Dishwashers are the ultimate kitchen assistants. Whether you're cleaning up after a big holiday feast with the entire family, or simply washing the weekly dishes, these machines make dish duty a breeze. Modern dishwashers are equipped with many settings and cycles and how long dishwashers take to run can vary widely depending on how dirty your dishes are and the type of cycle you choose. Read on for Hoover’s expert guide to dishwasher run times, and the best cycles and settings to choose for every load.
How many cycles does a dishwasher have?
Most standard dishwashers have at least 3 cycles:
- A light cycle, often used with fragile glassware and plates.
- A normal cycle, for everyday tableware, glasses and silverware.
- A heavy cycle, for pots and pans or items that need a more intense clean.
Many modern dishwashers have a large variety of cycle options and customizable settings. Some of these include:
- Eco-wash: for slow, energy-saving cycles. Eco-wash cycles generally take longer but use less water and energy.
- Quick wash: for dishes which have already been rinsed or are not very dirty.
- Rinse/hold: rinses dishes without detergent to prevent food from getting caked on the dishes if you’re not ready to run a full load.
- Auto clean: senses how dirty your items are and adjusts the settings automatically.
- Delay wash: sets the dishwasher to wash at a specific time in the future.
- Half load: for smaller wash requirements.
- Delicate cycle: to wash your delicate kitchen pieces like fine china, ceramics and crystal glassware.
How long is a regular dishwasher cycle?
Dishwasher cycles vary in length based on a variety of factors such as the type of cycle, the temperature of the water used, if a dry cycle is added, load size and how dirty your dishes are. Many modern dishwashers use sensors to detect the size and dirtiness of the dishes and adjust cycle times accordingly, so the actual run time of each cycle may differ from load to load. With that being said, a normal wash cycle can last anywhere between 1 and 4 hours. Check out the chart below with average run times of different dishwasher cycles and settings.
| Cycle Type | Average Run Time |
|---|---|
| Prewash Cycle | 6 - 8 minutes |
| Sanitise Cycle | 3 - 3.5 hours |
| Normal Wash | 1.5 - 2 hours |
| Sani Rinse Cycle | Adds 5 minutes to 1 hour to wash cycle |
| Quick Wash | 30 - 60 minutes |
| Heavy Wash | 2.75 - 4 hours |
| Hi-Temp Wash Cycle | Adds 5 - 13 minutes to wash cycle |
| Sensor Wash Cycle | 2 - 3.25 hours |
How to choose the best dishwasher cycle and settings
Which cycle to choose depends largely on the amount and type of dishes that need washing as well as your personal priorities, for example: speed, energy efficiency, or deep cleaning.
- For everyday loads, the Normal Wash Cycle (usually between 1.5-2.5 hours) is best for moderately dirty dishes. This cycle balances cleaning power and water and energy use.
- When you’re in a hurry, the Quick Wash / Express Cycle (20-60 minutes) is a good choice. This cycle is ideal for dishes which have already been rinsed, and typically uses more water and energy in order to clean faster.
- For tough stains, greasy dishes or stuck-on food, the Heavy Duty Cycle (2-4 hours) will do the job. This cycle is best for pots and pans and very dirty dishes. It uses extra water, heat and time for a deep clean.
- If saving water and energy is one of your priorities, Eco Mode (2-4 hours) is the choice for you. Best for moderately dirty dishes, this cycle takes a bit longer than the regular wash cycle but uses significantly less water and energy.
- If you’ve just taken out the fine china for a special occasion, the China / Glassware Cycle (1.5-2 hours) could be useful. Designed for delicate items, this cycle uses lower temperatures and less water pressure to protect fragile glassware and dishes.
How to optimise your dishwasher's run time
The effectiveness of your dishwasher doesn’t only depend on choosing the right cycle and settings. Using the right detergents and cleaning products also helps you maximise your dishwasher’s performance. By using professional detergents and rinse aids you can ensure optimal results even with short cycles. Care+Protect's eco line offers specially designed products like the Eco Dishwasher Gel and Eco Rinse Aid, which effectively cut through grease, grime and food particles even in shorter, energy saving cycles. These eco-friendly solutions clean your dishes effectively while taking care of your dishwasher and saving time!
Conclusion
How long your dishwasher takes to run a cycle depends on many factors including the model, the cycle, the size of the load and even the dirtiness of your dishes. Which cycle to choose and how long you want your dishwasher to run also depends on your lifestyle and priorities. Thankfully, with modern dishwashers like those offered by Hoover, and professional eco-friendly products like the Care+Protect eco line, you can customise your dishwashing experience and keep your dishes and your dishwasher sparkling clean.
