While picking an efficient model is the first step to achieving considerable energy savings (see Dishwasher Energy Efficiency), how you operate your dishwasher is also important. Here are some tips on how to use your dishwasher to its best advantage:

* Because modern dishwashers are pretty powerful when it comes to cleaning, you can usually skip the rinse—saving water—and just scrape food particles off your dishes.

* Only run your dishwasher when it is stacked full of dishes. But do not over-fill; dishes that are packed in too tightly will not come out clean.

* Pick the shortest cycle that will get your dishes clean. Today’s dishwashers come with a plethora of cleaning options. Obviously, the “power scrub” function isn’t going to be necessary for every load, so experiment to see what meets your household’s average needs while utilizing the least amount of water.

* Let dishes dry after the wash cycle by opening your dishwasher door, if space allows. Or utilize the energy-saver feature, if your particular model has it.

See also: Choosing an Energy-Efficient Dishwasher