Using cold tap water instead of hot tap water in dishwashers is typically recommended for a few reasons:
Energy Efficiency: Dishwashers are designed to heat water on their own to the necessary temperature for effective cleaning. If you use hot tap water, the dishwasher will still need to heat the water further to reach the required temperature, which results in redundant energy consumption. Using cold water can be more energy-efficient since the dishwasher heats the water to the desired temperature as part of its regular cycle.
Water Temperature Control: Dishwashers are equipped with heating elements and thermostats to ensure the water reaches the appropriate temperature for cleaning dishes effectively. When you use hot tap water, it's harder to control the final water temperature in the dishwasher, and this could potentially lead to less efficient cleaning if the water is too hot or too cold.
Safety Concerns: Some dishwashers may have plastic components or parts that could be sensitive to very hot water. Using hot tap water might subject these parts to temperatures they aren't designed to handle, potentially causing damage or deformation over time.
Hot Water Demand: If your dishwasher uses hot tap water, it may draw a significant amount of hot water from your water heater, leading to a decrease in available hot water for other household needs like bathing or washing hands.
In summary, using cold tap water in your dishwasher ensures that the appliance can control the water temperature efficiently, reduces redundant energy usage, and minimizes the risk of damaging dishwasher components. However, it's worth noting that modern dishwashers are designed to handle different water temperatures, so using hot tap water occasionally is not likely to cause significant issues. Still, for the best results and energy efficiency, it's generally recommended to use cold tap water in your dishwasher.