Tips to Improve Dishwasher Performance and Save Money

Who wouldn’t want to reduce their monthly energy costs? Bill savings need not be a feat of superhuman effort. Increasing the efficiency of your dishwasher can be as simple as employing a few simple tips. People frequently believe that conserving resources must be difficult and costly. A brand-new kitchen with energy-efficient appliances may be desirable, but it is rarely practical. Utilize your resources and save a little extra each month. 

It is common for individuals to waste energy while believing they are conserving it. Did you know that hand-washing dishes consumes more power than loading a dishwasher to capacity? Also, did you know that approximately sixty percent of the energy used by most dishwashers is for water heating? 

Below is a list of eight tips that will help you reduce the energy consumed by your dishwasher. You can simultaneously save time, money, and energy. What could be more ideal? 

1. Avoid the Sink

Instead of rinsing dishes in the sink, scrape leftovers into the garbage. Not only can you avoid one of the most tedious aspects of dishwashing, but you can also save approximately 55,000 gallons of water throughout the lifetime of your dishwasher. Saving water is important, but you also save money when you use less water. Use a coarse brush or a dry sponge to remove pesky food particles that can clog drains by scraping all dishes thoroughly and using a rough brush. 

2. Wash only full loads

Only run a cycle when the dishwasher is completely loaded. Instead of starting the dishwasher with only partial loads, wait until you have a full load. Waiting for a full load maximizes cleaning power per dollar spent on water and electricity. 

Additionally, try using a rinse aid to help remove other stains from your dishes. This will also make them shiny, reducing the frequently observed cloudy residue. It is possible to streamline processes without sacrificing cleaning quality. Ultimately, rewashing a whole load of scraped dishes defeats the purpose of conserving energy. 

Waiting until you have a full load does not require the dishes to sit in the sink. Load your dirty dishes as soon as you’re done with them, and you’ll reduce the amount of clutter in your kitchen. If letting dirty dishes sit in the dishwasher until you have an entire load grosses you out, then use the rinse-and-hold function for a brief period. 

If possible, avoid rinsing your dishes in the sink. This is a fantastic way to conserve water and energy. 

3. Allow dishes to air-dry

Another great way to save money is to air-dry your dishes. Not only is this simple and convenient, but it also reduces the energy used to heat your dishwasher and prevents any potential damage to your dishes. To accomplish this, either deactivate the heat-dry function or prop open the door after the wash cycle is complete and power down the machine. 

The primary disadvantage of this drying method is that it may take longer for your dishes to dry completely. 

4. Avoid Peak Hours

Numerous energy providers increase their rates during peak hours or when energy is utilized most frequently. Utilize the dishwasher’s delay or timing feature to start a full load of dishes late at night or early in the morning. Another simple alternative is to load the dishwasher after dinner and start it first thing in the morning. Turning a knob at a different time will save you money on utility bills. 

5. Consider Other Energy Drains in Your Home

In the summer, run your dishwasher at night to give your air conditioner a break. Likewise, run your dishwasher in the mornings during the winter to aid your heating system. Even though your dishwasher generates only a tiny amount of ambient heat, it can be especially noticeable in homes with low ceilings or smaller living spaces. This additional heat will give your heater a break while maintaining a comfortable temperature. 

6. Consider Upgrading Models

Thanks to new standards, newer dishwasher models use a fraction of the water that older models did. Some of the best dishwashers use only 1.5 gallons of water per cycle, and nearly all new dishwashers use no more than 6.5 gallons. When less water is heated, and less water is used overall, resources and cash are saved. 

These dishwashers use less water and other resources without sacrificing cleaning effectiveness. Some even include miniature disposals that remove tiny food particles from the washing machine. You may never again need to rinse dishes in the sink. Additionally, you can opt for a countertop or 18-inch dishwasher. These smaller units consume less water and electricity than their full-size counterparts. 

7. Follow the Instructions

Utilizing a dishwasher may appear obvious. However, you can achieve better results by reading and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Those manuals are created for a purpose, after all. Spend a few moments gaining a better understanding of how your dishwasher operates and cleans with optimal settings. If you do not have the manual, perform a quick Internet search to determine the optimal settings for your make and model. 

8. Set the Water Temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit

Most dishwashers heat water between 140-145° Fahrenheit. Adjust the water temperature to approximately 120 degrees between the low and medium heat settings to clean dishes with less energy. No matter how much additional detergent you use, it is unlikely that washing dishes in the lowest setting possible will be sufficient. 

The Best Part About Saving Money With Efficient Dishwashing Practices 

The most beneficial aspect of saving money through efficient dishwashing is that it allows for greater financial freedom. First, you will not have to wash and rinse dishes in the sink. Probably, your family will enjoy it as much as you do. In addition, many of the steps you can take to increase the efficiency of your dishwasher involve changing the settings once and leaving them alone. Simply adjusting the water temperature, air drying, and delayed start settings will result in a significant difference. 

You may not be able to save hundreds of dollars per month, but you can make a substantial contribution over time. If your dishwasher is malfunctioning, you may consider purchasing a new one. You can make your new appliance pay for itself over time using simple energy-saving techniques.