How Much Water Does a Dishwasher Use?

If you're wondering how much water a dishwasher uses, you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn it's probably less than you think.

Modern dishwashers manufactured after 2013 are designed to be water-efficient, using less than 5 gallons per cycle. Many newer models use even less—around 3 gallons per cycle—thanks to energy efficiency regulations.

Dishwasher Water Usage: New Standards Explained

Since 2013, manufacturers must produce dishwashers that use no more than 5 gallons per wash cycle. Compare this to hand washing, which typically consumes between 10 to 27 gallons for a similar load of dishes.

Using a dishwasher regularly can save thousands of gallons of water annually, significantly lowering your utility bill and environmental footprint.

Maximize Cleaning Performance with Less Water

With reduced water usage, it’s essential to follow best practices to ensure your dishes always come out sparkling clean:

Load Dishes Correctly in the Dishwasher

Here’s a helpful video with expert tips for loading dishes in your dishwasher:

• Scrape food scraps into the garbage or compost bin—don’t rinse dishes first.
• Place dishes facing inward and slightly downward to ensure spray reaches every surface.
• Avoid overcrowding; dishes shouldn’t touch or block spray arms.
• Place pots and heavily soiled dishes on the lower rack, close to the sprayer arm.
• Keep lighter items like glasses and plastic containers securely in the upper rack.

Ideal Water Temperature

Your dishwasher relies on hot water to dissolve grease and sanitize effectively. Make sure your home’s water heater is set to about 120°F (49°C).

This temperature strikes a perfect balance—hot enough to remove stubborn food and grease, yet energy-efficient enough to avoid unnecessary expenses and keep you from getting scalded in the shower because water is too hot.

Benefits: Dishwasher vs. Handwashing

Using a dishwasher is not only water-efficient but also energy-saving. Hand washing dishes typically requires about 27 gallons of water per load, compared to the dishwasher’s mere 3-5 gallons. Over a year, that adds up significantly in both water and energy costs.

Tips for Extra Energy Savings

Follow these expert tips to get the most savings out of your dishwasher:

• Avoid the heat-dry setting; let dishes air-dry instead.
• Run the dishwasher only when fully loaded, optimizing energy and water use.
  *Consider running the dishwasher during off-peak hours if your utility charges vary.
• Address any dishwasher failures quickly so the appliance will continue to save energy and water. Schedule dishwasher repair to have a Sears Home Services technician repair the dishwasher if you can’t fix a problem on your own.
• Schedule professional dishwasher maintenance yearly to keep your dishwasher in top shape and operating efficiently for years to come.

By embracing these practices, your dishwasher becomes more than a convenience—it becomes a tool for responsible living, saving water, energy, and your hard-earned money.

Now you can feel good about letting your dishwasher handle the dirty work!