Dishwasher cycle times can vary significantly depending on the machine, cycle selected, and external factors like water temperature or soil levels. Below, we’ve compiled insights from trusted sources to explain typical run times, factors affecting duration, and tips for optimizing performance.
Typical Dishwasher Cycle Times
While it depends on the cycle you choose, most dishwasher cycle times can last anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours. The average dishwasher run time can vary based on sensor readings, how dirty your dishes are or how long it takes to heat water between cycle phases. If you used to have an older dishwasher, you may remember that it likely took less time to wash your dishes than your newer dishwasher. That’s because of advances in technology, as well as changes in federal energy and water use guidelines. Today’s dishwashers use less water and energy than older models, making them more efficient than dishwashers in the past. That means they need to run longer to get the same level of performance and allow sensors to assess whether your dishes are being properly cleaned.
A “quick wash” will run 30 to 60 minutes, a typical “normal” cycle runs about 90 to 120 minutes and a “heavy-duty” cycle can last up to four hours. Some options, like heated dry, add time so check your settings if you want a shorter wash. Your home and hot water heater temperatures can significantly alter run time. Today’s dishwasher cycles are able to use low amounts of water, but cycles last slightly longer.
Dishwasher cycle lengths can vary massively depending on the age and make of your machine, and the type of cycle function you opt for. Some express cycles may take as little as an hour, whereas newer, more energy efficient machines may have dishwasher cycles of up-to three hours.
Common Dishwasher Cycles and Their Durations
Normal Cycle (1.5-2.5 hours)
This is your go-to cycle for a boring old load of dishes. It’ll get the job done and it’s a good choice if you’ve got a full dishwasher full of dirty dishes and cutlery. The Normal cycle cleans dishes with 130-140℉ water and usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Quick Wash (0.5-1 hour)
When you select a quick wash cycle, your dishwasher typically uses more water, energy and heat for fast cleaning results. This cycle is helpful when you need to quickly clean up lightly soiled essentials so you can get back to making faster. The Express Wash Cycle on select KitchenAid® dishwashers cleans dishes in less time, so you can keep the dishes you need on hand while prepping, cooking and entertaining.
Heavy Cycle (2.5-4 hours)
If you’ve got caked-on cheese stuck to a baking dish, oily residue that won’t come off of your dishes, or generally filthy dishes that have been building up for the week, it’s time for the heavy duty cycle. The heavy cycle will completely purge any dirt or debris. The Heavy-Duty cycle uses extra water and high temperatures to power through caked-on messes and tough, residual food gunk, making it ideal for heavily soiled pots and pans. It typically runs for about 2 to 4 hours.
Eco-Wash (2-3 hours)
Most dishwashers these days have some kind of eco- or energy-efficient mode designed to use less electricity and water. It usually uses lower temperature water and it’ll take longer than a normal cycle, but it’ll get your dishes clean without wasting energy.
Delicate Cycle (2-3 hours)
Got some fine China, fancy wine glasses, or antique cutlery you want to protect? This is the cycle for you. It’ll rinse, wash, and dry the contents of your machine but with lower temperature water running at a lower pressure.
Why Do Newer Dishwashers Run Longer?
It’s counter-intuitive. New dishwashers tend to run a lot longer than older machines, yet the new ones are advertised as using less electricity and less water. “Normal” cycles stretch to two hours and beyond, vs. around one hour for older machines. The U.S.-based Energy Star program issued new standards that came into effect on Jan. 20, 2012, requiring dishwashers to use less water and energy. Specifically, to receive Energy Star designation (something manufacturers aspire to because it can help boost sales) machines on a normal cycle must use no more than 4.25 gallons (about 16 litres) of water per cycle, and no more than 295 kWh of electricity in a year, assuming a machine runs roughly four times a week.
Manufacturers accomplished this, in part, by having their machines run longer. With less water to spray, the machines spray longer, using higher-efficiency motors and pumps. Today’s dishwashers only use about 3-4 gallons of water and 1,200 watts of electricity per cycle.
Factors Affecting Dishwasher Run Time
There are a few factors that affect the duration of a dishwasher cycle, like the water temperature, the soil level of your dishes and whether you select an energy-saving cycle. Understanding what can add or subtract time from your wash cycle can help you choose the right dishwasher setting when you need it.
- Water Temperature: Using a High Temp setting adds anywhere from 5 to 13 minutes to your dishwasher cycle, as it takes additional time to heat the water. Most dishwashers use 140°F water temperatures. Without this, your dishwasher will need to heat the water, and that will increase the energy it uses and its run time.
- Soil Level: If your dishes are especially dirty, the dishwasher sensors will default to a longer wash cycle to ensure they’re cleaned properly.
- Hard Water or Mineral Buildup: If you have hard water, limescale or mineral buildup, this could interfere with sensors and cause them to default to a longer setting. Using affresh® dishwasher cleaner tablets on a monthly basis can help clear away this build-up.
- Detergent Type: Liquid and gel detergents dissolve faster than pods and powders. Dissolving the powder in the dispenser in advance can speed the cycle.
- Sensor Technology: Some machines come with an auto cycle or smart wash cycle that detects the size of your load and how dirty it is. This cycle may last longer than expected if it senses the need.
Optimizing Dishwasher Performance
You can get more from your dishwasher by making simple adjustments to the way you do dishes. Explore the tips below to learn more about loading the dishwasher correctly, choosing the right detergent, performing routine maintenance and more.
- Scrape, Don’t Rinse: Most dishwashers don’t require a prerinse, but be sure to scrape off bones, toothpicks, and other solid items before loading your dishes. These hard bits can clog the drain hose, tear the filter, or damage the pump.
- Clean the Filter: The remaining stuck-on food has to go somewhere, and unless your dishwasher has an old-school food grinder, you’ll have to clean the filter manually. Adam Hofmann, a senior engineer at Midea’s America Research Center, says to do this every month or so, and more often if necessary.
- Inspect Spray Arms: Every few months, check the holes in the wash arms—spray nozzles—to make sure they’re clean and unobstructed. If you see food debris clogging a spray nozzle, gingerly try to remove it with a toothpick or pipe cleaner.
- Use Rinse Aid: Rinse aid is essential for dry dishes while reducing leftover spots and white residues.
- Run Full Loads: Cramming too much into one load will restrict the water spray patterns and prevent proper cleaning. You’ll have to rewash your dishes, running the machine unnecessarily, which whittles away at the machine’s lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open my dishwasher mid-cycle?
Yes, you can open your dishwasher mid-cycle by unlatching the door, waiting for the sprayers to stop, and opening the door. Some models will resume the cycle once you close the door, while others may require pressing the “Start” button again. However, avoid doing this if possible, as it takes more energy to restart and reheat the water, and items added after detergent release may not get clean.
How often should I run my dishwasher?
You should run your dishwasher at least once a week to keep it in proper working condition. Running it more than five times a week may reduce its lifespan, but waiting until you have a full load is ideal for energy and water efficiency.
Why is my dishwasher taking longer than expected?
Longer run times can result from heavily soiled dishes, hard water buildup, or sensor calibration (especially in new machines). Check for clogs in the filter or drain hose, use a dishwasher cleaner monthly, and consult your manual for expected cycle times. If discrepancies persist, a technician may be needed.
Is it better to hand wash or use a dishwasher?
Dishwashers are generally more efficient than hand washing. Energy Star-certified dishwashers use less than 4 gallons per cycle, while hand washing can use 4 gallons every two minutes. Dishwashers also save energy by heating water more efficiently.
Does the drying cycle add significant time?
Yes, drying cycles can add 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the setting. Heated Dry is faster but uses more energy, while Air Dry or Extended Dry takes longer but is more energy-efficient.