Hand Washing Dishes vs Using a Dishwashing Machine

in Health & Fittness, Sustainability, Water

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April 30

Anthony Zagelow

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piles of dishes in a sink
Table of Contents

Key Takeaways 

  • Energy and Water Efficiency: Dishwashers are generally more efficient in using water and energy compared to hand-washing, especially when run with full loads.
  • Hygiene: Dishwashers can sanitize dishes more effectively due to their high-temperature washing cycles, which may not be achievable with hand-washing.
  • Environmental Impact: Choosing eco-friendly dishwasher detergents and energy-saving settings can reduce the environmental footprint of using a dishwasher compared to hand-washing.

To Hand Wash, or Not to Hand Wash...

Should I hand wash my dishes or use the dishwasher?

Which is more sustainable?

Are you ready to give up scrubbing and scouring? 

Then you may be pleased to learn…

There are several factors involved, but generally there are two reasons you should use the dishwasher over hand washing your dishes.

Modern Dishwashers

Most modern dishwashers use far less water than the typical person hand washing dishes. Approximately four gallons of wash water or less per wash cycle is used by modern Energy Star dishwashers.

tableware

Naturally, some older washers use more water, but in most cases, you can find online the amount of water per cycle your machine uses. For comparison purposes the average person uses between 15-20 gallons of water per one session of hand washing dishes, the comparison is not even close.

15 - 20 Gallons
per Wash Cycle!

The typical hand washer uses considerably more water to rinse the dishes, fill the sink and then rinse the soap from dishes.  


Again 15-20 gallons is the average!

Holey Bent Tridents Aquaman, that's a lot of water!

Soap

In addition, the typical hand washer uses more soap per wash cycle than is recommended for use in your dishwasher. The dishwasher introduces less soap into the waste stream thus reducing the need for treatment.  

Avoid Soaps the Have the Following on Their Labels:

  • Phosphates - High concentrations can disturb the balance of an aquatic environment, causing plants, such as algae, to grow rapidly.
  • Diethanolamine - An irritant to skin and eyes and cause systemic toxicity mainly in liver, kidney, red blood cells and the nervous system.
  • Triethanolamine -  Speculated to cause the formation of carcinogenic compounds. It is also said to be extremely toxic in concentration over 5%.
  • Butyl - Causes reproductive problems, reduced fertility, death of embryos, and birth defects and it also may cause liver and kidney damage.

Use Soaps that Have the Following on Their Labels:

  • Water: Good ole H2O
  • Baking Soda: Neutralizes both acids and bases, so it actually eliminates odors.
  • Vinegar:  It's acidic, which helps it to cut through tough grease, grime, and mineral deposits.
  • Lemon Juice: The citric acid helps to break down stains and keep whites bright.
  • Borax: Mixed with water, it converts to hydrogen peroxide, helps fight mold/mildew odors.
  • Phlathate-Free: Synthetic Fragrance
  • 1,4 Dioxane-Free: Trace contaminant found in some ingredients.
  • Dye-Free: Dyes often contain Benzedrine, a known carcinogen, and can be highly toxic.
  • Petrochemical-Free: Carcinogenic toxic to the brain, central nervous system, kidneys, and liver.
  • Phosphate-Free:  Can disturb the balance of an aquatic environment.
  • Caustic-Free: Capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue

Applying It Elsewhere

A topic related to washing dishes is washing vehicles.  Washing your car or truck by hand is a ridiculously one-sided decision as well. Commercial car washes almost universally recycle most of their wash and rinse water, so the waste is low.  The soap is contained by the system and then sent to the wastewater treatment facility.

Almost all wastewater and soap from hand washing a vehicle simply drains for the most part into the nearby creek, stream, rive or lake on an uncontrolled basis harming fish and animals’ dependent on freshwater surface supplies.

Live More Sustainably by Doing Less

Whether washing dishes or you're knocking the road grim off your ride, technology is on your side.  This one of those rare occasions where you can help the environment by doing nothing.  Kick back and the machines do the work.

Check out my other post on How to Use a Washing Machine to Save Water & Money and What is a Greywater System? to learn about other ways to save water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions
Frequently Asked
FAQ
  • Is it more energy-efficient to hand-wash dishes or use a dishwasher?

Generally, dishwashers are more energy-efficient, especially when fully loaded, compared to hand-washing.

  • Which method is more hygienic, hand-washing or using a dishwasher?

Dishwashers typically provide more hygienic results due to their ability to reach higher temperatures that kill germs and bacteria.

  • How can I make my dishwasher use more environmentally friendly?

You can use eco-friendly detergents, run full loads, and select energy-saving cycles to reduce the environmental impact.

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