What temperature does a dishwasher rinse cycle normally operate at?

• A. between 60 and 70°C
• B. between 70 and 80°C
• C. between 78 and 82°C
• D. between 82 and 88°C

Answer: (D)

High-temperature sanitising rinse is what this tests. The rinse cycle in a dishwasher is designed to reach a temperature high enough to kill remaining bacteria on dishes and utensils, ensuring they’re safe to use again. To achieve effective sanitisation, the water needs to be around 82°C or higher, with many machines operating in the low to mid-80s or even higher. That’s why the range starting at 82°C up to the upper end of the scale fits best: it reflects the hot temperature necessary for sanitising. Lower ranges don’t reliably achieve the level of heat required to sanitise, and a range near 78°C can be insufficient on some machines.