Why is my dishwasher taking 2 hours?

Author: Ellsworth Moore  |  Last update: Thursday, June 12, 2025

It's normal for a regular dishwasher cycle to last for two-hours or more, but the age and model of your dishwasher matters. The standard dishwasher cycle on modern machines tends to be longer than the typical cycle on older machines. This is because modern machines have been designed with energy efficiency in mind.

Is it normal for a dishwasher to run for 2 hours?

Most dishwashers today use less water, but run longer to make up for it. 2 hours is not highly unusual. Most will, depending on the cycle, attempt to reach a water temp of around 140 in the main wash without any options selected. Starting at 130 might add some extra time to the cycle.

Why is my dishwasher cycle taking so long?

Dishwashers can take a long time to complete a full cycle for several reasons: Water Heating: Dishwashers often need to heat water to the optimal temperature for effective cleaning. This heating process can add time, especially if the incoming water is cold.

Why is my dishwasher still running after 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.

How many hours is a normal dishwasher cycle?

The Normal cycle cleans dishes with 130-140℉ water and usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. It's best for everyday loads that don't have uniquely stubborn messes.

Dishwasher Runs For Hours — Dishwasher Troubleshooting

Why do new dishwashers take 3 hours?

Today's dishwashers use less water and energy than older models, making them more efficient than dishwashers in the past. That means they need to run longer to get the same level of performance and allow sensors to assess whether your dishes are being properly cleaned.

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.

Why does my dishwasher delay 4 hours?

The benefit of the Delay Start option is that it allows you to run your Dishwasher when its hot water demands will not conflict with those of the family. It also lets you take advantage of off peak utility rates.

Why does my dishwasher take 5 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.

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.

Why won't my dishwasher finish a cycle?

Perform basic troubleshooting by cleaning the filter and spray arm. Also, ensure your dishwasher is getting sufficient water pressure. If you find your dishwasher stopping mid-cycle, it could be due to several reasons, including a malfunctioning door latch, a defective control board, or even a power interruption.

Is 1 hour wash vs normal?

Using more water, energy and heat for fast results, a quick wash cycle, sometimes called a 1-Hour Wash, can be completed in around an hour depending on your dishwasher model. This is a good choice for quickly cleaning up a load of lightly soiled plates, bowls or other essentials you need in a hurry.

Do dishwashers use a lot of electricity?

On average, most dishwashers use 1,800 watts of electricity, so if you run it for an hour, that's 1.8 kWh. In the U.S., the average cost per kWh is 14 – 16 cents, so running your dishwasher for one hour, five days a week, would cost you about $1.44 per week.

Why does my GE dishwasher run for 3 hours?

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.

Why should you run your dishwasher at night?

Not only will the energy cost be less; it'll keep heat from building up in your kitchen, giving your AC a break.) This means you can lower your energy bill by simply checking your energy company's specific peak hours and waiting to run your dishwasher during off-peak hours.

How long should a dishwasher 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 does my dishwasher take over 2 hours?

It's normal for a regular dishwasher cycle to last for two-hours or more, but the age and model of your dishwasher matters. The standard dishwasher cycle on modern machines tends to be longer than the typical cycle on older machines. This is because modern machines have been designed with energy efficiency in mind.

Can I leave the dishwasher running when not home?

I CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH: Never leave the house with the dryer on or the washer on or the dishwasher on.

What is the difference between heat dry and high temperature?

Using the Heated Dry will extend your wash cycle by 8 minutes for the Speed Cycle and up to 30 minutes for all other cycles. Hi-Temp Rinse: Turns the heater on in all post-rinse and final rinse cycles to prevent spots on dishware.

How do I reset the delay on my dishwasher?

Dishwasher - Canceling the Delay Start Option
  1. 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.
  2. The Delay Hours pad does not have an Off selection.

How to cancel 4 hour delay on kitchenaid dishwasher?

To cancel a delay:

When the delay is counting down, press the Delay pad again. The indicator light will go out, and the cycle will immediately start or resume. If you would like to download or view product literature for your appliance, please visit our Manuals and Literature page.

Why is my dishwasher taking longer than normal?

It could be that you have a mechanical or electrical problem that is causing your machine to run longer. Check the water temperature. If you don't get hot enough water to your dishwasher, it will run longer as it burns energy to heat water for each cycle. See if you've added functions to your cycles.

How can I reset my 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.

Is it OK to interrupt dishwasher?

To ensure your dishwasher runs at peak performance, it's a good idea to let the cycle complete without opening the door unless absolutely necessary. While you can open a dishwasher mid-cycle, minimising interruptions ensures better cleaning, drying, and energy efficiency in the long run.

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