How Can You Reduce Your Environmental Impact When Doing The Dishes?

Did you know that the biggest contribution to the carbon footprint of washing is from the “in-use” phase, typically from the energy used to heat the water? This finding has been consistently proven through Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), a scientific method that evaluates the full environmental impact of a product.

1. For automatic dishwashing: the in-use phase accounts for 77% of the carbon footprint on average in Europe (Mankad et al., 2025, Tenside Surfactant Detergents).

1. For hand dishwashing: the in-use phase accounts for 93% of the carbon footprint on average in Europe (Mankad et al., 2025, Tenside Surfactant Detergents).
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This means the two most powerful things you can do to reduce your environmental impact are simple: choose a sustainable cycle when using your dishwasher and/or use a hand dishwashing product that delivers brilliant cleaning performance and lasting mileage in sustainable conditions.

Tip 1: Switch to a short dishwasher cycle (pre-programmed wash cycle < 55 mins) to cut emissions by up to 33%

Optimizing your automatic dishwashing routine is a powerful way to reduce energy consumption.With the in-use phase accounting for 77% of the carbon footprint, cycle choice is the biggest lever for change. So, which cycle should you use?

1. The Eco cycle dilemma: while Eco cycles are often the most energy-efficient, their long duration (most over 3 hours, with some lasting well over 5 hours; (Schöning-Langowski et al., 2025, Tenside Surfactant Detergents), makes them impractical, which is why many people don’t use them (Hook et al., 2018, Energy Efficiency).

1. The common habit: most of us use “Auto” cycles, which, while shorter than the Eco cycle, consume much more energy and resources (Tewes et al., 2023, Clean Technologies).

1. A better everyday choice: short cycles (pre-programmed wash cycle < 55 mins): Shorter cycles give you real time back in your day. Less waiting. More convenient. And it’s not just about time. Short cycles also use less energy and less water than Auto cycles (Tewes et al., 2023, Clean Technologies). In Europe, switching from an auto or normal cycle to a short cycle reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 33% per wash on average (Mankad et al., 2025, Tenside Surfactant Detergents).

However, this change only works if you get a brilliant clean every time. If cleaning results fall short, people compensate by pre-rinsing more, re-running the dishwasher, or using speed modifier buttons (Alt et al., 2024, Tenside Surfactant Detergents), and the environmental and time benefits disappear. Pre-rinsing alone consumes up to 7L of water on average before a dishwasher cycle even starts (Van de Putte et al., 2026, Discover Water Journal). This is why a good product matters.

Both Fairy Platinum Plus[1] and Fairy 30-minute Miracle[2] are designed to deliver an outstanding clean in every cycle, even short cycles, removing the trade-off between convenience, performance, and sustainability. You don’t have to choose. You get all three at once.

Tip 2: Use a hand dishwashing product that delivers brilliant cleaning performance and lasting mileage in sustainable conditions

For hand dishwashing, controlling water temperature is your most impactful action for reducing your environmental footprint. This is because for hand dishwashing, heating water accounts for a staggering 93% of the carbon footprint on average in Europe Mankad et al., 2025, Tenside Surfactant Detergents).

Fairy washing up liquid is designed for brilliant cleaning performance and lasting mileage, in all conditions: whether it be against the toughest types of grease, large, complex loads, or in cold water. So, if you do want to reduce the water temperature (switching from 40°C down to 23°C reduces the carbon footprint of doing the dishes by 60% on average according to Mankad et al., 2025, Tenside Surfactant Detergents), or avoid rewashing to save energy, we’ve got your back.

A couple of other behaviours can help you save energy namely:

1. Don't let the tap run: fill a basin or sink with water for washing and another for rinsing, rather than letting water continuously run. This behaviour dramatically reduces water consumption (Van de Putte et al., 2026, Discover Water Journal).

1. Use the right amount of product: using too much dish soap doesn't necessarily mean cleaner dishes; it often means more rinsing, which uses more water. Follow product instructions for optimal dosage.

By combining effective products with mindful habits, you can significantly lower the environmental impact of hand dishwashing.