How Much Water Does a Dishwasher Use per Cycle?

Official per-cycle water use

ENERGY STAR sets a maximum water consumption for dishwashers that earn the label. Under the current criteria, which took effect July 19, 2023, a standard-capacity model (at least eight place settings plus six serving pieces) can use no more than 3.2 gallons per cycle. A compact model (fewer than eight place settings) is limited to 2.0 gallons per cycle. These figures come from the Department of Energy test procedure and appear on the EnergyGuide label.

Models vary within these limits. Some use significantly less, especially with eco or light cycles. The numbers you see on a spec sheet are based on a standard test cycle, not the heaviest wash you might choose.

When comparing models, look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure the unit meets the energy and water criteria.

How it compares with hand washing

ENERGY STAR reports that switching from hand washing to an ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher can save an estimated 8,400 gallons of water per year for a typical household. The agency also notes that an ENERGY STAR model uses less than half as much energy as hand washing, though the water comparison depends on how you hand wash. Running a faucet while scrubbing and rinsing can use far more water than a dishwasher cycle.

To get the most benefit, scrape dishes instead of rinsing them. ENERGY STAR advises that rinsing before loading adds unnecessary water use. Running full loads also matters, because a dishwasher uses roughly the same amount of water whether it is full or partly full.

If your dishwasher has a half-load cycle, you can still save water on small loads, but a full load is always the most efficient. The savings are especially large if you tend to leave the water running while hand washing; even a short rinse can release several gallons from the tap.

Capacity and load size matter

The water limit applies to the machine itself, but your actual per-cycle water use also depends on the cycle you select and how full the tub is. A compact countertop or 18-inch model may use less water than a standard 24-inch model, simply because it holds fewer dishes. However, because the water limit for compact models is lower, they can be more efficient per place setting if you run them nearly empty.

ENERGY STAR's criteria recognize this difference. Standard models are allowed 3.2 gallons, compact models 2.0 gallons, but a compact model may need more cycles to wash the same number of dishes as a standard model. For a household with a large load, a standard-size model can be more water efficient overall.

Consider your kitchen space and typical load size when choosing between 18-inch models and 24-inch models.

What affects a cycle's water use

Several design features influence how much water a dishwasher uses. Soil sensors detect how dirty the water is and can shorten or lengthen cycles. Improved filtration and jet designs clean dishes with less water. An auto-sensing cycle is a good sign that the machine adjusts its water use to the load.

Your choices also matter. Selecting a light or eco cycle uses less water for lightly soiled dishes. A heavy or pot-scrubbing cycle will use more. Using the rinse-hold feature to keep dishes moist overnight consumes a small fraction of the water needed to hand rinse them.

• Soil sensors to detect water clarity
• Auto-sensing cycles that adjust duration
• Eco or light cycles for lightly soiled loads
• Options to turn off heated dry

Water-saving tips for any dishwasher

Beyond choosing an efficient model, your habits can cut water use further. Here are practical steps that work with any ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher, whether it is a full-size built-in or a compact countertop unit.

The biggest savings come from running the machine only when it is full and skipping any pre-rinse. If you need to freshen dishes that have sat overnight, the rinse-hold cycle uses far less water than a faucet. For more on cycle choices, see our guide to dishwasher cycles.

• Scrape dishes, don't rinse them
• Run full loads whenever possible
• Use the rinse-hold feature instead of hand rinsing
• Choose eco or light cycles for lightly soiled loads
• Maintain the filter to keep water flow efficient

Find water use on the EnergyGuide label

The yellow EnergyGuide label on a dishwasher lists the estimated yearly electricity use and annual operating cost. It does not directly show water per cycle, but the water consumption figure is part of the test data that goes into the label. You can usually find the gallons per cycle in the product spec sheet or by looking for ENERGY STAR certification, which caps water use at the figures above.

If you are comparing models, the ENERGY STAR Product Finder lets you filter by capacity and efficiency. For a deeper look at label reading, see our guide to reading the EnergyGuide label.

What to pick for your use

Choose a model that matches your load size and installation type. If you need a full-size built-in, look for a standard-capacity ENERGY STAR model with an auto-sensing cycle. If you have a small kitchen or limited housing, a compact or countertop model with the 2.0-gallon limit can be a good fit. Portable models are a solution for rentals or temporary hookups.

Also think about how often you run the dishwasher. A larger household that runs it daily benefits more from a standard model with a lower per-gallon cost per load, while a single or couple may find a compact model saves water by matching load size more closely.

Use the table below for a quick recommendation based on your situation.

What to pick for your use

Questions

How many gallons does a dishwasher use per cycle?

A standard-size ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher uses no more than 3.2 gallons per cycle, and a compact model no more than 2.0 gallons per cycle, under current criteria effective July 19, 2023. Actual usage varies by cycle and load.

Does a dishwasher use less water than hand washing?

Yes, in most cases. ENERGY STAR estimates that a certified dishwasher can save 8,400 gallons per year compared with hand washing, and it uses less than half as much energy. A running faucet during hand washing can quickly exceed the 3.2-gallon limit.

Do compact dishwashers always use less water?

Compact models have a lower maximum (2.0 gallons per cycle), but because they hold fewer dishes, you may need to run more cycles. For a large household, a standard model can be more water efficient overall.

What is the most water-efficient dishwasher cycle?

Eco or light cycles typically use the least water. Using soil sensors and auto-sensing cycles helps the machine adjust water use to the load. See our guide to dishwasher cycles for more detail.