All modern dishwashers have an eco cycle, and if you’ve tried it, you know it takes longer than regular cycles.
My post aims to explain why the eco-program is so lengthy and whether it can clean your dishes as effectively as regular cycles.
The eco wash on dishwashers takes so long for two reasons: 1. The eco mode runs with a smaller amount of water and 2. it uses a lower water temperature. The eco cycle uses water at a maximum temperature of 50°C/120°F and can last anywhere from 2.5 to 5+ hours depending on the dishwasher.
A longer washing time is necessary so that the kitchenware is thoroughly washed with less water and at a lower temperature. The dishes are in contact with water longer than during regular cycles, while the detergent’s surfactant property loosens the dirt on them.
Older dishwasher models did the washing in a shorter time, but they were neither water nor energy efficient. Modern dishwashers must comply with the current strict regulations in terms of water and energy consumption.
Does eco-wash save money?
Dishwashers use most of the electrical energy to heat the water. The operation of the water pump and spray arms requires way less energy. The eco program requires up to 30 percent less water and electricity than the normal cycle, depending on the appliance. You can find detailed information about this in the user manual of your dishwasher.
During the eco cycle, the water used for washing is repeatedly recirculated by the dishwasher. This results in less water consumption than normal cycles. The Eco cycle requires less electricity to heat the water than a regular cycle because it operates at a lower temperature.
Is eco mode on a dishwasher worth it?
It’s worth using the dishwasher in eco mode is worth if your primary goal is to save water, electricity, and money.
However, the eco cycle is mostly designed to wash normally soiled dishes, so it may not wash heavily soiled dishes well. It is absolutely important that you choose a washing cycle based on how soiled the dishes are so that the dishwasher can clean them properly.
Modern, energy-saving dishwashers use the residual heat of the hot wash cycle to dry the dishes. But since the eco-program runs at a lower temperature, the residual heat is also lower and, as a result, drying takes longer. You can use a rinse aid to speed up the drying process.
However, if you only use the eco mode and never use the higher temperature cycles, greasy residues and bacteria can accumulate in your dishwasher. To prevent this, the manufacturers recommend cleaning the dishwasher every two to three months with a warm water cycle and a special cleaning agent.
How do you use a dishwasher economically?
Using the eco-program helps you operate your dishwasher at a lower cost and in an environmentally friendly way. The following tips can help you wash your dishes even more economically:
If you are about to buy a new dishwasher, you should definitely choose one with an Energy Star rating. They cost more than machines with a lower energy class, but the initial investment pays off over time.
Do not start your dishwasher until you have a full load of dishes in order to make maximum use of the water, detergent, and power required for the cycle. However, make sure you put the dishes in the dishwasher correctly and don’t overload it.
Run the dishwasher during off-peak hours, when electricity is cheaper. Most dishwashers offer the delayed start option. You may wish to find out if it’s safe to leave soiled dishes in the dishwasher overnight.
Scrape the visible pieces of food off the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, so you don’t need to use pre-wash.
Choose a high-quality dishwasher detergent, so you don’t have to clean your dishes afterward from any soil left on them.
If you live in a region with hard water, be sure to use dishwasher salt to soften the water. Hard water greatly reduces the effectiveness of the detergent.
If you let the dishes air dry instead of using the heated drying function, you can save electricity. You may also wish to read if it’s necessary to leave the dishwasher door open after use.
Final thoughts
So, the eco cycle of dishwashers takes so long because it needs to wash the dishes effectively with less water and at a lower temperature than normal cycles. However, the dishwasher may not be able to properly wash heavily soiled dishes in eco mode.
By using the eco-program, you can save electricity, water, and money, as well as contribute to the protection of the environment.