Conserving water is one way that every consumer can make a positive impact on the environment. If you are looking for ways to conserve water, you may be questioning how you wash the dishes in your home. Is an energy-efficient dishwasher a prudent approach? Perhaps washing by hand is more practical?
When looking at ways to improve this daily routine, it may come down to improving the quality of water being used. Before you run out and buy a new appliance or get rid of your current dishwasher, consider the following:
Water used during hand washing dishes
It is estimated that you use approximately eight liters of water (two gallons) per minute when you leave a faucet running to do your dishes. If you are efficient, you may be able to use less water than what an energy-efficient dishwasher would utilize for an average size load, which typically is no more than eight place settings and six additional serving pieces. This may not be the most cost-effective approach for large households or high-traffic kitchens, and why you might want to lean towards using the dishwasher.
Water consumption during dishwasher usage
Consumers that are concerned with the environment and conservation may choose to use energy-efficient dishwashers for their households. It is estimated that a contemporary appliance can use one-sixth of the water when compared to hand-washing the same amount of dishes. An efficient dishwasher will also use less energy to operate than older models, so be sure to upgrade and replace older, inefficient appliances when looking at ways to update or enhance your home’s kitchen.
Another tip is to always fill your dishwasher to capacity before use. This will ensure that you are saving water when compared to hand washing. If you have a modern machine, it is likely that your manufacturer recommends not rinsing the dishes before use, resulting in even more water savings.
Assuming you have a somewhat modern dishwasher, this is likely your best option. Check out the below graph from the Natural Resources Defense Council on water and electricity usage based on your machine and efficiency:
Perks of using filtered water for washing dishes
The benefits of using filtered water in the home extend far beyond the mere taste of the water that your family drinks. Some of the overall benefits of using filtered water include reducing toxins from the water supply, better results when doing laundry, and cleaner dishes. While the standard Whole House Water Filter does prevent the buildup of scale within your appliances and therefore helps you to have cleaner dishes, the ultimate in scale prevention comes from the optional filtration of a Salt-Free Water Softener.
When you wash dishes with water filtered by a Salt-Free Water Softener, you will notice that there is none of the soap scum residues that can accumulate when using unfiltered water. Diminishing the amount of scale within your appliances has been shown to increase their lifespan, efficiency, as well as effectiveness. For a homeowner that uses a dishwasher, this could mean the ultimate in water savings as well as a reduced electrical bill.
When making the decision as to the best way to wash your dishes, it is likely that a dishwasher is your best bet. If you want the most efficient dishwasher possible, consider the optional Salt-Free Water Softener as part of your Whole House Water Filter to enjoy cleaner dishes as well as the best drinking water possible.