| It may be commonplace to think that a green | | | | that are biodegradable, natural, and free of petroleum |
| dishwasher is a dirty dishwasher. Wrong. There are | | | | and phosphates. And if you want to go that step |
| ways in which you can save gallons of water and | | | | further, look for products sold in bulk to save on |
| hundreds of pounds, just by making a few changes | | | | packaging and choose powdered detergents, which |
| to your current kitchen habits. And because | | | | are altogether lighter and so require less energy to |
| dishwashing machines are a part of life for the | | | | ship. |
| majority of people, these tips and guidelines can help | | | | No need to pre-rinse |
| underscore that - if used properly - a dishwasher can | | | | Today dishwashers are powerful enough to get all |
| be more eco friendly than hand washing. | | | | the dirt off, so any pre-rinsing by hand is often a |
| The right size is fitting | | | | waste of water, and a habit you can do without. By |
| By picking the size model that suits your needs, you | | | | loading your dishwasher full, without pre-rinsing, could |
| can have a more economic use of a dishwasher that | | | | save up to 400 gallons a month. |
| fits your home. A large model may be less efficient | | | | Turn to 120 |
| than a compact one. | | | | These days modern dishwashers have additional |
| Load it up | | | | booster heaters to heat the water that comes from |
| Before putting a load in to wash, wait until the | | | | your home's water tank. By turning the water tank's |
| dishwasher is totally full. This will result in a better use | | | | thermostat down to 120 degrees, you will make |
| of the energy and water that the machine will use. | | | | further energy savings without conceding your |
| Using a fully-loaded dishwasher, without pre-rinsing, | | | | cleanliness. |
| uses on average 35% less water than hand-washing | | | | Air Time |
| all of those dirty dishes. | | | | When your wash is finished the machine will use an |
| After hours | | | | electric heater or a fan to dry the dishes - you can |
| By using the timer on your dishwasher to delay the | | | | avoid this by just opening the door at the end of the |
| start of a wash, you can ensure that each cycle will | | | | cycle and letting the air dry those dishes off. Here's a |
| begin only on off-peak utility hours - which will save | | | | tip - leave the dishes to dry overnight and they'll be |
| you money in the long run. | | | | ready by the time you've woken up. |
| What's your washer | | | | Cutting down |
| Make sure you are using a dishwasher that has been | | | | It sounds simple, but it is possible one of the most |
| marked for energy and water efficiency. After all | | | | common dishwashing misdemeanours. Using fewer |
| 80% of the energy used by dishwashers goes to | | | | dishes and utensils over the course of the day |
| heating the water. By replacing an older dishwasher | | | | means doing less loads in the dishwasher - saving |
| with a current module it can save in energy costs | | | | energy, water, and detergent. |
| and 1,000 gallons of water annually. | | | | For extra marks |
| Separate your whites | | | | Using a passive solar heating system can provide the |
| Keep those large kitchen appliances away from each | | | | hot water you need for your dishwasher. And if your |
| other. Putting your dishwasher next to your | | | | dishwasher is more than ten years old, replace it in |
| refrigerator will make the fridge and freezer have to | | | | favour of a modern, more efficient model - today's |
| work harder due to the heat coming off the washer. | | | | machines are tested and accredited, as they use far |
| What are you washing with | | | | less water and energy than older models. |
| There are dishwashing liquids and powders available | | | | |