When it comes to household chores, washing dishes is probably the most universally disliked task. Some of us prefer to avoid it entirely by using a dishwasher, while others stick to the more traditional method of hand-washing. However, a recent viral video has sent shockwaves across the internet, revealing a surprising dishwashing method practiced by some people in the UK. The video sparked outrage, confusion, and even vows from some Americans to never visit the UK. But is this dishwashing habit really as bad as it seems?

What Sparked the Controversy?

It all started when a video surfaced on TikTok showing a man in the UK washing his dishes in a way that stunned people across the globe. In the video, the man fills a washing-up bowl with water and dish soap, scrubs his dishes inside the soapy water, and then, instead of rinsing them, places them directly onto the drying rack—soap suds and all.

For many viewers, the absence of rinsing the soapy dishes was nothing short of horrifying. Comments flooded the video, with people expressing disbelief that someone would leave soap residue on their dishes. “Doesn’t the food taste like soap?” one commenter asked. Another added, “Why wouldn’t you want to rinse off dirty water?”

Why Is This Dishwashing Method So Common in the UK?

Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to understand the context behind this method of dishwashing. In the UK, the use of washing-up bowls is quite common. Many homes have smaller kitchen sinks compared to American households, and the washing-up bowl serves as a way to conserve water. Instead of letting the tap run continuously, the bowl allows people to wash a whole load of dishes with a single bowl of soapy water.

This practice is not about laziness or neglect—it’s often driven by environmental concerns. In fact, water conservation is a big deal in many parts of the UK, where utility costs are higher, and saving water is encouraged. For some, not rinsing the dishes is simply another way to avoid waste.

The Science Behind It: Is It Actually Dangerous?

Now, let’s address the big question: Is it dangerous to eat from a plate with soap residue on it? The short answer is no, not really. While the thought of soap residue might be off-putting to some, the reality is that small amounts of dish soap residue are unlikely to cause any harm.

Dish soap is designed to be food-safe, meaning that ingesting trace amounts of it is not going to make you sick. However, consuming large quantities of soap could lead to unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting, but this scenario is highly unlikely when we’re talking about a thin film of dried soap on a plate.

Cultural Differences in Dishwashing Practices

The uproar around this viral video highlights a broader cultural divide when it comes to household habits. Americans and Brits have very different approaches to dishwashing, largely due to the availability of dishwashers and cultural preferences around hygiene.

In the U.S., dishwashers are more common in households, and even when dishes are washed by hand, rinsing is often considered a necessary step. In contrast, hand-washing dishes is more common in the UK, and the use of washing-up bowls is seen as a way to save water and energy. For some, skipping the rinse step is simply the norm—and many have never tasted soap on their plates!

@gooniedad Reaction to my Washing Up Dishes in the UK #WashingDishes #WashingUp #Rinse #NoRinse #UK #America #Reaction ♬ original sound – GoonieDad

One TikTok commenter, a Canadian, chimed in: “I wash my dishes like this, and no, my food doesn’t taste like soap. Why rinse? It’s wasting water!” Another user defended the practice by saying, “I was brought up the same way and I’m still alive. Leave the guy alone.”

Is This Method Used in Restaurants?

One of the more extreme reactions to the video came from viewers wondering whether this dishwashing method is practiced in UK restaurants. Some Americans vowed never to eat out in the UK again, worrying that they might encounter soapy plates in restaurants.

However, it’s worth noting that professional kitchens have strict health and safety standards. Restaurants in the UK, like those in most countries, are required to adhere to hygiene protocols, including the use of commercial dishwashers that sanitize dishes with high-temperature water. So, if you’re dining out in the UK, you can rest assured that your plates have been properly cleaned and rinsed.

Why Some People Choose Not to Rinse

For those who grew up with the practice of not rinsing, the logic is simple: it saves time, water, and energy. In a country where environmental concerns are often at the forefront, water conservation is a top priority. Many households are conscious of the resources they use, and rinsing dishes after washing them might be seen as an unnecessary step.

Additionally, some people genuinely believe that not rinsing doesn’t affect the taste of their food. If the dishes are left to air-dry completely, there’s little to no risk of soap contaminating the food. For these individuals, skipping the rinse cycle has been their norm for generations, and they see no reason to change it.

Conclusion: Is This Dishwashing Habit Really a Dealbreaker?

At the end of the day, whether or not you rinse your dishes after washing them comes down to personal preference. While some people find the idea of soap residue on plates horrifying, others see it as an efficient and eco-friendly way to do a chore that most of us already dislike.

What this viral video has really done is highlight the differences in how people across the world approach everyday tasks. It’s unlikely that leaving a bit of soap on your dishes is going to cause any harm, but if the thought of it grosses you out, by all means—keep rinsing!