We all use our household dishes. It seems like a simple fact, but we use plates, utensils, cups and everything in-between for almost all our meals.
That means at some point, we’ve all had the dishonor of washing those dishes.
While most of us hate taking up time by washing dishes by hand, many more of us don’t like using the dishwasher. It might be faster and less intensive on your hands, but it seems like it wastes a lot of energy, doesn’t it?
We’ve all probably wondered if one option is better than the other. Should you rely on your trusty hands, or does technology actually make things easier? Does one use more water and energy than the other?
Luckily, there is a simple answer that might surprise you.
Handwashing: Old Reliable
Also known as the “tried and true method”, handwashing has been the gold standard for generations.
Whether you leave the tap on while you scrub, fill the sink with hot water, or rinse before you drop dishes into the machine, this option does use a lot of water in the long run.
On average, households use between 9 and 27 gallons of water when handwashing dishes. This amount varies based on how many dishes you’re washing, how efficient your faucet is, and so on.
While this method is effective at removing tough stains and caked-on foodstuff, it still requires a large amount of water and energy. Even if you don’t leave the faucet running the whole time, you have to wait for the water to heat up, which is unused water literally going down the drain.
Dishwasher: Rise of the Machines
Dishwashing machines have made a huge difference in our lives. They allow us to quickly load up and automatically wash our dirty dishes, often coming out dry and ready for use.
There is a fear that machine washing your dishes uses more water and energy than hand-washing. Based on research, the opposite is actually true.
On average, dishwashers use 6-16 gallons of water, with newer energy-efficient ones appearing on the lower end of that scale.
This is because dishwashers have systems in place to reuse water throughout the entire process, conserving energy at the same time.
The most energy-consuming part of machine washing is the pre-soak option and hot air drying. When deactivated, your dishwasher can save considerable time and energy.
The other main drawback is cleaning tough stains and dishes. There’s nothing worse than having to run the dishwasher multiple times to remove a grease stain or some egg debris. It’s also terribly inefficient when it would have taken less time and water to clean it yourself.
Verdict: Dishwashing or Smarter Handwashing
The numbers don’t lie. It is more energy-efficient to use a dishwasher rather than wash your dishes by hand.
If you have a dishwasher, your best bet is to use it as your normally would. Depending on the power of your machine, you most likely don’t even need to rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
If you want to get rid of stuck-on stains and pieces of food, you don’t need to scrub in the sink before putting the dish in the wash. Simply fill a container or your second basin with warm water and soap. Then dip the dish in the water and scrub with a sponge or brush.
This method actually uses less water than both normal handwashing and machine washing. So if you can, you could easily use this method to help conserve even more energy!
Conserve Water, Save Money and Time
Looking to upgrade your dishwasher, or have more questions about conserving water? Be sure to contact Mike Wilson Plumbing.
We’re Richmond’s reliable home plumbers, providing quality and responsive service whenever you need it.
Contact us to schedule your free consultation!