How much water does a Dishwasher use?
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How Much Water Does a Dishwasher Use?
Modern dishwashers are surprisingly water-efficient compared to hand washing—especially the latest Energy Star–rated models. Below is a table showing average water consumption for different types of dishwashers and hand washing.
Dishwasher Water Usage Table
| Type | Average Water Use per Cycle | Litres |
|---|---|---|
| Older Dishwashers (pre-1994) | 9–14 gallons | 34–53 litres |
| Typical Modern Dishwashers | 6–10 gallons | 23–38 litres |
| Energy Star–Rated Dishwashers | 3–4 gallons | 11–15 litres |
| Compact Energy Star Models | ~2.7 gallons | ~10 litres |
| Hand Washing (tap running) | Up to 27 gallons | 102 litres |
| Hand Washing (two-basin method) | ~5 gallons | 19 litres |
Why Dishwashers Use Less Water
- Recycling and filtering water during the wash.
- Using high-pressure spray jets for maximum cleaning with minimal water.
- Adjusting water use automatically using soil sensors.
Tips to Save Even More Water
- Run only full loads.
- Avoid pre-rinsing unless necessary—modern detergents work better with some food residue.
- Select the Eco or Water-Saving cycle.
- Clean filters and spray arms regularly for maximum efficiency.
By switching from hand washing to a modern dishwasher, households can save thousands of gallons of water every year, while also reducing energy consumption.
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