Dishwashers - 7 Tips for Going Green

Dishwashers are the norm these days in most homes. Like most large appliances, dishwashers use a huge amount of energy and water, but if they are used properly, well maintained, and if you put to use some of the tips in this article, a dishwasher can actually be more environmentally friendly than washing the dishes by hand. Here is a list of tips to help your dishwasher be more "green".

• Choose the right dishwasher.

Purchase a dishwasher that is rated for water and energy efficiency. Just look for the Energy Star rated appliances (U.S. only) at your local retailer. Energy Star rated machines will use 25% less energy than other non-rated models. Don't let that yellow EnergyGuide sticker confuse you - it will take a little work, but you can get some vital information there regarding the dishwasher.

• Mom always said to pre-rinse.

Sorry, Mom. Today's dishwashers are powerful enough to get off the toughest food and gunk. Pre-rinsing by hand is just a waste of time, water and energy.

• Don't use so many dishes.

That's right, if you use less dishes and utensils during the day, that means less dishes in the dishwasher, and fewer loads. This saves energy, detergent and water.

• Going Green doesn't mean dishes won't be clean.

If you use a dishwashing liquid detergent or powder detergent that is biodegradable, natural, and free of petroleum and phosphates. If your dishes are still spotty after using these natural phosphate-free detergents, you might want to try using a natural residue eliminator. Green dishwashing detergents include Seventh Generation, Method, Mrs. Mayers, BEE, Earth Friendly Products.

• Only wash full loads

A full energy-efficient dishwasher cleans best and has the lowest environmental impact of any other method.

• Distance is a good thing.

Make sure you don't have your refrigerator next to your dishwasher. The refrigerator will have to work harder and use more energy to make up for the heat coming off the dishwasher.

• Air is cheaper than electricity.

Air dry your dishes instead of leaving them in the dishwasher to be dried by a heater or fan. Simply open the dishwasher door at the end of the wash cycle. If you wash your dishes in the evening, and open the door to dry the dishes - they'll be ready for you in the morning.

Most retail appliance stores carry several brand names of dishwashers. Some are better than others, but here are the best ones to look for: GE Ecomagination, Maytag, Bosch, LG, Whirlpool, and Electrolux/Frigidare. You can get a list of energy and water efficient dishwashers along with some helpful tips on how to save even more money from the Federal Energy Star program website. A list of the most energy-efficient dishwashers can be found at The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy website. Some of the models listed there rate better than the Energy Star requirements.

The dishwasher is one of the modern marvels that saves us hours of cleaning and drying time. Modern dishwashers use less water, less energy, and more heat. Use the tips listed here and watch how much water, energy, and time you can save with your current dishwasher or save even more when you purchase a new dishwasher.