[USER]

I’ve started handwashing my dishes instead of using a dishwasher. I’ve been wondering about the cost efficiency of handwashing dishes versus using a dishwasher.

Some argue that handwashing saves on electricity and maintenance, while others say dishwashers save water and get dishes cleaner with less detergent.

With costs for water, electricity, and cleaning supplies varying widely, it’s tough to tell which is truly cheaper in the long run.

For those who have compared both methods, what have you found in terms of actual cost? Does the size of the household make a difference, or do specific types of dishwashers affect the savings?

And do you notice any impact on your utility bills?

I’m interested in hearing others’ experiences with both handwashing and dishwasher use to get a clearer picture of which option is actually more economical.

Thanks for sharing your insights!

[Dorrie]

Actually it’s not cheaper. Hand washing uses twice as much water.

[Kristi]

Love my dishwasher!! Went without one for 12 years before my last one and will never go back.

My clean uncluttered kitchen is totally worth it!

[Tesse]

I’m so glad I live an a country where we can all wash our dishes by our preferred method of choice!

[Karen]

I use a dishpan of hot soapy water and another one to rinse
Saves water and electricity!

[Barbara]

according to a study done at the University of South Florida you use less water and if you air dry the dishes they are more sanitary than if done in the dishwasher.

Most dishwashers become petrified dishes over the years.

[Christine]

With my arthritis I use the dishwasher for anything I can get to fit and save my hands for whatever can’t.

I do occasionally miss washing dishes as I find it meditative

[Jackie]

Nope! I would rather clean toilets than wash dishes by hand.

[KC]

Depends. Research says dishwasher saves money and water. And I believe it when I see people in my household squirt a tablespoon of soap in an open sink with water running full blast for each dish.

However, I wash dishes like I’m camping with limited water with wash and rinse bowls.

I think my way probably would save water like you are finding

[Katrina]

I used to live in central Washington where water and electricity was very cheap, and it didn’t make much difference. But now I live where water and electricity are both very expensive.

We have solar panels for hot water and electricity which helps, but the system also tracks electricity use, so I can really see which appliances are big draws.

The oven and clothes dryers are the worst! So, I use an airfryer for most baking now and line dry my clothes most of the time.

I use a kinda combo system for dishes, because I refuse to run it everyday, but hate dishes piling up in the sink. Gotta pick our battles!

[Bridget]

I don’t even own a dishwasher. I like to do them with headphones on listening to a Bailey Sarian, Dark History, or Murder, Mystery, and Makeup Monday.

It’s relaxing.

[Frances]

Dishwashers eventually spring leaks. Got to fix the damage and hire someone to do it if you have no knowledge how to repair. Can cause mold if it takes long to get the funds to fix.

Sometimes the repairs are not repaired thus calling again to get it repaired.

The headache of finding a reliable tech. Figuring out if there is a warranty.

f all else fails cost to buy a new one and they install if needed, another charge. Streaks or particles dishwashers leave on dishes sometimes, etc.

[Katelyn]

But time is money and I’d rather use my time doing other things. I’d be washing dishes all day.

[Dana]

My dishwasher is old so we started hand washing last yr better than buying a new one

[Patti]

Just depends on how you wash and use your water. I really like to wash my dishes. I run dishwater in one sink, probably 2 gallons.

I run about a gallon in a pan to rinse.

Only if I have a lot of company do I have to use more, just to heat up the water.

[Karen]

No dishwasher at our house. It takes 10 minutes, small use of water, no electricity except a kitchen light, and a smidge of dish soap.

Dishwashers are also known for trapping nasty food particles in them, yuck.

Totally understand if you are working and/or have a family at home.

[Jill]

I am The dishwasher … husband said ours was too Noisy about 29 years ago… so it’s extra storage now Air dry as often as possible but I do wash with very hot water which dries fast.

[Theresa]

I actually do both. Only use the dish washer when I can fill it full. The rest of time is soak, hand wash,rinse , air dry.

I don’t use the dry feature on the dishwasher and I buy powder detergent from Norwex

[Author]

Posts