The Dishwasher As Energy Saver and Friend

by Marjorie Dorfman | More from this Blogger

03 Sep 2006 02:47 AM

Here are some tips to save time, energy and money while operating the dishwasher in your home. (Share these with your friends, but not the other machines in your home as they may become jealous and stop operating.)

1. Run the dishwasher only when you have a full load. It's much cheaper that way.

2. Save energy by using the air-dry method rather than heat dry. It may not be as fast, but is more energy-efficient. The door can be opened to speed up the drying process at the end of the cycle and if your dryer does not have such an option, you can end the drying cycle by opening the door after the final rinse and demanding that it "cease and desist."

3. Use a rinse agent, especially if you do employ the air-drying method. Remember to use more detergent if you have hard water and less detergent if you have soft water.

4. Because dishwashers are self-cleaning, it is not necessary to clean the inside of your machine. If you smell something funny, check out all relatives and family members first and then don't waste another minute and call the plumber. (Only kidding!) It could be a sewage problem, and if it is, that can be costly and serious. It may, however, be just a matter of detergent or food particle build-up and as such, may only need to be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

5. Check your spray-arms (not yours personally, the machine's). If your dishes are not getting clean, the spray arms mat be clogged, and if they are, a stiff wire (such as a paper clip) and a toothbrush can help to unclog both the upper and lower spray arm.

Happy Dishwashing to all and to all a good...energy!

Learn more about Marjorie Dorfman

Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger