Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Dishwashers & Santitizers

[Lyle Scheer (wonko]

At Ashland Cohousing Community (www.ashlandcoho.com), we have a consumer
dishwasher (forget exact model... base Asko model)

However, I notice two things done by my group that consistently befuddle me.

1) An insistence on using "green" dishwashing detergent
2) Packing the dishwasher as tightly as possible (not following
recommended manufacturer procedure)

and because of these two things and getting dirty dishes out at the end,
unless you add step:

0) Pre-rinse all dishes to a practically clean state.

Which, to my mind, pretty much negates the "green"ess of the green
detergent or any savings of an energy star dishwasher.  Well... not
entirely, we're still reducing the use of phosphates, but we're not
saving any energy.

Personally, I think we really need two dishwashers, the use of standard
detergent, and better loading practices, no rinsing and we'd be
"greener" that we are currently being.  Of course, where to put the
second dishwasher is a good question.

I'd be happy to be convinced otherwise on non-phosphate based detergents
if anyone knows of any good ones that get dishes clean without
pre-rinsing and proper stacking.

- Lyle

On 11/11/10 11:33 AM, Sharon Villines wrote:
> What is the current state of practice in terms of residential-type 
> dishwashers? Sanitizers?
>
> Do people do pans in them? 
>
> How many loads do you do?
>
> Are you sorry you switched to them? 
>
> Of did anyone switch?
>
> What kind do you have?
>
> We are facing $1600 motor replacement in our commercial freestanding style 
> sanitizer and not all of us want to replace it.
>
> Some people love it.
>
> Sharon
> ----
> Sharon Villines
> Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
> http://www.takomavillage.org
>
>
>
>
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