If you are the proud owner of a brand new dishwasher and are eager to start using it, read this blog carefully first. Because it is good to know that you can use your dishwasher in different ways. In this blog, I will tell you how I use my dishwasher as efficiently as possible and give you some tips to do the same.
By the way, before we start, it is worth mentioning that it is increasingly advantageous to turn on a dishwasher during off-peak hours. This is because more and more people have solar panels and when the sun shines, a kWh costs just about nothing. So buy a dishwasher where you can set the time when it turns on.
Is yours equipped with an eco programme?
Did you know that many new and modern dishwashers have a button that allows you to activate the so-called eco programme? I recommend using this option the most. The dishwasher gets less hot and therefore uses less energy. The dishes still get just as clean because the appliance leaves the suds on longer. You’ll save somewhere between 25% and 30% compared to the standard features. Of course, for dirtier dishes, you can choose a different function.
Always set the dishwasher to full
In all the years I have been using a dishwasher now, I have taught myself to always turn on a full tray. I always wait until my entire dishwasher is full of dirty cups, bowls and plates. Sometimes I wash pans by hand, so there is more space in the appliance to wash the small items. The more that fits in the dishwasher, the more efficient it is in terms of energy.
Don’t pre-wash your dishes especially
It is still a habit, especially among the older generation, to pre-rinse dishes and “get the worst of it off”. Above all, don’t do that. After all, you use about 20 per cent more energy by pre-rinsing dishes with hot water. What you can do is to wipe off food leftovers in the bin and if there are really pans with caked-on bottoms, for example, you can pre-soak them with plain cold water before putting them in the dishwasher.
Always turn off your dishwasher
Many old dishwashers, as well as some new versions, have a standby button. When your dishwasher finishes washing your dishes, it jumps to standby. With those models, I recommend that you always turn off the appliance right away. Of course, this will not lead to significant differences in your electricity bill, but it is still a drop in the ocean.
The cleaner, the more economical
A clean dishwasher is the last key I will mention here for how to save energy on your dishes. An eco-programme will only really work if the appliance is kept clean. It is good to keep the rubbers, nozzles and filters clean and wiped regularly. It is also good to turn on the self-cleaning programme once every two months.