Why Is Dishwasher Cycle Taking Too Long

How Long Should a Dishwasher Cycle Take?

A standard dishwasher cycle typically takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours depending on the cycle selected and the dishwasher model. Eco cycles can run longer — sometimes up to 3 hours — because they use lower temperatures and compensate with longer wash times. If your dishwasher is taking significantly longer than usual, something is causing it to extend the cycle.

1. You Are Using the Eco or Energy-Saving Cycle

The eco cycle is designed to use less water and energy by running at lower temperatures for a longer period. A 3-hour eco cycle is completely normal and not a fault.

Fix: If cycle time is a priority, switch to the normal or auto cycle, which balances cleaning performance and time more efficiently.

2. The Water Is Not Heating to the Required Temperature

Dishwashers heat water to a specific temperature before proceeding to the next phase of the cycle. If the incoming water is cold or the heating element is slow, the machine will extend the heating phase until the target temperature is reached.

Fix:

• Run the hot water at your kitchen sink for 30 seconds before starting the dishwasher — this ensures the machine fills with already-hot water from the start
• Check that your water heater is set to at least 120°F (49°C)
• If the heating element is faulty, the machine will take extremely long to heat water or never reach temperature — this requires a technician

3. Low Water Pressure

If the dishwasher is not filling with water quickly enough due to low water pressure, the fill phase takes longer than normal, extending the overall cycle time.

Fix:

• Check that the water supply valve under the sink is fully open
• Check that the inlet hose is not kinked or partially blocked
• Check if other taps in the house have normal water pressure

4. Soil Sensor Extending the Cycle

Many modern dishwashers have a soil sensor that monitors how dirty the wash water is and automatically extends the cycle if the water remains dirty. If you have a very heavily soiled load, the machine may run longer than usual to achieve clean results.

Fix: This is normal behavior — the dishwasher is working correctly. Scrape dishes thoroughly before loading to reduce soil levels and help the sensor end the cycle sooner.

5. Clogged Filter Reducing Water Flow

A heavily clogged filter restricts water circulation inside the dishwasher, reducing cleaning efficiency and causing the machine to run longer to achieve the same results.

Fix: Remove and clean the filter. Rinse under warm running water and scrub with a soft brush to remove all debris. Clean the filter every two to four weeks.

6. Hard Water Buildup on the Heating Element

Limescale buildup on the heating element reduces its efficiency, causing it to take longer to heat water to the required temperature and extending every cycle.

Fix: Run a cleaning cycle with Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets to dissolve limescale from the heating element and interior. In hard water areas, use Lemi Shine Dish Detergent Booster regularly to prevent mineral buildup.

7. Faulty Thermostat or Heating Element

If the thermostat is faulty, it may not correctly detect when the water has reached the required temperature, causing the heating phase to run indefinitely. A failing heating element may heat water very slowly or not at all.

Fix: If the cycle is consistently taking more than 3 to 4 hours on a normal cycle, and the above fixes have not helped, the thermostat or heating element may need to be tested and replaced by a technician.

Final Tips

• Run hot water at the sink before starting to reduce heating time
• Clean the filter regularly to maintain water flow efficiency
• Run monthly cleaning cycles to prevent limescale on the heating element
• Eco cycles are designed to run long — switch to normal if time matters