Using a full load of dishes in the dishwasher is generally more efficient and environmentally friendly than using a half load. Here's why:
Water and energy efficiency: Dishwashers are designed to use a certain amount of water and energy per cycle. When you run a full load, you are maximizing the use of these resources, making each dish washed more water and energy-efficient. If you run the dishwasher with only a half load, you're wasting water and energy since the machine will still use roughly the same amount of resources as it would for a full load.
Detergent usage: Running a full load also means you get the most out of the detergent you use. Using half loads might lead to overdosing on detergent for a smaller number of dishes, which can be wasteful and potentially cause residue buildup on your dishes.
Reduced frequency of use: Running the dishwasher less frequently by waiting for a full load can help prolong the lifespan of your dishwasher, as frequent use may cause more wear and tear over time.
However, it's important to note that there are some exceptions to this rule. If you have very limited dishware and utensils and don't produce enough dirty dishes to fill the dishwasher within a day or two, then using a half load might be more practical to avoid leaving dirty dishes sitting for an extended period. In such cases, using the dishwasher efficiently may be less important than maintaining good hygiene practices.
Overall, if you can manage to wait until you have a full load of dishes, it is generally more beneficial in terms of water and energy efficiency, and it will also save you time and money in the long run.