Washing dishes under a constantly running tap uses far more water than most people realise, especially when the tap is left on between each item. A simple washing-up bowl filled once with warm, soapy water does the same job while using only a fraction of the water.
Getting into the habit
Filling the bowl before starting, rather than partway through, means there is no temptation to leave the tap running while looking for the washing-up liquid or a clean cloth. Everything needed is ready from the very first plate, which makes the whole routine feel quicker as well.
For rinsing, a second smaller bowl or simply a quick pass under the tap works well, rather than letting the water run continuously while each item is rinsed one by one. Stacking the washed items to one side before rinsing them together saves even more water in the process.
Pots and pans with stuck-on food benefit from soaking in the bowl for a few minutes before washing, which loosens the mess without any scrubbing under a running tap. This little bit of patience often saves considerably more effort later on when it comes to actually cleaning them.
A washing-up bowl also protects the sink itself from scratches caused by heavier pots and pans, since the water cushions them slightly compared with a hard metal or ceramic sink. Many people find their sink looks better cared for once a bowl becomes part of the daily routine.
Once the bowl becomes a habit rather than an extra step, washing up under running water starts to feel wasteful by comparison. It takes very little time to adjust, and the difference in water used adds up considerably over the course of a single week.
A bowl also makes it easier to wash up outdoors or in a caravan, where taps and drainage are often more limited than in a normal kitchen. The same habit simply carries over, without needing to think about it differently in a new setting.
