If your washing machine seems to be taking forever to finish a cycle, you’re not alone. Many homeowners have noticed their laundry routine dragging on longer than expected and wondered, “Is this normal?” The answer depends on several factors—from the wash cycle selected to the amount of laundry in the drum and the efficiency of internal sensors. Let’s break down what’s happening and when it’s time to seek professional help.
Understanding the Difference Between Modes
Modern washing machines come equipped with multiple cycles: quick wash, normal, heavy-duty, delicate, eco, and more. Each mode is designed to handle a specific type of load and fabric type.
- Quick Wash: Typically lasts between 15–30 minutes. Ideal for small, lightly soiled loads.
- Normal Cycle: Can range from 45 minutes to over an hour. Designed for average soiling and mixed fabrics.
- Heavy-Duty or Sanitize Mode: Often runs over 90 minutes, especially when heating water or deep cleaning heavy items like towels or bedding.
- Eco Mode: Aims to save water and electricity. Ironically, this setting can take the longest—sometimes 2 hours or more—since it uses lower temperatures and longer soaking periods.
So, if you’re selecting longer cycles for better cleaning or energy savings, it’s completely normal for the machine to run longer.
Laundry Overload: A Common Culprit
Overloading your washing machine is one of the most frequent reasons for extended cycles. Machines are built to clean clothes efficiently by allowing enough room for water and detergent to circulate. When the drum is packed full, the system has to work harder to agitate and rinse the load.
In some cases, the washer may automatically add rinse cycles or prolong spin time to compensate for the overload. Additionally, a heavy or unbalanced load may trigger the machine’s sensors to pause and redistribute the weight, further increasing cycle time.
To avoid this:
- Follow the manufacturer’s load size guidelines.
- Don’t fill the drum more than three-quarters full.
- Wash heavy items like blankets separately.
Sensor-Based Adjustments
Today’s smart washing machines are designed with various sensors to improve efficiency and protect your fabrics. However, these features can also add time to the wash.
- Load Sensors: These weigh your laundry and adjust water levels and cycle times accordingly. If the load is dense, the washer might extend the duration to ensure proper cleaning.
- Turbidity Sensors: These measure how dirty the water is. If the washer detects a high level of soil, it may add extra rinse or wash cycles.
- Temperature Sensors: To maintain a consistent water temperature, the machine may pause while heating water, especially in colder climates or for hot/warm wash cycles.
- Foam Sensors: Excessive suds from too much detergent can lead to extra rinse cycles.
While these intelligent systems improve cleaning and resource usage, they can also result in longer cycle times—something that’s completely normal for modern machines.
When It’s Not Normal
Sometimes, though, a washing machine that takes too long is a sign of a malfunction. Here are signs that indicate something may be wrong:
- The machine stalls in one part of the cycle (e.g., rinse or spin).
- It never completes the cycle.
- Water fills or drains very slowly.
- There’s excessive noise or vibration.
These issues can stem from problems with the timer, motor, drain pump, or water inlet valve. A faulty sensor can also cause delays if the system is constantly trying to recalibrate. In such cases, it’s best to contact a qualified appliance repair technician.
Regular Maintenance Tips
To keep your washing machine running efficiently:
- Clean the detergent drawer and drum regularly.
- Check and clean the lint trap and drain filter.
- Use the correct amount of detergent.
- Run a maintenance cycle with washing machine cleaner once a month.
Get Professional Help
If your washing machine is persistently running longer than expected and you’ve ruled out cycle selection, overload, and sensor-driven adjustments, it’s time to call the experts.
Poway Appliance Repair Service Center specializes in diagnosing and repairing washing machines of all makes and models. Whether it’s a faulty control board, malfunctioning sensor, or clogged drainage system, our experienced technicians will get your appliance back in top shape—fast and reliably.
Don’t waste another minute waiting on a slow washer. Contact Poway Appliance Repair Service Center today for prompt, professional service you can trust.
Contact us
