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Using the wrong dishwasher setting could be quietly adding to your household bills.
That's the warning from appliance experts at Marks Electrical, who say that everyday habits around dishwasher use could be driving up energy and water costs without people realising.
While most modern dishwashers are designed to be energy efficient, the settings you choose can still make a big difference over time—especially for families running multiple loads each week.
Michael White, head of buying and marketing at Marks Electrical, said: "There's a lot of mixed information out there when it comes to dishwasher settings, and the reality is it’s not always a like-for-like comparison.
"Quick wash cycles are designed for speed and convenience, while intensive settings are designed for heavily soiled dishes.
"Eco cycles, on the other hand, are specifically designed to clean a full load more efficiently using lower temperatures over a longer period of time.
"It’s a bit like running 100 metres flat out versus walking it.
"You’ll finish quicker, but you’ll typically use more energy to get there."
Marks Electrical analysed average dishwasher running costs and found that running one cycle per day costs around £109.17 per year.
Two cycles per day doubles that figure to £218.34.
Running the dishwasher every other day brings costs down to about £54.59 annually.
These costs have fallen slightly since the last Ofgem energy price cap period, with the average cycle dropping from 32.93p to 29.91p under current electricity rates.
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This means households running one cycle daily are now paying around £11 less per year than earlier this year.
Mr White said: "Eco cycles are designed to use lower temperatures and less water over a longer period of time, helping reduce overall energy usage.
"For most households running full loads, eco mode is generally the most efficient setting to use day to day."
Manufacturer data from Fisher & Paykel also supports the case for eco mode.
On selected models, heavy wash programmes used around 28 per cent more water and up to 85 per cent more energy than the equivalent eco setting on the same appliance.
Mr White said: "Those settings are useful for tougher loads like baked-on food, but using them regularly can quickly increase running costs unnecessarily.
"Simple habits like waiting until you’ve got a full load, stacking efficiently, and choosing the right setting for the job can make a noticeable difference over time."
He also advises against running multiple small loads, as frequency of use is a major factor in annual costs.
For those considering a new dishwasher, Marks Electrical recommends comparing energy ratings.
Mr White said: "Dishwasher energy ratings are based on how efficiently an appliance uses electricity and water during eco cycle testing, so they can be a useful way for shoppers to compare long-term running costs before buying."
With energy bills remaining a concern for many households, adjusting simple routines could deliver meaningful savings.
Mr White said: "It’s about making small changes that add up over time.
"Switching to eco mode, running full loads, and choosing appliances with a good energy rating are all steps that can help households save money without compromising on cleanliness."
The reminder comes as households across the UK continue to look for ways to cut costs amid ongoing financial pressures.
For many, the solution could be as simple as pressing a different button on the dishwasher.
Choosing eco mode and being mindful of usage could help reduce bills while supporting more sustainable energy use.
Do you have a dishwasher? Let us know in the comments.