Having a dishwasher is far more common now than it was 20 years ago, but even so there is a lot of disagreement on the pros and cons. Unfortunately, many people are swayed against purchasing one by myths about their environmental impact and cost effectiveness. The reality is that dishwashers are hugely beneficial for any family at any time. We’ve busted some of the most common myths to show you why a dishwasher would be a great addition to your home.
1) Dishwashers are Only for Large Families
False. Dishwashers are now more versatile than ever before and come in many different sizes. If you’re worried about not having enough dishes to make it worthwhile, you should try one of the compact models that hold about 4-6 place settings. Even many larger dishwashers have a half-load setting that allows you to wash one rack at a time.
2) Washing By Hand Saves Water
Wrong, again. A dishwasher uses surprisingly little water to great effect, whereas washing by hand uses a lot of water…often only to leave dirty and grime. Even if you wash your dishes and utensils in a basin or fill your sink with soapy water to avoid constantly running water, it’s still more than the small bowl of water that a dishwasher uses (which is purposefully recycled).
3) The Electric Bill Will Go Up
Less water is great, but what about electricity? Dishwashers use electricity only for heating up the water, so the little bit of water means only a little bit of electricity is required. Washing by hand is actually less energy efficient; since the water is less hot (and hence less effective at removing dirt), you will end up using more of it, potentially raising your electric bill. If you’re still concerned, realize are plenty of options with top-notch environmental ratings from Energy Star, the international standard when it comes to energy-efficient consumer products.
4) Dishwashers Are Not Effective for Pots and Pans
The era of only cleaning dishes in the dishwasher is over. Pots and pans can be cleaned effectively, as well, if washed on the proper power cycle. You may require additional detergent like Finish Powerball and higher temperatures, but getting off grease and grime should never be an issue. Simply check the instructions provided by your dishwasher’s manufacturer, and contact a professional plumber if you need further assistance.
5) It’s a Bacteria Fest in There!
The kitchen contains a lot of potential for germs and bacteria to spread, but the dishwasher is one of the cleaner areas of the kitchen. Temperatures inside are much hotter than bacteria enjoys and the constant dousing with detergents and bleach doesn’t help bacteria survive either. The only places you should be sure to clean are the areas untouched by detergent like the door seal and gasket. Overall, your sponge is much more likely to be covered in bacteria than the inside of your dishwasher.
