In the midst of an enduring cost of living crisis, British households are increasingly scrutinising every penny spent on running their domestic appliances. New research from the consumer champion Which? offers a clear and practical solution for those looking to trim their energy expenditure without sacrificing convenience.
Testing the Efficiency of Dishwasher Programmes
The magazine conducted a comprehensive analysis of the cleaning performance and operational costs associated with three primary dishwasher settings found on most modern machines. These are the main or auto cycle, the eco wash, and the quick wash. The findings challenge some widely held assumptions about how to run these kitchen workhorses economically.
Debunking the Quick Wash Myth
A common misconception, according to Which?, is that the quick wash programme is cheaper to operate because it completes its cycle in a shorter time. The organisation's rigorous testing revealed this to be false. Not only did the quick wash fail to clean or dry plates and utensils as effectively as the standard auto programme, but it also actually consumed more energy and water.
This results in a higher running cost, making it a poor choice for both cleanliness and economy. In performance terms, the quick wash achieved a 74% cleaning efficiency score compared to the main programme's 83%. It also proved marginally worse at drying, scoring 76% versus 82%, and left more water spots on items.
The Eco Wash: A Balance of Savings and Performance
The eco setting also showed reduced cleaning and drying performance when measured against the standard cycle. Testing recorded a 79% cleaning efficiency for eco mode versus 83% for the main wash, with drying efficiency at 76% compared to 82%.
However, the crucial difference lies in its resource consumption. The eco programme uses significantly less energy and water, which translates directly into lower costs for the household. This makes it the most economical setting overall, despite the slight compromise on performance.
The Real Cost Savings Revealed
Which? calculated the annual and five-year running costs based on using each programme for five cycles per week. The figures provide a stark illustration of where savings can be made.
Annual Costs (5 cycles/week):
- Standard (Main/Auto) Wash: £71.01
- Quick Wash: £73.93
- Eco Wash: £52.13
This shows that exclusively using the eco mode could save a household nearly £19 per year compared to the standard programme, and over £21 compared to the quick wash.
Five-Year Costs (5 cycles/week):
- Standard Wash: £355.05
- Quick Wash: £369.65
- Eco Wash: £260.65
Over a five-year period, the savings from using the eco setting exclusively amount to a substantial £94.40 when compared to the standard cycle.
Expert Tip: Avoid Pre-Rinsing
For those struggling with cleaning results, specialists from Whirlpool offered an important tip that could improve performance across all cycles. They advise against fully pre-rinsing or pre-washing dishes before loading the dishwasher.
Many newer models are equipped with sensors designed to detect the soil level on crockery and adjust the cleaning cycle accordingly. If dishes are rinsed too thoroughly, these sensors may register the load as cleaner than it is, leading to a shorter or less effective wash. Scraping leftover food into the bin is sufficient preparation.
This research provides a clear, evidence-based guide for consumers. By simply selecting the eco wash setting as their default, families can achieve meaningful annual savings on their energy bills, contributing to easing the financial pressures of the cost of living crisis.
