If you
use a dishwasher be sure to:
1.
Wash only full loads. It costs exactly the same to wash one dish as a
whole load.
2.
Air-dry dishes. If the dishwasher has an air-dry feature, then use it.
3.
Hand rinse dishes in cold water and only if you plan to wait a day or
more before washing. Most dishwashers today do a good job of washing
dishes without pre-rinsing.
4.
Fill the dishwasher with detergent right before running it. Dry
detergent may cake, while liquid detergent can leak.
5.
Fill the dishwasher according to the manufacturer's instructions. This
will allow the flow of water to properly clean the dishes.
6.
Use energy-saving cycles whenever possible.
7.
Use water-temperature boosting feature. If the dishwasher has a booster
heater, then you can also lower the temperature on your water heater.
It takes less energy for the booster heater to heat the water needed to
wash the dishes at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the dishwasher's
manual for the recommended minimum water temperature.
And if you wash by hand, be sure to rinse the
dishes in groups rather than one at a time, don't leave the water
running, and don't wash a few dishes - wait until you have a sink full.