{"id":21952,"date":"2022-10-03T21:53:16","date_gmt":"2022-10-03T21:53:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/?p=21952"},"modified":"2024-08-05T16:04:07","modified_gmt":"2024-08-05T16:04:07","slug":"dishwasher-vs-hand-washing-the-sustainable-choice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/live-cleaner\/dishwasher-vs-hand-washing-the-sustainable-choice\/","title":{"rendered":"Dishwasher vs Hand Washing: The Sustainable Choice"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compared to the chore of hand-washing dishes, our dishwasher can sometimes seem like a lean, mean, cleaning machine. But in an age when most of us are re-examining how our choices affect the health of the environment, you might be wondering if your dishwasher is also green.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to using your dishwasher vs. hand-washing dishes, which option is more sustainable?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While dishwashers typically allow for the more efficient use of water and energy resources, there\u2019s more to consider when weighing which method is more beneficial for our earth. From your dishwasher\u2019s make and model to the way you use it, some helpful tips can ensure that your dishwashing results in both cleaner plates and a cleaner planet.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Is Using a Dishwasher More Sustainable?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to understanding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/live-cleaner\/how-to-wash-dishes-the-eco-conscious-way\/\">how to wash dishes<\/a> the sustainable way, you may be wondering if hand washing or using a dishwasher is better. If you\u2019re used to hand washing, kicking back to watch your favorite show while your dishwasher does all the work can feel like the height of luxury.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But what\u2019s the real impact of all that modern convenience?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The answer is complicated, but in most cases, science suggests dishwashers can help, not hurt. Studies have found that compared to households without dishwashers, households that have them use<sup>1<\/sup>:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50% less water per cleaned item<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">28% less energy per cleaned item <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That would seem to suggest that when it comes to using a dishwasher vs. hand washing, dishwashers are the smackdown champ, right?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It depends. In general, using a dishwasher might save you some water, energy, and time. But the energy efficiency of your specific dishwasher and how you use it can also affect how well your dishwasher performs\u2014for you and the environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Compared to Hand Washing, How Much Water Does a Dishwasher Use?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you choose to hand-wash dishes or use a dishwasher, you may be wondering about the water usage of each. You can hear the water sloshing around. You may even be able to envision your plates transforming into sparkling-clean specimens. But <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/live-cleaner\/how-much-water-does-a-dishwasher-use\/\">how much water does a dishwasher use<\/a> compared to washing them in your sink?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a newer model dishwasher, there\u2019s a good chance it carries an ENERGY STAR<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00ae<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> label\u2014a certification the U.S. EPA created to help consumers identify energy-efficient products.<sup>2<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For dishwashers, that label mostly means that the machine uses an efficient amount of energy and water per load.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yet, not all dishwashers are up to snuff when it comes to water efficiency. In particular, some older models can be much less efficient compared to modern dishwashers. How much? Let\u2019s compare them side by side:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Older dishwashers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> use between 10 and 15 gallons of water per cycle, according to the Water Research Foundation.<sup>3<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, <\/span><b>ENERGY STAR dishwashers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> use as little as 3 gallons per cycle.<sup>4<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That may not sound like such a drastic difference from day to day, but it adds up. ENERGY STAR dishwashers can save an average of 3,870 gallons of water over their lifetime.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The consensus? If your dishwasher is ENERGY STAR-approved, you\u2019re probably doing more for the environment by using it than washing your dishes by hand. In fact, washing by hand can use up even more water than some older dishwashers\u2014depending on how much time you spend doing dishes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The average kitchen faucet uses about 2.2 gallons of water per minute.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Let\u2019s say it takes you 15 minutes to wash a full load of dishes by hand. Assuming you run the faucet for the full 15 minutes, you\u2019re going to use over 30 gallons of water. That\u2019s almost three times as much water as your ENERGY STAR-labeled dishwasher requires.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Other Dishwashing Factors to Consider<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your water usage can play a big part in your dishwashing efficiency, but it isn\u2019t the only thing to consider. How we use our dishwashers also plays a big role in their sustainability. These factors include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Load size <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 In general, it\u2019s best to run your dishwasher when you have a full load. This optimizes the amount of energy and water it uses in relation to the number of dishes you wash.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>How your water is heated <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 When water enters your home, it\u2019s at about a chilly 60 degrees\u2014but the recommended temperature for your dishwasher is between 120\u2013150 degrees.<sup>7<\/sup><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This means it will take some energy to heat the dishwashing water.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>The products you use <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 The detergent you use can also affect the size of the environmental impact you leave behind from washing dishes. Usin<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">g <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-powered cleaning products<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help you minimize the harmful toxins and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chemicals that drain into our ecosystems. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-opt-id=1805294631  fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-21954\" src=\"https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:640\/h:427\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavavajillas-vs-lavar-a-mano.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:640\/h:427\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavavajillas-vs-lavar-a-mano.jpg 640w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:1024\/h:683\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavavajillas-vs-lavar-a-mano.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:768\/h:512\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavavajillas-vs-lavar-a-mano.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:1536\/h:1024\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavavajillas-vs-lavar-a-mano.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:1620\/h:1080\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavavajillas-vs-lavar-a-mano.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:18\/h:12\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavavajillas-vs-lavar-a-mano.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Is a Dishwasher More Hygienic Than Hand Washing?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to giving your dishes a fully sanitized, ultra-hygienic clean, your dishwasher is your best bet. This is because compared to hand washing, dishwashers:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Use hotter water <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Those 120\u2013150 degree water temperatures of your dishwasher can lead to a more hygienic clean that might not be achievable at the sink. For the sake of your hands and the environment, we\u2019d suggest avoiding such scalding temps at the sink altogether.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Carry fewer bacteria <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hand washing your dishes exposes them (and you) to harmful bacteria in your sponges and dish towels. On the other hand, the bacterium that\u2019s commonly found in dishwashers is thought to be relatively safe for humans.<sup>8<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Cleaner Plates and a Cleaner Planet: Why Sustainable Dishwashing Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the dishwasher shines our plates to mirror-like perfection, it might seem like your job is done. However, it\u2019s important to take every step we can to minimize the impact of our cleaning. Whether you&#8217;re using a water- and energy-efficient dishwasher or washing dishes by hand, there are products you can use for a cleaner planet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-opt-id=551596973  fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-21955\" src=\"https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:640\/h:427\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavavaillas-vs-lavar-a-mano-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:640\/h:427\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavavaillas-vs-lavar-a-mano-2.jpg 640w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:1024\/h:683\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavavaillas-vs-lavar-a-mano-2.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:768\/h:513\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavavaillas-vs-lavar-a-mano-2.jpg 768w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:1536\/h:1025\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavavaillas-vs-lavar-a-mano-2.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:1618\/h:1080\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavavaillas-vs-lavar-a-mano-2.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/mlcvmo0gntjk.i.optimole.com\/cb:ICH-.67306\/w:18\/h:12\/q:90\/f:best\/ig:avif\/https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/lavavaillas-vs-lavar-a-mano-2.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just take a look at some of the effects all that shining power can have:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dishwashers that aren\u2019t energy efficient can contribute to air pollution, greenhouse gasses, and a larger carbon footprint overall.<sup>9<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some dishwashing soaps contain chemicals like phosphates and petroleum, whose harmful effects can end up in our aquatic ecosystems.<sup>10<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those same chemicals can leave residue on our dishware, potentially causing harm to our health as well.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, what should you do if your dishwasher gives your kitchen its own 90s throwback or you simply want to make your environmental efforts stretch even further? Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to increase your dishwashing efficiency. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>How to Use Your Dishwasher Efficiently<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a greener future, hopefully we\u2019ll all have more efficient water heaters and ENERGY STAR-certified dishwashers. In the meantime, there are several things you can do to make your dishwashing more efficient and do your part for the planet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some key things to keep in mind the next time you\u2019ve got a sinkful of dirty dishes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Don\u2019t pre-rinse your dishes <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It might seem like pre-rinsing saves your dishwasher work, but in fact, it\u2019s better to skip this step. Rinsing your dishes before you put them into the washer wastes about 600 gallons of water per year, according to Consumer Reports.<sup>11<\/sup><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Instead, you should scrape any remaining food from the dishes and load them dry.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Run full loads only <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 Although it might be tempting to run your dishwasher with only your favorite coffee mug, one or two plates, and a few pieces of silverware, running small loads will drastically impair your efficiency efforts. Full loads make the best use of energy and water.<sup>12<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Run fewer loads<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Aside from only running full loads, try to be aware of how often you run your dishwasher. In general, we recommend not running your dishwasher more than once a day. Instead, find ways to reduce the number of dishes you use, such as by limiting each person in your household to a daily water glass and coffee cup. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Be wise about when you use your dishwasher <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re a multitasking master, you might pride yourself on doing the dishwashing, washing the car, and filling the swimming pool all at once. When you can, however, we suggest using your dishwasher when you and your family aren\u2019t already putting a strain on your home\u2019s water resources. For example, running it late in the evening can be better than running it in the morning, when everyone\u2019s using water to shower and brush their teeth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Use<\/b><b> safer deterg<\/b><b>ents <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 Go green with the products you use to clean your dishes. Whether you use liquid detergent or pods, make sure it\u2019s biodegradable and that it doesn\u2019t contain phosphates or petroleum.<sup>13<\/sup><\/span>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/best-sellers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ECOS dishwashing soaps and detergents<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">our formula is 100% vegan and U.S. EPA Safer Choice certified, which makes them healthier for the planet and for your family.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Let your dishes air dry <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead of using your machine\u2019s built-in drying options, forgo the fans and electric dryers and air-dry your dishes. When the cycle is complete, you can open the door to let excess moisture out.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Check your dishwasher\u2019s temperature settings <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a newer model of dishwasher, it may have come with a built-in temperature booster. This setting can raise the water temperature beyond what your regular water heater can reach. For most dishwashing purposes, this usually isn\u2019t necessary. Setting the temperature booster to match your home\u2019s water heater can help you save even more energy. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>ECOS: For Cleaner Dishes and a Clearer Conscience<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re scrubbing greasy pots and pans by hand or cleaning food-stained plates and utensils in your dishwasher, ECOS has the cleaner you need to finish the job safely and sustainably.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For over 50 years, we\u2019ve been helping families help the environment wi<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th our safer home cleaning products. From laundry detergents and hand soaps to cleaners, disinfectants, and, of course, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/dishwashing\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plant-powered dish soaps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and detergents, our products are safer <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for people and for the planet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you want an exceptional clean that\u2019s good for the earth, you want ECOS. We\u2019ll wash, you dry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h6><b>Sources:\u00a0<br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wiley. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usage of Dishwashers: Observation of Consumer Habits in the Domestic Environment. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1111\/j.1470-6431.2010.00973.x#:~:text=In%20general%2C%20the%20study%20showed,of%20sustainable%20dishwashing%20is%20achievable\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1111\/j.1470-6431.2010.00973.x#<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ENERGY STAR. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">History &amp; Accomplishments. <\/span><\/i><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home Water Works. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dishwashers. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/home-water-works.org\/indoor-use\/dishwasher\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/home-water-works.org\/indoor-use\/dishwasher<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Resources Defense Council. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9 Tricks That Save Tons of Water. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/9-tricks-save-tons-water\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.nrdc.org\/stories\/9-tricks-save-tons-water<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ENERGY STAR. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dishwashers. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.energystar.gov\/products\/dishwashers?qt-consumers_product_tab=2#qt-consumers_product_tab\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.energystar.gov\/products\/dishwashers?qt-consumers_product_tab=2#qt-consumers_product_tab<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treehugger. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Built-In Dishwashers Versus Hand-Washing: Which is Greener? <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u200b\u200b<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.treehugger.com\/built-in-dishwashers-vs-hand-washing-which-is-greener-4858791\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.treehugger.com\/built-in-dishwashers-vs-hand-washing-which-is-greener-4858791<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SF Gate. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Get the Best Performance from Your Dishwasher. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/homeguides.sfgate.com\/performance-dishwasher-24402.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/homeguides.sfgate.com\/performance-dishwasher-24402.html<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consumer Reports. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Load A Dishwasher. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/dishwasher\/how-to-load-a-dishwasher-a6704518317\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/dishwasher\/how-to-load-a-dishwasher-a6704518317\/<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Columbia Tribune. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dishwashers or Hand Washing? Science Settles the Score. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.columbiatribune.com\/story\/news\/2021\/09\/29\/dishwashers-hand-washing-science-settles-score\/8418843002\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.columbiatribune.com\/story\/news\/2021\/09\/29\/dishwashers-hand-washing-science-settles-score\/8418843002\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Real Simple. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This Is the Best Time of Day to Run Your Dishwasher. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.realsimple.com\/home-organizing\/cleaning\/best-time-to-run-dishwasher-night\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.realsimple.com\/home-organizing\/cleaning\/best-time-to-run-dishwasher-night<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Lessen. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Green Detergents vs. Conventional: What\u2019s the Difference? <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelessen.com\/eco-friendly-products\/cleaning\/laundry\/green-detergents-vs-conventional-detergents\/#harmful_effects_of_detergents_on_the_environment\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.thelessen.com\/eco-friendly-products\/cleaning\/laundry\/green-detergents-vs-conventional-detergents\/#harmful_effects_of_detergents_on_the_environment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Compared to the chore of hand-washing dishes, our dishwasher can sometimes seem like a lean, mean, cleaning machine. But in an age when most of us are re-examining how our choices affect the health of the environment, you might be wondering if your dishwasher is also green.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":21953,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21952","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21952","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21952"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21952\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24711,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21952\/revisions\/24711"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21953"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21952"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21952"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21952"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}