Is Hand Washing or Dishwashing Better for Water Conservation?

As we grow more mindful of water use—from shorter showers to upgrading to water-efficient appliances—there's one question that often comes up in the kitchen: Is it better to ditch the hand wash to save water?

The answer may surprise you: hand washing uses significantly more water than a dishwasher.

How Much Water Does Hand Washing Use?

A study by the University of Bonn found that hand washing a dishwasher-sized load can use anywhere from 33 to 440 litres of water, with an average of 100 litres. Compare that to modern dishwashers, which typically use as little as 10–15 litres per load.

Even if you're water-conscious, consider how much water you use filling your sink. A standard Australian sink holds 15–45 litres. Washing a full load of 144 items, equivalent to a dishwasher's capacity, might mean filling the sink multiple times, easily surpassing the water a dishwasher uses.

Other hidden uses of water include rinsing dishes under running taps, letting water run while waiting for it to heat up, and rinsing sponges.

Why Dishwashers Use Less Water

Dishwashers are designed to clean dishes efficiently:

• Smart water use: They take in only the water they need, recirculate it, and avoid filling large basins.
• No pre-rinsing required: Dishwashers rinse for you, adjusting cycles based on the dirtiness of the water.
• Rinse-aid magic: Rinse-aid reduces water tension, helping water sheet off dishes for spotless results without needing extra rinsing.
• Improved efficiency: Some models reuse final rinse water for the next cycle, further cutting water use.

When Hand Washing Is Better?

Dishwashers are most efficient when fully loaded. If you only have a few items to clean or need to wash delicate items like wooden chopping boards, non-stick pans, or chef’s knives, hand washing is a better option.

Tips to Save Water When Hand washing

If you don’t have a dishwasher, you can still minimise water waste:

1. Wash in batches: Wait until you have a pile of dishes to wash everything at once.
2. Use a bucket or tub: Place a smaller container inside your sink to reduce water use.
3. Reuse water wisely: Capture cold water as you wait for it to heat up or use your rinse water on your garden.
4. For a few items, wet them briefly, scrub with a soapy sponge, and rinse quickly under the tap.

Conclusion

Dishwashers are not only convenient but also a more eco-friendly choice for water conservation. By optimising their use—skipping pre-rinsing and running full loads—you can save significant water and energy.

Hand washing will always have its place for certain items, but with a little care, you can reduce waste and make the most of every drop.