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How long is a dishwasher cycle?

Modern dishwashers offer a wide range of wash cycles, so using the right one is key. Choosing the correct program for your load ensures you get the best performance from your appliance, plus it can help conserve water and energy, saving money on your energy bills.
The dishwasher cycle you’ll need depends on lots of different factors: the time you have available, the size of the load and how dirty your dishes are. You also need to consider what’s in the load, for example, fragile glassware needs a different cycle to heavy-duty pots and pans.
Wash cycles can also have very different running times. Let’s take a look at some standard ones and see how long they take.

A breakdown of dishwasher cycles

Your dishwasher’s choice of wash cycles will depend on its age, brand and model. For example, a Hotpoint dishwasher will have a different range to a Miele dishwasher or an AEG dishwasher. Most models have at least three basic programs, with modern versions offering as many as eight.

Let’s explore the three basic cycles:

  • Normal wash: A useful, daily cycle for standard loads, offering good performance on an average level of soiling.
    • Average cycle time: 2 hours
  • Heavy duty: An intensive wash, for stubborn stains and heavily soiled dishes. Uses more water and hotter temperatures than a standard cycle.
    • Average cycle time: 4 hours
  • Quick wash: For when you’re short on time. Useful for lightly soiled dishes, but not as effective on dirtier loads.
    • Average cycle time: a speedy 45 minutes

Did you know? Even though modern dishwashers have longer wash cycles, they’re more energy-efficient than older models. They also deliver superior performance.

loading a dishwasher
dishwasher control panel

Advanced dishwasher cycles

Now let’s look at some of the more advanced dishwasher cycles, available on newer appliances. Whether you have a full-sized dishwasher or a slimline dishwasher , an integrated or freestanding dishwasher, the range of cycles is pretty standard.

  • Half-load: This speedy cycle is really useful if only one rack of your dishwasher is full, but you need clean dishes. It saves on water and energy.
    • Average cycle time: 1 hour
  • Auto or sensor wash: Modern dishwashers use sensors to detect when your dishes are clean, so they won’t consume any more water or power than they need.
    • Average cycle time: usually around 3 hours, but it depends on how dirty your load is.
  • Eco-wash: Try and use this cycle when you can, as it uses the least amount of power and water. It’s worth remembering that an eco-cycle takes longer than a standard wash, but gets everything just as clean.
    • Average cycle time: up to 4 hours
  • Delicate wash: Perfect for washing fragile items like glassware or your favourite china, this cycle runs at a gentle, low temperature. If you have precious or valuable items, we’d always advise washing by hand.
    • Average cycle time: 3 hours

How to make your dishwasher more efficient

Follow our six easy steps to making your dishwasher run as efficiently as possible.

  1. Load your dishwasher properly, so everything can get clean. Fill it as full as possible without overcrowding, and only run it with a full load. If you have a half-load cycle, as we mentioned above, use that when you can.
    Tip:For the perfect loading technique, read our step-by-step guide to proper placement: How to load a dishwasher.
  2. If your appliance has a start-delay timer, set it to run at off-peak times, so you benefit from the cheapest energy tariff available. Check with your energy supplier to find out more.
  3. Always use 3-in-1 dishwasher tablets and keep the salt and rinse aid topped up, for the best performance and to keep your appliance running smoothly. Read our helpful guide, Where does dishwasher salt go? for more information.
  4. Keep your dishwasher clean. A clean dishwasher is an efficient one. You can find out how to keep your appliance sparking clean by reading our top tips in How to clean a dishwasher.
  5. Consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient dishwasher if yours is very dated. After the initial expense of buying a new model, it should help reduce your energy bills.
  6. Never pre-rinse. It’s best to scrape food off dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, rather than rinsing. Rinsing wastes water and can increase your energy bills. Your dishwasher detergent relies on food particles to clean effectively; without them, dishes wear down, chip or crack, or you could even be left with excessive residue.

Did you know? Dishwashers use up to 15 litres per load compared to 34 litres when hand washing, so dishwashers are actually more energy-efficient. They’re also more hygienic, as the water used is a very high temperature.

And don’t forget, using a dishwasher also conserves another very precious resource – your time.

dishwasher working

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