Washing up in cold water to save money

ArbitraryRandom

Warm water on my hands when I'm doing the dishes is wonderful (IMO) - like a mini version of a hot shower after a long day  

Agreed that if you have electric hot water heating then the cheapest option is to boil a kettle. Then you can make yourself a hot drink for afterwards as well! 

[Deleted User]

I can understand wanting to save money but just using cold water is just over the top! The savings would be minimal. There have been some sensible suggestions here. At least warm water makes the chore less awful! Over time a dishwasher can actually be very economical and very time saving.

Ksw3

It's the action of scrubbing that removes most bacteria not water temperature but I would treat myself to some warm water for comfort! 

ElaniArtin

I drink a lot of tea and I usually wash a dish or two with every cup from some extra water boiled in the kettle... but I don't have a large family! Also, for utensils, collect them throughout the day in a carafe of soapy water till they get washed.

Postik

I did this for a while when I had a combi boiler. I know some people look down on it but for a cup of tea, breakfast bowl or a plate with some crumbs on it's absolutely fine.

If I had a big greasy curry or something significantly sticky then I'd use some hot water.

twopenny

In the old days when people properly didn't waste money my grandmother would always stack the pots and pans in the sink to soak in cold water for an hour or so.
I hated getting them, draining them before washing but it did the job. Think it was a kettle on the gas hob for warm water as we maade a cup of tea.

And yes, when younger I always wore rubber gloves. Now so many wrinkles it's the least of my worries 
But a pound for 2 pairs where you buy things for a pound.
You still feel the cold but tolerable

RHemmings

I wasn't aware of this thread, but wondered the same thing myself. I found this article which claims that research shows that washing in cold water is effective - it's the scrubbing that is important. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/z5qt6WPFvQRcmQfrW62jV5/whats-the-best-way-to-clean-your-dishes

I'm thinking about dishwashing as while the house I'm buying is overall very suitable for us, I would say that the biggest minus point is not having a big sink and draining board. It's got a little sink and an integrated dishwasher. I'm thinking about the dishwasher. I suppose I will use it but philosophically I don't like the idea of using energy for things that I used to do by hand. I'm thinking about how I will wash dishes in the space. Due to the location of the small sink and the integrated dishwasher, it's going to be quite a big job to install a standard sink/draining board.  I was wondering about washing certain types of dishes (e.g. just plates, glasses, and cutlery) quickly as they become dirty and then air-drying. Using cold water would mean that I'm not firing up the boiler and filling the pipes full of hot water several times a day. Anything proper dirty would get done in the dishwasher.

I'm going to give it a go, and also boil a kettle. I have a gas boiler here so the kettle won't save money probably. But, I'll experiment. 

FreeBear

Went to put the washing up away this morning, and found the frying pan that the lodger had used last night covered in a greasy film. She insists on washing in cold water <grrrr>. Washed it myself again in hot water this morning, and it is now clean.

RHemmings

FreeBear said:

Went to put the washing up away this morning, and found the frying pan that the lodger had used last night covered in a greasy film. She insists on washing in cold water <grrrr>. Washed it myself again in hot water this morning, and it is now clean.

I just washed a few plates, glasses, and cutlery in cold water. I'll see what they are like when they are dry. None of them were greasy like a frypan would be. 

twopenny

Glassware should be washed first and rinsed in clear water to avoid soap marks.
Also to prevent fizzy drinks going flat.

I've found an alternative way to wash up and wash. My bathroom (finally I've got one) has hot water running direct from the immersion so a couple of large jugs of hot water without having to run through cold is enough for a bowl or basin. Saves on water bill.