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How much does it cost to run a dishwasher?

We all want to make our homes as energy-efficient as possible, to benefit the environment and save on energy bills. But have you ever wondered just how much it costs to use your household appliances? Let’s take a look at your dishwasher. Whether you’ve got a Whirlpool dishwasher, Zanussi dishwasher, or a Candy dishwasher, you’ll want to keep running costs as low as possible. Here’s how much it costs to run this household favourite.

What affects dishwasher running costs?

Many factors can affect your dishwasher’s running costs. These are the main ones:

  • How many people are in your household and how often you run your dishwasher.
  • The size of your dishwasher. Slimline dishwashers use less water per wash than a full-sized dishwasher.
  • The energy rating. Check your dishwasher’s energy performance certificate (EPC) for full energy and water consumption data.
  • Your local energy rates – check with your energy supplier.

Did you know? Because newer dishwashers can be more energy-efficient, it’s worth considering an upgrade if yours is an older model. After the initial expense of buying a new dishwasher, you could save on long-term running costs.

energy efficienct dishwasher
saving money on bills

How to reduce your dishwasher’s running costs

Now we know how much it costs to run your dishwasher, read our six easy steps to keep your costs down.

  1. Proper placement of your dishes ensures the best cleaning results, so always take the time to load your dishwasher correctly. Read our step-by-step guide "How to load a dishwasher" for the perfect technique.
  2. Only run your dishwasher when it’s full, so you don’t waste water or energy. The half-load cycle can be helpful when only one rack is full.
  3. Select the correct cycle for your load, using eco-mode whenever you can. Eco-mode has a longer cycle than a standard wash, but it produces the same sparkling clean dishes at the end. Read our helpful guide "How long is a dishwasher cycle?" for our essential advice.
  4. If you have a start-delay timer, consider running your dishwasher during off-peak energy hours so you benefit from the lowest prices. Your energy supplier can help provide this information.
  5. Always use 3-in-1 dishwasher tablets, rinse aid and dishwasher salt, for the best performance and to prevent limescale build-up, which can damage the inside of your appliance.
  6. Establish a housekeeping routine, especially for keeping those grimy filters clean. Get on top of your dishwasher maintenance with our easy-to-follow guide "How to clean a dishwasher"

How much water does a dishwasher use versus washing by hand?

Dishwashers use up to 15 litres of water per load compared to 34 litres when you hand-wash so, generally speaking, dishwashers use less water per wash. They’re also more hygienic, as the temperature of the water can be hotter, and they’re great time-savers in your home. We’d call that a win-win situation.

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