New energy efficient dishwashers use less energy and water than washing by hand. A recent study showed that the average hand-washer used over 27 gallons of water and 2.5 kilowatts hours of electricity to clean a full sink of dishes, while the dishwasher used just under 6 gallons of water and less than 2 kilowatt hours for the same amount of dishes.

Of course, there are certain conditions that have to be met, which means you may have to change some habits:

  • Don’t prerinse your dishes.
  • Only run the dishwasher with full loads.
  • Use the short wash cycle.

Watch the video above to find out more.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

I know from the comments I’ve heard that a lot of people think that living a green lifestyle means giving up certain conveniences. Especially those conveniences that make work easier. But that’s not always the case. A good example is the dishwasher. It may surprise you to know that in almost every situation, the newer energy-efficient dishwashers use less energy and water than washing by hand! A recent study showed that the average hand-washer used over 27 gallons of water and 2.5 kilowatts hours of electricity to clean a full sink of dishes, while the dishwasher used just under 6 gallons of water and less than 2 kilowatt hours for the same amount of dishes. Of course, there are certain conditions that have to be met, which means you may have to change some habits. Don’t pre-rinse your dishes. Only run the dishwasher when you have full loads. And only use the short wash cycle.

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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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