Americans puzzled by British method for washing dishes as debate erupts online

Taking to Reddit, the visitor explained: “When I was a kid, I had lovely neighbours from England and I enjoyed visiting them.

“One day, the lady was washing dishes and she did not rinse off the soap bubbles. I asked her why, and she said ‘That’s just how we do it in England’.

“Well of course I went home and told my mum, who did not believe me. So, it bothered me for a long time.”

The habit left many Redditors questioning whether it was to prevent a waste of detergent or water – yet others chimed in with theories.

One of the explanations offered suggested was that a dishwashing soap campaign may have spurred the trend.

“I’ve heard it goes back to a marketing campaign for Fairy Liquid,” they wrote. “They claimed that dish soap is designed to not need rinsing. Other brands copied them, so people stopped rinsing.

“Apparently it’s a thing. I’m English and I do rinse, but apparently, some people don’t.”

Another person added: “I’ve never in my 40 years rinsed when I washed up, and have never suffered any kind of consequence. It’s wild to me how upset people are about this practice.”

Others argued against the washing technique because it leaves hot beverages tasting like dish soap.

“My only issue is tea that tastes like washing-up liquid,” wrote one person. “My mugs get a special rinse. Everything else I usually can’t be bothered with.”