[Madidus_Scientia (OP)]

I was thinking just now as I was washing the dishes how convienient a dishwashing machine would be. But then I started thinking about how much energy and water they use, and wondered if it would be possible to have a tub one could descend a rack of dishes into, and have them picked at and literally licked clean by either microbes, or some sort of small fish, or any kind of life that would digest it?

It would obviously be alot slower than washing them by hand or machine but it would fit a balance between my chronic laziness and my desire to be energy efficient

Whatever the organism/s were would have to be able to digest a reasonably wide range of foods, or perhaps you could have more than one tank? Pirahna's first up for the big scraps?

[blakestyger]

A biological dishwasher, eh? We had two - but they left home when they grew up.

[Madidus_Scientia (OP)]

Hahah

[lyner]

I have left pots and pans outside a tent at night and they've been sparkling clean in the morning. That was biological plus rain.

[Make it Lady]

I think you are misguided about dishwashers. They are so efficient now that they are actually better than washing by hand, certainly on the water.

I do have a good way to dry them though. You could strap the drainer onto the roof of your car with the wet dishes inserted. Then go about your daily driving routine. At the end of the day your dishes will be dry.

[Chemistry4me]

A crocodile? You got a couple of those in your backyard?

[Don_1]

Set up a marine aquarium and get some Cleaner Wrasse.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wrasse

Practical and pretty too!

[dentstudent]

I have left pots and pans outside a tent at night and they've been sparkling clean in the morning. That was biological plus rain.

You're assuming that they weren't licked clean by dogs, then? Did you rinse them again before breakfast?  [xx(]

[Chemistry4me]

Those fish looks very exotic [] not to mention expensive. Especially that blue one.

[Madidus_Scientia (OP)]

Perhaps I am indeed misguided, they must use a fair bit of power though? don't they heat the water, and then the air to dry it?

[Chemistry4me]

Stick with the (Townsville) Crocs []

[Don_1]

There is another alternative:


Wrapped in old newspaper, eat with fingers and lick them clean.

No washing needed! Problem solved.

[blakestyger]

Recently (Christmas I think) Nigella Lawson, in one of her dafter moments, suggested the festive meal be served on paper plates to save washing up.

[Make it Lady]

Perhaps I am indeed misguided, they must use a fair bit of power though? don't they heat the water, and then the air to dry it?

Don't you use hot water to wash your pots by hand? As the dishwasher uses less water it also heats up less water. This is assuming you are using a full sized dishwasher.

[Chemistry4me]

There is another alternative:


Wrapped in old newspaper, eat with fingers and lick them clean.

No washing needed! Problem solved.

Why do they look soooo icky!?!?!

[Madidus_Scientia (OP)]

Yeah I guess you're right, i'll get a dishwasher then!

How well do they clean though? Even my human housemate with manual scrubbing misses bits all the time

[Chemistry4me]

Depends on what detergent you use! There are 3 main types of dishwasher detergent - Powder, liquid/gel and tablets. Which one you choose will be down to personal preference, but many people find tablets very convenient, although using powder is usually more economical and liquids are less abrasive on more delicate items.

[lyner]

Dishwashers use some pretty disgusting chemicals to do the hard work. They knacker nice glasses and get to the pattern on your best china. What the hell - they're wonderful!