With so many appliances in our household, it’s often easy to overlook the ones we use on a daily basis – like the dishwasher. Fortunately, a dishwasher’s regular usage is relatively inexpensive, especially if you opt for an energy efficient model.
How much does it cost to use a dishwasher?
Obviously, the main cost of using a dishwasher stems from electricity and hot water usage (not including the upfront cost of purchasing a dishwasher and consequently, detergent). However, since your dishwasher can hold more dishes than the average kitchen sink, you are less likely to run your machine as often as you would handwash. Plus, modern dishwashers contain interior water heaters that warm up far more efficiently than your general household water heater.
If you do set it off late at night, and therefore have time on your side, consider putting it on for a longer cycle too. Most modern-day dishwashers will have an eco-setting, which can save up to 20% of your energy usage by using less power to heat up the water and running through a slower cycle.
What is cheaper to use – a dishwasher or washing by hand?
We’ve already mentioned both the benefits and the upfront costs of dishwashers, but how does this compare to hand washing? Along with the water and energy to heat the water, rubber gloves, dish soap and sponges are needed to achieve a good clean with hand washing.
The typical modern dishwasher can use between 13-30 litres of water per load; however, hand-washing dishes can use significantly more. Using a dishwasher can help reduce the amount of water used – as well as the energy needed to heat it up – which can save you money in the long run.
Additionally, a great benefit of using Finish® detergents with your dishwasher is that you won’t need to waste any water pre-rinsing your dishes. You could save water, energy and money by skipping the pre-rinse altogether. Instead, scrape excess food off before loading the machine, use Finish® detergents, and let the machine do all the hard work for you.
How to save money when using your dishwasher
There are several factors that will determine how much a dishwasher cycle will cost. From the model of the dishwasher you have, to the energy supplier you’re with, and even down to how you stack your dishes. So, if you’re wondering if it is cheaper to use a dishwasher or wash by hand, the answer is that it’s more economical to use a dishwasher – if you follow some simple steps.
- Wait until you have a full load. This way, you will reduce the number of cycles you will need to run in a month. Simple!
- Don’t over-stuff your dishwasher. If you have a large family, you’ll probably nail the first step, but you may have trouble with this second one! By over-stuffing your dishwasher, you’re not only jeopardizing the quality of the clean, but you could also cause serious damage to your machine. Ensure the dishwasher is correctly loaded and that there’s room on the inside for the cycle to work effectively.
- Always clean and maintain your dishwasher. Nothing says ‘money drainer’ like a call-out from your local dishwasher repairman! Always use a quality detergent like Finish® Quantum Ultimate and keep the inside of your dishwasher clean and free of food scraps to avoid limescale build-up and clogging, which could cause expensive issues down the track.
- Consider upgrading your dishwasher to an energy-saving model. These days, modern dishwashers are far more energy efficient than their historical counterparts. Spend a little more upfront on a quality machine and you could save bucket loads over time.
