- Washing dishes by hand uses less energy than running an electric dishwasher.
This is one instance where the modern machine beats the old-fashioned method: hand washing generally uses more hot water per load than using a dishwasher. The key to maximizing energy savings is to use the dishwasher efficiently. Most modern dishwashers don’t require pre-rinsing of dishes; and according to Consumer Reports, this practice wastes up to 20 gallons of water per load without getting dishes any cleaner.
Don’t bother with the “rinse hold” on your machine, for the same reason. Wait to run the dishwasher until you have a full load of dishes, but don’t overload the machine. The energy-saving control offered on many dishwashers will turn off the heat during the drying cycle, which will also help keep the kitchen cooler in the summer.
Opening the door after the rinse cycle and letting the dishes air dry is another way to save energy. {full article}
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Carrie
/ July 30, 2010i’d give my right arm for a dishwasher that wasn’t my right and left arms. and “armed” with this information there is the zero guilt factor. it is a justifiable purchase. now i just need a kitchen to put it in…
have a wonderful weekend annie!!
xoxo,
carrie
Krystal/Village
/ July 30, 2010good info! our washing machine has energy saving mode, but i don’t know what it does differently!
nikki
/ July 30, 2010I wish I had a dishwasher in nyc!!!! I get so excited when we go to Fl and I get to use one!
xoxoxooxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxox
Jessica
/ July 30, 2010This is great news!! I will use this as an excuse to never wash dishes by hand. ;) Don’t tell Ian. hahaha.
alleen
/ July 30, 2010Couldn’t imagine life without a dishwasher. And with 7 people in the house not including any little guests we always have plenty of things to fill the dishwasher with.
Thanks for the affirmation that a dishwasher is NECESSARY!
valerie at Beauty and the Budget
/ July 30, 2010This is good news–I hate hand washing dishes!