The cheapest way to wash dishes is often by hand using cold water and a small amount of dish soap.
Here are some tips to make hand-washing even more economical:
- Use cold water. Washing dishes in cold water saves energy and reduces your water bill.
- Minimize dish soap. A small amount of dish soap goes a long way. Don't over-suds!
- Pre-rinse dishes before washing. This removes excess food particles and makes washing easier.
- Wash dishes immediately after use. Soaked-on food is more difficult to remove and requires more water and soap.
- Air dry dishes. This eliminates the need for a drying rack or towel.
While dishwashers can be convenient, they often use more water and energy than hand-washing, making them a less cost-effective option in the long run.
