Final answer:
Dishwashers sanitize using heat sanitizing and chemical sanitizing, where heat sanitizing uses high temperatures to kill microbes, and chemical sanitizing employs chemical disinfectants. Dishwasher detergents are specifically designed to work under these conditions, with some being environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dishwashers sanitize dishes primarily in two different ways: heat sanitizing and chemical sanitizing. Heat sanitizing typically involves the use of very hot water or steam to achieve a temperature high enough to kill most microbes, thus sanitizing the dishes. Chemical sanitizing, on the other hand, involves the use of chemical disinfectants such as chlorine or iodine to reduce the level of microbial contaminants to a safe level.
Dishwasher detergents, which may contain components like bleach, enzymes, or rinsing aids, are formulated to work effectively in these conditions. Some detergents are designed to be more environmentally friendly, and biodegradable options are also available. Even natural disinfectants, such as vinegar, demonstrate antimicrobial properties by way of their acidity, although they are not typically used in commercial dishwashers.