Dishes cleaning is a messy household task, whether after hosting a get-together for friends or family or after exhibiting your culinary skills. In such a situation, the dishwasher is such a support system to ease the dishwashing task. Many people have a common query as to "how long is a dishwasher cycle." The answer to this query is quite subjective. The dishwasher cycle depends on several factors like the age of the machine, the technology used in the machine, the selection of the cycle, water temperature, and dirtiness of the dishes. To understand the duration of the dishwasher cycle, read the article as we discuss the dishwasher cycle along with the factors affecting the cycle.
The Factors Affecting the Dishwasher Cycle
Before jumping to understand the duration of the dishwasher cycle, let's understand the factors that decide the cycle.
Temperature of Water
Water temperature plays an important role in the dishwasher cycle. The usual water temperature should be 140° F. When the temperature is less than that, the machine takes more time to heat water which increases the running time and the energy usage.
Detergent Type
To expedite the cycle, it's advisable to use gel and liquid detergent or to dissolve powder detergent in the dispenser in advance to save the duration of the cycle. If powder is used without dissolving, the machine may take longer.
Pressure of Water
In case of high water pressure, the machine takes less time in filling the dishwasher, which saves the dishwasher cycle time. Whereas, machines take more time when water pressure is low.
Age and Make of the Dishwasher
The old machine usually takes more time to wash the dishes, but even the new machines also have a longer cycle as they are made to consume minimal energy and water. The new machines are made to focus on energy efficiency rather than on the running cycle.
Size of the Load
Load size affects the running cycle. The higher the load of soiled dishes, the longer the running cycle, and vice-versa.
Selection of Cycle
The dishwasher cycle depends on the cycle you choose. For example, if you choose a light cycle, the machine will take less time, and if you choose a heavy cycle, it will take more time.
How Long is a Dishwasher Cycle?
The duration of the dishwasher cycle depends on various factors discussed above in this article.
The regular dishwasher cycle lasts for two hours or more. However, it may vary based on the age and the model of the dishwasher. Modern machines are built with a focus on energy efficiency (to save energy and use less water) rather than the duration of the cycle, so many modern machines can also have a longer cycle along with the old-built machines.
Reason for Dishwasher to Run Longer Than the Expected Time
There could be multiple reasons for the dishwasher to run longer than expected. The key reason in the case of a new dishwasher is that it takes time to adjust to the new routine, and the other reasons could be soiled dishes, hard water, and limescale buildup. However, it's advisable to call a technician when dishes don't dry, leakage is noticeable, and machines continue to take longer even after the first two to three washes. Also, check the owner's manual for cycle times.
Different Washing Cycles of a Dishwasher
Old dishwashers had merely three cycles, such as quick wash, normal, and heavy cycle, but modern dishwashers have more options. The washing cycle entirely depends on the cycle options you choose. Let's have a look at the different cycles.
Quick Wash
This cycle is for already rinsed dishes which take less than an hour. A quick wash will remove grease from the dishes and sanitize them, but it uses more energy.
Normal Cycle
Normal cycles vary based on the machine brand. However, the normal cycle is used for everyday dishes with little or no soiled dishes. The modern dishwashers take 2.5 - 3 hours to complete the normal cycle.
Heavy Cycle
This cycle is used for heavily soiled dishes, which take around four hours. It's a high-energy use cycle as it uses more water and high temperature to clean dishes.
Rinse Cycle
This cycle can be used to pre-wash dirty dishes and save the heavy cycle to consume less energy because pre-wash dishes can be washed in a normal cycle, too. It takes 5 minutes -60 minutes to rinse the dishes.
High-Temperature Cycle
Dishes with greasy residue need to be washed with a high-temperature cycle and, at times, extra rinse to soften the dirt for a better cleaning wash cycle. This cycle undoubtedly uses more energy, but it's any time more energy efficient than manual work. It takes 5 minutes and -13 minutes.
Sanitize Cycle
You should use this cycle once a month or so because sanitizing cycles use temperatures above 150° F to kill microbes, resulting in high energy bills. It takes 3 hours -3.5 hours. Anyway, sanitizing dishes once a month is enough to keep them clean. However, if someone is sick, then it's recommended to use this cycle frequently to maintain better hygiene.
