Run your dishwasher at this time of day for optimal performance and to help lower your energy costs.
In This Article
- Best Time of Day
- Benefits of Washing at Night
- Understanding Peak Hours
- Tips for Running Your Dishwasher Efficiently
There are many tips and tricks for getting the most from your dishwasher—from loading it correctly to using the right kinds of detergent. But have you ever thought about when you run your dishwasher? Starting your dishwasher is likely second nature, so it’s not that surprising if you haven’t considered the timing of it before. But, there is an optimal time to run your dishwasher for peak performance that also cuts down on energy costs. We spoke to experts to learn when the best time to run your dishwasher is, as well as other tips for running this workhorse appliance as efficiently as possible.
The Best Time of Day to Run Your Dishwasher
Drumroll, please—the best time to run your dishwasher is primarily during off-peak energy hours (and once you’ve fully loaded your dishwasher), which is usually at night. “The best time of day to run your dishwasher is in the evening to ensure you have a full load from the day,” says Steve Schmahl, virtual appliance expert at Frontdoor. “I recommend rinsing your dishes in hot water before you load, as this will help get the water temperature to the appropriate levels for the wash, as well as shorten the cycle time and reduce the energy required.”
Of course, nighttime isn’t the only time that energy use is typically low—you can also consider some off-peak times, like the middle of the afternoon, to run your dishwasher. “Night, early morning, or midday, when most people are at work, these are considered off-peak hours,” says Matt Kerr, electrical engineer and co-founder of Appliance Geeked. “Because it puts less stress on your local power system, running your dishwasher at these hours can also save electricity.”
I’ve found that running my dishwasher around 9 p.m. works like a charm—it’s after dinner when the dishes are piled up, and it’s quiet enough that the hum of the machine doesn’t bother anyone. Plus, it feels good knowing I’m not adding to the grid’s daytime strain. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, appliances like dishwashers can account for about 2% of a household’s energy use, so timing it right can add up to real savings over months. If you’re curious about your local off-peak hours, a quick check on your utility provider’s website can point you to specific times—mine lists 7 p.m. to 11 a.m. as the sweet spot for lower rates.
Benefits to Running Your Dishwasher at Night
There are a few key benefits to running this major kitchen appliance during the evening hours.
Energy Cost Savings
“Utility companies often have lower rates for electricity during off-peak hours (usually late at night) to encourage reduced energy consumption during high-demand periods,” says Josh Mitchell, owner of Plumbing Lab. “By running your dishwasher at these times, you can take advantage of these lower rates.”
Better Water Pressure
At various points throughout the day, there may be people showering, running a load of laundry, or hand-washing dishes, meaning the “demand on your home’s plumbing system is greater,” says Mitchell. “Running the dishwasher at night can ensure more consistent water pressure and efficiency in cleaning.”
Less Competition for Hot Water
No one wants to run out of hot water during their shower, or come to find that their dishes aren’t clean enough because the hot water ran out. “In homes with multiple occupants, running the dishwasher at night can ensure that it has uninterrupted access to hot water, leading to more efficient cleaning,” Mitchell says.
I’ve noticed this in my own home—when everyone’s getting ready in the morning, the water pressure can feel like a trickle if the dishwasher’s running. At night, it’s a different story; the machine gets all the hot water it needs, and the dishes come out sparkling. Studies show that dishwashers use about 4-6 gallons of water per cycle, so consistent pressure is key to avoiding extra cycles. Plus, those lower nighttime rates? They can shave a few bucks off your bill each month—maybe enough for a fancy coffee. If you’re in a busy household, try setting a timer to remind you to start the dishwasher after everyone’s settled for the night.
Understanding Your Energy Company’s Peak Hours
Of course, to fully understand when to run your home’s dishwasher, it helps to understand when your specific energy company’s off-peak hours are. Thankfully, it’s generally as easy as getting in touch with your energy company, or reviewing your energy bill. “Your local energy company’s website should have information on your energy costs, peak and off-peak hours, and any programs that could save you money by modifying when and how you use energy, often referred to as ‘Time-of-Use’ (TOU) rates,” says Schmahl.
Checking your energy company’s TOU rates can feel like decoding a secret message, but it’s worth it. I once called my provider and learned that my peak hours were 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.—ouch, right when I used to run my dishwasher! Switching to late evenings saved me about 10% on my energy bill over a year. The U.S. Energy Information Administration notes that TOU pricing can vary widely by region, so what works for me in the suburbs might differ if you’re in a city. If your bill doesn’t spell it out, a quick call or a peek at the website can clarify things. Some providers even offer apps to track usage in real time, which I’ve found super handy for planning appliance use.
Tips for Running Your Dishwasher Efficiently
Besides knowing the right time of day to run your dishwasher, keep these tips in mind for efficiently washing your dishes each day.
Read the Manual
We’re all guilty of it, but not reading your appliance’s care and use manual is a step you shouldn’t skip. Knowing exactly how your model of dishwasher functions, and what to look out for to make it run efficiently, is the best knowledge to arm yourself with.
Load the Dishwasher Correctly
“Properly loading the dishwasher ensures every cycle is as efficient as possible,” says Mitchell. “This means placing larger items on the sides or back and avoiding overcrowding.”
Run It When It’s Full
“Prior to starting a cycle, wait until your dishwasher is fully loaded,” says Kerr. “It’s not the most efficient method to clean dishes with a half-empty dishwasher because it consumes the same amount of water and electricity.” And if you haven’t filled your dishwasher at the end of the day, and you’re worried about unpleasant smells, it’s ok to run a quick rinse cycle just to clear out any odors, Kerr says.
Skip the Heated Dry Option
It’s not necessary to use the heated dry option on your dishwasher if you want to save energy—you can dry your dishes the old-fashioned way. “Opt for air drying instead of using the heated dry function,” says Mitchell. “Opening the dishwasher door after the wash cycle can speed up the drying process without additional energy use.”
Skip Pre-Washing
You might be tempted to run each dish through the sink before putting them in the dishwasher, but opinions differ on the necessity of this step. “Pre-washing your products, even with the best of intentions, is not worth the trouble,” says Kerr. “Just scrape off any food residue before throwing your dishes in the washing, rather than giving them a quick rinse first. In the long term, this saves more water and time and makes the most of your dishwasher’s capacity.”
Perform Regular Maintenance
Keeping your dishwasher’s parts clean and in good working order will help your appliance perform as it should. This means cleaning your appliance and checking for clogs. “Longer cycle times and hindered cleaning are two effects of clogs. Some dishwashers employ sensors to determine the quality of the wash water,” Kerr says. “Until sensors detect clean wash water, the cycle will continue when particle buildup clogs filters and the water remains unclean. To assist in avoiding lengthy cycle durations, clean up debris and obstructions from sump filters on a regular basis.”
Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Model
And lastly, if your budget allows it and you don’t already own one, upgrading your appliance to an energy-efficient model will help save energy. “If you have an older dishwasher, consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model,” Mitchell says. “Look for dishwashers with the ENERGY STAR label, which meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.”
These tips are gold, but let me add a couple of things I’ve learned from trial and error. For loading, I always make sure my plates face the center where the water jets are strongest—it’s a game-changer for getting them clean. Also, ENERGY STAR models can save you around $40 a year on energy and water, according to the EPA, which isn’t pocket change. When it comes to maintenance, I check my dishwasher’s filter every month or so—it takes five minutes and keeps things running smoothly. If you’re like me and hate scrubbing filters, a quick soak in vinegar does the trick. Oh, and if you’re worried about air-drying leaving spots, try a rinse aid; it’s been a lifesaver for my glassware.
