Evaluation of Microbial Residue Left on a Plate After Washing with Sponge and Dishwasher

This research is based on an important dilemma that Canadians face every day at home: to wash with a sponge or with a dishwasher. 
One restaurant in the East York area of Toronto allowed the students to research their washing methods and evaluate the residue left on a plate. Their process is very similar to the process we use at home. First, wash the dishes with a sponge followed by a dishwasher. But what is the best washing method? Is it better to wash with a sponge, with a dishwasher, or both? 

Our hypothesis is based on the belief that a sponge will leave more bacteria on the plate than a dishwasher due to the ambient temperature of storage and high humidity. By taking samples during several periods on each stage of washing, and evaluating the sponge used under stable humidity and temperature condition, we can confirm which method is more effective. 

This research is simple, and the results are not meant to encourage you to stop eating in restaurants across Toronto, but we believe that if we are aware of how to improve our cleaning methods, we can reduce infections and keep our house and our loved ones free of foodborne diseases or infections result of crossed contamination.