When it comes to household chores, dishwashing is often a universally disliked task. Whether by hand or with the help of a dishwasher, everyone has their preferred way of getting their plates and utensils clean. However, a viral video showing how some British people wash their dishes has left Americans—and many others around the world—shocked and vowing never to visit the UK.
What could possibly be so controversial about washing dishes? It turns out that the method some Brits use involves skipping a step that many consider essential: rinsing off the soap. This discovery has led to widespread disbelief, with social media users expressing their horror and disbelief.
The Viral TikTok Video That Sparked Outrage
The viral video that caused this international uproar was shared by TikTok user @gooniedad. In the clip, a British man is seen filling a washing-up bowl with warm, soapy water before soaking dishes inside and scrubbing them clean with a sponge. The shocking part? After scrubbing, the dishes are placed directly onto the drying rack—without being rinsed to remove the soap residue.
This video quickly garnered millions of views and comments, with people around the world questioning this practice. For many, the idea of leaving soap on dishes without rinsing them was downright unsettling. The conversation took off, with viewers wondering: “Doesn’t the food taste like soap?” and “Why wouldn’t you want to rinse off dirty, soapy water?”
Why This Method is Controversial
For many Americans and others outside the UK, rinsing dishes after washing them is considered an essential step. Not only does rinsing remove leftover food particles, but it also ensures that no dish soap remains on the plates and utensils. The thought of eating off dishes with soap residue horrified viewers, with some even questioning whether they would ever dine out in the UK again.
One commenter went so far as to say, “Yeah, I’m never coming to the UK,” while another added, “Is this common in UK restaurants too? I’m bringing my own plates if that’s the case.” This sparked a broader conversation about hygiene practices and cultural differences when it comes to household chores.
British and International Reactions
Interestingly, not all British people agree with this dishwashing method. Many UK residents were quick to disown the practice, reassuring viewers that they, too, rinse their dishes after washing. One user wrote, “We don’t all do this in the UK,” while another commented, “I rinse my dishes under the hot tap after scrubbing them with soap. I didn’t know so many people did it differently.”
Despite the backlash, some British people—and even a few from other countries—defended the method. One user boldly stated, “I wash mine without rinsing, never tasted soap, never got sick from it, and I’ll continue washing like this.” Another added, “Why rinse? It wastes water!” highlighting a growing concern about water conservation.
A Canadian user chimed in, saying they were raised with the same practice, and it had never caused any issues for them. This raised the question of whether not rinsing dishes is truly harmful or if it’s simply a cultural difference that seems odd to outsiders.
@gooniedad #Stitch British vs American Washing Dishes @CentralParkTurtle #WashingUp #WashingDishes #UK #Kitchen #WashingUpLiquid #Rinse #Reavtion #America #British ♬ original sound – GoonieDad
Is It Safe to Skip Rinsing?
The big question on everyone’s mind is whether leaving dish soap residue on plates and utensils poses any real danger. While the thought of eating from soapy dishes is unappealing, experts suggest that ingesting trace amounts of dish soap isn’t likely to cause harm. Once the dishes dry, only minuscule amounts of soap would remain, which would be nearly undetectable by taste and would likely not cause any health issues.
However, ingesting large amounts of dish soap can cause unpleasant symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting. But in the case of small, dried amounts left on dishes, the risk seems to be minimal. It ultimately boils down to personal preference and cultural norms.
@gooniedad Reaction to my Washing Up Dishes in the UK #WashingDishes #WashingUp #Rinse #NoRinse #UK #America #Reaction ♬ original sound – GoonieDad
The Cultural Divide: Different Dishwashing Practices Around the World
This dishwashing controversy sheds light on the cultural differences that exist in everyday tasks we often take for granted. While most Americans and many others are accustomed to rinsing dishes as a standard part of the cleaning process, it’s clear that not all cultures follow the same routine.
For some, water conservation is a priority, and rinsing dishes may be seen as an unnecessary waste of resources. Others may have grown up in households where not rinsing dishes was the norm, without ever experiencing any adverse effects.
In many parts of the world, dishwashers are a common fixture in homes, reducing the need for handwashing altogether. But in places where dishwashers are less common or space is limited, handwashing dishes without rinsing may be a matter of practicality or tradition.
Social Media Backlash: Humor or Horror?
As with many viral moments, the conversation around British dishwashing practices quickly spiraled into a mix of humor, horror, and genuine curiosity. Some users were clearly horrified at the thought of soap residue, while others found humor in the global reaction.
One person sarcastically wrote, “I’m bringing my own plates to the UK next time,” while another added, “For the love of all that is holy, rinse the dishes!” Amid the jokes and memes, others used the viral moment to highlight the importance of water conservation, arguing that rinsing dishes uses up precious water resources.
Despite the outrage, there was no shortage of defenders who were happy to share that they’ve been washing dishes this way for years without issue. As one user commented, “I’ve been doing this my whole life and I’m still alive. Leave the guy alone.”
Conclusion: A Viral Moment That Highlighted Global Differences
While it might seem trivial, the debate over dishwashing methods has sparked a much larger conversation about cultural differences in household practices. What one group sees as essential hygiene, another might view as an unnecessary step—or even a waste of resources.
Whether you’re firmly in the “rinse your dishes” camp or think skipping the rinse is no big deal, it’s clear that everyday habits like washing dishes can vary greatly from one culture to the next. This viral moment may have shocked some, but it also opened the door for a humorous (and at times heated) dialogue about how we approach even the most mundane tasks.
As social media continues to connect people from all corners of the world, these little cultural revelations are sure to keep surprising—and sometimes bewildering—us. So, next time you find yourself rinsing your dishes, remember that what feels like a given to you might be a world away from someone else’s norm.
