QUIZ- Which is more ecological, hand washing dishes or using a dishwasher?

Of course the answer will depend on the size of your sink, your dishwashing procedure, and the specifications of your dishwasher. But generally, the dishwasher is more energy efficient. Why is that?

It’s all due to hot water.

Filling the average kitchen sink to soak dirty dishes in takes 4-6 gallons of hot water. Some people rinse the washed dishes in a second sink full of water. Others run the water, which uses about 2 gallons of water per minute, depending on the faucet.

On the other hand, a dishwasher uses about 3-4 gallons of hot water for one cycle.

Doing the math, the dishwasher uses less hot water. That means it uses less electricity to run the water heater, meaning you save on two utility bills.

How can you make using the dishwasher even more efficient?

• Only run the dishwasher when it is full.
• Don’t pre-rinse dishes. Just scrape them before loading them.
• Skip the heated drying cycle. Instead, open the door slightly at the end of the cycle to allow steam to escape.

How can you make hand washing dishes more efficient?

• Be sure to scrap the dishes before putting them in the soapy hot water.
• Fill the sink only half way. That’s enough water to do the job.
• Rinse the cleaned dishes in cold water.