Households could cut their annual dishwasher running costs by up to £163.75 simply by selecting the eco mode, according to appliance specialists Marks Electrical. Many households are unknowingly spending hundreds of pounds extra by using intensive cycles when a more efficient setting would suffice.
Research by Marks Electrical found that running one dishwasher cycle per day costs roughly £109.17 a year, while two daily cycles amount to £218.34. Reducing usage to one cycle every other day brings the cost down to £54.59 – a potential saving of £163.75. However, experts say the choice of programme can have an even greater impact on long-term efficiency.
Michael White, Head of Buying and Marketing at Marks Electrical, explained that eco cycles are designed to clean a full load using lower temperatures over a longer period, consuming less energy and water. In contrast, heavy or intensive programmes can use up to 85% more energy and 28% more water than the eco setting on the same machine, according to manufacturer data from Fisher & Paykel.
White advised households to avoid running multiple small loads and to wait until the dishwasher is full before starting a cycle. He also recommended checking energy ratings when buying a new machine, as these are based on eco-cycle testing and provide a reliable guide to long-term running costs.
While quick wash cycles offer speed and convenience, they are not necessarily the most cost-effective option for regular use. By making simple changes to dishwasher habits, UK households can keep more money in their pockets while still achieving clean dishes.
