EnergyGuide labels on new dishwashers allow you to see how much energy and water they use.
Photograph by Jiri Hera/Shutterstock
Usage Tips
- Save more water at home. Instead of pre-rinsing dishes, scrape food into the garbage or composter. Pre-rinsing can use an additional 20 gallons of water per load on average, negating any water-saving effects you've achieved with your dishwasher.
- If your dishes don't need heavy-duty washing, use a light or energy-saving cycle.
- Choose air-dry settings when possible. You'll cut down on energy use, and can also save energy at home by hand-drying your dishes.
- Make sure your dishwasher is full before you run it.
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