As mentioned in last week’s article, using a dishwasher is the most convenient and environmentally-friendly way to clean dishes. Consumers are advised to scrape, but not rinse, dishes in order to get good results without harming the environment. What wasn’t mentioned, though, is how to use a dishwasher (not how to load it, of course, which hopefully shouldn’t be too hard to figure out). Knowing what settings to use is extremely important for both the environment and the quality of the cleanse.

Since not everyone has the exact same dishwasher, this post cannot serve as a simple guide to reference for the dishwasher in any individual’s home, but it can shed some light on how to figure out the best settings for their own dishwasher. Just because a cycle is shorter does not mean it is the most energy or water efficient, and there are even examples of the opposite. In one personally familiar Bosch dishwasher, one option explains that it “saves time by shortening cycle; increases energy consumption,” and another model from Kenmore displays that shorter cycles use more water than longer ones. Cycles will vary in different brands and models, and the best way to choose the most appropriate cycle is to check the user manual, which can be found online with the model number. Most machines include the model number on them, but there are online tutorials available for those still unsure. Obviously, machines that offer an Eco-wash mode are likely a good candidate, but it’s still wise to see if you can find more details on each cycle, and even better, the resources they consume, if available.

Some aspects are pretty widespread, though, such as the option to machine-dry or air-dry dishes after they’ve been cleaned. If given the choice, it is better for the planet to let the dishes air-dry, as they will be naturally drying instead of being blasted with hot air, which consumes excess electricity. Setting a dishwasher to running right before bed not only allows the dishes to dry overnight, but also means that off-peak electricity is likely being used, which is cheaper and less damaging to the environment. When electricity is highest in demand, “there is more […] carbon-intensive energy on the grid,” so it is most environmentally friendly to consume electricity at times when people are the least active in terms of energy consumption, like when they are asleep.

It is clear that being informed about things in our everyday lives can help us make much better choices for the environment, and also the time we spend on tedious tasks. It is surprising to many that this machine, invented for our own convenience, is much better for the planet than doing the work ourselves.

All my life, I have been trained to completely clean a dish before loading it into the dishwasher, with the exception of soap and hot water, so the dishwasher can sanitize it. I knew that our dishwasher wasn’t the best at cleaning dishes with residue, but that was not because it was outdated or incompetent, but rather because of our decision to solely run the dishwasher on its fastest setting because it was thought to lower our unfortunately high energy bill.

Now that I’ve learned more about our dishwasher, though, I can explain what settings are consuming unnecessary electricity, and that a longer runtime doesn’t necessarily lead to higher energy costs. I hope that my house will change its habits (though I’m not entirely optimistic), and I hope you enjoyed! Stay tuned to learn with me!

https://media3.bosch-home.com/Documents/9001545242_B.pdf

https://i.sears.com/s/d/pdf/mp-tc/10130653/prod_2227914712

https://www.eweb.org/your-public-utility/power-supply/understanding-peak-power