3 Myths About Handwashing Versus Dishwashers For Sustainability

For decades, the hand-washing vs. dishwasher debate has raged, fueled by conflicting claims and environmental concerns.

When I was growing up we would fill the sink with soapy water and clean the dishes, then rinse them off. It definitely didn’t teach me to be lazy. But I envied those who had a dishwasher.

I’ve also spent my life in the environmental field and have heard conflicting thoughts. At the end of the day it comes down to how you wash the dishes, the efficiency of your dishwasher, and how much you fill it with dishes. Don’t forget if you are using dishwasher pods that you may be adding microplastics into the environment. So, the soap matters too.

Myth #1: Hand-Washing is Always the Eco-Warrior

While hand-washing conjures images of simple, low-tech cleaning, its environmental impact shouldn't be underestimated.

Leaving the tap running continuously while scrubbing can guzzle gallons of water, especially with hot water preferences.

The best hand-washing strategy is to make a small amount of soapy water, wash all the dishes and then finally rinse all the dishes.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), washing your dishes by hand can use between 9 and 27 gallons of water, depending on how efficient you are, compared to a new Energy Star dishwasher, which can use 6 gallons or less.

Myth #2: Dishwashers are Energy-Guzzling Monsters

Modern dishwashers have come a long way in terms of efficiency. Energy Star certified models boast significantly lower water and energy consumption compared to older models and even some hand-washing habits.

You can also see if the government is offering any rebates on energy efficient models, saving you money.

One tip is to make sure you run your dishwasher when your energy cost is the lowest, so take a look at when your cheapest rate is and set the timer to run then. You can use a smart timer to help.

Additionally, their ability to sanitize dishes with high temperatures can eliminate harmful bacteria more effectively than hand-washing.

Myth #3: It's All About the Water

Focusing solely on water usage ignores other environmental factors. A modern, energy-efficient dishwasher uses only about 3 to 4 gallons of water per cycle, though pots and pans require 5 to 7 gallons per cycle.

Energy consumption, production of cleaning products and dishwashing machines, and the lifecycle impact of both approaches need to be considered for a holistic view.

For a 1200-watt model and a load time of 1 hour, you use 1.2 kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is about 12¢ per load on a 10¢ per kWh electricity plan. If you run the appliance 5 days a week, you'll end up paying just $2.40 each month for basic electricity consumption.

Don't forget about the hot water, however. Assuming we've got an inlet temperature of 68°F and a target temperature of 120°F, the numbers work out as follows:

For a 1994 dishwasher using 10 gallons per load, you're looking at 1.27 kWh, or 12.7¢ per hour. That more than doubles the 12¢ cost to operate the machine's electric components, bringing your price to 24.7¢ total or $4.94 per month.

Older ENERGY STAR dishwashers using 5 gallons per load will need 0.64 kWh, or 6.4¢ an hour. Adding the 12¢ operating cost comes to 18.4¢ per load, or $3.68 per month.

Finally, a new ENERGY STAR dishwasher that uses 3.2 gallons per load only costs 0.38 kWh or 3.8¢ per hour, which comes to 15.8¢ when you add in the 12¢ operating cost. At 20 loads per month you're looking at only $3.16 in expenses.

Beyond the Myths: Charting a Sustainable Suds Path

Embrace efficiency

Whether hand-washing or using a dishwasher, prioritize efficiency. For hand-washing, fill a basin instead of letting the tap run, use cold water for pre-rinsing, and opt for concentrated, eco-friendly detergents.

For dishwashers, run full loads, choose the eco-cycle, and avoid pre-rinsing. Pre-rinsing makes the use of water almost double, and you should consider just handwashing at that point. While scraping off any large chunks of food is necessary as to not clog the dishwasher, they are designed to tackle food residue and actually have built-in sensors to assess how much cleaning power is needed, and if dishes are rinsed prior to loading, the dishwasher will not be effective and may return dishes that are not cleaned effectively

Whether dishwasher or hand-washing, scraping and washing dishes right after using them will typically allow you to use less soap and water to clean them.

Invest in eco-friendly products

Choose biodegradable and phosphate-free detergents for both hand-washing and dishwashers. Consider homemade cleaning solutions with natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.

Some third-party certifications that can help you find the safest products are EPA Safer Choice and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Verification. Check out the EPA Safer Choice list for dish soaps and the list of options that have received an EWG Verification.

One ingredient to look out for is polyvinyl alcohol (PVA or PVOH). This material is actually a thin, dissolvable plastic that many detergent pods for both dishwashers and laundry machines are made of.

Get your meditation in

Spending time handwashing dishes can be meditative and allow your mind to wander from everyday life (and get you out of the family drama happening in the next room).

Consider the big picture

Analyze your specific situation. If you live in an area with water scarcity, hand-washing might be a better option. If you have access to energy-efficient dishwashers and limited time, the dishwasher could be more sustainable.

Explore alternatives

Consider countertop dishwashers or water-saving hand-washing gadgets that can minimize water consumption.

Advocate for change

Support policies and initiatives promoting water conservation and sustainable production of dishwashing products and appliances.

Ranking Dishwashing Approach as a Sustainability Solution

Accuracy: The claim that either hand-washing or dishwashers are always the greenest option is inaccurate. The most sustainable approach depends on individual circumstances, water and energy usage patterns, and the environmental impact of cleaning products and appliances used.

Ease of implementation: Hand-washing requires minimal equipment, while dishwashers require upfront investment and adjustments to washing habits. However, both methods require adopting sustainable practices for optimal results.

Cost: Hand-washing can be cheaper, especially with reusable dishcloths and homemade cleaning solutions. However, energy-efficient dishwashers can save money on water bills in the long run.

Ethics: Choosing eco-friendly cleaning products and supporting sustainable brands for both dishwashers and hand-washing aligns with ethical considerations. Additionally, minimizing water and energy consumption contributes to a more responsible approach.

Impact on climate change: Both hand-washing and dishwashers have an impact on climate change, but the extent depends on efficiency practices, energy sources, and the lifecycle impact of products used. Opting for sustainable choices and minimizing waste can significantly reduce the footprint.

Overall: There's no one-size-fits-all answer to the sustainable dishwashing dilemma. The most eco-friendly approach depends on your specific context, willingness to adopt sustainable practices, and commitment to minimizing your environmental impact. By moving beyond the myths and making informed choices, we can ensure our dishes are sparkling clean without leaving a dirty footprint on the planet.