Dishwasher Maintenance and Energy Saving Tips

The efficiency of a dishwasher is measured by a term called the energy factor. It is somewhat similar to the miles per gallon for a car, but in this case the measure is cycles per kilowatt-hour of electricity. The minimum allowed energy factor rating for standard capacity dishwashers is 0.46. About 80% of the total energy used by dishwashers goes towards heating the water. The best way to improve the efficiency of a dishwasher is to reduce the amount of water needed to clean the dishes. Your dishwasher can become clogged with food particles with constant use. Proper maintenance of you dishwasher will ensure optimal cleaning and running most efficiently. Particular components that may require attention include the gaskets, drains, and any movable parts.

Tips for maintaining your dishwasher and lowering its energy usage include:

• Check and clean food drains and filters every other week to avoid clogs.
• Check gaskets occasionally. If there are cracks or gaps in the seal, water can drip out and the gasket must be replaced.
• The water sprayer in the dishwasher may become clogged with minerals from the water or detergent. Clean the water sprayer once per month. Remove the unit and soak it in warm white vinegar to loosen mineral deposits.
• Check the inside of the dishwasher for any scratches or places where the coating may be missing off of the dishwasher rack. If you notice rust on your dishes, there may be areas of the rack that the coating was scratched off and should be replaced with water proof sealant or some type of plastic coating.
• Run the washer without the heated dry setting. Dishes can air dry without the use of heated air, savings the energy that would otherwise be required for this purpose.
• Run full loads only. Running only a half of a load will use the same amount of energy and water as a full load. It is wasteful to run a dishwasher that is not full.
• You do not need to pre-rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Scraping off leftover food is sufficient. Soaking or pre-washing is generally only necessary when something is burned on.
• Follow manufacturer's instruction for loading dishes to allow for proper water circulation.