01Why Do Washing Machines Take So Long Now?
Several factors have combined over the years to make wash cycles progressively longer:
- Less water. Modern machines use significantly less water than older ones. Less water makes rinsing less efficient, so rinse cycles have to run for longer to achieve the same result.
- Energy efficiency ratings. The introduction of mandatory energy labels has forced manufacturers to reduce electricity and water consumption. Washing for longer at lower temperatures and with less water is how machines pass these tests.
- Lower temperatures. The shift towards lower wash temperatures requires longer cycle times to achieve equivalent cleaning results. Higher temperatures dissolve and remove soiling faster - lower temperatures need more time and mechanical action to compensate.
- Cold fill only. Most modern washing machines take only cold water and heat it internally, rather than drawing hot water from the household supply. In the UK this has limited impact on most households’ overall wash times, but it is a contributing factor. See: cold fill versus hot and cold fill washing machines.
- Load balancing. Many modern machines go through extended procedures to sense and balance the load before spinning. An unbalanced load can cause repeated balance attempts, adding significant time to the overall cycle.
Ironically, while longer cycles are driven by environmental targets, running a machine for twice as long puts more wear on its components - which is likely to shorten its lifespan and lead to earlier replacement. This is not environmentally beneficial.
02Do Not Try to Cut Down Wash Times
Many people find long cycle times frustrating and turn to quick wash cycles or option buttons to reduce them. This approach is counterproductive and can damage the machine over time.
03One Way to Do More Washing in Less Time
If long cycle times are a genuine problem, buying a washing machine with a larger drum capacity allows more laundry to be washed in each load. Fewer loads per week can offset the longer time per cycle, reducing the overall time spent on laundry without compromising on wash quality.
04Why Do Economy Programmes Take Longer?
This is a question that surprises many people. If an economy cycle uses less electricity, how can it also take longer to run?
“How is it that the ‘Economy’ cycles take twice as long as the regular wash? How is that economical? I would have thought that would use more electricity.”
The answer lies in understanding where washing machines actually consume electricity. Heating the water is by far the biggest energy cost - it uses far more electricity than the motor, pump, and controls combined. A machine running with the heater on for just 15 minutes will use considerably more electricity than the same machine washing without heat for several hours.
Economy programmes save energy by using lower temperatures or no heat at all. But because a lower temperature is less effective at cleaning, the machine compensates by washing for longer. Heat pump tumble dryers work on the same principle - recycling warm air rather than generating fresh heat is more efficient, but the lower thermal output requires a longer drying time. So economy cycles take longer but use less electricity overall.
05Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my washing machine take so long to wash?
Modern washing machines use less water and lower temperatures to meet energy efficiency standards. Less water makes rinsing less efficient so rinse cycles run longer. Lower temperatures require extended wash times to achieve the same cleaning results. Load balancing procedures can also add time. This applies to all modern washing machines, not any specific brand.
Why do economy wash cycles take longer than normal cycles?
Economy cycles save electricity by using lower temperatures. Heating water is by far the biggest energy cost - running the motor and pump for a long time uses far less electricity than heating water for a short time. A lower temperature is less effective at cleaning, so the machine compensates by washing for longer. The result is a longer cycle that uses less electricity overall.
Is it OK to use quick wash cycles all the time?
No. Regularly using quick, short, or very low temperature cycles prevents the machine from ever running hot enough to clean itself internally. Over time this causes a build-up of grease, detergent residue, and black mould inside the drum, door seal, and pipes. Using a full temperature cycle regularly - at least once a week - helps prevent this. See: washing machine smells and black mould.
Last reviewed: April 2025.
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i bought a washing machine and it was from hotpoint it took 3 hours and a bit to compleate a wash cycle a used to have the hotpoint wm22 which was the best machine a think hotpoint did since th new ones have come out they are a compleate waste of time and a dont see how a washer will use less electricity for 3 hours when the hotpoint wm22 had the wash compleated with in 45 mins
Likely replying to michael coyne
Hi Michael, it does seem crazy but I explained how they do use less electricity in my article :)