People are making the same mistake when loading their dishwashers

People are making common dishwasher mistakes which can be costly (Image: Getty)

While many people focus on turning down the thermostat or limiting heating usage, an item often overlooked is the dishwasher. A dishwasher is one of the most common household appliances people use. While the item does save time, it can use up a lot of energy.

However, experts have shared the best time to use a dishwasher and the common mistakes to avoid which can be costly. One of the mistakes the experts have listed is something most people are guilty of doing.

Running a full load and using eco mode are just some of the simple ways to reduce energy consumption. Making small adjustments this winter could save homes hundreds of pounds on energy bills each month.

Llewellyn Kinch, energy expert at MakeMyHouseGreen said: “People often underestimate how much energy is consumed by household appliances during peak hours.

"By adjusting the timing of your dishwasher cycles, you can reduce costs without changing your overall energy usage.”

Dishwashers can be an expensive household appliance (Image: Getty)

Common dishwasher mistakes that cost households more

Several common habits could be driving up energy consumption and costing extra money unnecessarily.

1. Pre-rinsing dishes

This is by far one of the most common mistakes people make when loading their dishwashers. Pre-rinsing dishes can be counterproductive. Most modern dishwashers are designed to handle food residues, so pre-rinsing wastes both water and energy. Simply scrape off large food pieces, load your dishes, and let the machine do its job.

2. Running half loads

A lot of people run their dishwasher when it’s only half full, thinking it’s convenient. However, dishwashers use the same amount of water and energy regardless of the load size. Always aim to run a full load to maximise efficiency.

Make sure the dishwasher is fully loaded before starting the wash (Image: Getty)

3. Skipping eco mode

Modern dishwashers are equipped with an energy-saving eco mode, which uses less water and lower temperatures. Although this setting may take a little longer, it saves significant amounts of energy without compromising on cleanliness.

4. Using heated dry

Most dishwashers offer a heated dry feature which consumes a lot of extra energy. Instead, switch off the heated dry option and allow your dishes to air dry. This simple change reduces energy usage without extra effort.

5. Using hot water inefficiently

Many dishwashers have internal heaters that efficiently heat water to the necessary temperature. Make sure the dishwasher is using this feature rather than drawing excessively hot water from the main supply.

How to efficiently use the dishwasher this winter:

To help make the most of these energy-saving tips, here are a few easy adjustments that Kinch says people can incorporate into their daily routine.

Delay start feature

Most modern dishwashers come with a delay start option. People can set it to run during off-peak hours, ensuring individuals avoid peak-time charges without staying up late to manually turn it on.

Energy-saving modes

Always use the eco or energy-saving modes on the dishwasher. These settings lower water usage and reduce the energy needed to heat water.

Full loads only

Make sure the dishwasher is fully loaded before running a cycle, maximising water and energy efficiency.