How many times a week are you washing dishes? Most likely, every day. Because of this, you've probably wondered wondered whether washing the dishes by hand or putting them in the dishwasher can save you more money.
You don't want to waste your time if the dishwasher turns out to be better. But you also don't want to run up your water and electric bill if it turns out handwashing is more effective.
To settle the debate that rages on in most households, here's a comparison of the benefits of dishwashing and handwashing your dishes.
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When a dishwasher is the best choice
Let's start by saying that when it comes to cost and cleanliness, the modern dishwasher wins hands down. If you have a dishwasher, you should use it.
If you're not convinced, here's a look at the numbers on exactly why handwashing is one of those seemingly frugal habits that aren't actually worth it:
Dishwashers use less water
A widely known feature of modern dishwashers is low water use. Most dishwashers only use 1 to 3 gallons of water per wash, depending on the settings of their automated programs.
Meanwhile, it's estimated that you use about 15 gallons (PDF) every five minutes while handwashing if you keep the faucet running. Even if you fill the basin to conserve your water, you're still using around five gallons. That's not counting any water you use for rinsing.
So, even the most conservative handwashing methods are likely using more water than a modern dishwasher.
Dishwashers use less energy
This might seem counterintuitive. How can a machine use less energy than a human being who, presumably, doesn't need to be plugged in to operate?
But you are using hot water when you wash dishes. That water is heated by your water heater. The time it takes to get your water to temperature runs up your energy bill. Then, the extra water you're using all requires energy to be heated, so that adds to the bill as well.
If you prefer to wash dishes with the lights on, you can add that light bill to the tab as well. A dishwasher doesn't mind running in a kitchen with the lights off.
Taken altogether, Energy Star estimates that an Energy Star-certified dishwasher will use less than half the energy used while handwashing. That can translate to as much as $220 per year saved on your energy bills
The dishwasher saves time
This one's probably the most obvious of all, but it couldn't be any more accurate: A dishwasher provides pure convenience. There's no need to watch dishes pile up, and no need to scrub. Just load, add detergent and push the start button.
According to Energy Star, using a dishwasher can save you over 230 hours of washing up a year. That's nearly 10 days you get back.
This is one of those rare moments in life where the "lazy" option is also the most cost-effective and environmentally-friendly option. Embrace it.
Your dishes will be cleaner
Our hands can't withstand the temperatures needed for the majority of stains and bacteria to be wiped away — but your dishwasher can. The heavy program in particular often reaches temperatures as high as 140°F.
For comparison, the Department of Health and Social Services advises setting the temperature of hot water coming out of your faucet and showerheads to no higher than 120°F (PDF) to prevent scalding your skin, but recommends a maximum of 100°F for prolonged exposure, like bathing or handwashing your dishes.
When handwashing your dishes makes more sense
You should almost always default to your dishwasher if you have one, as it saves you both money and time. But there are some dishwashing scenarios that call for some old-fashioned elbow grease.
You have an old dishwasher
It's true that modern dishwashers are incredibly efficient and can use as little as one gallon to thoroughly clean an entire load of dishes. But what if your dishwasher isn't modern?
For models built in the 1980s or earlier, GE estimates that the machine will use anywhere from four to 13 gallons of water in one cycle.
With numbers like those, your older machine is still more efficient if you leave the faucet running while handwashing. But if you use the method of filling the sink with water to soak the dishes, you could potentially use less water or at least break even.
You have dishes that aren't dishwasher safe
While dishwashers are more efficient and better at cleaning, the scalding temperatures and agitation aren't suited to all dishware.
There are certain things you should never put in a dishwasher, like cast iron or wood cutting boards. Still, even if you have to handwash a few select items in your kitchen, the bulk of your dishes should be going into the dishwasher.
The verdict
Overall, using a dishwasher is the clear winner vs washing by hand. Not only is it faster and more convenient, but it also saves more money than handwashing.
With that said, handwashing still has its benefits and is still necessary when it comes to certain dishes. A balance of both methods will always be needed, but your dishwasher should be relied upon for everyday washing. If available, make sure to use the "eco" setting on your dishwasher. By doing so, you should start to see your bills drop.