Dishwasher eco mode: How it works
Your dishwasher’s eco mode explained.
Your dishwasher’s eco mode explained.
Most dishwashers have an economical (eco) mode that saves water and energy, but it could mean you’re left with wet dishes.
The different wash cycles on your dishwasher are just different combinations of heat, water and time. The hotter the dishwasher cycle is, the better the washing and drying performance, but this can translate to higher energy consumption. Eco mode uses less energy and water, but there are drawbacks.
Have patience ‒ washing dishes on eco mode will take longer.
To maximise energy savings, check your electricity plan to see if there’s a low-tariff or off-peak time during which to run your dishwasher.
Scrape food off heavily soiled dishes, pots and pans, but there’s no need to rinse them – the detergent and dishwasher will do the hard work for you.
Help dishes dry faster by:
An alternative to using eco mode that most dishwashers have is the auto-sensing cycle. The level of dirtiness is measured by analysing how dirty the water is. The dishwasher then adjusts cycle time, water used and temperature.
Good auto-sensing models reduce cycle time, energy and water use for cleaner loads. Some dishwashers, such as the AEG FFE83800PM and Bosch SMU66MS02A Serie 6, shine at this task, while others, like the Fisher & Paykel DW60FC4W1, actually use more water, time and energy when auto-sensing.
Looking for the best dishwasher? See our buying guide for how to choose the right model, or check out our test results to find out which models we recommend.
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