Good advice on dishwashers

Read the 4 good tips below, and learn to use your dishwasher energy efficiently.

  1. Fill up the machine.
    Fill the dishwasher to capacity before running it. You not only save both energy and water but you also reduce wear and tear on the machine. Many new dishwashers have electronic quantity control, where the machine adjusts the amount of water according to the amount of dishwashing. Nonetheless, a full machine is still the most energy efficient.
  2. Low temperature – short programme.
    Use the shortest possible programme and the lowest possible temperature which is suitable for a thorough clean. You will use 10-20% less power by using the dishwasher at 50/55° C instead of 65° C.
  3. No need to pre-rinse.
    It is a myth that you need to pre-rinse tableware before loading it into the dishwasher. Modern dishwashers can wash clean; all you need to do is scrape leftovers from the plates.
  4. Fill the machine immediately.
    Load the dirty tableware into the machine as soon as you have finished using it and close the door so that food traces do not dry out.

Page last updated 06.10.2008