ACCC Discovers the Loyalty Tax
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Dishwashers are more water-efficient and more effective than hand-washing. Here are our top tips to get the best performance and the highest efficiency from your dishwasher.
In the quest to save energy and reduce utility bills, the dishwasher is one household appliance often overlooked. This article will guide you through the best practices for using your dishwasher efficiently, helping you save energy, water, and money.
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The journey to efficiency begins with the right equipment. When shopping for a dishwasher, pay attention to the energy rating - more stars mean better energy efficiency. Australian standards make it easy to identify which models are most efficient.
Although more energy-efficient dishwashers might have a higher upfront cost, they pay off in the long term through lower utility bills.
Loading the dishwasher correctly will drastically improve its efficiency. Heres how:
The top rack of the dishwasher is designed for smaller and lighter items. Here are some tips for loading the top rack:
The bottom rack is suited for larger and heavier items. Here's how to load it efficiently:
The silverware basket requires careful attention for effective cleaning:
The type of detergent you use can influence your dishwasher's performance. Eco-friendly detergents are not only better for the environment but are also designed to work efficiently at lower temperatures, contributing to energy conservation.
Tablet detergents are convenient, but usually more expensive than powder detergent. Plus, dishwasher tablets usually get dissolved right away, so your machine can use most of the detergent in the first cycle, making the second cleaning cycle less effective.
If you choose to use powder, pay attention to the dispenser in your dishwasher - most have two compartments.
The main compartment can be sealed with a lid or door that opens after the first wash cycle. A smaller compartment is usually also present and has an open grill to the body of the dishwasher. This is for the first cycle's powder detergent, so be sure to add powder detergent to both compartments, not just the main one with the lid.
Modern dishwashers come equipped with various settings. The 'eco' setting may extend the wash cycle time, but can significantly reduce energy and water usage.
Maintaining your dishwasher is crucial for its efficiency. Regularly clean the filters and ensure the spray arms and individual nozzles are unobstructed. A well-maintained machine works more effectively and consumes less energy.
Maximize each wash by running your dishwasher only when it's full. This reduces the number of wash cycles needed, saving water and electricity.
Modern dishwashers are designed to handle a certain level of dirt. Skipping the pre-rinse under tap water will save a considerable amount of water annually
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