Dishwasher vs. Hand-washing?

**Trishagirl** · 01-05-2012, 10:30 PM

I've never had a dishwasher wanted one had an envelope for one. Don't really need one now only have one son at home. I usually handwash the dishes,or dh does if I make a big meal.

**greekislandgirl** · 01-07-2012, 03:54 AM

I lucked out and a narrow dishwasher came with the apartment when we moved in this summer - my first dishwasher ever! I run it once/day on average for the two of us (we both eat 3 meals/day at home). It's quite small so this is perfect for us.

I use the energy-efficient program which doesn't dry the dishes. It's only about 20 minutes long which means I never have to worry about not having something I need because it's in the dishwasher.

It uses less water and electricity than handwashing (and I was NOT a "water-runner" either!) but it costs oodles more in soap. Because I use soap foamers, when I was exclusively hand washing, I was spending around €1.50/YEAR in liquid dish soap. Now I spend around €3/MONTH in dishwasher soap (storebrand). It's worth it in the end though because of the water/electric savings.

It really helps me keep my small kitchen tidy as I put things directly into the dishwasher rather than in the sink/ on the counter. It uses a filter which is normal here in Europe but which means I have to clean it periodically which is kind of a pain.

I still have to handwash pots and pans because the dishwasher is smallish. And I handwash anything with wood in it, and my handmade ceramics just in case.

**dancemommy** · 01-07-2012, 08:27 AM

I noticed the phosphates removal in the middle of last year when my dishes started getting cloudy. We've tried Lemi-shine and it works ok. But what works best for us is the Finish Quantum tabs- they are a little more expensive than other dw detergent, but they work- shiny clean dishes.

**Labontet** · 01-07-2012, 09:06 AM

I don't have a DW, never have owned one.
But if I did have one, I would definately use it.

**Darlene** · 01-07-2012, 04:08 PM

Since living here at camp we are getting used to doing dishes by hand & we are thinking that we won't be buying a dishwasher if our next home doesn't have one. Nice not having our glassware etched and it really can be quality time spent with a loved one when one washes and the other dries. Well water here so not sure of water usage. We wash a bunch and then rinse all at once in our double sink. We also like to do dishes as we go while preparing food so we have less to do after a meal.

**houstenh** · 01-13-2012, 08:58 AM

We do both. None of our dishwashers have ever been able to clean everything off. I usually soak the hard-to-get-off stuff, perform a quick wash by hand and put them along with rest of the dishes in the dishwasher. With 2 kids, we run it 2 times a day and depend on it heavily.

**momof42003** · 01-13-2012, 03:10 PM

Decided last year when the d/w went out to just hand wash. I like it more. Seems to get the dishes cleaner. If you are worried about "germs" you can always put a couple drops of bleach in the wash water. I decided recently NOT to replace the d/w, but instead put in more cabinet space, since my kitchen is very small. I really haven't seen a hike in my water bill.