Dishwasher vs hand washing: Which is more efficient for cleaning dishes?

Nowadays, everything is automated, from cars to coffee makers. But what about cleaning dishes? Long were the days when hand washing was the only option for keeping our dishes clean.

With the invention of the dishwasher, a question has emerged about whether it’s more efficient to wash dishes by hand or use a machine. So how would we settle this dishwasher vs hand washing debate?

While dishwashers offer convenience and efficiency, some people still swear by the traditional hand-washing method. Let’s examine the facts before choosing.

What is a dishwasher? 

A dishwasher, whether it's an integrated or freestanding dishwasher, is essentially a life-saving appliance for many as it speeds up the task of cleaning dishes.

At its core, it’s an automated machine specifically engineered to clean dishes, cutlery, and occasionally other kitchenware with little to no need for physical scrubbing or manual labour. Simply load it with dirty dishes, add a dishwasher powder or tablet, select the appropriate cleaning cycle, and it does all the hard work for you.

Inside, the dishes are sprayed with jets of hot water mixed with detergent. This ensures a thorough clean that’s difficult to achieve manually.

Besides the convenience and time savings, dishwashers are also known for their ability to sanitise dishes by using hotter water than what would be bearable for hand washing. So, it provides both a healthier and potentially cleaner kitchen environment for those living alone or with a family.

What is hand washing? 

Washing dishes by hand is a traditional method of physically scrubbing dishes with soap and water to remove food particles, grease, and other residues. This process often requires soaking, rinsing, and sometimes re-rinsing to ensure that dishes are thoroughly clean and free from soap.

Hand washing lets you feel and see spots and food remnants that may need extra attention. People often choose it for delicate items that might not withstand the vigorous cleaning cycles of a dishwasher or for kitchens where a dishwasher isn’t an option.

Despite being more labour-intensive, this method gives individuals complete control over the cleaning process, from the temperature of the water to the amount of soap used. This is why it’s a preferred choice for some.

Hand wash vs dishwasher: Which is more efficient for cleaning dishes?

Having clean dishes is essential for maintaining a hygienic household, but what should you do to achieve clean dishes: use a dishwasher or wash by hand? This guide will break down the pros and cons of each method in terms of several factors to help you decide which is best for your situation. 

In terms of cleaning ability

When it comes to the cleaning ability of a dishwasher or washing by hand, the former tends to have the upper hand. A modern dishwasher is designed with advanced technology that lets it remove not just visible food residue but also microorganisms.

The high temperatures reached inside a dishwasher, often between 60°C to 62°C, ensure a level of sanitation that’s difficult to achieve with hand washing. This is because the hot water temperatures needed to kill bacteria are generally too hot for skin contact.

On the other hand, washing plates manually requires meticulous effort to reach the same level of cleanliness. Even with harsh scrubbing, it’s challenging to maintain the consistent temperature and detergent concentration necessary to kill bacteria and remove all residues effectively.

However, hand washing might be preferred for items that are delicate or not dishwasher-safe because of its more controlled and gentle cleaning process. 

In terms of water usage

Water consumption is a critical factor when comparing dishwashers to hand washing. So, how much water does a dishwasher use?

Surprisingly, water-efficient dishwashers actually use less water than washing dishes by hand. This is especially the case when you consider the amounts needed to rinse and wash a full load of dishes in the sink.

An Energy Star-rated dishwasher’s water usage can be as little as 3 gallons of water per cycle, while hand washing can use up to 27 gallons for the same amount of dishes. This significant difference is primarily due to the optimised water usage technology in modern dishwashers that recycle water throughout the cleansing cycle.

Meanwhile, washing dishes by hand under a continuously running tap or in multiple sinkfuls of water can lead to excessive water consumption. Even if you use a washing-up bowl or skip the final rinse, you’d still end up using an unnecessary amount of water.

In terms of energy efficiency

One of the first questions anyone ever asks when choosing between handwashing and a machine is if it’s going to use too much power. So, with that in mind, how much power does a dishwasher use?

Well, a dishwasher’s power consumption, particularly an Energy Star-certified one, is designed to be highly energy efficient. They use less electricity to heat the water and complete a washing cycle than the energy required to heat an equivalent volume of water using a home’s water heater for washing by hand.

The exact energy savings can vary based on the dishwasher model and the efficiency of the home’s water heating system. However, it’s clear that dishwashers often lead to lower energy consumption.

Hand washing’s energy usage primarily revolves around the heating of water. When washing dishes by hand, one might constantly waste hot water for an extended period. This can significantly increase a household’s energy consumption, especially if the water heater is not particularly efficient.

If the person washing the dishes by hand opts not to use hot water, the energy consumption will be less. However, the effectiveness of cleaning may be impacted. 

In terms of convenience

The convenience offered by dishwashers is something else. Firstly, they save time. Instead of standing over the sink to scrub, rinse, and dry each item, you can simply load the dishwasher and start a cycle.

This allows multitasking—possibly attending to other chores or relaxing. Modern dishwashers even come with various settings to suit different loads and cleaning needs.

On the contrary, hand washing demands constant attention from pre-washing to drying. This process can be especially time-consuming when dealing with a large number of dishes or particularly soiled cookware. Plus, it requires physical effort to scrub and rinse dishes. This can be difficult for individuals with certain physical limitations. 

In terms of environmental impact

When gauging environmental impact, it’s essential to weigh the usage of water and how much energy is spent. After all, the goal is to reduce waste and conserve resources.

Traditional hand washing can consume significantly more water compared to energy-efficient dishwashers. A running tap can use up to 2 gallons of water per minute, while an Energy Star-certified dishwasher can clean a full load of dishes with as little as 3 gallons per cycle. 

The energy used to heat water in a modern dishwasher, especially those that are energy-efficient, is generally less. This not only reduces energy consumption but also minimises the carbon footprint associated with heating water. Dishwashers are also now more sophisticated, with many models now featuring eco-friendly cycles that optimise water and energy use according to the load. 

In terms of cost-effectiveness

When analysing dishwasher vs hand washing costs, initial and ongoing expenses must be considered. The purchase price of a dishwasher might seem steep, ranging from $500 to $1,000, with high-end models reaching up to $2,500. Then, you can easily spend $500-$1,500 for the installation. However, this is a one-time investment that can last for many years.

If you want to save more, you can also opt to install the dishwasher yourself. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and take all necessary safety precautions.

On the other hand, the costs associated with hand washing—such as sponges, which can range from $2 to $6 for a 3-piece pack, and washing up liquids, costing between $1.90 and $5.50 for 450 mL bottles—are recurrent and can add up over time.

Additionally, considering the water costs of approximately $1.82 to $4.94 per kilolitre, efficient dishwashers can significantly reduce average water consumption. This lowers the expense over time. 

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