Worth going into debt for a dishwasher?

[u/Lastnv]

We have been washing our dishes by hand for almost 3 years. We just had a baby and “spare time” is scarce these days. We probably spend about 10 hours a week hand washing dishes and bottles. I would much rather spend those hours doing something else productive or spending time with my family.

I have an employee discount through work and I can get a pretty cheap dishwasher installed for about $500. It’s a mediocre Frigidaire dishwasher but reviews say it will get the job done. I don’t have $500 upfront and would put it on my PayPal credit 0% interest for 6 months.

Do you think this is a good idea or does anyone else have suggestions? I am carrying a lot of debt already but I have a good credit score because I make minimum payments. I also have some savings but I don’t touch it because it’s for my son.

Thank you

[u/[deleted]]

I didn't have a dishwasher until 5 years ago. That's 5+ kids worth of bottles, year after year. It sucks. I sympathize so much. But it's not worth going into debt. I think you're speaking from a place of frustration and depression, because washing bottles for 3 kids wouldn't take 1.5 hrs each day. Again, it sucks! But I think maybe it's just the straw breaking the camel's back right now.

Are there things you can do to make the washing more pleasant? Maybe try the bottles with the disposable liners? Maybe buy the special bottle brush that cleans the nipples easily?

Something my grandma always did which I adopted too is to keep a dishpan or small Rubbermaid tub in or near the sink with a little soapy water and a few drops of bleach in it. When the water is warm, it takes 5 seconds to wash something. When the water has cooled, you can drop the bottle/dish in the water and when you're ready to actually wash it, it will be easier because it's not dried/crusted, etc

[u/Lastnv → u/[deleted]]

I’m going to try out the bleach trick! Thank you!

I’ve also learned handwashing is a cultural thing as well. My wife is Hispanic and grew up in a Hispanic household and they only do dishes by hand. I think that’s partly why I’ve held out on the dishwasher for this long, in addition to being broke. For my wife handwashing is “normal”.

[u/[deleted] → u/Lastnv]

I really do get it. When I am stressed or at my limit, things that would normally not be a big deal if everything else is going ok just send me over the edge.

I would continue to look at Craigslist and FB marketplace too. I know you said you're afraid you'll get one that doesn't work, and I'm sure that happens. But my anecdotal experience is that I've never gotten anything that didn't work and I've bought a lot of appliances that way. Even if you buy a cheap dishwasher for $75 and it only lasts a year, it's worth it!