Americans Shocked by British Dishwashing Habits: Is Leaving Soap on Plates Really Safe?

Americans have been left stunned—and in some cases outright disgusted—after discovering a dishwashing habit that appears to be surprisingly common in parts of the United Kingdom. The debate erupted online after a British influencer shared a video demonstrating how he washes his dishes, prompting an international discussion about hygiene, food safety, and cultural differences in everyday routines.

The controversy began on Instagram when British content creator Joshua Cauldwell, known online as @imjoshfromengland2, posted a video explaining what he described as a typical UK approach to washing dishes by hand. In the clip, Cauldwell can be seen scrubbing plates, pots, and pans with a soapy sponge to remove food residue. However, what truly shocked viewers was what came next: instead of rinsing the dishes with clean water, he placed them directly onto the drying rack—still covered in soap suds.

“I’m washing the dishes, and in the UK we do something that apparently is only done here,” Cauldwell explained in the video. “When we wash our dishes with soap, we don’t rinse the soap off. We just let it dry with the soap on. This is normal practice in the UK. Apparently, in America, you guys don’t do this.”

He went on to emphasize that this was how he had always washed dishes, insisting that the items were “nice and clean” before placing them on the drainer. Cauldwell then asked his followers whether this method was correct—an invitation that quickly opened the floodgates to thousands of comments.

Many American and Canadian viewers reacted with disbelief. One commenter wrote, “What??? You’re kidding. I’m Canadian and this is wild to me.” Another questioned the logic behind the practice, asking, “So you’re eating all that soap? Has it ever occurred to you to do it like washing your hands or hair? You rinse it off.” Others drew comparisons to personal hygiene, with one person joking, “Do you also lather up in the shower and then just get out all soapy?”

Even more surprising was the reaction from fellow Brits, many of whom were equally confused. Several UK viewers were quick to distance themselves from Cauldwell’s claim that this was a nationwide habit. “Fellow Brit here—who is this ‘we’ you speak of? I’ve never known anyone who doesn’t rinse the soap off,” one wrote. Another added bluntly, “In the UK, we rinse the soap. You’re washing up wrong.”

Beyond cultural shock, the debate raised an important question: is it actually safe to leave soap residue on dishes?

Cleaning expert Toby Schulz, CEO and co-founder of the professional cleaning platform Maid2Match, offered insight into the issue. According to Schulz, the method could theoretically work if water carries the soap and dirt away as dishes dry. However, in practice, the outcome is less reliable. “Not all the water will run off—some of it will evaporate or dry on the dishes instead,” he explained.

Schulz noted that ingesting small amounts of detergent residue is unlikely to cause immediate harm for most people. However, repeated exposure over time may pose health concerns. Some dishwashing liquids contain surfactants, fragrances, and preservatives that can irritate the gastrointestinal system. In certain cases, long-term exposure to chemical residues has been linked to endocrine disruption and other health effects, particularly for individuals with sensitivities or allergies.

Health authorities generally recommend rinsing dishes thoroughly after washing. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA), food-contact surfaces should be free from chemical residues to minimize potential health risks. Similarly, consumer safety organizations emphasize that dishwashing detergents are designed to be rinsed away, not ingested—even in trace amounts.

Ultimately, the viral debate highlights how everyday habits can vary widely across cultures—and how social media can amplify those differences. While some may view unrinsed dishes as harmless or convenient, experts largely agree that rinsing remains the safest and most hygienic practice.

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Sources

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food Contact Surface Safety and Cleaning Guidelines.
   https://www.fda.gov

2. UK Food Standards Agency (FSA). Cleaning and Disinfection in the Home.
   https://www.food.gov.uk

3. Environmental Working Group (EWG). Guide to Dishwashing Detergents and Chemical Exposure.
   https://www.ewg.org

4. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Health Effects of Chemical Residues in Consumer Products.
   https://www.nih.gov

5. Maid2Match – Professional Cleaning Industry Insights.
   https://www.maid2match.com.au