WHICH USES MORE WATER: WASH BY HAND OR USE A DISHWASHER?
Will I use more water if I scrub by hand? How much does my electricity bill increase if I use the dishwasher? Is it profitable to put it at half load? Does rinsing the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher use less water?
There will always be conflicting opinions about whether it is better to use the dishwasher or wash the dishes, cutlery, and other kitchen items by hand. The ideal is to always resort to the opinion of experts and their advice on responsible consumption.
HOW MANY LITERS OF WATER ARE CONSUMED WASHING BY HAND?
Experts say that when washing dishes by hand, about 8 liters of water per minute are lost through the sink, which is equivalent to 40 liters with the tap running for 5 minutes. While a dishwasher with efficient energy certification spends between 8 and 10 liters on average in each cycle.
According to a study, using the dishwasher we saves 30.6 liters of water per day.
The operation of the dishwasher is based on reusing the water consumed repeatedly, so less water is wasted than washing dishes by hand since water is not lost down the drain and greater savings are achieved.
WHY IS IT BETTER TO USE THE DISHWASHER?
Advocates of washing by hand justify greater energy savings using this method on the grounds that when using the dishwasher, washing has to be done hot, which means greater energy consumption. While with hand washing, you can regulate the temperature.
Regarding this reflection, it should be added that in order for the crockery to be properly disinfected and to eliminate all the bacteria that generate food remains, high water temperatures must be used, which would be unbearable when scrubbing by hand.
Currently, dishwashers have improved their characteristics, and as new models appear, their energy efficiency is improving. Few do not have a class A energy efficiency certification.
It is important to take these labels into account because choosing a highly energy-efficient dishwasher can reduce our electricity bill so much that the cost of this appliance is barely 1% of the total cost of our annual electricity bill.
TIPS TO REDUCE WATER AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF YOUR DISHWASHER
Forget about wasting time and money washing dishes by hand and enjoy the advantages of having your crockery clean at the touch of a button. We leave you a list of tips to make good use of your dishwasher that allows you to save even more.
OPTIMIZE THE SPACE
Place the plates and cutlery in the appropriate spaces to maintain a correct order that allows the water to reach all the pieces equally. Try to place the elements with the most dirt in areas where the effect of the water is greater.
DO NOT USE MORE AMOUNT OF SALT AND RINSE AID THAN RECOMMENDED
To avoid damaging the appliance, you should use the levels of salt, rinse aid, and detergent recommended by the manufacturer. In this way, you not only extend the useful life of your appliance, but also avoid wasting these products.
KEEP THE DISHWASHER CLEAN
Make sure your dishwasher is always clean to prevent electricity and water costs from increasing or breaking down. Periodically check the sprinklers, filters, and pipes to remove grease and lime that may accumulate.