Dishwasher wash cycle or how long the program lasts: an inside look

An actively used dishwasher greatly simplifies the life of every housewife. When choosing this type of household appliance, many focus on appearance, but functionality is more important. To evaluate a model's usefulness, you need to know how long a dishwasher's wash cycle takes and decide whether they're right for you.

You will learn everything about the duration of standard and additional operating modes of dishwashers from our article. We will tell you how to choose equipment with the functionality that suits you personally. Thrifty housewives will find useful tips to reduce operating costs.

Dishwasher interior

At first glance, the operation of a dishwasher seems simple: install the unit, connect it, put detergents in the right places, arrange the utensils, select a program, start the equipment. Then you can forget about the dishes for a while and do something more enjoyable.

But I wonder what is happening inside the dishwasher at this time? After starting the machine, water flows into a special tray through an open valve. Enriched with detergents and regenerating salt, it heats up to the temperature you set.

The process itself is identical to washing dishes by hand. The structure and operating principle of dishwashing equipment are described in detail here. We recommend that you read this very useful information.

It depends on the program you have installed and consists of three to four stages:

• soaking if the dishes are very dirty;
• washing;
• rinsing;
• drying.

The duration of these periods is influenced by the initially set water heating temperature. The higher the threshold you set, the longer you will have to wait for the cycle to end.

The dishwasher unit consists of the following elements: control panel (1), sprayer blocks - upper and lower (2, 3), float valve (4), drain hose (5), power cable (6), supply hose (7), filter (8), intake valve (9), engine (10), pump (11), heating element (12), gasket (13), button (13), latch (14)

When soaking, which is sometimes called a pre-wash, the main dirt is washed off from the dishes with cold water without the use of chemicals from the main container. This function is convenient if dishes are loaded into the machine in stages as they accumulate. It will prevent dirt from sticking tightly to previously loaded kitchen items.

The washing itself involves treating the dishes with hot water at about 80ºC. You can simply increase the washing time, but the advantage of the first option is that no detergent components are used.

The diagram shows the process taking place inside the dishwasher. It is important to load high-quality washing products and select the correct mode before starting

Water along with the chemical composition is sprayed using special tubes located at the top or bottom of the body. The rocker washes dishes more efficiently. During rotation, it sprays water jets in all directions under powerful pressure.

At the end of the washing stage, the PMM automatically turns on the next one - rinsing and drying.

Experts do not consider pre-rinsing a mandatory procedure if the PMM is not started immediately. It is enough to simply remove residues from plates and pots so as not to clog the machine with them.

Rinsing in a dishwasher, similar to a washing machine, involves two stages. This is the only way to completely remove detergents from all surfaces of washed dishes.

Standard operating modes

Dishwasher programs are a sequence of operations that the microprocessor performs.

The main parameters are:

1. Presence or absence of pre-soaking mode.
2. Water heating temperature.
3. Duration of the program.

After repeated use of the PMM, it will be easy to recognize how it functions and detect malfunctions by ear.

Types of drying in PMM

Drying completes the washing cycle. It comes in three types: blowing with heated air (turbo-drying), an intensive process with a heat exchanger, and condensation.

The first method involves blowing warm jets of air over the treated dishes. The implementation of the process is possible thanks to the presence of a fan built into the design. Drying occurs faster, but energy consumption is increased.

Enhanced drying is carried out due to the independent movement of air inside the housing as a result of the pressure difference. This method gives good results with more economical consumption of electricity.

The drying phase completes the operation of the machine. PMMs equipped with turbo drying are expensive, others are somewhat cheaper; when choosing, you should consider what is more important for you - a shorter drying stage or higher electricity bills

During condensation drying, drops of water evaporating from the surface of the dishes are transformed into condensation and settle on the walls, then flow down. This drying method takes a lot of time, but if there is nowhere to rush, then this method is the best.

Standard cycle time

Modes for different PMM models may differ. Still, there are four basic washing modes in a dishwasher, which each manufacturer includes in its program. These modes are called fast, normal, economical, intensive. Let's consider each of them as guidelines for choosing a dishwasher.

When choosing a quick wash, the pre-wash and dry function is no longer required. The process lasts about half an hour. In the instructions for some models, this type of dishwashing is called rinsing. This mode is used when a small amount of not very dirty dishes has accumulated.

In normal mode, which includes a fully completed cycle, the dishwasher runs for an average of two hours, of which:

• Rinse - from 5 to 10 minutes.
• Main wash – up to 50 minutes. at a water temperature of 65⁰.
• Rinse in three steps - up to 10 minutes.
• Drying - the rest of the time.

Economy mode significantly reduces time by increasing temperature and pressure. This results in less water being wasted, but energy consumption increases. The program contains a preliminary rinse, a wash at 50⁰, a double rinse, and drying.

Very dirty dishes are washed using an intensive mode for 2-3 hours. This program includes pre-rinsing, washing at 70⁰, rinsing in four steps, drying.

For efficient operation of the unit, it is necessary to place the very dirty surface of the dishes closer to the washer fluid sprayer. Knives in a dishwasher that is not equipped with a special container are placed with the blades down, and forks are placed with the teeth up

It is better to wash pans and pots in the “pre-soak” mode. Particularly greasy kitchen utensils should be kept in the sink under very hot running water before loading. This will help the dishwasher do a better job.

Some models are also equipped with the following programs:

1. EatLoad-Run , which allows you to load dishes directly from the dining table. There is a quick wash at 65⁰, then rinsing and drying, and all this in 30 minutes.
2. Wash delicate at 45⁰ . Used for crystal, porcelain, glass. Duration: 110 minutes.
3. Car wash (Auto) - this program, without outside intervention, determines the degree of contamination and automatically sets the required amount of water, detergent and the duration of the process. The usual water temperature in this mode is from 45 to 65⁰, duration is 2 hours 40 minutes.

The latest PMM models have the Varlo Speed , which allows you to reduce time by up to 50%. Not everything is so simple here - while saving time, electricity consumption increases. When choosing a mode, you need to calculate what is more profitable for you - saving time or energy.

Floor-standing models that hold a minimum of eight sets have a half-load mode . This means that only one of the available two baskets is loaded. At the same time, the washing time is not reduced, but the volume of water, detergents, and electricity used decreases.

The variable washing program provides for simultaneous processes - washing dishes in intensive mode and soaking. These two jobs happen in different baskets. Using the program allows you to save about 25% of water while maintaining excellent washing quality.

To start the dishwasher, you need to correctly decipher the icons on the panel. Sometimes they are signed, but in the language of the country of origin

“Delay Start” function is very relevant . With its help, you can move the start by 1 – 24 hours. If you have a double tariff for electricity, this is very convenient.

Additional functions of PMM

In parallel with dishwasher modes, they can also have additional functions. Almost all of them are equipped with leakage protection. If there are small children in the house, you need a unit with the ability to lock the control panel or door.

The ability to add forgotten dishes after starting the machine is also a very convenient feature. Elite models are equipped with loading sensors. In this mode, the PMM selects both the volume of water and the time spent on the cycle.

Some models have additional elements - sensors for monitoring water purity and hardness. A sensor for monitoring the degree of water purity forces the unit to rinse everything loaded into the machine until the liquid becomes perfectly clean. If the water is very hard, the machine will determine how much softening salt to add.

The panel for launching additional functions for built-in PMM models is located at the end of the door

Built-in units in working condition project a red beam onto the floor plane. When the process is completed, it disappears or its color changes to green. This is very convenient, because... makes it possible to monitor the operation of the built-in dishwasher.

Control of washing modes

All modes in the PMM are coordinated in two ways: electromechanical and electronic. The second method is more comfortable, and all modern models are equipped with it. The first provides for the presence of buttons, switches and keys on the body, and they are controlled manually.

Control of some PMM models is simplified due to the presence of clear symbols in the designation of standard programs. These are glasses, pots and other items (+)

With electronic control, both the washing mode and other programs are set using commands. If the PMM board fails, only a specialist can repair it. Experience shows that most often the programmer will have to be changed.

The final stage of machine operation

At the end of the cycle, the contaminated liquid goes down the drain. This is followed by a drying stage. It can end in 30 minutes or last more than an hour.

A special signal sent by the device will notify you of the end of the program. The sound volume is adjusted using convenient indicators placed by the manufacturer on the control panel. With their help, you can completely disable the alert function if you plan to load the machine overnight.

When the unit stops completely, press the on/off button. Then the door is opened slightly to allow the dishes to cool faster.

After drying, a high temperature remains inside the unit, so it is not recommended to immediately empty it of its contents. In addition, cookware made from certain materials becomes very fragile when hot.

After the beep sounds indicating the end of the wash, you should wait a while before removing the dishes.

It happens that the cycle is completed, but the dishwasher does not turn off. The most likely cause is an electronic problem. This may also be a consequence of blockage of the drain hole with food debris. The machine cannot shut down correctly.

Program duration for some models

Let's see how the duration of the modes differs for individual PMM models. For this purpose, we will analyze several popular examples of dishwashers of different brands and the duration of washing with these machines.

In practice, different manufacturers set the cycle duration values ​​to be identical. The exact time can be seen in the instructions or on the display (+)

Based on reviews from many users, we can conclude that the most frequently used modes are fast and intensive.

Four main washing programs

Washing and drying cycles range from 0.5 to 2.5 hours. During this time, several sets of cutlery will be washed. You can also wash pots and pans in them. True, you will have to spend your time cleaning the dishes from large leftover food, but at the same time, the rest of the time that would have to be spent on washing the plates will be freed up. The duration of the dishwasher cycle depends on the specified program, which may include:

1. pre-soaking dirty dishes;
2. direct washing;
3. rinsing with or without conditioner;
4. drying.

The cycle in which the dishes are directly washed lasts on average from 15 to 25 minutes, and rinsing lasts the same amount of time. At the end, with a given program, the machine dries the washed dishes. This takes about 20 more minutes.

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Often machines have 4 washing modes, that is, 4 programs:

• Quick wash - no pre-wash, program time - 30 minutes. In several models this mode is called rinsing.
• 70 degree mode - long mode - 2 hours 20 minutes, short mode - (Bosch machines have a Time Saving function (Vario Speed) - 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Eco 50 degrees is the most optimal mode, long mode - 2 hours, shortened mode (Vario Speed) - 1 hour 20 minutes.
• Auto - 45-65 degrees - 2 hours 40 minutes.

Bosch dishwasher operating programs.

The fastest program has a low temperature (about 35 degrees). Its duration does not exceed 30 minutes. A regular wash takes 1.5 hours, and the water heats up to 65 degrees. At this time, triple rinsing and drying is started.

An economical program consists of pre-soaking cutlery, washing at a temperature of 50 degrees, rinsing with a double change of water and final drying of the dishes. You will have to wait longer for this program to finish—about 2.5 hours.

Duration of the program (washing) using the example of the Hotpoint-Ariston LTF 11M121 dishwasher.

For the dirtiest dishes, use the automatic intensive wash mode. In this case, the dishes are soaked and then washed at 70 degrees. After this, rinsing occurs four times, and at the end of the regime, the dishes are dried. The duration of such a program is a little more than 2.5 hours.

Some machines, for example, from Bosch, have other modes:

1. Quick wash immediately after eating. The duration of the mode is 30 minutes.
2. Delicate washing of cutlery made of crystal, porcelain or glass at a temperature of 45 degrees.
3. Automatic washing, in which the machine itself determines the degree of soiling of the dishes, calculates the consumption of water and powder, and also programs the cycle duration.
4. The time saving function reduces it by up to half, however, this increases energy consumption.
5. Express mode involves incomplete loading of the machine, in which drying is not provided. The entire washing process takes 15-20 minutes.
6. For example: at 65 degrees in a Bosch SPS 40E42 machine, drying and washing take exactly 1.5 hours.

Having a dishwasher is especially important after celebrations and large feasts. The housewife will not have to wash dirty dishes until late at night. Simply load your appliances onto the racks and come out in the morning clean and sparkling, including pots, pans and baking trays.

Water saving level in dishwashers

Both the selected washing mode and the PMM model determine how much water it will consume. On average, this is from 10 to 13 liters per procedure as a whole. Unlike manual washing, all water is used only for its intended purpose without any loss.

During the process, the working fluid is cleaned using special filters and is supplied completely renewed for rinsing. Economy modes reduce the amount of water consumed by 25%.

Water savings when using PMM are obvious. The unit uses a special technology in which the collected water is used several times

The profitability of PMM is indicated by symbols. Highly economical units are marked with the letters A, B, C. They consume 9 - 16 liters. Average-economical dishwashers are designated in the form of the letters D, E. They consume slightly more water - up to 20 liters. Low-efficiency machines with the letters F, G require 26 liters per cycle.

How to load dishes correctly?

Sometimes improper loading of dishes causes the PMM to fail to complete the programs included in it and, as a result, deteriorate the quality of washing. All the details of loading dishes into the machine are listed in our recommended article.

If you place large kitchen utensils in the center - pots, pans, baking sheets, cutting boards, trays, the flow of water will be blocked. It’s better to move it all closer to the edges or lower it into the lower compartment.

The volume of a single load depends on the dimensions of the dishwasher. Some manufacturers, in the attached instructions, describe in detail the process of placing dishes in the PMM

If there is a large amount of dishes that need to be washed, you cannot process them all at once. Water and detergents will not have sufficient free contact with the surfaces of kitchen utensils.

To do this, there must be free spaces between kitchen utensils. If the dishwasher is overloaded, it will not be able to do its job efficiently.

For the dishwasher to function properly, it is important that the powder or detergent tablets are strictly in the compartment intended for this purpose. Due to the fact that the cycle is programmed in advance, all means come into effect precisely at the set time.

If there are streaks on the dishes, this indicates excess salt or rinse aid. When there is not enough detergent, dirty streaks will remain. If you detect food residues at the bottom of the unit and on the dishes, you should check the filters. Most likely they are clogged. Experts advise cleaning them after one or two washes.

Dishes that have not been washed for a long time or that have been burnt on must be pre-cleaned by hand. When excess foam forms during rinsing, it means that you have added too much rinse aid. In this case, correct setting of the dispenser or adding a defoamer in powder form will help.

Detergents

Some dishwashers are equipped with a special compartment with a scale designed for pouring powder. This compartment allows you to dispense detergents. Please note that you cannot use laundry detergent or regular soap in dishwashers.

Detergents are available in three types, by adding to alkaline components:

• bleach;
• oxygen;
• enzymes.

Each product has its own characteristics. Powders containing chlorine are not intended for aluminum and silver cookware. Those containing oxygen are more widely used. Products with enzymes wash even at low temperatures, while being gentle on dishes.

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In addition, the products can be produced in liquid, powder or capsule form, but powder is the cheapest product. If the dishes are not too dirty, they can be cleaned in the dishwasher even without adding detergent, using only hot water. At the same time, the quality will be tolerable. For those who suffer from allergies and cannot easily tolerate detergents, they are replaced with baking soda, and vinegar is used instead of rinse aid. If you add a program with hot water to such components, the result will be positive. The required amount of such products is calculated independently, based on the water hardness in the region.

The positive characteristics of the dishwasher are the ability to wash with very hot water.

When choosing for a large family, you should consider its capacity. If the water from the tap flows quite hard, then there is a chance of getting limescale deposits on the washed dishes. To avoid this, you must use a special conditioner and softening salt.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Processes occurring in the machine during operation:

It is difficult to wash dishes by hand in very hot water. PMM does it better. The washing time depends directly on the selected mode and model of equipment. Dishwashing equipment is also supported by the fact that its use not only saves resources, but also the time spent on daily washing of kitchen utensils.

Would you like to share your own experience in operating a dishwasher and choosing the appropriate operating cycle? Is there information on the topic of the article that will be useful to site visitors? Please write comments in the block below, post photos and ask questions about things that interest you.