With rising energy prices, many households are looking for ways to cut costs without giving up modern conveniences. One appliance that often raises concerns is the dishwasher. It saves time and effort, but when electricity and gas prices soar—especially in the colder months—many people start to wonder: is it really worth using?

The answer is yes. With a few smart habits and the right washing strategy, you can continue to use your dishwasher while keeping your bills under control. Here’s how to make it work efficiently and economically.

Rising Costs and Smarter Appliance Use

Over the past few months, energy bills have nearly doubled in many parts of Europe, and winter tends to make things worse. Heating systems, hair dryers, electric stoves, and other appliances all contribute to a sharp increase in electricity and gas consumption.

To cope, many families are making small sacrifices: reducing laundry frequency, taking shorter showers, or even washing dishes by hand instead of running the dishwasher. However, completely giving up your dishwasher isn’t necessary—especially when you learn how to use it more wisely.

Governments have introduced various financial aid programs and bonuses to help families struggling with high utility costs, but household habits also make a big difference. Using your appliances at the right time and in the right way can significantly lower your bills.

When and How to Use Appliances to Save Energy

One of the most effective strategies is to use your dishwasher during off-peak hours—the periods when electricity rates are lowest. Typically, this means running your dishwasher late at night or early in the morning, depending on your local energy provider’s pricing schedule.

Another essential factor is choosing the right washing mode. Most modern dishwashers now feature an “Eco” program, which reduces energy and water consumption by lowering the temperature and extending the washing time. While it takes a bit longer to complete, it’s far more economical overall.

Even though these eco programs might seem slower, they use less electricity to heat water—one of the most energy-intensive parts of a dishwasher cycle.

Energy Efficiency Starts with the Right Appliance

If your dishwasher is old, it might be worth considering an upgrade. The energy efficiency class of your appliance plays a crucial role in your long-term costs.

Dishwashers labeled A+++ (or now A under the new EU rating system) are designed to consume far less water and electricity compared to older models. While they might be more expensive upfront, they pay for themselves over time through consistent energy savings.

So, if you’re in the market for a new dishwasher, look beyond price tags and focus on efficiency ratings—it’s an investment that benefits both your wallet and the environment.

Use the Dishwasher Only When It’s Full

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to save energy is to run the dishwasher only when it’s full. A half-empty cycle wastes both water and electricity. It’s better to wait until you have a full load, even if it means running the dishwasher just once a day or every other day.

If you’re worried about odors or bacteria forming while dishes wait, simply rinse off large food residues before placing them inside, but avoid pre-washing them completely—that can waste even more water.

For small households, compact dishwashers or models with a half-load option can also help balance efficiency with practicality.

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The Secret to Real Savings: Skip the Heated Drying

The biggest opportunity for savings comes at the drying stage. Many people overlook this, but turning off the heated drying cycle can reduce your dishwasher’s electricity use by up to 40% or even more, depending on the model.

After the final rinse, most dishwashers automatically switch to a hot air or heated element drying phase. This process consumes a large portion of the total energy used in each cycle. Disabling it and allowing your dishes to air dry naturally is one of the easiest ways to lower consumption.

Here’s a practical alternative: when the dishwasher finishes washing, simply open the door slightly to let the steam escape and the air circulate. After about 20–30 minutes, you can manually dry the dishes with a clean towel or let them air dry completely. This not only saves money but also prevents streaks and water spots, especially on glassware.

Additional Tips for Dishwasher Efficiency

If you want to take your savings even further, consider these additional energy-smart habits:

• Use shorter wash cycles when the dishes aren’t heavily soiled. Modern machines can clean efficiently even at lower temperatures.

• Keep the filters and spray arms clean. Food residue buildup can make your dishwasher work harder and use more water and energy.

• Use dishwasher salt and rinse aid properly. These help the machine operate efficiently and prevent lime buildup, which can impact heating performance.

• Don’t overload your dishwasher. While a full load is ideal, overcrowding prevents water and detergent from circulating properly, forcing you to rewash dishes.

• Place items strategically. Heavily soiled pots and pans should go on the bottom rack, where the water pressure is strongest, while lighter items can go on top.

Washing by Hand Isn’t Always Cheaper

Many people assume that washing dishes by hand saves money, but studies show otherwise. Dishwashers actually use less water than manual washing—provided they’re run full and on efficient settings.

Handwashing can use up to 40–60 liters of water per session, while an energy-efficient dishwasher may use as little as 10 liters per full load. So not only does the dishwasher save time, but it’s also the more sustainable choice when used correctly.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to give up your dishwasher to keep your electricity bill under control. With a few simple adjustments—running full loads, choosing eco modes, skipping heated drying, and operating during off-peak hours—you can enjoy spotless dishes and still save money every month.

Modern dishwashers are designed with efficiency in mind. The key is knowing how to use them wisely. So, the next time you load your dishwasher, remember: a few small changes can make a big difference—for your wallet, your time, and the planet.