Onebyone

I don't understand having to justify using a not filled dishwasher. ? If I have dirty dishes I use it. Why would anyone feel guilty about using a dishwasher?

Geri B

Maybe because of heating/using the same amount of water whether it is full or "lite"? As for washing/drying clothes daily....although one can regulate the amt of water in most washing machines and the energy used to function the machines is variable, the fact that water and gas/electric used might be a conservation concern.....and maybe shortens the life of the appliance? I would really miss not having a dishwasher - can't take dishes to a "dishomat".

I personally wait til dishwasher is full before running.....DH said I have enough dinnerware to cater a large wedding.....so never "run out"-- laundry once a week...Monday's chore....

We each do what works for us...viva the difference!

Bobbielinks

Hey, I'm one of those dang Conservatives, who cares about saving water so I don't use my dishwasher unless I have a large family meal (so I use it 3 times a year) And yes, I hand wash plastic forks, etc. Can't see throwing them away just to fill up the landfill with more trash.

citruscountyquilter

I wash and reuse all plastic ware whether it's forks/spoons/knives or plates or containers. The only thing I don't use it for is heating things in the microwave. I can't bear filling the landfill with things that are still usable.

I only wash full loads of clothes and dishes. I tend to have a conservative mindset but also live in an area where water is expensive and we have rationing as far as watering lawns etc. It's not as bad as California but still have to be very careful. No one would know if I ran a partial load of dishes or clothes but I'd feel guilty so I don't do it.

maviskw

I'm with all those "dang Conservatives". I have my own well with plenty of water, but I still can't see wasting ANYTHING, so I use the dishwasher only when full, and almost never use disposables. I usually hand wash dishes as they accumulate in the sink. I use the largest container there, fill it with a cup or two of water and a few drops of soap. A sponge or small scrubby will clean a great many dishes. Then I rinse all with hot water and they dry by themselves (except for the plastic,LOL). I try to put plastic flatware into the dishwasher when I use it (not often) so it can be used again.

MarthaT

A dishwasher does not use that much water. Running water while hand washing dishes probably takes just as much. I pretty much run mine every day whether it is full or not. (There are 2 of us.) I do not use the drying cycle on mine. When I open it to air dry the dishes, I give the plastic ware a good tap on the rack to shake off extra water so it air dries faster.

sassysews2

When I had to replace my dishwasher the repair man told me it was because I didn't use it enough. being a single adult sometimes it was weeks between dish washing in the machine. He said all the rubber gaskets and seals will dry out and crack if not used fairly frequently causing it to leak. Replacing the machine was cheaper than replacing seals and gaskets so I try to run it at least weekly.

Onebyone

My dishwasher uses less then half a sink of dishwater. Add rinsing water and I've wasted more water then the dishwasher uses. The power used is pennies a load. My washer is auto fill. The clothes don't sit in a tub of water the water is sprayed on the clothes. Less drying time, the clothes are almost dry coming out of the washer. Same with dishwasher, the new appliances cost pennies to use.

romanojg

I just replaced my older dishwasher. I made sure it was energy efficient, which I do with all of my appliances and it is easy to see the savings I gotten from it. I do still try to conserve but sometimes, I just want them done. I also don't use the dry cycle but sometimes use the water heat or heavy duty depending on how much hot water I've used that day.

M.Elizabeth

So have I!