Dishwasher 101
Wow, I love these tips for stacking things up, Dishwasher 101!
Here’s a list from an insightful article, WD’s Guide to Dishwashers. Yes, I have been doing it wrong and learned all kinds of things. Here’s just a small segment on how to save a dollar or two!
6 Ways to Save Money
1. Use the lightest cycle possible. “The heavier the cycle, the more water and energy you use,” says Edwards. Heavier cycles mean more tub fills and drains. Normal cycles typically fill four or five times, light washes around three.
2. Use less detergent. “How much you use should depend on how much food soil is in the machine, not on how many dishes,” says Dries. Experiment to determine the smallest amount that works, and consult your manual, which tells you precisely how much to use. My dishes clean just fine with a teaspoon of powder detergent.
3. Don’t run the hot water beforehand. “Some people run hot water in their sink for a minute before starting the dishwasher, assuming that the water going into the dishwasher will then be warmer,” says Dries. But there’s no need—modern dishwashers have their own water-heating element, to heat water well above the 120°F of most household faucets.
4. Skip heat drying. (Unless you need dry dishes immediately.) The dishes will dry on their own, especially if you’re using a rinse aid. A trick of the trade: If you happen to be standing next to the dishwasher when it finishes, open the door. “Flash drying” will happen: The dishes are at their hottest point, and when suddenly exposed to cool air, they’ll give up moisture at the fastest rate.
5. Rinse and hold. It’s absolutely fine to run your dishwasher once a week. In the meantime, just run the rinse-and-hold cycle to prevent smells.
6. Always run it full. You knew that already, right?
Happy Stacking All!
We're Alison and Renée, and we're so glad you've joined us! Our kitchens are our happy place, where we're whipping up memories. Get comfy and check things out. We hope you find inspiring dishes and ways to better your life. Feeling optimistic, trying new things and sharing with those we love brings joy in all we do. It's time to cook, create and celebrate. CHEERS! 
I had never heard of running hot water beforehand so I’ve never done that.
The husband is an air drying fanatic. It annoyed me at years ago, but then I grew up and realized that he was right.
Do washing dishes by hand save more money?
It is wonderful to have them washing away while I am not thinking about them.
I put white vinegar in the jet dry holder thing. The water here is so hard.
Thanks for the great tips.
I like that “flash drying” trick. Will be doing that from now on.
Great post ~ I’m happy to say I’ve been doing this right!
‘hugs from afar’
Dang, if this Ozark Farm Chick hasn’t been runnin’ the hot water beforehand for over 38 years now. I do open the door to ‘flash dry’ and always run it full but on the next the the heavy wash cycle.
Thanks for the heads up. I will stop wastin’ my hot water from this day forth!
God bless ya from the happy hills and hollers of the Missouri Ponderosa!!!
I get a star for doing it right!! yay And I am so thankful for dishwashers..we have so much! 😀
I need to post these on my dishwasher!
I do most of it right! Now I just need a dishwasher that unloads itself. I don’t mind the loading if it is empty! One of my daughters for years would walk into the house and if she saw dishes in the sink she would load. Now she is 20 and has a job so that has stopped. I never had another child who just walked in and saw something needed to be done and did it! Loved it.
I enjoyed reading your post come see me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
Great tips!!
Now, if only you could teach my husband how to load the dishwasher efficiently and make the best use of space…
Kristen
Turning a House into a Home
Great ideas on saving energy!!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Come visit on the 15th for a big surprise!