Dishwasher efficiency tips

Here are several tips to help you get the most out of your dishwasher:

· 80% of total energy used by dishwashers is to heat water; therefore, use a short cycle or economical wash, which will use less hot water.

· The “rinse and hold” cycle uses up to 7 gallons of water each time it is used.

· Scraping off dishes is all that is necessary, there is no need to rinse them before putting them into the dishwasher.

· A dishwasher still uses less water than doing dishes by hand and the water used in a dishwasher is hotter and kills more bacteria.

· Check owner’s manual on recommended water temperature (usually between 130 – 140 degrees).

· A heating element in the dishwasher will allow you to set the water heater to a lower level.

· Make sure the dishwasher is properly loaded and full to allow it to clean thoroughly and save energy.

· Use dishwasher during “off peak” hours (use timer if available) to take advantage of lower electrical rates.

· Let dishes air dry (use energy saver switch if available).

· When racks rust in a dishwasher they may break apart and go into the pump and wreck it, which can result in a costly repair bill.

· Small holes in the wash arms can become clogged with mineral deposits, which can lead to complaints of the dishwasher not cleaning properly. To re-open holes use small pin and hot vinegar.