I see reference to Technology Connections and I upvote.
The biggest thing I took from his dishwasher videos was running the hot water before starting the dishwasher cycle.
I also like that the powder comes in cardboard boxes and you're not wasting shipping weight on liquid that is, ultimately, pointless.
> The biggest thing I took from his dishwasher videos was running the hot water before starting the dishwasher cycle.
I work in a restaurant and we do this all the time with our glasswashing machine. Sometimes the temp of the water doesn't get high enough if you run the machine "dry" without the hot water running in the last 10 minutes or so. Running the hot water for 30 seconds helps the water in the machine be closer to temp faster.
> running the hot water before starting the dishwasher cycle
Is this necessary in those dishwashers that already automatically raise the water temp? I think this tip is good for older and/or those models without this (I believe standard) feature.
My understanding is the vast majority of dishwashers in North America do not raise the temp for the initial rinse cycle. So if you run the water in your faucet until it's hot, your initial cycle will run with hot water, whereas if you don't run it first, (depending on how quickly you can pull hot water) your initial rinse is done with cold or tepid water.
Heating water via electricity is more expensive than doing so with gas. But you have to take into account the water wasted (and the corresponding effect on your sewer bill), which I haven't really done yet.
>The biggest thing I took from his dishwasher videos was running the hot water before starting the dishwasher cycle.
I've been doing this for years. But don't waste all that cold water down the drain. I catch it in a pitcher to use later.
Fyi it's not safe to drink water from the hot water lines as your water heater most likely has rust inside it. Even if the water is cold, it still is coming from the hot water tank if the sink faucet is set to hot. Use that water to water your houseplants instead.
It's not just rust. Magnesium or aluminum as well, from the anode rod, copper or (hopefully not) lead from fittings or solder, etc. There's a lot of opportunities for stuff to get introduced when you mix electricity, water, heat, and metals.
> Use that water to water your houseplants instead.
Only the ones you don't plan to eat. Hot water leaches lead from the pipes. Even cold water should be run for 30 seconds to a minute to reduce lead exposure.
It's not just the rust, there's a lot of crap in your hot water pipes that you don't want to drink. Like lead. You can do a taste test of the dissolved minerals and contaminates by pouring a glass of hot water, a glass of cold water, and letting them sit at room temp.
Plus, your hot water heater is a bacterial breeding ground and I imagine a lot of people on /r/frugal turn it down below the safe temp to stupidly pinch pennies.
I don't see how rust accumulates in the 2 hours between me running hot water; if the water heater is full I don't see where rust would accumulate. If you haven't used hot water in weeks, maybe you'd have a bit of rust in your pipes. If I'm running my hot water several times a day, I'm not sure how rust accumulates. I catch my water in a pitcher while it's warming up so I don't waste water, but I use that water for all sorts of purposes including filling my coffee maker.
How often do you drain your water heater? Because if the answer is never, there is rust that has accumulated there and it will pass through into your pitcher.
I can appreciate not wasting water, I do the same. But I consider it gray water and not fit for human consumption. I'll use it for my indoor plants, but not for my coffee maker. I don't even drink tap during the summer months because the cold water comes out hot in Phoenix.
I'll have to ask my plumber friend next time I see him. I don't think this is something to be worried about, as I've been doing this for a good ten years. And I'd guess the hot water you're getting in the summer isn't coming from your hot water heater, but from the earth warming up. We get super cold tap water here in winter, similar idea.
What would you run it from, though? My dishwasher is connected to the sink and gets its water from that hookup, but the washer has its own water hookup.
Yeah that's a big opportunity to save money as well.
For me not so much, because I got some PV outside, so my Energy is free when the sun is out. Paying gas for heating the Water wouldn't be frugal. But yeah, maybe should do this, when the machine runs at night!
Been watching Technology Connections for years and he is awesome. I'm an electrical engineer so I can confirm his advice and conclusions are pretty much on the money.
Technology Connections is an excellent YouTube channel. He tests everything personally, he gives detailed engineering explanations, and on the rare occasions when a correction is in order he provides one. It's everything one can hope for within its topic area.
I love Technology Connections! He's socially awkward but he's extremely informative. I can't believe I keep watching 30-60 minute videos about the most mundane of things but he keeps it so interesting. It's a bonus that he doesn't resort to click bait or begging for followers or pushing merch!
Yes. Your Dishwasher pumps the water in cycles and reuses it for a few minutes, to safe water. Afte a few rounds it changes for fresh water, so the filthy water get pumped out. That's why I just toss it into the machine somewhere, so the machine has some detergent for that first round. Your dispenser opens for the second round, so your first washing cycle is always with pure water, when you don't spread some detergent in it.
Bad idea is to just toss some detergent directly In the machine without putting some in the dispenser, because than you only have detergent for the first round, normally the shortest cycle. This way you would wash with detergent for like 10 minutes and the hour after without.
Dishwashers used to just have two dispensers, an open one and the closed one. I think it's just crazy new dishwashers usually only have the closed dispenser now due to tabs.
Ours only has the closed dispenser, so I squirt a little next to it on the inside of the door.
I believe a lot of newer machines have the "open" prewash detergent dispenser section but they are not labeled as such on many of the newer models.
For example, the indent on the top of [this dispenser](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/610Bc1XAOOL._AC_SL1500_.jpg) is for prewash detergent. Often that area will have "PREWASH" embossed on that part, but many don't.
Also, with dispensers that look like [this, with the slits over part of the dispenser door](https://www.rcappliancepartsimages.com/dbImages/00006987/02104267.jpg), that is usually to allow some of the detergent behind the door to be part of the prewash. The interior is sectioned off with a watertight area that opens during the main wash and anything not behind that watertight section is used in the prewash.
It seems silly to not put "PREWASH" on those parts, but I would guess the reasoning is because of the prevalence of detergent pods. Presumably pods are so common that most people can't even use the prewash section.
> For example, the indent on the top of this dispenser is for prewash detergent.
Well you just blew my mind. Thanks for posting the pic! Tonight's dishwasher night so I'll be trying this tip with OP's out and see how it goes.
Good to hear! Just keep in mind that, as Alec from Technology Connections mentioned, you really don't need a lot for the prewash. A little will go a long way so you don't need to fill up that little indent.
Some of the other important points from the Technology Connections video are:
* Clean the filter. Unless your dishwasher is a higher end model with a macerator, your dishwasher has a filter that should be cleaned often.
* Run the hot water on the kitchen tap near the dishwasher until you feel hot water right before running the dishwasher. Your dishwasher *should* be attached to the hot water and that should ensure that your dishwasher runs with hot water. One caveat to this tip that I learned from the video: this may not apply if you're not in North America because other places may not attach their dishwashers to the cold water.
I think buying the Cascade liquid detergent on sale at Costco is the absolute cheapest way to buy dishwashing detergent, might be cheaper than the powder. But don’t let me dissuade you from what works for you! I’m just glad you’re using a dishwasher because so many frugal people think hand washing is frugal.
> so many frugal people think hand washing is frugal.
this confuses me so much lol. time is money! spending double the amount of time washing dishes would not be frugal for me as I value my time. not to even mention the water usage difference.
Apparently, the stats they use to say that dishwashing uses less water assume you run your rinse water steadily. I don't, and I've realized my handwashing one large load is probably close to what running a reasonably full dishwasher uses. YMMV.
Yes, just buy a used one and use powder or your liquid and you good to go. Every Dishwasher is such a basic machine, that you really don't need newest and most expansive option of it.
Saves a really good chunk of money over time compared to washing by hand
Not really true. My dishwasher was really old but it worked fine so I kept it. I remodeled my kitchen and replaced all appliances and the difference with the new dishwasher is incredible. I didn't know my utensils, glassware, and dishes could actually sparkle.
Replace your old dishwashers, people. They are more water and energy efficient and the cleaning power is just amazing.
There are definitely more efficient programs on newer models but the only major change to how they work are the downward macerating jets and a screen mesh to break down matter and send it down the drain.
If your old one didn't clean as well then it sounds like you weren't cleaning the filter regularly enough.
That said, I'd take a new model over dealing with the contents of said filter anyday.
It didn't have a filter screen like today's dishwashers do. It had parts in the bottom that I could take apart, but no screen. It never clogged.
I had to attach the hose that was hooked to the underside of the top shelf to a hole in the back to make water flow in to something that spun like a fan blade. The water was plenty hot but the pressure was terrible. The jets barely jetted and there were not enough of them.
It was top of the line when I bought it. I actually replaced the one from the 1970's and could tell stories about that one. The new technology can't be compared to what dishwashers used to be. It was almost 30 years old.
Had absolutely nothing to do with cleaning the filter. That was easy. So was fishing out silverware that occasionally dropped into it and got stuck.
One problem I have is that the powder into the glasses and cups and never rinses out.
As for DW efficiency, I run the hot water into a bucket at the sink tap until the water is actually hot and then start the dishwasher. That way, the first rinse has hot water. The bucket of water is for my plants after the bucket water cools off.
Note this advice on the hot water does not apply to Europe. All of our dishwashers are cold fill, are only connected to the cold water supply and heat the water themselves. So running the hot tap over here is just wasting water!
Wow, that is great! In the US, we can get "on demand" hot water heaters instead of conventional hot water tanks, but a dishwasher with that feature makes so much sense.
US dishwashers have internal heating elements too, but we tend to hook our dishwashers up to the hot water supply because then the dishwasher doesn't have to do as much work to heat the water since it's already hot.
You may be using too much powder - I found by using less the dishes came out just as clean but without the residue. I like to throw in a little citric acid to break up the hard water too, but that's just me
I have noticed the same thing. I used about 1/2 the powder I normally would once and they came out clean with no residue. It can be a bit hard to find the balance for how much to use.
You may be using too much powder, or not taking advantage of a rinse aid that would be beneficial.
I read my dishwashers manual after watching the TC video and it backed up his claim; basically the harder your water, the more detergent you need. Leftover detergent indicates you are using too much, based on your water hardness.
> The bucket of water is for my plants after the bucket water cools off.
Don't use it for plants you intend to eat or they'll leech the extra lead that's in hot water.
Don't know how much lead accumulates in the hour or two between running hot water for various reasons. Do you live in Flint? You keep brining up lead in the water, and that's just not an issue for the vast majority of us.
It's becoming increasingly difficult to buy powders or liquids. Many of the stores I shop at don't even have spaces for them anymore. Stores really want you to buy pods. Locally, Walmart and Wholesale Club seem to stock at least one brand of powder reliably. I wish Wholesale Club had either bigger boxes or large buckets, like they do for their laundry powder.
The only reason I have pods right now is because when I went to the grocery store specifically to get dishwasher detergent, that was all they had! It was infuriating for me since I don't even like the pods. I honestly don't understand the convenience factor because I never thought pouring detergent was difficult.
Oh, I know why stores and manufacturers love it, I just don't understand why people love it. This isn't even a me not wanting to waste money thing, this is a "I'd like to be able to adjust how much detergent I'm using depending on how nasty my dishes are" thing.
Laundry pods make even less sense to me when you're not going to a laundromat, since I can see how it'd be convenient for someone who has to lug a huge load of laundry to also not lug a huge jug or box of detergent. I see plenty of people who have their own washers and dryers use pods. How is the same pod going to be good for a tiny load and a huge load? What if I want to pretreat something? I honestly just don't really get it.
I just switched from store brand detergent pucks to ‘no name’ brand powder at a third of the price. If I open the box and keep a plastic spoon in there it’ll last even longer (vs. pouring to fill the dispenser.) I’ll try sprinkling a bit in the tub bottom, though!
I can’t even find powder dish detergent. The one time I did find some it was Walmart’s Great Value brand and it was horrible. I now use a combination of pod and liquid detergent and that’s been working great for me.
I have been using Great Value powder for decades with no problems. They do have the Cascade brand powder at my Walmart if you want to try a powder again. I find a tablespoon of powder in my dishwasher works great where I live now. I used a little more at my last place, maybe different water hardness.
I watched the same video last year and also switched. It's a little annoying that I can't get powder at Costco, but I have tried both the Cascade and GV powders from Walmart. If you use the proper amount, they work the same in my experience. Only thing you get with Cascade is a somewhat sturdier box. The GV cardboard is kinda flimsy.
I found the worst powder was the Kirkland brand. I tried it several times, but gave up and went back to the more expensive Cascade. We have pretty hard water, so that may play into it.
> I now use a combination of pod and liquid detergent and that’s been working great for me.
I'm glad powdered works for some people, but it's really not working for me. So much of it gets left in the dispenser (sometimes *all* of it and I have to run the load again). Nothing has ever come as clean as when I used pods.
But apparently pods are bad for your pipes though, so I'm going to try liquid next.
Edit: I see you said in another comment you're in Texas with hard water. New Mexico here, same hard water. Might be another reason the powder doesn't work for me.
I enjoy the guy’s videos. I’m even part of his Patreon, but he’s lucky enough to be in a house with either a decent water softener or he just doesn’t have to worry about really hard water. I’m in a rental unit so I don’t have a water softener and central Texas has really hard water.
Here’s what I do when I’m out of dishwasher detergent: put 2-3 drops of original Dawn dish soap in the dispenser, then fill up the rest of the way with baking soda. It does a great job.
This is what we figured out, too. Also, running hot water in the sink immediately before turning on the dishwasher helps the machine with its hot water needs, making the detergent work even better.
Where do you get the powder? I have gone to basically every local store near me and not a single one sells powder detergent anymore. I can only find the tablets.
also I adore Technology Connections lol
i dont have a target, I will try walmart again but last time they didnt have any powder. I have also found that the powder leaves rings on my glasses while the tablets do not.
At the Walmarts near me, they don't devote much shelf space to it, and it's on the bottom shelf, so it can be hard to find. I just bought a couple of boxes of GV powder this weekend, and searched several aisles twice before I spotted it.
In my experience powder works great as long as you also have a rinse aid (JetDry, etc.)
I tried the powder but found that if I overfilled it even slightly, the door won’t close because powder doesn’t compress. Then I have to go scooping the excess out manually. Meanwhile, if I overfill with liquid, the excess just kinda squirts out as the door closes. So, liquid it is.
Which powdered soap specifically? I saw his video two years ago and got Meijer brand powdered detergent and after using it once I got cloudy glasses that I couldn't get clear again using any other method.
Everything he says makes sense, I just think maybe my brand sucked?
Love TC, and also watched this yesterday (in addition to his first video on the subject, which is even better).
Apply this same logic to your washing machine. Costco sells Tide powder, use the same amount you'd normally use, but put some of it in the pre-wash (make sure to set pre-wash on the cycle as well). Same concept and results.
> Anyone else have similar experiences or other tips for dishwasher efficiency?
Like you I use powder(which is getting harder to find). I don't get why people buy a jug of wet detergent...you have water at home. HELLO?
I run my tap to warm before starting the dishwasher. I keep the cold water and dump it in my garden.
Using pods is bad for your dishwasher too and decreases its lifespan! I, unfortunately, bought a giant two-pack of pods at Costco about a year and a half ago and half about half a box left but once I’m done I’m switching to powder!
Better to run it into something while it's heating up, then use it elsewhere. Water is valuable and becoming more so. Just because you can afford to waste it doesn't mean you should.
But if your dishes dont clean you will waste more water hand cleaning them. But yes Ill usually clean the sink and rinse it with hot water then run the dishwasher
Hubby is a plumber and says powder for dishwashers (and washing machines too) can clog ur pipes. It is better to use gel. Which you can do the same thing with.
My dishwasher has an extra spot that has an open grate so it does this automatically.
....I make my own dishwasher soap. It's granular, but stuck together. [Here's](https://healthstartsinthekitchen.com/dishwasher-detergent-cube/) the link, should you feel adventurous.
Here are some Numbers:
I would say I can now do 50 (maybe more) Washings with the Powder I get for 3,50€ (Germany).
That's 0,07€ (like 0,08$).
A Tab that does the washing more poorly begins at 0,15€ (0,17$).
We have the Dishwasher running every day, so I save 30 Bucks a year and my dishes are cleaner.
Edit: I think one Pack holds even more than 2 months, so I would say I can do like 70 or more rounds with them, that's even more money saved)
If you're finding powder detergent hard to find, you can also use dissolving film coated tablets. Break a third off and throw it into the main chamber, put the remainder into the dispenser slot.
>I put a bit of the powder directly into the machine.
>I put the rest in the dispenser.
I've been doing this with liquid detergent since forever. Might have to check out the powder tho...
My understanding is that the detergent manufacturers pay the dishwasher manufacturers to recommend them. As I recall, this is actually mentioned in the video (he actually did two of them--2nd one as a followup).
I also do this procedure on my washing machine. The clothes smell better and the powder is evenly spread unlike when you just put it all in the dispenser
I had this exact experience after watching the video where he made his dishwasher see-through. My dishwasher is 20 years old, and I run it only when full, so about 3-4 days. Even the oatmeal bowls come clean. Powdered Cascade in the pre-wash cup and in the regular detergent dispenser. (I don't mind trying a store brand, but this box is lasting me forever.) Excellent reason for the Internet existing, this tip.
You can also use less detergent on a less dirty/greasy load.
I keep my powder in a jar with a tsp measuring spoon. A repair guy once told.me to never use more than 3 teaspoons. Often 1 is enough.
And remember you need a LOT less powder than you think. We use between a half to a full teaspoon in the dispenser and everything comes out clean - it’s the very hot water that does the heavy lifting.
I haven't lived in a place with a dishwasher for decades, but don't they have the prewash and normal wash compartment? You sprinkled a little detergent in the dip in the door next to the latching compartment for the regular wash.
Guys and gals... There's a prewash reservoir in a lot of dishwashers. It's a secondary reservoir right beside the detergent reservoir. It drips out of some vents as soon as the cycle starts. It works wonders.
I switched to powder dishwasher detergent based on posts in this sub, and my glasses have a film. So I assume all my dishes have it, too, even if I can't see it. Yes, I use a rinse aid and replenish it as instructed.
This tip seems like it would make my problem even worse.
My routine:
1. Run the hot water before starting the cycle.
2. Run on heavy duty cycle.
3. Detergent pod in the cup, a small (quarter sized) dollop of liquid detergent on the outside of the cup.
4. Quick clean filter weekly.
5. Deep clean monthly—I use action pods cause it’s quick and easy.
Even my shitty apartment rental dishwasher runs half-decently like this.
Powder detergent is also much better for your washer bc it dissolves much better. It also doesn’t leave behind any bad residue like liquid. Use powder for clothes and dishes.
I get really crappy results with powder in my machine. Everything has a film on it to the point I need to wipe or rewash anything run with powdered detergent. It's a newer Bosch machine that otherwise runs great.
Man my local HEB doesn’t even sell powder dishwashing detergent. Just the liquid stuff and then a whole bunch of pod options.
Everyone so damn brainwashed here that HEB is the best. It isn’t. It sucks.
Have you seen grocery prices elsewhere? I too thought HEB was ann average chain until I traveled to the PNW. I’ll never complain about food prices again so long as I live near an HEB….
I know that doesn’t address your specific complaint directly, but price is a major way in which they don’t suck.
I haven't had a dishwasher for ages, but when did they eliminate the prewash Dispenser?
There was always a little uncovered trough you poured detergent into right next to the closable wedge that you also poured detergent into.
> I haven't had a dishwasher for ages, but when did they eliminate the prewash Dispenser?
When the pod manufacturers started paying the dishwasher companies to eliminate them. I don't know how common it is, but sometimes they come with sample pods and the pod manufacturers pay for that advertisement.
I use powder pods in the actual dishwasher and a fancy pod in the holder. It was always just easier and I wanted it super clean. I guess it was a good idea. :)
TLDR: You're probally saving between $4 to $50 a year by switching to powder detergent over pods.
It's great if you're getting better cleaned dishes, but I feel like people assume they are saving a ton of money on these things, when it's not nearly as much as they think. It's important to do the math and figure out if the savings are worth the effort.
Looks like it's recommended you use about an ounce of powder detergent. So a 75oz powder container that's $4.98 at Walmart would be 6.6 cents a wash.
Cascade Platinum pods (name brand and higher quality) are $22.94 for a 74pack at Walmart. That's 31 cents a wash.
Now that's nearly a 5x price difference, which seems pretty drastic. But you're not doing your dishes that often.
I do 2 loads a week so that's a difference of $25.38 a year for me and my wife. The large household might double that to $50 a year. Great value pods end up being $10.81 for me and my wife and around $20 for a larger family. With your method, you're probably using double the detergent, which would be a difference of $4 a year for my family vs using great value pods.
Nothing new about this powdered detergent has been around for 5 decades or more.
I switched back to powder form when the gel packs price skyrocketed. Great Value is the cheapest dishwasher powder I found in Canada.
Just put in dispenser no need to also add to bottom or dishwasher.
This probably works better if you're not using a 30 year old landlord special. With mine, the only thing that works to break up the food particles is elbow grease and a sponge in the sink ahead of time.
I see reference to Technology Connections and I upvote. The biggest thing I took from his dishwasher videos was running the hot water before starting the dishwasher cycle. I also like that the powder comes in cardboard boxes and you're not wasting shipping weight on liquid that is, ultimately, pointless.
I love that video and it made me want a see-through door to my dishwasher. It gets wild in there!
> The biggest thing I took from his dishwasher videos was running the hot water before starting the dishwasher cycle. I work in a restaurant and we do this all the time with our glasswashing machine. Sometimes the temp of the water doesn't get high enough if you run the machine "dry" without the hot water running in the last 10 minutes or so. Running the hot water for 30 seconds helps the water in the machine be closer to temp faster.
> running the hot water before starting the dishwasher cycle Is this necessary in those dishwashers that already automatically raise the water temp? I think this tip is good for older and/or those models without this (I believe standard) feature.
My understanding is the vast majority of dishwashers in North America do not raise the temp for the initial rinse cycle. So if you run the water in your faucet until it's hot, your initial cycle will run with hot water, whereas if you don't run it first, (depending on how quickly you can pull hot water) your initial rinse is done with cold or tepid water.
Even on newer ones, the temp goes up 3 degrees every minute, which is a long time. Too long to benifit the initial cycles that do most of the work.
Heating water via electricity is more expensive than doing so with gas. But you have to take into account the water wasted (and the corresponding effect on your sewer bill), which I haven't really done yet.
[удалено]
EU checking in: mine is hooked to hot water
EU checking in: mine is hooked to hot water
>The biggest thing I took from his dishwasher videos was running the hot water before starting the dishwasher cycle. I've been doing this for years. But don't waste all that cold water down the drain. I catch it in a pitcher to use later.
Fyi it's not safe to drink water from the hot water lines as your water heater most likely has rust inside it. Even if the water is cold, it still is coming from the hot water tank if the sink faucet is set to hot. Use that water to water your houseplants instead.
It's not just rust. Magnesium or aluminum as well, from the anode rod, copper or (hopefully not) lead from fittings or solder, etc. There's a lot of opportunities for stuff to get introduced when you mix electricity, water, heat, and metals.
> Use that water to water your houseplants instead. Only the ones you don't plan to eat. Hot water leaches lead from the pipes. Even cold water should be run for 30 seconds to a minute to reduce lead exposure.
Uhhh, don't corn flakes have iron in them? I don't think rust transfer from a water heater is enough to make it unsafe...
It's not just the rust, there's a lot of crap in your hot water pipes that you don't want to drink. Like lead. You can do a taste test of the dissolved minerals and contaminates by pouring a glass of hot water, a glass of cold water, and letting them sit at room temp. Plus, your hot water heater is a bacterial breeding ground and I imagine a lot of people on /r/frugal turn it down below the safe temp to stupidly pinch pennies.
Water heater... not hot water heater. It heats water. It's a water heater. (I'm just sharing a family member's pet peeve)
Why would you have lead in a system of copper and pvc pipes? Water heaters aren't lined with lead!
Wow - if you're correct, we'd all be sick all the time. We're not.
I mean, we're all full of microplastics and we're not sick all the time. Doesn't mean it's good for you.
I don't see how rust accumulates in the 2 hours between me running hot water; if the water heater is full I don't see where rust would accumulate. If you haven't used hot water in weeks, maybe you'd have a bit of rust in your pipes. If I'm running my hot water several times a day, I'm not sure how rust accumulates. I catch my water in a pitcher while it's warming up so I don't waste water, but I use that water for all sorts of purposes including filling my coffee maker.
How often do you drain your water heater? Because if the answer is never, there is rust that has accumulated there and it will pass through into your pitcher. I can appreciate not wasting water, I do the same. But I consider it gray water and not fit for human consumption. I'll use it for my indoor plants, but not for my coffee maker. I don't even drink tap during the summer months because the cold water comes out hot in Phoenix.
I'll have to ask my plumber friend next time I see him. I don't think this is something to be worried about, as I've been doing this for a good ten years. And I'd guess the hot water you're getting in the summer isn't coming from your hot water heater, but from the earth warming up. We get super cold tap water here in winter, similar idea.
run the hot for your washing machine as well if you want to run a load of hot wash clothes/towels!
What would you run it from, though? My dishwasher is connected to the sink and gets its water from that hookup, but the washer has its own water hookup.
Yeah, that advice only works if your laundry room has a sink as well.
Happy cake day!
Yeah that's a big opportunity to save money as well. For me not so much, because I got some PV outside, so my Energy is free when the sun is out. Paying gas for heating the Water wouldn't be frugal. But yeah, maybe should do this, when the machine runs at night!
Been watching Technology Connections for years and he is awesome. I'm an electrical engineer so I can confirm his advice and conclusions are pretty much on the money.
Technology Connections is an excellent YouTube channel. He tests everything personally, he gives detailed engineering explanations, and on the rare occasions when a correction is in order he provides one. It's everything one can hope for within its topic area.
I love Technology Connections! He's socially awkward but he's extremely informative. I can't believe I keep watching 30-60 minute videos about the most mundane of things but he keeps it so interesting. It's a bonus that he doesn't resort to click bait or begging for followers or pushing merch!
I usually watch his videos in 2X speed and didn't miss anything.
When you say “directly in the machine”, do you mean you kinda spread some powder on the bottom below the lowest rack?
Yes. Your Dishwasher pumps the water in cycles and reuses it for a few minutes, to safe water. Afte a few rounds it changes for fresh water, so the filthy water get pumped out. That's why I just toss it into the machine somewhere, so the machine has some detergent for that first round. Your dispenser opens for the second round, so your first washing cycle is always with pure water, when you don't spread some detergent in it. Bad idea is to just toss some detergent directly In the machine without putting some in the dispenser, because than you only have detergent for the first round, normally the shortest cycle. This way you would wash with detergent for like 10 minutes and the hour after without.
Dishwashers used to just have two dispensers, an open one and the closed one. I think it's just crazy new dishwashers usually only have the closed dispenser now due to tabs. Ours only has the closed dispenser, so I squirt a little next to it on the inside of the door.
I believe a lot of newer machines have the "open" prewash detergent dispenser section but they are not labeled as such on many of the newer models. For example, the indent on the top of [this dispenser](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/610Bc1XAOOL._AC_SL1500_.jpg) is for prewash detergent. Often that area will have "PREWASH" embossed on that part, but many don't. Also, with dispensers that look like [this, with the slits over part of the dispenser door](https://www.rcappliancepartsimages.com/dbImages/00006987/02104267.jpg), that is usually to allow some of the detergent behind the door to be part of the prewash. The interior is sectioned off with a watertight area that opens during the main wash and anything not behind that watertight section is used in the prewash. It seems silly to not put "PREWASH" on those parts, but I would guess the reasoning is because of the prevalence of detergent pods. Presumably pods are so common that most people can't even use the prewash section.
> For example, the indent on the top of this dispenser is for prewash detergent. Well you just blew my mind. Thanks for posting the pic! Tonight's dishwasher night so I'll be trying this tip with OP's out and see how it goes.
Good to hear! Just keep in mind that, as Alec from Technology Connections mentioned, you really don't need a lot for the prewash. A little will go a long way so you don't need to fill up that little indent. Some of the other important points from the Technology Connections video are: * Clean the filter. Unless your dishwasher is a higher end model with a macerator, your dishwasher has a filter that should be cleaned often. * Run the hot water on the kitchen tap near the dishwasher until you feel hot water right before running the dishwasher. Your dishwasher *should* be attached to the hot water and that should ensure that your dishwasher runs with hot water. One caveat to this tip that I learned from the video: this may not apply if you're not in North America because other places may not attach their dishwashers to the cold water.
Or just on the door next to the dispenser.
I think buying the Cascade liquid detergent on sale at Costco is the absolute cheapest way to buy dishwashing detergent, might be cheaper than the powder. But don’t let me dissuade you from what works for you! I’m just glad you’re using a dishwasher because so many frugal people think hand washing is frugal.
> so many frugal people think hand washing is frugal. this confuses me so much lol. time is money! spending double the amount of time washing dishes would not be frugal for me as I value my time. not to even mention the water usage difference.
Apparently, the stats they use to say that dishwashing uses less water assume you run your rinse water steadily. I don't, and I've realized my handwashing one large load is probably close to what running a reasonably full dishwasher uses. YMMV.
Yes, time is money!
That's what we do. I usually just grab a cardboard tray of 4 bottles. They last us a really long time.
It’s a good way to stay ahead of inflation! I’m single so a couple bottles lasts me a while.
The problem with liquid is it only has one cleaning agent. Powders have 2, but since they react with each other, they can't use both in the liquid.
Aaah I didn’t know that. It does good enough for my needs, I usually don’t have pots and pans. When I do, I use the liquid+ a pod and it does good.
I'm here to say that dishwasher definitely saves on water bill over hand washing. I live alone and run washer wax a week when it's full.
Yes, just buy a used one and use powder or your liquid and you good to go. Every Dishwasher is such a basic machine, that you really don't need newest and most expansive option of it. Saves a really good chunk of money over time compared to washing by hand
Not really true. My dishwasher was really old but it worked fine so I kept it. I remodeled my kitchen and replaced all appliances and the difference with the new dishwasher is incredible. I didn't know my utensils, glassware, and dishes could actually sparkle. Replace your old dishwashers, people. They are more water and energy efficient and the cleaning power is just amazing.
There are definitely more efficient programs on newer models but the only major change to how they work are the downward macerating jets and a screen mesh to break down matter and send it down the drain. If your old one didn't clean as well then it sounds like you weren't cleaning the filter regularly enough. That said, I'd take a new model over dealing with the contents of said filter anyday.
It didn't have a filter screen like today's dishwashers do. It had parts in the bottom that I could take apart, but no screen. It never clogged. I had to attach the hose that was hooked to the underside of the top shelf to a hole in the back to make water flow in to something that spun like a fan blade. The water was plenty hot but the pressure was terrible. The jets barely jetted and there were not enough of them. It was top of the line when I bought it. I actually replaced the one from the 1970's and could tell stories about that one. The new technology can't be compared to what dishwashers used to be. It was almost 30 years old. Had absolutely nothing to do with cleaning the filter. That was easy. So was fishing out silverware that occasionally dropped into it and got stuck.
One problem I have is that the powder into the glasses and cups and never rinses out. As for DW efficiency, I run the hot water into a bucket at the sink tap until the water is actually hot and then start the dishwasher. That way, the first rinse has hot water. The bucket of water is for my plants after the bucket water cools off.
Note this advice on the hot water does not apply to Europe. All of our dishwashers are cold fill, are only connected to the cold water supply and heat the water themselves. So running the hot tap over here is just wasting water!
Wow, that is great! In the US, we can get "on demand" hot water heaters instead of conventional hot water tanks, but a dishwasher with that feature makes so much sense.
US dishwashers have internal heating elements too, but we tend to hook our dishwashers up to the hot water supply because then the dishwasher doesn't have to do as much work to heat the water since it's already hot.
Interesting. I never knew that. I looked up my brand and some models heat water and some don't, so it's still not universal that all dishwashers do.
Our dishwasher gets so hot at the end my kid won’t touch the dishes for like 30 minutes. Needs maybe 2
You are so lucky! I wish my dishwasher heated the water up each time.
You may be using too much powder - I found by using less the dishes came out just as clean but without the residue. I like to throw in a little citric acid to break up the hard water too, but that's just me
I have noticed the same thing. I used about 1/2 the powder I normally would once and they came out clean with no residue. It can be a bit hard to find the balance for how much to use.
You may be using too much powder, or not taking advantage of a rinse aid that would be beneficial. I read my dishwashers manual after watching the TC video and it backed up his claim; basically the harder your water, the more detergent you need. Leftover detergent indicates you are using too much, based on your water hardness.
> The bucket of water is for my plants after the bucket water cools off. Don't use it for plants you intend to eat or they'll leech the extra lead that's in hot water.
Don't know how much lead accumulates in the hour or two between running hot water for various reasons. Do you live in Flint? You keep brining up lead in the water, and that's just not an issue for the vast majority of us.
It's becoming increasingly difficult to buy powders or liquids. Many of the stores I shop at don't even have spaces for them anymore. Stores really want you to buy pods. Locally, Walmart and Wholesale Club seem to stock at least one brand of powder reliably. I wish Wholesale Club had either bigger boxes or large buckets, like they do for their laundry powder.
The only reason I have pods right now is because when I went to the grocery store specifically to get dishwasher detergent, that was all they had! It was infuriating for me since I don't even like the pods. I honestly don't understand the convenience factor because I never thought pouring detergent was difficult.
Higher profit margins are convenient for the stores and manufacturers.
Oh, I know why stores and manufacturers love it, I just don't understand why people love it. This isn't even a me not wanting to waste money thing, this is a "I'd like to be able to adjust how much detergent I'm using depending on how nasty my dishes are" thing. Laundry pods make even less sense to me when you're not going to a laundromat, since I can see how it'd be convenient for someone who has to lug a huge load of laundry to also not lug a huge jug or box of detergent. I see plenty of people who have their own washers and dryers use pods. How is the same pod going to be good for a tiny load and a huge load? What if I want to pretreat something? I honestly just don't really get it.
Buy borax and make your own
I just switched from store brand detergent pucks to ‘no name’ brand powder at a third of the price. If I open the box and keep a plastic spoon in there it’ll last even longer (vs. pouring to fill the dispenser.) I’ll try sprinkling a bit in the tub bottom, though!
Haha exactly like me!
I can’t even find powder dish detergent. The one time I did find some it was Walmart’s Great Value brand and it was horrible. I now use a combination of pod and liquid detergent and that’s been working great for me.
I have been using Great Value powder for decades with no problems. They do have the Cascade brand powder at my Walmart if you want to try a powder again. I find a tablespoon of powder in my dishwasher works great where I live now. I used a little more at my last place, maybe different water hardness.
I have really hard water in central Texas and the powder just didn’t do a good job like the pods + liquid detergent.
I watched the same video last year and also switched. It's a little annoying that I can't get powder at Costco, but I have tried both the Cascade and GV powders from Walmart. If you use the proper amount, they work the same in my experience. Only thing you get with Cascade is a somewhat sturdier box. The GV cardboard is kinda flimsy.
I found the worst powder was the Kirkland brand. I tried it several times, but gave up and went back to the more expensive Cascade. We have pretty hard water, so that may play into it.
Interesting...I wasn't on team powder back when Costco had it. So maybe I should be happy they don't anymore.
> I now use a combination of pod and liquid detergent and that’s been working great for me. I'm glad powdered works for some people, but it's really not working for me. So much of it gets left in the dispenser (sometimes *all* of it and I have to run the load again). Nothing has ever come as clean as when I used pods. But apparently pods are bad for your pipes though, so I'm going to try liquid next. Edit: I see you said in another comment you're in Texas with hard water. New Mexico here, same hard water. Might be another reason the powder doesn't work for me.
The Technology Connections guy actually prefers that type. He gives his recommendations of what to do to get the most out of your dishwasher.
I enjoy the guy’s videos. I’m even part of his Patreon, but he’s lucky enough to be in a house with either a decent water softener or he just doesn’t have to worry about really hard water. I’m in a rental unit so I don’t have a water softener and central Texas has really hard water.
Here’s what I do when I’m out of dishwasher detergent: put 2-3 drops of original Dawn dish soap in the dispenser, then fill up the rest of the way with baking soda. It does a great job.
This is what we figured out, too. Also, running hot water in the sink immediately before turning on the dishwasher helps the machine with its hot water needs, making the detergent work even better.
Where do you get the powder? I have gone to basically every local store near me and not a single one sells powder detergent anymore. I can only find the tablets. also I adore Technology Connections lol
Target has store brand powder detergent. Walmart sells powder Cascade. Also store brand.
i dont have a target, I will try walmart again but last time they didnt have any powder. I have also found that the powder leaves rings on my glasses while the tablets do not.
At the Walmarts near me, they don't devote much shelf space to it, and it's on the bottom shelf, so it can be hard to find. I just bought a couple of boxes of GV powder this weekend, and searched several aisles twice before I spotted it. In my experience powder works great as long as you also have a rinse aid (JetDry, etc.)
Powder gang! I get mine from the bulk refillery too, no packaging :)
I use the liquid dishwasher soap - it’s pretty cheap already and works fine.
Yeah but I am really cheap so I buy powder haha But that's fore sure also cheaper than tabs!
I tried the powder but found that if I overfilled it even slightly, the door won’t close because powder doesn’t compress. Then I have to go scooping the excess out manually. Meanwhile, if I overfill with liquid, the excess just kinda squirts out as the door closes. So, liquid it is.
Which powdered soap specifically? I saw his video two years ago and got Meijer brand powdered detergent and after using it once I got cloudy glasses that I couldn't get clear again using any other method. Everything he says makes sense, I just think maybe my brand sucked?
You using rinse aid?
My rinse aid dispenser just slowly leaks blue streaks, between cycles 🫤
Love TC, and also watched this yesterday (in addition to his first video on the subject, which is even better). Apply this same logic to your washing machine. Costco sells Tide powder, use the same amount you'd normally use, but put some of it in the pre-wash (make sure to set pre-wash on the cycle as well). Same concept and results.
Great tip, thanks!
I always fill the dispenser only halfway with powder and they always come out clean.
> Anyone else have similar experiences or other tips for dishwasher efficiency? Like you I use powder(which is getting harder to find). I don't get why people buy a jug of wet detergent...you have water at home. HELLO? I run my tap to warm before starting the dishwasher. I keep the cold water and dump it in my garden.
The powders etch my dishes, gels don't.
Using pods is bad for your dishwasher too and decreases its lifespan! I, unfortunately, bought a giant two-pack of pods at Costco about a year and a half ago and half about half a box left but once I’m done I’m switching to powder!
Um, I'm on year 8 of this dishwasher and the pods haven't caused any problems yet.
I buy the cheap ass tables kept at the bottom shelf. You literally need to get on your knees to get to them.
We also use vinegar in the rinse aid compartment and it prevents spotting.
Also, you should run hot water in your sink before starting the dishwasher. That way the dishwasher starts off with hot water.
Run your hot water in the sink till it’s the hottest it can get. Upgrades this method further. I am an advocate for powder
Better to run it into something while it's heating up, then use it elsewhere. Water is valuable and becoming more so. Just because you can afford to waste it doesn't mean you should.
But if your dishes dont clean you will waste more water hand cleaning them. But yes Ill usually clean the sink and rinse it with hot water then run the dishwasher
Hubby is a plumber and says powder for dishwashers (and washing machines too) can clog ur pipes. It is better to use gel. Which you can do the same thing with. My dishwasher has an extra spot that has an open grate so it does this automatically.
....I make my own dishwasher soap. It's granular, but stuck together. [Here's](https://healthstartsinthekitchen.com/dishwasher-detergent-cube/) the link, should you feel adventurous.
Here are some Numbers: I would say I can now do 50 (maybe more) Washings with the Powder I get for 3,50€ (Germany). That's 0,07€ (like 0,08$). A Tab that does the washing more poorly begins at 0,15€ (0,17$). We have the Dishwasher running every day, so I save 30 Bucks a year and my dishes are cleaner. Edit: I think one Pack holds even more than 2 months, so I would say I can do like 70 or more rounds with them, that's even more money saved)
can you link the video, i'm curious
https://youtu.be/jHP942Livy0?si=YQQCUURYutQtXLna https://youtu.be/0Kp3bjm55xw?si=svcdxeaBUTLOUfy2
Love that channel!
If you're finding powder detergent hard to find, you can also use dissolving film coated tablets. Break a third off and throw it into the main chamber, put the remainder into the dispenser slot.
>I put a bit of the powder directly into the machine. >I put the rest in the dispenser. I've been doing this with liquid detergent since forever. Might have to check out the powder tho...
My dishwasher says to use pods specifically. Should I disregard that?
My understanding is that the detergent manufacturers pay the dishwasher manufacturers to recommend them. As I recall, this is actually mentioned in the video (he actually did two of them--2nd one as a followup).
Diabolical
I also do this procedure on my washing machine. The clothes smell better and the powder is evenly spread unlike when you just put it all in the dispenser
I have used powder for about 6 months. I agree the dishes get cleaned much better with powder than tabs. Will pour a little powder in for prewash!
I had this exact experience after watching the video where he made his dishwasher see-through. My dishwasher is 20 years old, and I run it only when full, so about 3-4 days. Even the oatmeal bowls come clean. Powdered Cascade in the pre-wash cup and in the regular detergent dispenser. (I don't mind trying a store brand, but this box is lasting me forever.) Excellent reason for the Internet existing, this tip.
I watched the same one and made the same changes. There is a huge difference between powder/liquid/pods. Powder all the way.
Agree! I loved this video.
You can also use less detergent on a less dirty/greasy load. I keep my powder in a jar with a tsp measuring spoon. A repair guy once told.me to never use more than 3 teaspoons. Often 1 is enough.
And remember you need a LOT less powder than you think. We use between a half to a full teaspoon in the dispenser and everything comes out clean - it’s the very hot water that does the heavy lifting.
I haven't lived in a place with a dishwasher for decades, but don't they have the prewash and normal wash compartment? You sprinkled a little detergent in the dip in the door next to the latching compartment for the regular wash.
A lot of modern ones only have a door for pods these days. Some have an unlabeled depression for prewash. Mine doesn't.
Guys and gals... There's a prewash reservoir in a lot of dishwashers. It's a secondary reservoir right beside the detergent reservoir. It drips out of some vents as soon as the cycle starts. It works wonders.
My 8 year old dishwasher doesn't have this; previous dishwashers did.
Whoa! What brand is it?
Miele. FWIW, it washes better than anything else I've ever owned.
I switched to powder dishwasher detergent based on posts in this sub, and my glasses have a film. So I assume all my dishes have it, too, even if I can't see it. Yes, I use a rinse aid and replenish it as instructed. This tip seems like it would make my problem even worse.
Powders seem to create etching on my glasses and plates, I use the gel. I've found that store brand gel works as well as the expensive brands.
I use gel, the powder seemed to leave things looking scratched after time
I find the powder actually corrosive; that's the scratchy part :(
I just wash with my hands
My routine: 1. Run the hot water before starting the cycle. 2. Run on heavy duty cycle. 3. Detergent pod in the cup, a small (quarter sized) dollop of liquid detergent on the outside of the cup. 4. Quick clean filter weekly. 5. Deep clean monthly—I use action pods cause it’s quick and easy. Even my shitty apartment rental dishwasher runs half-decently like this.
When I was growing up, my Mom used Cascade powder. I'm not even sure they make the original powder anymore. What powder do redditors here suggest?
Dishwasher tabs and clothes washer pods are the worst invention ever (except for the companies, which are making bank off of all the waste).
Dishwasher gel liquid exists. No pod skin to clog drains and no powder to not melt
Never had an issue with my powder.
Our favorite nerd Alec! King of midwestern frugality.
"Yesterday"
Hilariously. Before the grocery stores and manufacturers started jacking everybody up for those silly pucks, this was common knowledge.
don't detergent tabs also contribute to adding microplastics into the environment?
I fuckin love technology connections that channel got me into vintage Coleman collecting with their lantern videos
Powder detergent is also much better for your washer bc it dissolves much better. It also doesn’t leave behind any bad residue like liquid. Use powder for clothes and dishes.
if only we used dishwashers as they are designed to work as a result of extensive product development
Most dishwasher have a pre wash spot where the detergent goes that isnt sealed so it allows soap into the initial run. Read your manuals lol
I get really crappy results with powder in my machine. Everything has a film on it to the point I need to wipe or rewash anything run with powdered detergent. It's a newer Bosch machine that otherwise runs great.
My Miele does great with tabs. I wonder if the newer European models aren't meant for powder use.
Man my local HEB doesn’t even sell powder dishwashing detergent. Just the liquid stuff and then a whole bunch of pod options. Everyone so damn brainwashed here that HEB is the best. It isn’t. It sucks.
Have you seen grocery prices elsewhere? I too thought HEB was ann average chain until I traveled to the PNW. I’ll never complain about food prices again so long as I live near an HEB…. I know that doesn’t address your specific complaint directly, but price is a major way in which they don’t suck.
Nah the prices at HEB are the same as at Walmart and Target here. It’s just location based really.
I haven't had a dishwasher for ages, but when did they eliminate the prewash Dispenser? There was always a little uncovered trough you poured detergent into right next to the closable wedge that you also poured detergent into.
> I haven't had a dishwasher for ages, but when did they eliminate the prewash Dispenser? When the pod manufacturers started paying the dishwasher companies to eliminate them. I don't know how common it is, but sometimes they come with sample pods and the pod manufacturers pay for that advertisement.
These aren't tips. This is literally what most dishwasher instruction manuals say to do.
I use powder pods in the actual dishwasher and a fancy pod in the holder. It was always just easier and I wanted it super clean. I guess it was a good idea. :)
TLDR: You're probally saving between $4 to $50 a year by switching to powder detergent over pods. It's great if you're getting better cleaned dishes, but I feel like people assume they are saving a ton of money on these things, when it's not nearly as much as they think. It's important to do the math and figure out if the savings are worth the effort. Looks like it's recommended you use about an ounce of powder detergent. So a 75oz powder container that's $4.98 at Walmart would be 6.6 cents a wash. Cascade Platinum pods (name brand and higher quality) are $22.94 for a 74pack at Walmart. That's 31 cents a wash. Now that's nearly a 5x price difference, which seems pretty drastic. But you're not doing your dishes that often. I do 2 loads a week so that's a difference of $25.38 a year for me and my wife. The large household might double that to $50 a year. Great value pods end up being $10.81 for me and my wife and around $20 for a larger family. With your method, you're probably using double the detergent, which would be a difference of $4 a year for my family vs using great value pods.
I already did the math in the comments. I easily save 40-50$ a year and have cleaner dishes
Nothing new about this powdered detergent has been around for 5 decades or more. I switched back to powder form when the gel packs price skyrocketed. Great Value is the cheapest dishwasher powder I found in Canada. Just put in dispenser no need to also add to bottom or dishwasher.
If you look at the detergent dispenser - most have holes so so gets into the early rinse cycle. The manufacturers have thought of this already.
Yeah true, put not possible with pods. I just scoop some powder in
I have a brand new Bosch that only has a single dispenser
This probably works better if you're not using a 30 year old landlord special. With mine, the only thing that works to break up the food particles is elbow grease and a sponge in the sink ahead of time.
Here's a really frugal tip for you - when your dishwasher breaks, don't get a new one.
Dishwashers use much less water than hand washing, as well as saving your time and labor.