the other factor is that if you put stuff in the dishwasher but don’t run it for 3 or 4 days then everything becomes harder to come clean bc it’s dried junk on there for all that time.
Depends on the quality of dishwasher.
You have to stack ‘em in the machine over several days, unless your HOs only have one of everything, in which case I admit, you’ll need to reach for the sponge-on-a-stick (“Dish wand” sounds too much like a domestic science class in Harry Potter). OK, they do go a bit rancid and you may get ants or rats or warthogs, depending on location. But I’m assured this is by far the most economical/ecological way to wash up.
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Don’t forget the dog lick pre wash programme 
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By far the most efficient, ready to return to the cupboard with zero water usage.
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I need the green emoji 
#nodogprewashplease
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I always use the dishwasher. I wait until its full before turning on but I feel it cleans far better than I can by hand and uses less water. Washing up by hand is a false economy. I do provide my own dishwasher tabs though. The only “gadget” I never use is a tumble dryer.
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I’ve never had a tumble dryer in my life, so my towels are pretty scratchy!
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@TheEnglishFlaneur not long, you use the same number of pans, etc, no matter how many you’re feeding. Only plates, cutlery and mugs would be less.
I kind of like handwashing dishes. It is peaceful gazing out my kitchen window at the bird feeder while I do this task. Female cardinal was spotted today.
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I think the work of using, washing and putting away 1 dish 7 times a week is the same amount of work as using, washing and putting away 7 dishes 1 time a week. Except that using a dishwasher 1 time a week takes the washing bit out of the 7 dishes routine. 
I don’t find washing dishes by hand ineffective and, in some instances, it has been more effective than using the dishwasher. I also find it quite relaxing, in a strange sort of way! And I love the feel of the hot water on my hands, especially if I’m cold!
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Science disagrees with you.
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Science is not a monolithic concept, neither is washing dishes
and quite a few different ways of using a dishwasher, plus lots of different models with different levels of energy efficiency, plus production, distribution and disposal of the machines.
The same goes for the use of water when handwashing: cold versus hot. If hot, what temperature, what amount, what’s the energy efficiency level of the water heating system…?
How many things people still have to handwash when using the dishwasher is also a factor to be considered and the list may go on…
There’s no single answer for multiple questions.
But nothing more useless than a soft towel. I’ve actually come across them in velour. Ugh!
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I will use them after I have given them a full cleaning and used the dishwasher cleaner I buy. I’ve found some dishwashers so bad I wouldn’t use them at all and one was at a B&B we were housesitting at!!
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