How much water does a commercial dishwasher use per cycle?

Modern commercial under-counter and hood-type dishwashers use just 2-4 litres per cycle thanks to heat recovery and water recycling systems. This is far less than hand washing, which typically uses 30-50 litres per equivalent load. Conveyor machines use 2-3 litres per rack.

How much detergent does a commercial dishwasher need?

Commercial dishwasher detergent dosing is typically 2-5ml per cycle, automatically dosed by a pump system. Under-dosing leads to poor wash results while over-dosing wastes money and can leave chemical residue on dishes. Calibrate dosing pumps regularly.

Is rinse aid necessary?

Yes, rinse aid is essential in commercial dishwashers. It breaks the surface tension of water, allowing dishes to dry quickly and spot-free. Without rinse aid, water droplets remain on surfaces and leave watermarks. Most machines dose 0.5-2ml per cycle.

How do I reduce dishwasher running costs?

Pre-scrape plates to reduce food residue, run full racks only, maintain the correct water temperature (55-65°C wash, 82-90°C rinse), calibrate chemical dosing pumps, descale regularly in hard water areas, and keep the machine well-maintained with clean filters and spray arms.

CleanCalcs

Dishwasher Efficiency Calculator

Calculate rinse aid and detergent usage and cost per wash cycle.

Machine Type

Cycles per Day

Total wash cycles daily

Detergent per Cycle

Dose per wash cycle

Rinse Aid per Cycle

Dose per wash cycle

Detergent Cost

Optional

Rinse Aid Cost

Optional

Water Cost

UK average ~£3.50/m³

How We Calculate This

How the calculation works

This calculator estimates daily usage and costs based on machine type and cycles per day.

Water usage per cycle

Domestic: 12 litres
Under-counter: 3 litres
Hood-type: 4 litres
Conveyor: 2.5 litres per rack

Formulae

Daily water = water per cycle × cycles per day

Daily detergent = dose per cycle × cycles ÷ 1000

Daily cost = water cost + detergent cost + rinse aid cost

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities and timings for your specific situation.