Believe It Or Not, There Actually Is An Ideal Time Of Day To Run The Dishwasher

The convenience of a machine that washes all your dishes at once cannot be undervalued, but there's nothing more frustrating than opening the dishwasher to find crusty residue still clinging to your plates. On top of that, energy bills keep climbing, and we can't help but consider how much our dishwashers contribute to them. The good news is that you can potentially reduce your energy bills (and potentially boost the machine's efficiency) by running your dishwasher at a specific time of day. 

Most people don't realize that energy providers charge more during peak hours, typically in the morning and late afternoon, when the majority of us are up and at 'em, cooking, watching TV, or running multiple appliances. Every power company has its own schedule, so it's worth checking your provider's website for details. Either way, those peak rates can quietly spike your utility bill. This also matters if you're considering a new dishwasher — the cost of a new dishwasher in 2025 might make you consider a sponge and rubber gloves, especially when you factor in long-term energy usage. 

If you're looking to get the most out of your investment and shave dollars off your bill, here's the simple answer: Run your dishwasher at night. Not only are energy rates typically cheaper during this time, but your appliance can potentially get better water pressure and hotter water when fewer people are using the shared supply. Basically, if you've got less-than-sparkling dishes and a high energy bill, it's worth considering your timing.

Why you should run your dishwasher at night

If your plates and cups keep coming out grimy, don't immediately blame your detergent. You could be making some common dishwasher mistakes that everyone makes, like overloading the bottom rack or blocking the spray arms. There's also an age factor: Dishwashers sadly aren't supposed to last forever. If your model is older than an iPhone with a home button, it may be time to consider a replacement. But even if you're loading it right and the dishwasher is in good shape, timing plays a key role. 

In apartment buildings and shared housing especially, water pressure tends to drop during busy hours, meaning your appliance may not be getting hot enough water to do its job. At night, however, water pressure typically rebounds. Fewer people taking showers and doing laundry means more high-pressure, hot water for your dirty dishes. It's also important to remember that, just like the oven, a running dishwasher can emit heat that makes your kitchen warmer. So, during the summer months, it's especially useful to run the dishwasher at night when the air is cooler to reduce strain on your AC and reduce energy usage overall.

Running the washer at night also just makes sense. Post-dinner, you likely have a bunch of dirty dishes from cooking and serving. The sooner you wash them, the less chance there is for stubborn bits to glue themselves onto dishware overnight. It's a simple shift, but running the dishwasher at night can save energy, shine your dishes, and make your appliance work smarter, not harder.

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