How long does it take for a washing machine to wash?
The question of how long an automatic washing machine takes may seem a little odd. However, we dare say there's nothing odd about it. People might be interested in washing time in at least three situations.
Firstly, when a used washing machine is purchased and there are no instructions included, secondly, the washing machine lacks a display that would show the wash duration, and thirdly, when a person is choosing a new modern washing machine, they want to know its wash time capabilities in different modes. That's why we decided to provide a detailed explanation of how long and how quickly an automatic washing machine can wash.
Factors that determine washing time
A complete washing cycle includes certain stages, there should be at least three of them:
- washing;
- rinsing;
- wringing.
The duration of each washing stage depends on a number of factors, so washing times may vary. These factors include:
- water heating temperature - this means that the higher the heating temperature, the longer it will take to heat the water, and therefore, the longer it will take to wash the laundry. The shortest washing time, all other things being equal, will be when heating the water to 300C, or when washing in cold water;
- Using an additional rinse also increases the washing time by an average of 20-30 minutes;
- number of revolutions during spinning - the higher the revolutions, the longer the spin time, for example, when spinning at 800 rpm the machine spins for 10 minutes, and when spinning at 1000 rpm - 15 minutes;
- the extra wash function will extend the time by another 15-25 minutes;
- soaking is similar to the additional washing process;
- the time for the boiling function of laundry is also increased, again so that the water heats up to at least a temperature of 950WITH;
- laundry weight - this function is available only in modern washing machines of the mid-range and high-end price ranges. The machine automatically determines, based on the weight of the laundry, how much washing powder and water is needed for washing and sets the washing duration;
- Degree of soiling – this feature is also found only in expensive washing machines. Thanks to special sensors, the machine determines water consumption and the optimal wash cycle in terms of duration and temperature.
Please note! The last two features in an automatic washing machine are not always cost-effective. Any homeowner can easily choose a wash cycle on a machine with standard features without paying extra.
Duration of washing modes

It's more or less clear what determines the time of one washing cycle. Let's now look at commonly used programs and modes and see how long they can last. In this case, we will talk about a specific mode and its built-in parameters, which can be changed manually., namely temperature and spin speed, which, as we've already noted, also affect washing time. Most washing machines have the following settings:
- Quick wash – in some models, this may be called "Daily Wash," "Express," or "Mini 30 Wash." This wash cycle lasts from 15 to 35 minutes. Modern washing machines have the shortest wash cycle of 15-20 minutes. Older automatic machines wash for at least 30 minutes, and some even 40.
- Cotton 950C – in this mode, laundry is washed in about 2 hours.

- Cotton 600C – washing will take about 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Cotton 400C (Cotton Quick) – involves washing for 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Synthetics (as a rule, the water is heated to 30-400C) – washing time is 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Delicate wash (water is also heated to no more than 300C) – duration from 50 minutes to 1 hour.
- Washing silk (wool) takes about 56 minutes.
- Hand wash also takes 56 minutes.
- Bulky items, in some models the mode is called “Down Blanket” - this mode lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Children's clothes - washing time is about 2 hours 20 minutes.
- Intensive wash (involves heating water to 900With prolonged exposure of laundry to such water, an additional rinsing process is immediately incorporated into it) – duration, depending on the car model, can last from 2.5 to 4 hours.
- Eco-wash (bio-care) – these programs include an additional rinse, so the washing cycle lasts at least 2 hours.
- Shoes – only modern washing machines have this mode, it can last from 30 to 50 minutes.
For some of these modes, you can set additional functions such as super rinse, easy ironing function, pre-wash, which means that you need to add another 15 to 30 minutes to the time indicated above.
Modern washing machines are equipped with a drying function, which can significantly extend the entire wash cycle.
Does washing time depend on the type and model of washing machine?
The answer to this question is obvious, of course, the washing time depends on the model of the automatic washing machine. In modern models, the manufacturer strives to reduce energy consumption as much as possible by reducing the duration of washing cycles, thereby making the machine more economical. However, on average, this time still varies by 20-30 minutes. You can find more precise washing times for a specific cycle in your washing machine's manual, and if you don't have a printed copy, you can find them online.
As for the loading type of the automatic washing machine, it does not affect the washing duration. Top loading machines Front-loading and front-loading machines have similar cycles, the duration of which may differ, but not significantly. Both machines have a quick wash cycle and an intensive wash cycle.
For those who prioritize washing time, it's best to choose washing machine models with a display that shows the remaining wash time. A delayed wash function is also convenient, allowing the machine to restart automatically after a delay of between 3 and 19 hours.
So, washing time in an automatic washing machine can range from 15 minutes to 4 hours. Everything will depend on a combination of parameters and factors listed above. Wash correctly and enjoy!
Interesting:
12 reader comments
Headings
Washing machine repair
For buyers
For users
Dishwasher







Thank you so much, thanks to you I finally turned on the clap function, and I was wondering why it didn't show the time right away...
How many minutes does it take to wash laundry in hot and cold water on the cotton 60 cycle?
When hand washing, does rinsing occur? What about spinning?
There should be rinsing, but it seems there is no spinning.
What should I do if I turned on the normal wash mode, and how long will it take to wash?
Could you tell me if I set the washing machine to mode 8, spin speed to 600, and temperature to 60 on an Indesit machine? Does the spin cycle turn on automatically?
Why does the machine stop after rinsing and wait until I press continue?
I once had a problem with a long wash cycle. I poured liquid detergent into both compartments. The machine couldn't take all of it in at once. So, every time I filled the drum with water, the remaining detergent was washed out, creating foam. Then the machine continued rinsing endlessly until all the detergent was washed out and the foam stopped. Pour liquid detergents directly into the drum!
My Indesit always runs a full cycle with a spin at the end. I use dry powder detergent for the machine; I haven't tried liquid detergent yet.
I have a Bosch washing machine. I can't figure out what "end after" means? The description is so vague, judging by it, it's the duration. But since it has a clock setting of up to 24, maybe it's a timer?
I'm from 2022, I set "cotton 40" and 40 degrees, the machine has been washing for more than two hours, either it's frozen and will wash forever, or it's washing for too long.
I pour detergent into both pre-wash compartments, and the main wash detergent is washed out at once. My machine is a Samsung. So, there's no detergent left for the main wash. What should I do?