What is Sani Rinse on KitchenAid Dishwasher? Explained

The Sani Rinse option on a KitchenAid dishwasher sanitizes dishes by raising the water temperature during the final rinse. This feature eliminates 99.999% of food soil bacteria, meeting NSF certification standards for sanitation.

Understanding Sani Rinse on KitchenAid Dishwashers

Explanation of the Sani Rinse Feature

The Sani Rinse option on KitchenAid dishwashers is a specialized cycle that enhances the sanitation of dishes and utensils.

During this cycle, the water temperature is elevated to a level that is effective in killing 99.999% of food soil bacteria.

This feature is designed to provide an additional layer of cleanliness, ensuring that your dishes are not only visibly clean but also hygienically safe.

Comparison with Standard Dishwasher Rinse Cycles

Standard dishwasher rinse cycles typically use hot water to remove soap and remaining food particles.

While these cycles are effective for cleaning, they may not always reach the temperatures required to sanitize dishes fully.

The Sani Rinse feature surpasses these temperatures, offering a more rigorous cleaning process that targets bacteria and germs.

How Sani Rinse Meets NSF Standards

The Sani Rinse option adheres to rigorous standards set by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).

To achieve this certification, the dishwasher must prove its capability to reduce the number of bacteria on dishes to a safe level.

KitchenAid dishwashers with the Sani Rinse feature meet these standards, providing peace of mind regarding the cleanliness of your kitchenware.

The Significance of the Sani Rinse for Health and Hygiene

Using the Sani Rinse option is particularly significant for households with young children, elderly members, or anyone with a compromised immune system.

It ensures that dishes are free from harmful bacteria, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and maintaining a high standard of health and hygiene in the kitchen.

How to Use the Sani Rinse Feature

Step-by-Step Guide on Selecting Sani Rinse

To activate the Sani Rinse feature on your KitchenAid dishwasher, start by loading your dishwasher as usual.

Then, select your desired wash cycle. Look for the Sani Rinse button or option, which may be a standalone button or within a menu, depending on your model.

Press or select this option to include Sani Rinse with your cycle. Finally, start the dishwasher and let the Sani Rinse cycle do its work.

Tips for Optimal Use

For the best results with Sani Rinse, consider the following tips: Use a high-quality detergent that is compatible with high-temperature cycles.

Ensure that the dishwasher is not overloaded, allowing for proper water circulation.

Reserve the Sani Rinse for dishwasher-safe items that can withstand high temperatures, such as cookware and dinnerware.

Combining with Additional Cycle Settings

You can combine the Sani Rinse feature with other cycle settings for customized cleaning. For example, if you have heavily soiled pots and pans, you might select a heavy-duty cycle along with the Sani Rinse.

Or, if you’re washing a mixed load of dishes and glassware, you can choose a normal cycle with Sani Rinse to ensure both cleanliness and sanitation.

Benefits and Considerations of Sani Rinse

Enhanced Sanitization and Its Impact on Bacteria and Germs

The primary benefit of the Sani Rinse feature is its ability to significantly reduce the presence of bacteria and germs on your dishes.

This enhanced sanitization ensures that your kitchenware is not just clean to the eye but also hygienically safe to use, which is especially important when preparing food for babies or serving guests.

Energy and Water Usage Implications

While the Sani Rinse feature offers exceptional cleaning power, it does require more energy and water compared to standard cycles.

This is due to the higher temperatures and prolonged rinse time needed to achieve sanitization. Users should be aware of this trade-off, especially in regions with higher utility costs or water scarcity.

Situations Where Sani Rinse is Particularly Advantageous

The Sani Rinse option is particularly useful in situations where maximum hygiene is a priority.

This includes households with infants, where baby bottles and feeding accessories must be sterilized, or during flu season when minimizing the spread of germs is critical.

It’s also ideal for cleaning cutting boards and other items that come into contact with raw meat.

When to Avoid Using Sani Rinse

There are circumstances where it’s best to skip the Sani Rinse feature. Delicate items that may be damaged by high temperatures should not be subjected to this cycle.

Additionally, those looking to conserve energy or water might choose to reserve the Sani Rinse for occasions when intense sanitization is necessary, rather than using it for every load.

FAQs About Sani Rinse on KitchenAid Dishwasher

What does the Sani Rinse option do on a KitchenAid dishwasher?

The Sani Rinse option sanitizes dishes by increasing the water temperature during the final rinse cycle to eliminate 99.999% of food soil bacteria.

Is the Sani Rinse feature on KitchenAid dishwashers certified for sanitation?

Yes, the Sani Rinse feature meets NSF certification standards for sanitation.

How does Sani Rinse ensure dishes are sanitized?

Sani Rinse ensures dishes are sanitized by raising the water temperature to a level that kills 99.999% of bacteria on food soil during the final rinse.

Can I use the Sani Rinse option for all types of dishes in my KitchenAid dishwasher?

It is generally safe to use the Sani Rinse option for most types of dishes, but you should check the manufacturer’s guidelines for any temperature-sensitive items.

Will the Sani Rinse option on my KitchenAid dishwasher prolong the cycle time?

Yes, using the Sani Rinse option may extend the cycle time to ensure proper sanitation by heating the water to the required temperature.

Final Thoughts

The Sani Rinse option on KitchenAid dishwashers is a sanitization feature that increases water temperature during the final rinse to eliminate 99.999% of food soil bacteria.

It ensures dishes are not only clean but also hygienic, adhering to NSF certification standards for sanitation, providing users with peace of mind regarding cleanliness.

Useful Resources

• https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/148829/Porras_Gabriela_Thesis_Life?sequence=1
• https://foodsafety.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/CDC-What-to-Do-During-a-Boil-Water-Advisory-3.pdf
• https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/CDPH%20Document%20Library/FDB/FoodSafetyProgram/MEHKO/CALIFORNIA%20RETAIL%20FOOD%20CODE%202019.pdf