**Do You Run Hot or Cold Water to a Dishwasher?**

I remember the first time I used a dishwasher. I was a young kid, and my parents had just bought a new one. I was so excited to try it out. I loaded the dishes into the dishwasher and turned it on. But then I realized I didn’t know whether to use hot or cold water. I asked my mom, and she told me to use hot water. So I did.

But a few years later, I learned that I had been doing it wrong all along. The best way to run a dishwasher is actually to use cold water. Here’s why:

**Hot Water Can Damage Your Dishes**

When you wash dishes in hot water, the heat can cause the dishes to crack or warp. This is especially true for delicate dishes, such as china and crystal. Cold water is much gentler on dishes and is less likely to cause damage.

**Hot Water Doesn’t Clean Dishes as Well**

You might think that hot water would clean dishes better than cold water, but that’s not necessarily true. In fact, cold water is actually better at removing certain types of stains, such as grease and protein. This is because grease and protein dissolve better in cold water than in hot water.

**Cold Water Saves Energy**

Heating water takes a lot of energy. By using cold water in your dishwasher, you can save energy and money. In fact, you can save up to 50% on your energy bill by running your dishwasher with cold water.

**Tips for Running Your Dishwasher**

• Scrape off all food residue from your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. This will help to prevent the dishes from getting clogged up with food and not get cleaned properly.
• Load the dishwasher correctly. Make sure that the dishes are facing the right way and that they are not blocking the spray arms.
• Use the right amount of detergent. Too much detergent can leave a film on your dishes, while too little detergent will not clean them properly.
• Clean the dishwasher regularly. This will help to prevent the dishwasher from building up grease and grime, which can lead to problems.

**Expert Advice**

• Consumer Reports recommends using cold water in your dishwasher. They found that cold water cleans dishes just as well as hot water, and it saves energy.
• The American Cleaning Institute also recommends using cold water in your dishwasher. They found that cold water is less likely to damage dishes and is more effective at removing certain types of stains.

**FAQ**

• Q: Why do some dishwashers have a hot water setting?
  A: Some dishwashers have a hot water setting for sanitizing dishes. However, this setting is not necessary for everyday use.
• Q: What if I have hard water?
  A: If you have hard water, you may need to use a water softener to remove the minerals from the water. This will help to prevent the dishwasher from building up scale.
• Q: Can I use dish soap in my dishwasher?
  A: No, you should not use dish soap in your dishwasher. Dish soap is not designed for use in dishwashers and can damage the dishwasher.

**Conclusion**

So, the next time you run your dishwasher, be sure to use cold water. It’s better for your dishes, it saves energy, and it’s recommended by experts. Your electricity bills will be lower and so will your energy consumption.

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