Invented in 1887, the dishwasher wasn’t used in homes until the 1970s when more women began working outside the home. The dishwasher has now become a necessity to our everyday life. Unfortunately, this necessity is costing you a little more than you realize it should. What if we told you that you could bring down the cost of your energy bill just by one flick of a switch? You could also be saving three to seven gallons of hot water for each load you run just by using the air-dry setting on your dishwasher.

Here are 3 reasons as to why using the air-dry setting on your dishwasher will benefit you:

• Using the heat-dry setting can heat the kitchen, causing the air conditioner to run more.
• Using this setting can save 15% of your total dishwasher’s energy usage.
• Using this setting will save you money on your energy bill each month.

Be sure your dishes are completely dry before storing them. Storing dishes while still wet gives bacteria a chance to grow, and in turn, contaminate your plate. Also, keep in mind it’s always better to air dry your dishes than to use a dish towel, because a dish towel can harbor all sorts of bacteria. If you do want to hand-dry your dishes at home, be sure to use a clean cloth.