Whilst a dishwasher can do the hard work for you washing up can mean family time - to chat and mull over the day. Both have their advantages which we’ll take a look at in this article.
Are you a dishwasher or washing up fan?
Dishwasher
Some people think a dishwasher can be expensive to run both in terms of electricity and water use. This a myth as these days dishwashers are built to modern standards and many use a lot less water than washing up.
Any new dishwasher should have an energy rating, which will give you an idea of how economical it´s going to be.
Dishwashers also use hotter water than our delicate hands can stand. The average temperature is 60°C or more. Hotter water means fewer bacteria and germs.
However, it doesn´t always mean plates and glasses that sparkle. Dishwashers can leave smears on utensils, meaning they have to be washed again.
To avoid this you should regularly clean your dishwater to keep it in top condition. It’s also important to scrape food off plates and pans so it doesn´t end up blocking pipes.
Neither do you have to rinse plates before putting them in the dishwasher. This isn´t necessary and wastes water.
Washing Up
Sometimes the traditional task of washing up is simply better. It can be therapeutic and a way to spend time with your family or partner. And there’s something satisfying about having everything clean, dry and put away after a meal.
Washing up is good for small families or couples as the average dishwasher holds 8 place settings, so it can take a while to fill it.
Also, not everything goes in the dishwasher. Delicate glassware or heavy pans need to be cleaned manually with good old washing up liquid and hot water.
In a smaller household, you might have to take things out of the dishwasher when you run out of cups or plates and wash them up. This defeats the object of a dishwasher.
So we’ll leave it up to you to decide whether you prefer loading the dishwasher or washing up by hand. Maybe a mix of the two is the best option!
