Buying a dishwasher should be researched before making a purchase. An inexpensive dishwasher may cost more than washing dishes by hand. It is important to research water use, energy costs, and environmental impact.
Water Use
Newer dishwashers use approximately 25 - 40 litres (7-10 gallons) of water per cycle according to the Federal Energy Management Program. Waterwise, a UK, non-governmental organization estimates 8-20 litres (2-5 gallons) of water flows from a running faucet per minute ( Waterwise, 2011). Basically, once the faucet turns on, in less than a minute, over 5 litres of water will have flowed from the faucet. Washing dishes with the water turned on is very costly while the dishwasher's water use is consistent from one load to the next.
The use of water is reduced if the kitchen sinks are filled with water and the faucet is turned off. Water use can be astronomically if the person washing dishes is not conscious of the cost of water flowing freely from the sink. For water use, the dishwasher wins as the water use is consistent, while washing dishes is not.
Energy Costs
Dishwashers require electricity for the unit to work and natural gas or electricity to heat the water. The cost of heating the water for the dishwasher is dependent on the make and year of the water heater. The newer, more energy efficient systems are less expensive. As for washing dishes, the temperature of the water is considerably less compared to the dishwasher's water temperature.
When washing dishes by hand, the rinse water can be cold, which will save the consumer heating costs. Energy costs for the dishwasher can be minimized if the heat dry is turned off. Energy costs are not easy to compare, but overall the costs should be lower for hand washing.
Environmental Impact
Hand washing uses water, soap, and a some elbow grease. The biggest environmental impact is the waste of water if not conserved. Soap has minimal impact on the environment; if a green product is used, that is less hazardous to the water system. Many environmentally friendly products are available.
Dishwashers do impact our natural resources. The building of the product, whether steel or plastic, impacts the flora and fauna of the area. As well, disposal of used dishwashers impacts the environment as they fill landfills. Dishwashers overall have the greater impact on the environment.
Time
Dishwashers can save the family many hours. Simply place the dirty dishes in and turn it on. No time is needed for scrubbing and scraping as there is with washing dishes by hand. Washing dishes by hand takes a great deal more energy and effort. For time, dishwashers are better time savers.
Deciding whether to wash dishes by hand or to use a dishwasher is a personal decision. All factors need to be considered, as well as the dynamics of the family. If the family uses rainwater, dish washing may be the best solution. However, if the family leads a busy lifestyle, then the dishwasher may be the best option. Based on the comparisons, both washing dishes by hand or using a dishwasher have their own individual merits.
Debbie DeSpirt - Debbie DeSpirt is an Elementary Teacher for the York Catholic District School Board in Ontario, Canada. Her post secondary education ...
Join the Conversation