Every year, especially during the summer, we hear about ways to save water.  You know that you shouldn't use a lot of water during the day, but instead try to use it during the evening.  You've also probably heard that you shouldn't water your grass; you should just wait for the rain to do it for you.  Well, I've always wondered if watching my dishes by hand is better than using the dishwasher.

I did a little searching on the Internet, and found out that if you have a dishwasher, you should use it.  The caveat is that you have to wait until the dishwasher is full, and not use the dryer on it.  The article went on to say that using a dishwasher also got your plates and bowls a lot cleaner than using a sponge and water.  Another thing to consider, if you have a really old dishwasher, it probably isn’t as efficient as some of the newer ones.

 The problem with using the dishwasher is that you have to wait until it’s full.  Sure, if you have a big family, you may be washing dishes every day.  But if you don't, you may have these dirty dishes sitting in your dishwasher for two or three days until you get enough dishes.

 Another problem I found with using my dishwasher is that you can't wash your valuable dishes in it.  I have a Lenox china dish set, and don't trust my dishwasher to wash them.  So, I'm already washing half of my dishes by hand, why shouldn't I just do all of them while I'm at it?

 I have nothing against my dishwasher, but I don't want to waste water and energy, and I definitely don't want my dishes sitting around for a long time getting that crusty, stinky film on them.  Instead, I'll just get a free dishwasher, my husband and children can wash the dishes, while I relax.