How Long Is the Average Dishwasher Cycle
The average dishwasher cycle and length of time it will take your dishes to dry depends on the temperature and humidity in your home and how long you leave the door open when loading and unloading the machine.
This blog post will help you understand how long the average dishwasher cycle is and what the length of your dishwasher cycle means for how clean your dishes are, the cost-savings of shorter cycle times, and how to reduce water usage to save money on your utility bill.
10 Factors That Determine How Long the Average Dishwasher Cycle
The average dishwasher cycle can be anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, but the biggest factor determining how long the average dishwasher cycle is listed below.
1. Location:
A typical dishwasher cycle can take longer in humid and hot areas like Florida due to the increased humidity and heat levels. The temperature and humidity in your home can affect the average dishwasher cycle.
2. Water Temperature:
Twenty-six degrees C or 80 degrees F is considered by most the ideal water temperature for cleaning dishes in a dishwasher and keeping glassware from clouding. However, if your household runs hot water, it might not be enough to wash your dirty dishes properly. You can try setting your water temperature on the hotter side of the range.
3. Dishwasher Type:
Dishwashers with newer technology have a shorter cycle time than the older models because they use less water and heat. However, the new dishwasher is also steam-driven, which reduces the longevity of the average dishwasher cycle. If you are interested in buying a new dishwasher, you may want to consider getting one with these newer features.
4. Humidity of Dishwasher:
The dishwasher has a humidity sensor responsible for regulating the temperature inside the dishwasher. If your home gets very humid or hot, it will take longer to dry your dishes because the water stays in your machine longer. Keeping your kitchen ventilated and cool can help reduce as well.
5. Size of Dishwasher:
The size, design, and type of dishwasher will also affect the average dishwasher cycle because bigger units take longer due to more tines and racks in the machine. If you have a newer model with all the bells and whistles, it will likely take longer for your dishes to be clean and dry.
6. Detergents:
To get the best results, you should add a rinse agent or detergent booster to every load of dishes. This will help prevent calcium deposits from building up on your plates and glasses that may require extra cycles and more time spent in your dishwasher.
7. Number of Loads:
It takes longer to do one big load of dishes than it does to do a couple of smaller loads in your dishwasher, so try loading and unloading your machine every few days instead of all at once before going on vacation. Doing multiple small loads will not only save you time, but it will save you money too.
8. Number of times Door Opened or Closed:
The average dishwasher cycle depends on how long the door is open when loading and unloading your machine. If you keep your door open for more than 2 minutes, it may increase how long the average dishwasher cycle is because the humidity will take longer to build up inside your dishwasher.
9. Brand:
The brand and technology used in each model also play an important role in the average dishwasher cycle. For example, some brands like Bosch tend to use less water and heat than other brands like KitchenAid, but it all depends on what you are looking for in your dishwasher. You can research and compare brands before deciding on which one to purchase.
10. Glassware Type:
Heavy glass dishes like wine glasses with deep ridges require a longer cycle than average to clean. You would not want the dirt and bacteria in your wine glass to be transferred onto your food, so take extra time when you are washing these types of dishes. If any stains are left behind on your glassware, try soaking them in a diluted vinegar mixture to get the stains off.
5 Tips To Improve Average Dishwasher Cycle Longevity:
- Run your dishwasher only when it is fully loaded. Overloading means there will be less water in the machine, and the wash cycle will take longer, which wastes energy storage and run-time costs. Plus, the dishes will not get clean enough.
- Keep your dishwasher filter free of food debris and cutlery pieces that can cause blockages in the machine. If it’s clogged, you may have to manually remove whatever is causing the problem and either call a service person to clean out that area or do it yourself.
- Ensure the rinse agent does not need replacement as it will leave a soapy build-up on your dishes. If you haven’t replaced it for over a year, do yourself a favor and quickly replace it.
- Regularly clean the inside of your dishwasher. Take all the racks out, rinse them and dry them before replacing them in the dishwasher unit to prevent mold build-up that can cause odors or attract bugs/insects to move in. Also, take a look at your drying agent dispenser. If it is empty, buy and replace it with the same brand to keep your dishes as sparkly clean as possible.
- Use minimal detergent but make sure the kind you use is not an ultra-concentrated brand (unless using a pre-wash cycle). Cheap brands are a good idea because they are usually weaker in quantity, and you will need to use more of them which means food crumbs and residue will be washed off your dishes better.
Conclusion
The average dishwasher cycle can vary in length, but they mostly depend on different factors. Consumers should check their dishwasher cycles to see how long they last to know when they will be finished. It’s important not to start a new load before the previous one has been completed because this could prevent dishes from being washed properly or result in excess water usage.
So, there you have it. You now know the answer to the question of how long is the average dishwasher cycle and why they are so important in your household! If you’re still curious about any other aspects of dishwashers or their cycles, don’t hesitate to ask us for more information. We’ll be happy to help out with anything we can!
You may also read – How to Fix Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Door Latch.
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
