With the widespread use of dishwashers, hand-washing dishes has become something of a lost art. But if you don’t have a dishwasher, or own pieces that aren’t dishwasher safe, hand-washing is ...

However, dish soap is quite effective at washing germs and viruses off of your dishes too, says Joy Phillips, PhD, research assistant and professor of immunology at San Diego State University.

What is the science behind washing your dishes? Which method leaves dishes cleaner – and crucially – more germ-free: washing with hot or cold water? Richard and his wife Dian got in touch via ...