It’s such a an obvious idea that sometimes we forget about it. If you own a dishwasher, it is always better to make sure it is completely full before running it. It takes the same amount of water to wash a half full dishwasher as it dos a full one. Why waste the water and energy on a half full cycle?

The other simple idea when it comes to this appliance is you should not rinse a dish before putting it in the dishwasher. All modern dishwashers have large disposal systems to break down waste before sending it down the pipe so you need not worry about the food going down the drain. Also, rinsing a dish before putting it in the dishwasher wastes water and is exactly what the dishwasher will do in the first cycle anyways.

Studies have shown that dishwashers use only half the energy, one-sixth of the water, and less soap than hand-washing an identical set of dirty dishes. Even the most proficient hand washers could not beat the saving of a normal dishwasher. Energy Star dishwashers use even less energy than those tested and you could qualify for a rebate if you buy one. As long as you always run the unit full and don’t pre-rinse your dishes, you can save time, money, and relieve yourself of a daily chore. You still have to put the dishes away when they are clean.

Tags: appliances, Conservation, dishes, dishwasher, energy, Energy star

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