Seriously, though... people let the water run the whole time they shave just so they can rinse the shaver every once in a while. How do You think they wash the dishes?
I can't wash & rinse a 4 place setting in 4 cups of water. I suppose I could in
10l (~2.5Gal), but I sure can't do it
at 156.2 degrees F. This $200 dishwasher can:
Danby Countertop Dishwasher - Walmart.com ( reviews:
Danby DDW497-W White Energy Star Electronic Countertop Dishwasher DDW4 )
Besides, washing dishes by hand rates a bit higher than folding underwear & socks on my to do list.
I suppose in survival mode or when it is necessary to use a biodegradable detergent (I don't know of one that works with dishwashers - LET ME KNOW IF YOU DO) and disposables are not an option.
BTW I don't know if AC_Hacker was joking about washing an engine in a dishwasher, but I know of a payphone company that washed malfunctioning coin mechanisms from payphones in a dishwasher. Worked great to prevent coin jams due to grime buildup.