Why is my dishwasher running longer than usual?

Author: Michael Kuphal  |  Last update: Saturday, December 6, 2025

First, it may be due to your dishes. If your dishes are especially dirty, the dishwasher sensors will default to a longer wash cycle to ensure they're cleaned properly. If you have hard water, limescale or mineral buildup, this could interfere with sensors and cause them to default to a longer setting.

Why is my dishwasher running longer than normal?

Dishwashers add time for 2 reasons generally, either it's trying to heat the water and the heater is not working (or the water is very cold) and it's repeatedly running the maximum amount of heating time, or it's detecting the water is dirty and adding wash and rinse time. follow the instructions on the bottle...

Why is my dishwasher running for 3 hours?

So if you truly believe there is a problem with your dishwasher, then you need to replace the control board below the dishwasher. Again, 3 hours is normal for a normal cycle. It can go as short as two and a half hours, or as much as three and a half hours, and there is nothing wrong.

Why do dishwashers run for 2 hours?

Dishwashers add time for 2 reasons generally, either it's trying to heat the water and the heater is not working (or the water is very cold) and it's repeatedly running the maximum amount of heating time, or it's detecting the water is dirty and adding wash and rinse time. follow the instructions on the bottle...

How do you do a hard reset on a dishwasher?

Some models require you to shut off the power to the dishwasher either by unplugging it or shutting off the circuit breaker. Others are reset by pressing and holding the Start/Reset button on the control panel, then waiting a few moments before attempting to start a wash cycle.

Dishwasher Runs For Hours — Dishwasher Troubleshooting

Will unplugging a dishwasher reset it?

You can reset your dishwasher by unplugging it from its power source for one minute and then plugging it back in. If it's hardwired to a power supply or the plug is not easy to access, turn off the breaker for the dishwasher on your home's electrical panel and turn it back on after one minute.

What causes a dishwasher to need to be reset?

Read through some of the most common causes and solutions below to discover why your dishwasher won't start.
  • Control lock activated. ...
  • Sleep mode is activated. ...
  • Delay wash option is activated. ...
  • Door unlatched. ...
  • Disconnected power supply.

How long should a dishwasher run on a normal cycle?

HOW LONG IS A NORMAL CYCLE? The Normal cycle cleans dishes with 130-140℉ water and usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

Why is my dishwasher stopping after 10 minutes?

A dishwasher starting and stopping during the wash cycle can be caused by various factors, including issues with the water supply, a malfunctioning motor, or sensor problems. To address this problem, first, check for any clogs in the water inlet valve or ensure adequate water pressure.

How long is a dishwasher supposed to last?

However, dishwashers don't last forever. The life expectancy of a dishwasher is about 10 years, according to manufacturers surveyed by Consumer Reports.

Why is my dishwasher staying on too long?

In short, try unplugging your dishwasher for a short while to reset it if it is running nonstop. Check for any clogs in the drain hose, spray arms, or filters if that doesn't work. Ensure that the sensors, like the float switch and door switch, are undamaged.

How do you know when your dishwasher is dying?

Experts say to check if dishes don't come out clean, glasses are cloudy, or the door doesn't latch.

Why is my dishwasher not finishing the cycle?

Clogged Filter: A clogged dishwasher filter can cause the dishwasher to stop mid-cycle. Control Board Problems: A faulty control board can cause the dishwasher to stop mid-cycle. Float Switch Issues: A malfunctioning float switch can cause the dishwasher to stop mid-cycle.

Why does my dishwasher take 7 hours?

Possible Problem: Clogs or Obstructions

Clogs in your self-cleaning filter, drain hose, or air vent can slow the fill and drain cycles, which means it will take your dishwasher a longer time to complete the wash cycle.

How to tell if a dishwasher timer is bad?

Electronic Timer is Faulty

A dishwasher's timer governs when power is sent to a particular function of the wash cycle. If you find your dishwasher not draining water properly or not starting as it should, it's possible the timer or its connection to the control panel has failed.

Does a dishwasher use a lot of electricity?

Most dishwashers use an average of 1,800 watts, and water rates depend on your local area, the time of year, and even the time of day. A dishwasher's base electricity usage is pretty cheap; for an 1,800-watt model and an hour-long load, you'll use approximately 1.8 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity.

Why does my dishwasher keep running for hours?

Check the Timer Motor First

Your dishwasher's cycles are controlled by a timer. It regulates everything from start to finish and switches the machine at proper intervals for filling, heating, washing, rinsing, and drying. If your appliance won't turn off, it may mean you've got a faulty timer motor.

Why does my dishwasher take longer than it says?

First, it may be due to your dishes. If your dishes are especially dirty, the dishwasher sensors will default to a longer wash cycle to ensure they're cleaned properly. If you have hard water, limescale or mineral buildup, this could interfere with sensors and cause them to default to a longer setting.

Why do dishwashers run for 3 hours?

In order to heat up water, a lot of energy is used. The most common reason why your dishwasher might be taking a little longer than usual is that eco-mode is activated. Eco-mode uses less power, which results in a much slower wash cycle that usually takes 3 hours.

How to shorten a dishwasher cycle?

HOW CAN I REDUCE THE TIME ON MY DISHWASHER? If you'd like a short cycle, choose quick wash or 1-hour wash.

Can you interrupt a dishwasher cycle?

While you can stop a dishwasher mid-cycle, you should avoid doing so if you can. It takes more energy to restart and bring the heat back up. If you stop the cycle and add items after the detergent has been released, they may not get as clean.

How do I know if my dishwasher control board is bad?

How do I know if my dishwasher's control board is faulty? Look for symptoms like unresponsive buttons, erratic cycle behavior, frequent error codes, or the dishwasher failing to start or complete cycles. These often indicate control board issues.

Is there a reset button on a dishwasher?

Most dishwashers have a Start button that doubles as the reset button. You can also reference your dishwasher owner's manual to determine the exact location of the reset feature.

How do I get my dishwasher out of delay mode?

Canceling the Delay Start or Delay Hours Option

Press the Delay Start pad until the hours of delay indicator goes off. On most models, pressing and holding the Start or Start/Reset pad for 3 seconds will cancel any set cycle, including the Delay Start cycle.

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