For years, there’s been a belief that dishwashers are wasteful when it comes to water usage, and handwashing is more water-efficient. But modern dishwashers challenge that myth. Let’s explore why dishwashers are not only convenient but also your best ally in conserving water (and time) while achieving squeaky clean dishes.

Current Habits: How We Clean Dishes Today
Today, many people will choose to handwash their dishes by filling the sink or running heated water over dishes for several minutes. While handwashing may feel like the more water efficient way to clean dishes, in fact, running the tap for 11 minutes while handwashing uses up to 24 gallons of water. Handwashing often requires extra rinsing too to remove soap suds and food particles, leading to more water down the drain. That’s a lot of water, especially considering the same job could be done with just a fraction of that amount using a dishwasher.  

Busting the Myth: Are Dishwashers Really Wasteful?
Many still believe dishwashers will fill with water, spray it around, and drain it several times per cycle. Did you know an ENERGY STAR ® certified dishwasher uses less than 4 gallons for a whole cycle — a significant difference compared to handwashing? When you use your dishwasher every night instead of handwashing for just 10 minutes, you save 100 gallons of water per week. 

They are designed with water efficiency in mind by recirculating the water, meaning dishwashers will reuse water during the cycle, reducing overall consumption. Even if your machine isn’t brand new, it likely uses significantly less water than washing a large load of dishes by hand. When you use a high-quality detergent, like Cascade Platinum Plus, you can save even more water - up to 20 gallons per load by skipping the pre-rinse. 

The Role of Detergent: Why It Matters
Understanding the importance of detergent in dishwashing can help you make more informed choices. High-quality dishwasher detergents, like Cascade Platinum Plus, are specifically formulated to work efficiently with minimal water. These products contain enzymes to break down food residue, grease, and grime at a molecular level without requiring a heavy water flow to rinse them away, ensuring that even the dirties plates come out spotless. 

By choosing a high-quality dishwasher detergent, like Cascade Platinum Plus, you can skip the pre-rinse to save even more water, ensuring your dishes come out sparkling clean. Pre-rinsing also removes the food particles that the dishwasher sensors use to determine the amount of water and energy needed for cleaning. 

How You Can Make a Difference

Here are some tips to maximize your water savings while cleaning your dishes:

• Choose the dishwasher. The dishwasher is the best and most efficient way to clean your full load of dishes, saving water and time.
• Skip the pre-rinse. Today’s powerful detergents, like Cascade Platinum Plus, make scraping off food debris enough — no need to pre-rinse, which just wastes more water. 
• Use the right cycle. Most dishwashers have multiple cycles for different needs. Opt for a eco/energy saver cycle when you have extra time, like running it before bed. These cycles are designed to use even less water while still cleaning effectively.  
• Keep your dishwasher clean. A well-maintained dishwasher works more efficiently. Clean the filter regularly and check for any blockages to keep your machine running at peak performance.

So, the next time you’re faced with a pile of dirty dishes, remember that running the dishwasher is the more innovative, sustainable option for saving water while delivering spotless results.