How to save water while cleaning dishes
What's the story
Dishwashing is one of those daily chores that takes up a lot of water. However, if you opt for mindful practices, you can easily save water and contribute to conservation efforts. Here, we take a look at five practical ways to save water while washing dishes. It helps you make a positive impact on the environment and probably cut down on your utility bills too.
Basin method
Use a basin for rinsing
Instead of rinsing dishes under running water, fill a basin/sink with water for rinsing. By doing so, you can use only the required amount of water, which minimizes waste significantly. By employing this trick, you can save as much as 50% of the water normally used in dishwashing.
Pre-wash scraping
Scrape before washing
Before you start washing the dishes, we recommend scraping off leftover food right into the trash or a compost bin. This simple act minimizes the need for excessive rinsing by a lot, thus keeping the dishwater cleaner for long. Additionally, it also minimizes the chances of drains getting blocked with food particles, making for a much smoother cleanup process.
Green detergents
Opt for eco-friendly detergents
Choosing eco-friendly detergents is a smart move to save water while washing dishes. They are specially designed to be extremely effective even in small quantities. This means you require less water to rinse your dishes. They usually produce less suds, which makes the rinsing process a lot easier. This not only ensures your dishes are sparkling clean but also saves water. It contributes to environmental conservation without compromising on cleanliness.
Efficient loading
Load dishwasher efficiently
When it comes to using a dishwasher, always wait until it is full to start it. This way, you'll be washing more dishes with much lesser water than what you would use in a few smaller loads. Further, choosing an eco-friendly or short cycle (if your machine provides the option) can also help save water without sacrificing on cleanliness. Not only does this save water but also maximizes the energy consumed by the dishwasher.
Leak repair
Fix leaks promptly
Check out faucets and pipes frequently for any leaks and repair them immediately if found. Even minor drips can contribute to a lot of wastage over time—upwards of hundreds of liters per year—so addressing these issues quickly is critical in conserving both resources and money on utility bills.