top of page
  • Writer's pictureMegan Drew Plumbing

Getting the Most Out of Your Dishwasher: Time and Money-Saving Advice

Updated: May 3


A full dishwasher in kitchen with bubbles

Who wouldn't want to reduce their monthly energy costs? The good news is that by adhering to a few basic guidelines, you can make your dishwasher operate more efficiently. Let's explore some time and money-saving tips for using your dishwasher more effectively so you may save money and time.







Food being scraped from a plate into green bin

1. Avoid the Sink: Scrape Instead of Rinsing.


Throw away leftover food by scraping it into the trash instead of washing dishes in the sink. This not only spares you from one of the worst aspects of dishwashing, but it also uses less water. It may surprise you to learn that running a full load through the dishwasher consumes less energy than hand washing dishes. Over the course of your dishwasher's lifespan, you may save around 55,000 gallons of water by not pre-rinsing. Scrape every dish fully, then use a rough brush or dry sponge to remove any food particles that may clog drains and cause smelly problems down the line. See our blog on F.O.G and How to Treat Drains with Enzymes.


2. Wash Full Loads Only.


Don't start a cycle until your dishwasher is completely filled. Washing a half empty load wastes energy and water. You will obtain the most cleaning power for every dollar you spend on water and electricity by waiting until the load is fully loaded but not overloaded. Overloading will cause dishes to not clean properly and will need to be rewashed defeating the purpose.


To aid in eliminating excess spots from your dishes, reduce foggy residue, and make them shine, think about using a rinse aid. Remember that attempting to save energy is defeated when you have to wash a full load of dishes twice. To reduce clutter in your kitchen, load your dirty dishes as soon as you're done with them.


3. Allow Dishes to Air Dry

Dishes drying on a drying rack

Let your dishes air dry rather than utilizing the dishwasher's drying cycle. This reduces the amount of energy required to heat your dishwasher in addition to being simple and practical. Additionally, it shields your dishes from any possible heat-related harm.


Use the rinse and hold mode for a shorter period of time if you're worried about leaving extra dirty dishes in the dishwasher until you have a full load. This way, you can save water and electricity without sacrificing cleanliness.


4. Select the Correct Dishwasher Setting


Numerous dishwashers come with various wash cycles (such as regular, eco-mode, and heavy-duty). Select the configuration that best meets your needs. Eco-mode is a great option for daily use because it usually consumes less electricity and water.


The recommended settings and loading instructions can be found in the dishwasher's manual. Adhering to the manufacturer's instructions guarantees maximum effectiveness and efficiency.


5. Use The Right Dish Soap


Getting spotless dishes requires selecting the correct dishwasher detergent. Let's examine the various kinds of dishwasher detergents and offer some advice on how to select the best suited one for your washer:


The Single-Dose Pacs (Tablets/Tabs): These simple, premeasured packets are little and

Different types of dishwasher detergents.
Photo Credit: Sarah Crowley

offer great cleaning results. To improve cleaning, they frequently include additives such rinse aid, bleach, degreaser, enzymes, and pretreat solution. The cost each load might range from 10 cents to $1, depending on the specific makeup and brand of the packs.


Gels: These are the most affordable alternative in terms of cost per fluid ounce. Even though they don't clean as well as detergent pacs, certain gel detergents have remarkable results. But just a heads up—gel was also the least effective detergent we tested.


Powders: The right amount of powder detergents must be measured out for every load. They did well overall in previous examinations, but they had trouble cleaning pots and pans.

Powder formulas are less prevalent because customers now predominantly favour pacs and gels.


Liquid Gel Packs: Liquid gel packs are practical and efficient. They remove the need for measurement and offer consistent results.


Environmental Considerations: Powder detergent, dishwashing salt, and a separate rinse aid are good options if you prefer environmental friendliness. Each product's dosage can be changed to suit the needs of your dishwasher.


In summary


Our advice for selecting the best detergent is always refer to manufacturer recommendations, consult the owner's manual for your dishwasher and stick to the detergent that the manufacturer suggests. Selecting the appropriate detergent guarantees top performance and avoids problems.


By putting these suggestions into practice, you'll help create a more sustainable home by using your dishwasher and time and money saving advice. Keep in mind that over time, little adjustments might result in substantial savings. So, enjoy cleaner dishes and a lower utility bill while letting your dishwasher handle the heavy work! 🌼


Let us know in the comments section if you've found a great dishwasher detergent. I for one don't like wasting money on sub par products, so I'd love to hear everyone's recommendations!


Redefining Expectations

 
Through consistent improvement and upright intentions, we strive to forge lifelong relationships which benefit our community.


Our Latest treat from AI. I asked AI to create me a funny comic strip about plumbing and this is what I got:


Panel 1:

  • Setting: A cozy bathroom with a bathtub, sink, and a toilet.

  • Characters: Plumber Pete (wearing overalls, tool belt, and a cap) and Mrs. Johnson (a middle-aged woman with a concerned expression).

  • Caption: “Plumber Pete’s Plumbing Services: Solving Mysteries One Pipe at a Time.”

Panel 2:

  • Scene: Plumber Pete is crouched under the sink, examining the pipes.

  • Mrs. Johnson: “My sink is making strange gurgling noises. It’s like it’s trying to communicate!”

  • Plumber Pete (thought bubble): “Hmm, perhaps it’s trying to tell me its life story.”

Panel 3:

  • Scene: Plumber Pete pulls out a tangled mess of hair and debris from the drain.

  • Mrs. Johnson: “What’s that?”

  • Plumber Pete: “Ah, the elusive ‘Hairball of Despair.’ It’s been plotting against your sink for months.”

Panel 4:

  • Scene: Plumber Pete stands triumphantly, holding the cleaned pipe.

  • Plumber Pete: “There you go, ma’am! Your sink is now free to pursue its dreams of becoming a whirlpool.”

Panel 5:

  • Scene: Mrs. Johnson looks puzzled.

  • Mrs. Johnson: “Whirlpool? But it’s just a sink!”

  • Plumber Pete: “Ah, but every sink has hidden aspirations. Next stop: Broadway!”


Feel free to share this whimsical plumbing adventure with your friends! 🛁🔧😄


Funny plumbing comic AI made for me

21 views0 comments
bottom of page