UK households could save up to £163 a year on dishwasher running costs simply by pressing the eco button, according to appliance experts at Marks Electrical. With household expenses continuing to weigh heavily on many homeowners, small changes to dishwasher habits can significantly reduce energy and water bills over time.
How Much Does a Dishwasher Cost to Run?
Marks Electrical analysed typical running costs for households running one or two cycles daily. The findings revealed that running one dishwasher cycle per day costs approximately £109.17 annually, while two daily cycles cost £218.34 per year. In contrast, running one cycle every other day costs just £54.59 annually, meaning cutting back usage could save up to £163.75 each year.
For households completing one cycle daily, that represents a saving of roughly £11 per year compared to earlier this year. However, appliance specialists emphasise that programme selection and usage patterns can have a more substantial effect on overall efficiency in the long run.
The Secret to Saving: Eco Mode
Michael White, appliance specialist and Head of Buying and Marketing at Marks Electrical, explains that there is often confusion surrounding dishwasher settings because different programmes are designed for various cleaning purposes. He said: "There's a lot of mixed information out there when it comes to dishwasher settings, and the reality is it's not always a like-for-like comparison."
According to White, the key lies in using the often-overlooked eco button. He said: "Quick wash cycles are designed for speed and convenience, while intensive settings are designed for heavily soiled dishes. Eco cycles, on the other hand, are specifically designed to clean a full load more efficiently using lower temperatures over a longer period of time. It's a bit like running 100 metres flat out versus walking it. You'll finish quicker, but you'll typically use more energy to get there."
White maintains that eco mode is widely regarded as one of the most effective settings for regular domestic use because it is purposely engineered to minimise wasteful energy consumption while still providing a comprehensive clean. He added: "Eco cycles are designed to use lower temperatures and less water over a longer period of time, helping reduce overall energy usage. For most households running full loads, eco mode is generally the most efficient setting to use day to day."
Data Supporting Eco Mode Efficiency
Manufacturer cycle-level data released by Fisher & Paykel revealed that heavy wash programmes consumed approximately 28% more water and as much as 85% more energy than the equivalent eco setting on the same appliance. This highlights the significant savings potential of choosing the right cycle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
White suggests that one of the most common errors households make is relying on heavy or intensive cycles more frequently than necessary. He said: "Those settings are useful for tougher loads like baked-on food, but using them regularly can quickly increase running costs unnecessarily. Simple habits like waiting until you've got a full load, stacking efficiently, and choosing the right setting for the job can make a noticeable difference over time."
He further recommends that households avoid running multiple smaller loads wherever practical, as frequency of use can rapidly escalate annual running costs. For those considering upgrading their appliance, Marks Electrical suggests reviewing the energy rating when evaluating dishwasher models. White added: "Dishwasher energy ratings are based on how efficiently an appliance uses electricity and water during eco cycle testing, so they can be a useful way for shoppers to compare long-term running costs before buying."
