The debate on whether to clean dirty dishes by hand or use a dishwasher is still pretty intriguing. There are many varying opinions when it comes to the two. Many people want to know whether it is better to use a dishwasher or clean dishes by hand.
Using a dishwasher is better than hand-washing in most cases. The dishwasher is more energy-efficient and less time-consuming than handwashing. Dishwashing is also more effective, ensuring your dishes are as clean as possible. Hand-washing is the better alternative when you only have a small batch of dishes to do.
But, there are also other merits to washing dishes by hand. This guide looks at both sides of the coin to see which works best.
When Is It Best to Use a Dishwasher?
The best and most efficient way to use a dishwasher is when you have a full load of dishes. Keep adding items to the unit until you have a complete load. This makes it easier to run the cycle without wasting water or energy.
Another point to note is the best time to run the dishwasher. You’ve probably never thought of this in the past, but it’s pretty crucial. It’s always better to run your dishwasher at night so that you can even run a cycle or two.
At night, the energy company charges lower rates than during peak hours. Therefore, when you use your dishwasher at night, you end up paying less for the energy you use. Daytime is often peak hours, and the rate is higher.
Want to learn more? Here’s an article about running a dishwasher at night.
When Is It Best to Wash Dishes by Hand?
Picture this: you live alone and rarely eat at home. You use two pots, a cup, and a plate when you do. These few items won’t add up to a full load. It makes more sense to clean the few dishes by hand rather than running the dishwasher.
Also, washing by hand is better when you take a break from other activities. It can be relaxing to do around the house, especially if you work remotely.
Is It More Expensive to Wash Dishes by Hand Than in a Dishwasher?
When you consider the cost of washing dishes by hand or using a dishwasher, the main thing to analyze is the cost of hot water. When cleaning a pile of dishes, the cost of the hot water you need to get them clean is crucial.
But, it’s not as easy to quantify when you put the two side by side. According to a recent report, cleaning a batch of dishes can end up costing you about $0.50.
This is the cost of the heated water you need to clean these dishes. The cost applies to cleaning the dishwasher and handwashing in a sink.
Still, you can minimize the cost of hot water when washing by hand. The best way is to add hot water to one basin on your sink, then add cool water to another.
The hot water will have soap to clean the dishes, and then you rinse them in the cool water. With this, you end up using less hot water, but it’s still not enough to see a difference in cost between the two methods.
So, you might want to check on the cost of electricity. Dishwashers need electricity to function, but you don’t need the same when washing dishes by hand. A simple dishwasher will use on average 1.5kW for every load you want to clean. For that, you’ll end up paying about $0.17.
Also, keep in mind the cost of purchasing the dishwasher in the first place. The kitchen sink is a default item that comes with the home. But, in many cases, you have to buy a dishwasher for your place.
So, you bought a dishwasher for about $500, and it will last almost a decade in your home. That means you incur a cost of about $50 for each year you have the unit in your home.
If you run an average of about 215 loads, the average for a single unit, you incur a cost of $0.46 per batch of dishes.
In terms of cleaning products, it’s quite possible you use the same amount by hand or using the unit. This means you end up with an extra cost of using the dishwasher, which is $0.63 per load. The amount is a little higher than using your hands to wash the dishes.
At the end of the day, the cost is a little higher for using a dishwasher at $0.63 when compared to $0.50 by hand. But, the difference isn’t all that significant when you consider the benefits of a dishwasher.
It makes more sense to load dishes into the unit and use the extra time to relax or do something else.
Want to learn more? Here’s an article on the costs of running dishwashers.
Do Dishwashers Use More Water Than Washing Dishes by Hand?
Older dishwashers did use lots of water in comparison to hand washing. But, modern ones are better and energy-efficient.
While an older model needed about 27 gallons to clean each load, you only need 3 gallons with an energy-efficient dishwasher. Handwashing an average load of dishes needs 20 gallons to wash and rinse.
Is Handwashing Cleaner Than Washing with a Dishwasher?
It’s easier to believe that washing dishes by hand is better than popping them into the dishwasher. But, the opposite is true. Washing dirty dishes using a dishwasher is a cleaner option.
Picture this: one or two people in the family are ill. You have to make sure all the dishes in the house that you use are free of germs. You have to use the dishwasher to guarantee total cleanliness.
In the dishwasher, the water to wash the dishes is scalding hot. This is perfect for not only removing stains but killing germs. If you use the same water to handwash the dishes, you’ll scald your hands.
Therefore, it makes more sense to use the dishwasher to get cleaner dishes. The hot water gets rid of all germs and bacteria present in a pile. While dishwashers might not lack some bacteria in them, it’s not at the same rate as handwashing on the sink.
Handwashing isn’t the best when you consider cleanliness. Everything you use, from the rag to the sponge, can harbor germs and bacteria. Since you can’t use scalding water to get rid of these, the rate of cleanliness is less.
The Pros and Cons of Hand-washing
Pros
- Inexpensive
Apart from the cost of hot water and cleaning products, hand-washing is quite inexpensive. The house already comes with a kitchen sink set up.
You won’t have to pay a hefty amount to set up an area to clean your dishes at home.
- Less Energy Consumption
Hand-washing only relies on electricity when you need to heat the water. You no longer need energy when adding hot water to a basin to clean the dishes.
This is because you now have to use your hands to clean the dishes.
- Access Stubborn Spots
Imagine having some stubborn stains on your crockery.
It’s easier to soak the pot and scrub out the stubborn stains by hand. This gives you the satisfaction of seeing the pot clean and ready for the next meal.
- Handwashing is Faster
You can go through a pile of dishes in a matter of minutes.
Hand-washing is faster, meaning you can finish that and move on to something else in no time at all.
- Therapeutic Experience
Life can be quite stressful at times, and it’s better to disconnect for some time. Washing dishes by hand can be a therapeutic and stress-relieving activity when you need a break.
Also, it’s something you can do with another person as you have a chat.
- Better for a Few Dishes
Perhaps you only have a cup and plate to clean in the morning before work.
It makes more sense to wash the two by hand than running a whole cycle in a dishwasher. This saves water and energy.
Cons
- Dry Skin
When you constantly wash dishes by hand, you have to touch detergents and hot water. The two remove sebum from your skin, leaving you feeling dry.
Hand-washing is better only when you use gloves since it can affect your skin.
- Hand-washing Takes Time with Big Piles
Imagine having a party and having loads of dishes in the kitchen to clean. It will take you so much time to clean them by hand for such big piles.
The same applies when you have a busy day and a pile of dishes to clean on the sink.
- Safety Hazard
When you place hot water in a dish or on the sink after clogging the drainage and adding soap, you can’t see inside.
If there are knives, broken dishes, or other pointy stuff inside, it’s hard to see them. These can become a safety hazard as you go about cleaning the dishes by hand.
- Dishes Aren’t Clean
The sponge that you use to clean dishes can be a health hazard. With time, this starts to accumulate bacteria and germs that end up on your cups, plates, and pots.
Even when you use hot water, it’s hard to get rid of all the germs and bacteria.
- Uses Lots of Water
When you run the tap continuously while washing dishes by hand, you use a lot of water. This isn’t an eco-friendly way to get your dishes clean at home. It’s wasteful.
The Pros and Cons of Using a Dishwasher
Pros
- Saves Time
Once you load dishes and start a cycle, you can do other things in the house as the unit starts the cleaning process.
- Saves Water
Modern dishwashers are quite advanced in that you end up using less water to clean a load of dishes. The amount is significantly lower than you need to use cleaning by hand.
- Saves Energy
There are energy-efficient dishwashers in the market. These use less energy to clean dishes, so you won’t notice a significant leap in your bills when you use the dishwasher.
- Easy to Use
All you have to do is pre-rinse dirty dishes and pile them on the machine. You close the door and start a cycle when you have a full load.
- Ideal for Lots of Dishes
If you have lots of dishes that you need to clean in the evening, it’s easier to use a dishwasher. All you have to do is load them into the unit. A dishwasher suits a big family.
Cons
- Expensive to Purchase
On average, a good dishwasher will cost you $500 and above to buy.
- Needs Repair
Like any other machine, there are times you have to call in a professional to come and fix a faulty dishwasher.
- Takes Longer
You might need to wait for 1.5 hours to 4 hours for each cycle of dirty dishes.
Summing Up
From this guide, it’s better to use a dishwasher to clean dirty dishes at home. The unit is efficient and frees up your time to do other things. While it still consumes energy and needs water, it’s not as expensive as perceived.
Dishwashers are better at cleaning dishes because they get rid of germs and bacteria. While washing by hand has its merits, the pros of a dishwasher outweigh them.