The Dishwasher Dish: Tip-of-the-Day #65

ONLY RUN THE DISHWASHER WHEN IT'S FULL OF DISHES

Obviously you should only run your dishwasher when you have a full load in place, but sometimes the obvious isn't so transparent. Some people run the dishwasher after each meal while others run special cycles for heavily soiled pans - wash the pots and pans by hand and skip the special cycles! Why? Because dishwashers account for 2% of energy usage and while that doesn't seem like a lot, it can add up if you're running it every day!

Helpful tip: Load the machine correctly (for example, heavily soiled items at the back and sides not in the front or on top).

I tend to have to police my dishwasher because my boyfriend has a nasty habit of loading ineffectively (plates where cups go, bowls where plates go, etc.) and then will run it half empty. Sigh.

Rein in your rogue roommates, boyfriends, husbands, kids – even yourself if need be - and start using your appliances more practically.