviously careful enough but to me it is better safe than sorry.

 

[futuremama88]

What about things that can't be immersed in soapy water like waffle makers and bread makers? They are tricky to wash and I try to use water with a bit of soap and wipe it up best as I can but a few crumbs are always still stuck in there somewhere. If I put too much soap though I won't be able to reach well enough to rinse it back off again and then soap will get in my food and/or my food will taste like the soap.