The dish washing thread got me thinking...at what age can you wash dishes and get them clean. I use really hot water, too. I still think my DD7 is a bit young, but just curious what everyone else things.

Well, I have a dishwasher; but when I was in second grade, my mom had me washing dishes. I think she knew I would get them clean cause I just loved playing in the water. So I would take long on purpose. I wouldnt let my 3rd grader wash dishes though.

Hmm, effectively?? LOL............30.

Seriously, I think starting around age 10 they should do a nice job, and clean the dishes so there is no food left on them :-)

My almost 7 year old does a great job with the dishes...but she is a neat freak and not a typical 7 year old. I was doing the dishes by the time I was 9.

My seven year old can wash dishes - but I would have to lower my water temperature down where she could tolerate it. Germs just aren't a concern to her, so I know that she wouldn't put as much care into washing dishes as I do. I'm not willing to let my dishes be washed in warm water. I was thinking 10 would be a good age. I am bit of a germophobe, so I will probably wash them myself for quite awhile.

Just wishful thinking..................

We use gloves to help the temperature issue.

The temperature of the water isn't going to matter....warmer water will make the food "stuff" easier to remove, but it's not going to be hot enough to kill germs. If it was hot enough to do that, it would be WAY too hot to put your hands in (yes, even tough "mom hands" LOL)That's is one of the wonderful things about a dishwasher. It DOES get hot enough to kill the germs.

BTW, I still won't eat off dishes my son hand washes. He's 19! ;)

This post was edited on Jul 20, 2009 12:17 AM

Well, I'm amazed since my DS29 still can't wash dishes. LOL! At least that's what he tells his wife.