At a Glance:
How Long Does a Dishwasher Run?
Dishwashers with Standout Wash Cycles
Dishwashers are an indispensable part of any modern kitchen. At their best, they free us from the drudgery of hand washing dishes, but everyone’s experienced a dishwasher that’s taking forever to finish just as dinner is conveniently ready. Annoying? Sure—but it’s nothing a little know-how can’t solve. The answer lies beyond asking, “How long does a dishwasher run” but rather, which cycle setting is best for the type of load you plan to wash.
The average dishwasher cycle time varies between brands and even models from the same manufacturer, but to help you get an idea of what to expect, we’ve put together this guide that answers, “How long does a dishwasher cycle take?” Follow along as we break down each setting, including when to use it, plus a look at featured dishwashers with cutting-edge features that take advantage of wash times.
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Shop NowDishwasher Cycles Explained
Dishwashers offer a variety of wash cycles to accommodate different levels of soil, desired sanitization levels, and time constraints. If you’ve found yourself wondering, “How long is a dishwasher cycle,” here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you remember. Click the drop-down boxes to learn more.
Normal Cycle
The normal cycle is designed for average daily loads with typical soil levels. The normal dishwasher cycle time runs through a standard wash and rinse cycle taking 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. This is the workhorse cycle for most households.
Delicate Cycle
When washing delicate items like glasses or hand-washed dishes, the delicate cycle is preferable. It uses lower temperatures and gentler wash motions to clean without damage. With most loads clocking in at under an hour, this is one of the fastest dishwasher cycle time selections users can pick, but don’t be tempted—it’s specifically for delicate dinnerware and might not clean a regular load as efficiently.
Sanitize Cycle
To eliminate bacteria and fully sanitize dishes, some dishwashers offer a high-temperature sanitization cycle. It reaches temperatures higher than the normal cycle, running 1.5-2 hours to thoroughly sanitize all surfaces.
Eco-Cycle
An eco or energy-efficient cycle aims to lower water and utility consumption. It does so by extending cycle times up to 3 hours while maintaining cleaning performance. It’s generally considered the longest dishwasher cycle time.
Express/Quick Wash Cycle
For times when you need dishes cleaned quickly, a quick or express cycle gets the job done in under an hour. It's best suited to lightly soiled loads, and while it’s the shortest dishwasher cycle time, it’s a handy way to clean half loads or to get a quick wash when a full load isn’t likely in the near future.
Rinse Cycle
A rinse-only cycle uses hot water to rinse away any residue without running a full wash. Although this is only part of the total dishwasher duration, running a load on the mode takes about 10-15 minutes and quickly refreshes dishes that have been lightly soiled.
Heavy Duty Cycle
Heavily soiled pots, pans, and casserole dishes require a heavy-duty cycle. With an average dishwasher run time of 2+ hour cycles, this dishwasher setting delivers intense washing with multiple rinses to cut through baked-on grease and food.
How Long Does a Dishwasher Run?
How long is heavy duty wash cycle dishwasher? how long does a rinse cycle take on a dishwasher? Is the dishwasher eco cycle time any different than a regular cycle?
These are common questions our buyers ask us, so to simplify the request, we’ve put together a quick guide to compare each dishwasher cycle. Next time you need to do dishes, consider how long it takes.
| Dishwasher Cycle | Run Time |
|---|---|
| Normal Cycle | The standard normal cycle ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours. |
| Delicate Cycle | For washing delicate glassware, ceramics, or lightly soiled items, the delicate cycle takes under 1 hour. |
| Sanitize Cycle | The sanitization cycles range from 1.5 to 2 hours. |
| Eco-Cycle | The eco cycle on a dishwasher can extend run times up to 3 hours. |
| Express/Quick Wash Cycle | This setting provides a complete wash typically less than 1 hour. |
| Rinse Cycle | The rinse-only cycle takes just 10-15 minutes to freshen clean dishes. |
| Heavy Duty Cycle | Heavy-duty dishwasher cycles run for 2 hours or more with intense washing and multiple hot water rinses. |
Factors Impacting Total Time
While the actual cycle plays the biggest role, other variables impact the average dishwasher cycle time. New dishes may require pre-heating the water before washing can begin. Automatic detergent dispensers ensure proper dosing but add time. At the cycle's end, built-in dryers on select models extend the process further with hot air drying. On average, accounting for all components, a wash takes about 2.5 hours from start to completely cleaned, dried, and unloaded dishes.
Dishwashers with Standout Wash Cycles
Technology and features abound in the dishwashing market, and that makes it difficult to know whether one dishwasher is different from another from a separate brand. With that said, here are a few wash cycles that stand out, explained by our appliance specialists.
The ASKO Quick Pro Wash Cycle
This cycle cleans dishes in just 30 minutes, perfect for having guests over frequently or re-running loads with short intervals between uses. The variable water pressure boosts cleaning performance while keeping the cycle time short.
Featured On: ASKO Logic Series 24" Panel Ready Custom Panel Built In Dishwasher
If you’re skeptical about upgrading to a high-end dishwasher, allow this ASKO panel ready dishwasher to change your mind. Built with commercial-grade performance in mind, the Quick Pro Wash delivers sparkling dishes in half the time of a regular load, while upgrades like an adjustable rack, water soil sensors, and a dedicated spray jet for silverware let users reimagine how dish care is done.
The LG 1-Hour Wash & Dry Cycle
Need dishes cleaned quickly? This cycle can have them washed and dry within an hour, ideal when you're in a hurry. It saves time by utilizing increased heating and water levels to accelerate the cleaning process. It’s the only dishwasher brand on the market to use four spray arms for maximum coverage, making LG dishwashers with 1-hour wash the leaders in the industry.
Featured On: LG 24" PrintProof™ Stainless Steel Smart Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Stylish, efficient, and speedy with the ability to do a load in under 60 minutes, this LG dishwasher has everything modern homeowners ask for in a dishwashing machine. Load up to experience exclusive upgrades like the superior cleaning of QuadWash technology, peace of mind with TrueSteam sanitation, and a Dynamic Heat Dry mode for dishes that are ready to set the table the second they’re done washing.
⭐ Featured LDTH7972S LG Review:
"I purchased this dishwasher over six months ago and it is the best dishwasher I have ever had! It is so quiet and I love the one hour cycle!"
The GE Steam + Sani Cycle
Beyond traditional heating elements, many dishwasher manufacturers include a special cycle that uses added steam to sanitize better by loosening and lifting away food soils. The steam cuts through grease and grime to eliminate more bacteria and leave dishes hygienically clean. GE’s Steam + Sani Cycle—which is just one of many of the variations available on the market—is a prime example of how modern dishwashing machines go the extra step to not only clean dishes but protect them from harmful bacteria and viruses that can settle on dish surfaces. This featured cycle adds just 20 minutes to a standard wash, in which dishes are treated to a sanitary shower of 145° water to eliminate food messes and germs.
Featured On: GE® 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Check out one of the best dishwashers under $800, from yours truly at GE. On top of its impressive price, this top-rated dishwashing machine comes with the reviews to back its performance—over 6,100 with more than 3,600 buyers give it a perfect rating. Aside from Steam + Sani, users also love the AutoSense cycle that automatically adjusts time and temperature settings for the best results, plus the Dry Boost setting to avoid puddles of water when it comes time to unload.
⭐Featured GE GDT550PYRFS Review:
"…I love this dishwasher! It is quieter than I thought it would be and leaves my dishes spotless."
The Samsung Heavy Duty StormWash Cycle
Made to handle even the toughest baked-on messes, this powerful cycle uses intense washing and rinsing actions along with optimal temperatures. A dedicated zone on the bottom rack receives a jet of powerful water from an ancillary spray arm designed to work on heavy-duty messes on casserole dishes, pots, pans, and other cookware. Choosing the StormWash cycle doesn’t add any more time to wash cycle selected. Instead, it runs the duration of the dishwasher setting.
Featured On: Samsung 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher
StormWash is just one of the upgrades buyers will discover on this high-performance dishwasher. The total package comes with a 3rd rack to maximize loadability, an AutoRelease door, which saves energy while improving dish drying results, and users can even download extra cycles on the dishwasher using the SmartThings app that also provides remote managing when connected a compatible smart device.
⭐Featured Samsung DW80CG5451SR Review:
"Quite dishwasher and can clean the load in 60 minutes."
The GE Cafe Eco-Cycle
An energy and water-efficient cycle that helps lower utility costs without compromising cleanliness? Now that’s what we call modern dish care. You can find just that with the GE Cafe Eco-Cycle that cleans dishes using less power and water for an eco-friendly footprint every time you do the dishes. While the setting does extend cycle times, but rest assured the extra time does not result in higher utility costs.
Featured On: Café™ 24" Stainless Steel Drawer Dishwasher
Shop These Cafe Drawer Dishwashers
Flexibility is a flex in the kitchen, and when it’s paired with the sophistication of these Cafe drawer dishwashers, it’s a double win. What we love most about this duo is the ability to wash two separate cycles at the same time. Run the Eco-Cycle for heavier loads to save water and energy while a regular load runs for smaller sessions. Delivering a total of 14 place settings, plus adjustable racks, this set lets users do more with dish care than traditional washing machines ever could.
⭐Featured Cafe CDD420P2TS1 Review:
“Cool features and 2x the washing, super convenient.”
The bottom line, understanding how to use a dishwasher can help you select the optimal option for each load, and we’re not against playing around with the different cycles to learn what works best for particular cleaning needs. As the largest appliance retailer in the inland Northwest, Fred’s carries all the top brands with the latest dishwasher innovations. Knowledgeable sales staff can help you select the right model for your needs. Stop by to have one of our appliance specialist discuss even more about dishwashers, including the brands to explore from our wide selection of models.
FAQs
Which dishwasher cycle uses the least electricity?
The Eco or Energy-Saving cycle is designed first and foremost for efficiency.
- Extending cycle times, allows for lower water temperatures which use less power from the heating element. However, the extra duration means the machine is running longer with an average run time of about three hours.
- Express and Quick cycles aim to finish faster by applying high heat to the wash and rinse phases with an average run time of about an hour.
However, cleaning dishes quicker comes at the cost of higher energy use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, on average Eco cycles only use around 1 kWh of electricity per wash versus 1.5 kWh for standard cycles. Choosing Eco when possible can provide notable savings on utility bills over time.
Which dishwasher cycle uses the least water?
In general, Eco cycles consume the minimum amount of water thanks to their meticulous timing. Additionally, dishwashers with half load functions also help save water by washing only a portion of the dishwasher.
How long is an average wash?
To clean dishes from start to finish, the overall time required averages around 2-2.5 hours for a standard dishwasher cycle. This span includes preliminary tank heating, the main wash and rinse sections, and the subsequent drying phase. For an average soil load of 12 place settings, the machine takes 30-40 minutes for washing along with 20 minutes each for rinsing and drying.
An additional 15-20 minutes is spent bringing the interior components up to temperature before the cycle can commence. Factor in loading/unloading time and most loads occupy 2-3 hours of machine operation from door closed to everything put away.
Why Trust Fred’s Appliance?
Fred's Appliance is the go-to store for all your appliance needs in the inland Northwest area. Established in 1962, Fred's Appliance has been serving customers for over five decades and counting. With an experienced and knowledgeable staff, Fred's provides a welcoming atmosphere that helps customers find the best product to fit their needs, budget, and lifestyle.
When you shop with Fred's Appliance, you can be sure that you're getting the best brands at the best prices. In our store, you will find a variety of refrigerators, ranges, wall ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and more. We also carry washers and dryers in both front-load and top-load styles. Not only are we dedicated to providing an unbeatable selection of appliances, but we are equally committed to the local community. We proudly support many charitable organizations throughout Washington, Idaho, and Montana. When you shop at Fred's Appliance, you're not only getting a great product but helping out your neighbors too!
Shop Top-Rated Dishwashers at Fred’s Appliance
If you're looking for a great appliance shopping experience, shop dishwashers online or visit one of our showrooms in Washington, Idaho, or Montana to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced retailer makes. Our appliance experts will be happy to discuss more about how long does a dishwasher run and more. Contact us today and discover the perfect appliance for your home.
Learn More: Dishwasher Not Cleaning: A Guide