Why Eco-Mode Dishwasher Programs Take Longer

Everyday household appliances like dishwashers are becoming increasingly energy efficient. Learn how eco-mode on your dishwasher works and why it is better for the environment.

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, appliances like dishwashers increasingly include a special eco-mode setting to help households reduce their energy usage. The hotter your dishwasher settings, the higher its energy and water consumption.

Eco mode uses lower wash and rinse temperature to save energy and reduce the water used to clean your dishes. That said, eco mode gets your dishes just as clean as the dishwasher’s other programs. Washing dishes in eco mode takes longer than in different settings, as the lower temperature and gentler washing action remove dirt more slowly. Washing dishes at lower temperatures also means they can take longer to dry. An easy workaround for this inconvenience is opening the dishwasher door slightly as soon as the wash ends, which helps the contents dry faster.

In addition to using an eco-mode dishwasher, making homemade dish soap and cleaning the inside of your dishwasher in an eco-friendly manner lets you use your dishwasher with the environment in mind. 

Tip: If you are using eco mode, avoid putting greasy pots and pans in your dishwasher as the low temperature may not clean them effectively. 

How Are Eco Mode Dishwashers Better for the Environment?

The eco mode program on your dishwasher reduces energy consumption by washing dishes at lower temperatures and using less water. Most of the energy used by dishwashers comes from heating the water, so reducing the temperature conserves energy. Longer, low-temperature wash cycles mean dishes are soaped longer, so less action — thus, less energy — is needed to clean them.

Most modern dishwashers have an eco mode program. Eco mode at 50 degrees uses 0.73 kWh, saving around 523 kWh annually compared to auto programs. Eco mode also saves water. Older dishwasher models that do not have eco mode use approximately 10 to 15 gallons of water per load. Meanwhile, modern eco-mode dishwashers use 3.5 gallons of water or less each cycle and can save an average of 3,870 gallons over their lifetime. So, using the eco mode on your dishwasher is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your household energy consumption and water usage. 

Read more: 

• How to Clean Copper Pans and Pots Naturally
• How to Unclog Your Dishwasher: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Is Tupperware Dishwasher Safe? Here’s How You Can Tell

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