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Rokia K asked in EnvironmentGreen Living · 1 decade ago

Best way to wash dishes and save water, without a dishwasher?

I have a single basin sink and no possibility of getting a dishwasher. What is the best way to wash my dishes to conserve water? Lately I've been filling the sink with hot soapy water, putting all the dishes in to soak for a few minutes, scrubbing (with the water off), setting them to the side, then draining the water and rinsing them in clean water. Is this really much better than just quickly washing them with the water on??

11 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    I half fill the sink (or as someone suggested, use a big pot - this way you can empty the water on the garden), with hot water and grey-water safe detergent (we use Ecover, but you might have other green alternatives).

    We don't generally rinse, but if you want to, stack the dishes after you've washed them, fill a cup with water, and pour it over the dishes. This is a good quick rinse and uses comparatively, much less water.

  • 1 decade ago

    If you are washing a big pot or pan, fill that with soapy water and put the other dishes inside instead of filling the whole sink.

    If you are not sure whether your method is better than washing them under running water, then try this: Plug up the sink but don't fill it. Then wash the dishes under running water. If the sink fills up before you are done, then this method uses more water. But then you can just put the rest of your dishes in to soak, so nothing's wasted in this little "test."

  • ?
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    The dishwasher is the saver. It uses about 11 gallons total, as I recall. If you do them by hand instead you will have the hot water running more than that for washing and rinsing. After that you still have to dry. The dishwasher is all in one and on modern ones pre-rinsing is not really necessary. Dishes get cleaner and you save the effort of drying them which are two bonuses beyond the water savings.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    that's good. but rinsing them with running water is a no!no! fill the basin again with clean water then rinse them 2x. that is the right way to conserve more water.

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  • 1 decade ago

    I think what you're doing is wonderful!

    BUT to make things better (for the environment at least) -you could always find a way of collecting the water that you use (to rinse) and water plants with that :)

  • 1 decade ago

    This is so far the best way to save water.

  • 1 decade ago

    Vel u can simply use ash-decomposition of coal.it vil save ur water 2 nd cleanses best..

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    You are doing good. Unless you have a dog there is not much else you can do.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    wait for it to rain put clothes i n youre basket thing and then clen it whith soap

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    ya it takes longer but its more conservative

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