What benefits does using hot water in dish washers provide? Is it okay to use cold water to clean dishes in the sink or should I also use hot water?
Using hot water in dishwashers can provide several benefits for cleaning dishes effectively. The main benefits of using hot water in dishwashers include:

1. Better grease and grime removal: Hot water can help dissolve and remove grease, oils, and food residues more effectively than cold water. This can lead to cleaner dishes with less residue or film left behind.
2. Enhanced sanitization: Hot water can help kill bacteria, germs, and other pathogens on dishes, utensils, and kitchenware. Higher water temperatures can provide better sanitization and help ensure that dishes are thoroughly cleaned and safe to use.
3. Faster cleaning cycles: Dishwashers typically have built-in heating elements that heat the water to the desired temperature. Using hot water can reduce the time needed for the dishwasher's cleaning cycles, leading to more efficient and quicker cleaning.
4. Better detergent performance: Many dishwasher detergents are formulated to work optimally with hot water. Hot water can activate and enhance the performance of dishwasher detergent, resulting in cleaner dishes and glassware.

As for cleaning dishes in the sink, using hot water is generally recommended for similar reasons. Hot water can help break down grease, oils, and food residues, making it easier to clean dishes effectively. However, if you prefer to use cold water for washing dishes in the sink, you can still achieve satisfactory results by using an appropriate amount of dish soap and scrubbing thoroughly. Keep in mind that using hot water can provide additional benefits in terms of grease removal and sanitization, but it is not absolutely necessary for basic dishwashing.
Thanks for the information. Are there any situations where it's better to use cold water only?
Yes, there are situations where it's better to use cold water to wash dishes.

For example, if the dishes have been pre-rinsed and there isn't any stuck-on food, then cold water can be used for washing. This is because using hot water in this scenario would be wasteful and could increase your energy bill unnecessarily.

Additionally, certain types of delicate dishes or cookware, such as crystal, certain plastics, and cast iron, should be washed with cold water to avoid damage or warping. Hot water can cause these materials to crack or become deformed.

Finally, some dishwashing detergents work better with cold water, as hot water can cause the detergent to break down and lose its effectiveness. In these cases, using cold water can actually result in cleaner dishes.

Overall, while hot water is typically used for dishwashing, there are certain situations where cold water is a better choice.