Many people think hand-washing their dirty dishes helps them save energy, but this is not true. One load of hand-washed dishes uses up to 27 gallons of water, while an energy-efficient dishwasher can do the same task using as little as three gallons.
To save even more energy and water, only run your dishwasher when you have a full load. Washing just one dish will use the same amount of water and electricity, so it makes sense to fill up the dishwasher and get your money’s worth.
More timely tips
- Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher. They use less water and energy than standard models.
- Soak dirty pans with starches like potatoes in cold water. Sugary pans from barbecue dinners should soak in warm water.
- Ensure your fridge’s temperature is between 35° F and 38° F. Anything colder just wastes energy.