Not using the diswasher so much?

[guest002]

Do y'all think it will make a difference if I commit to not using my old dishwasher for at least 10 days a month and when I do use it to not use the dryer function?

[bumplett]

yes - I think you will notice a big difference in your water bill

I try to wash the dishes by hand most times.

[Jaded]

I remember reading where a dishwasher usually uses less water than hand washing and rinsing. It's the power drain for the hot water that gets you, plus the electricity to run it. I actually pre-wash (to save on detergent and make sure they dishes get really clean), then use it to either just rinse or just do a water miser wash with only one detergent thing filled. Then I do the air dry. Mine has that option, and I think it saves me a lot. I wish I had an option for cold rinse, but the machine I got was used, and really cheap ($100 installed), so I can't complain.

[cheappearls]

Here's an article from my favorite green living site. Dishwasher wins.

If you only run it with full loads and without the dry function, you will probably save more money then by hand washing. You can also try running it on light cycle. Unless you have a lot of caked on food, light cycle works just as good. Sometimes you can cut back on how much detergent you use too and it won't make a difference.

[FrugalMomof3]

I dont pre rinse but my reason is because everyone basically licks their plates clean, lol but I also dont use the dry function, I just open the dishwasher door when done washing and let them air dry.

[PrairieRose]

I use my dishwasher all the time. I only run it chock full, very little pre rinse, water and power miser, air dry. I actually love living in this century

[nuisance26]

~I've done just this over the last 2 months in the Slash & Burn. My dishwasher uses 6 gallons of water and I use the same amount handwashing in a half-full sink and dipping in rinse water. My gas and electric bills went down about $30 a month by running the dishwasher 10 times a month or less. That means I handwash over 30 loads a month. It's time-consuming so I'm bumping my dishwasher allowance up to 20. HTH.~

[i.m.cheap]

I have had to hand wash all the dishes for the last six years. I finally got a home with a dishwasher, and I am going to use it.

[annymoll]

I never use the dishwasher, other than holidays or special times. I do not have enough dishes daily, and I don't like washing little loads or letting them sit around.

[Didi]

I do not have a dishwasher anymore (my MIL uses it now).
Not all my pans were dishwasherproof so I was AND running the dishwasher AND washing by hand.

More importantly, spending some time on dishwashing makes me realize how rich we are (being able to eat properly and regularly, having nice things to drink etc.). But I'm sure you can also have your moment of contemplation while loading the dishwasher.

[DixieJ]

I only run my dishwasher when it is packed full. (usually every other day). I don't use the dry option. I'm sure I'd use a lot more water if I washed by hand 2-3 times a day.

Dixie Jean

[kabin63]

I just got my dishwasher, first one in over 12 years. I am going to use it, because I use more water washing by hand. I have only used it 3 times and I already love it, because I know the dishes are sanitized, something that I think is harder to do when you have to worry about a septic system.

[bumplett]

I do not have a dishwasher anymore (my MIL uses it now).
Not all my pans were dishwasherproof so I was AND running the dishwasher AND washing by hand.

More importantly, spending some time on dishwashing makes me realize how rich we are (being able to eat properly and regularly, having nice things to drink etc.). But I'm sure you can also have your moment of contemplation while loading the dishwasher.

wow - thank you for putting a little perspective on something that we tend to take forgranted.....

[Luv2BeFrugal]

More importantly, spending some time on dishwashing makes me realize how rich we are (being able to eat properly and regularly, having nice things to drink etc.). But I'm sure you can also have your moment of contemplation while loading the dishwasher.

That is a truly lovely sentiment. I haven't had a dishwasher since '01 and though I don't hate doing dishes, they do get tiring after a while. Now I'm going to think of what you just said while I do them. Thank you very much!!

[mommy4ever]

I have a 3 yo dishwasher, that I no longer use. It doesn't clean the dishes. I have tried different detergents, different temps. The tshc says I'm using too much detergent. I use 1 tbsp. So that's not the issue. He then says I have to rinse everything off first, so whats the point? If I'm rinsing clean then running the washer, I'd doing it twice.

To see how much water used, I measured..lol. 4 gallons to wash, and less than 1 to rinse. I do dishes 2 times a day. I was doing this ANYWAY with the dishwasher as I had to rinse everything, plus I have to wash the pots and pans, and some plastics. Detergent? Hand washing for $2 it lasts me 2 months. Dishwasher, for $16 lasts 3 months. '

Then I factor that i get the kids to do supper dishes they are working together, learning responsibility and pride in their work. At lunch, it's quick, I doubt I use that much water as it's usually clean up from soup and sandwich quick and easy, and gives me a little down time from all the kids.