Run dishwasher only when full

A half-full dishwasher uses the same electricity and water as a full one, wasteful. With eco program + full load a 4-person flat saves at least 30 € monthly. This is one of the top-3 saving measures in the household.

Step by step

Dishwashers heat water to 65 °C, spray it 3-4 cycles over dishes, then dry (with better models using heat exchange). This process costs 1.5-2 kWh per run, whether you have 4 plates or 40 items inside. The fuller the better the cost distribution per plate. The eco program additionally reduces water temperature (50 instead of 65 °C) and extends the cycle (more time instead of temperature), saves 30-50% with no quality loss.

Step by step

1. 1. Load properly (not Tetris, but organized)Bottom: plates + deep containers (water sprays from top). Top: bowls, cups, glasses. Cutlery in cutlery basket. Rough rinse: food scraps must go, but not bone dry. Chunks clog the filter.
2. 2. Use eco program (not quick!)Eco or energy-saver, find it on the control panel. This lever/button is your friend. 2-3 minutes longer runtime, but 30% power savings. No quality difference with modern machines.
3. 3. Full load rule: at least 80% capacityIf you can rinse faster than wait for a full machine: quick rinsing > machine full. But if you have patience: wait 2 days until full, saves more than daily washing.
4. 4. Rinse aid + salt dose correctlyRinse aid compartment (top right, usually) is your extra saving tool: 1 milliliter per cycle, not more. Too much rinse aid reduces soap effectiveness. Salt (bottom of machine) you dose by water hardness (table on package).
5. 5. Drying time: apply residual heat methodAfter wash program, open door, use 10 minutes residual heat inside instead of activating heat drying. Modern machines are often smart enough, but older models have separate drying programs, skip those.

Worked example

How much do YOU save through full dishwasher loads?