Guide to Dishwasher Cycles

Each time you start a dishwasher cycle, it goes through four different phases: pre-wash, main wash, rinse, and dry. However, there are numerous cycle types to choose from; which one should you be using and what’s the difference between them all? In this article, we’ll discuss the most common cycles found on dishwashers, their different functions, and when you should use them, along with some tips for optimal cleaning.

Tips for Getting the Best Results from Your Dishwasher

• Always scrape your dishes prior to loading them in the machine, but there is no need to fully rinse. The detergent for a dishwasher actually needs some food particles to bind to in order to clean efficiently. If your plates are thoroughly rinsed beforehand, the enzymes in the detergent will break down the surfaces of your dishes instead. This can lead to your dishes looking scratched or cloudy over time.
• Run the hot water at your kitchen sink to “prime” the lines. This will let the machine spend less time and energy to heat the water up to an appropriate temperature to clean your dishes.
• Always place the detergent pod in the dispenser, don't just throw it into the wash tub. The dispenser releases the pod at the appropriate time in the washer cycle. If you throw it in the bottom of the machine, it will dissolve in the rinse cycle and be down the drain before the detergent even touches your dishes.

Common Dishwasher Cycles and Their Function

Depending on the age and technology of your dishwasher, you may have dozens of cycle options to choose from to clean your dishes. If you’ve just been selecting “normal” every time, there may be an alternative option to fit your dishes' needs.

What is a Rinse Cycle on a Dishwasher?

This option may also be called Rinse & Hold (GE), Rinse Only (GE, KitchenAid, Frigidaire, Samsung), or Prewash (Maytag). The rinse cycle will prevent food from drying onto your dishes and help prevent any smells from forming.

When to Use the Rinse Cycle

I know we stated at the start of the article not to rinse your dishes prior to loading, but this cycle has a time and place. It is a handy feature when you’re loading the dishwasher at one time (say after dinner), but don’t plan to run a load until a later time (after breakfast the next day for example). If you are loading the dishwasher and immediately turning it on, there’s no need to do this rinse cycle first, as that’s taken care of during normal operation.

How Long Does the Rinse Cycle Take?

The rinse cycle is very quick (typically just a few minutes) and is run without detergent.

What is a Quick Cycle on a Dishwasher?

This will be the shortest cycle that actually washes your dishes. Depending on your model, this cycle may be called Quick Wash (Whirlpool, Frigidaire), Express Wash (KitchenAid, Bosch),1 Hour Wash (Maytag, Frigidaire), or Glass Cycle (GE).

When to Use the Quick Cycle

This cycle should be used for lightly soiled items, or dishware that you need to clean quickly (such as cooking or baking dishes you want to use again later). The quick cycle is probably not sufficient to clean baked-on food, and it may not fully dry your dishes.

How Long Does the Quick Cycle Take?

You can expect this option to take between 30-60 minutes to clean your dishes.

What is a Normal Cycle on a Dishwasher?

The normal cycle on a dishwasher may also be called Standard or Regular. This is the typical setting most will use, as it will provide a thorough clean for daily-use dishes.

When to Use the Normal Cycle

Unless you have heavily soiled cookware, or other special washing needs, this cycle option will fit the bill. When running a full load, this option is going to be more energy efficient and likely save you time over hand washing every dish.

How Long Does the Normal Cycle Take?

A normal cycle can take between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.

What is an Eco Cycle on a Dishwasher?

The Eco cycle uses less energy and water by using a lower water temperature and less water but extends the cycle length, so that you still have thoroughly cleaned dishes. It may be called an Eco Mode, Eco (Bosch), or Energy Saver (Frigidaire) as well.

When to Use an Eco Cycle

If you aren’t concerned with the length the cycle runs for, this option could replace the “normal” one if your model of dishwasher has it. An eco cycle works great for regular-use dishes but may not be suitable for heavily soiled or burnt-on food. It may not fully dry your dishes either, in order to conserve energy.

How Long Does an Eco Cycle Take?

The run time will vary depending on your model, but you can expect an Eco cycle to take about 3 hours to complete.

What is Auto Mode on a Dishwasher?

More modern dishwashers have sensors, which can detect how dirty your dishes are. The sensor will relay this information, and the dishwasher will adjust the water level, temperatures, and length of the cycle to ensure your dishes are fully cleaned. Other names for this type of cycle include Sensor (Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Maytag), ProWash (KitchenAid), AutoSense (GE), Smart Auto (Samsung) and Mixed-Load.

When to Use Auto Mode

This option can replace the default “normal” cycle option, as it will adjust each time you run a load of dishes for an optimal clean. The auto mode is also ideal if you are washing a variety of items, such as pots and pans with your regular plates and cutlery.

How Long Does an Auto Mode Cycle Take?

This cycle can take longer to complete, and the time will vary with each use. You can expect your dishwasher to run for 2 to 3 hours, depending on how dirty the dishes are. Similar to a washing machine with sensors, the “time left” on display may fluctuate throughout the cycle.

What is a Heavy Cycle on a Dishwasher?

This cycle is meant for your most soiled dishes and cookware. It may also go by Heavy Wash (Frigidaire), Pots & Pans (Samsung), Cookware, Heavy Soil, Tough (KitchenAid), or Intensive. This cycle is going to use higher temperatures and more water to get the job done, but that’s what it takes to tackle burnt on messes or greasy cookware.

When to Use a Heavy Cycle

This won’t be (and shouldn’t be) your go-to daily use cycle. You’ll most likely use this one after a busy cooking day, such as when doing meal-prep or hosting a holiday meal.

How Long Does a Heavy Cycle Take?

You can expect a heavy cycle to take at least 3 hours to complete.

Additional Dishwasher Options

Dishwashers have additional options you can select to better suit your needs. Here are some of the most common ones and how they work. These options are not 'cycles' per se but may appear as buttons on your dishwasher's control panel that are selectable in addition to the cycle options above.

What is the Sanitize Option on a Dishwasher?

The sanitize option will reach temperatures hot enough to kill 99.99% of food related bacteria. It should be noted that sanitizing and sterilizing are two different functions, and household dishwashers do not get hot enough to sterilize your dishes (the water needs to be at least 250F). Depending on your model, this option may be called Sanitize Cycle, SaniWash, Sani-Rinse, High-Temp Rinse. This is a setting you select in addition to a regular cycle, and the machine will then perform a final rinse at a higher temperature (at least 150F) to sanitize your items.

When to Use the Sanitize Option

This option should be selected when you have items like baby bottles, cutting boards or dishes that touched raw meat, or cleaning dishes while there's cold and flu bugs in the house.

How Long Does Sanitizing Take on a Dishwasher?

Sanitizing can add up to an extra hour to your regular wash cycle.

What are the Different Drying Options on a Dishwasher?

Selecting a dry option on your dishwasher can add extra time to the cycle, and be a significant source of energy consumption. Below are some of the most common dry options, including some energy efficient choices.

Heat Dry

Selecting the heat dry option on your dishwasher will turn on the heating element at the bottom of the tub after the rinse phase. The heat will circulate through the tub and help the water evaporate from your dishes faster. If you are opting to use a heat dry option, be sure to load any plastic dishes on the top rack of the dishwasher to prevent them from melting. Using this option can add an extra 30 minutes to the total cycle time.

Extended Dry

The extended dry option functions similar to a regular heat dry but runs for a longer amount of time. This option will increase your dishwasher's energy use and will lengthen the overall cycle time.

Heated Rinse

The heated rinse option will use a hotter water temperature at the end of the cycle. The hot water will evaporate quicker, leaving you with dry dishes.

Fan Dry

For an energy savings option, use fan dry instead of a heated dry. This option uses a fan to circulate either room temperature or hot air(which is less economical but efficient at drying).

Air Dry

This feature is found on newer dishwasher models, where the door will automatically pop open to allow the steam to escape from the tub. If your machine doesn’t have this option, you can replicate the results by manually cracking open the dishwasher door once the cycle has finished.

What is the Delay Start Option on a Dishwasher?

The delay start option on a dishwasher allows you to pre-select a cycle, and then a later time for it to actually run. Depending on your model, there may be a set delay (4 hours later for example) or you can choose the time, typically in one-hour increments.

When to Use the Delay Start Option

In many areas, energy costs are lower overnight, so scheduling the dishwasher to run after you’ve gone to bed can help save on your utility bills. Or if your home has an open floor plan, running the dishwasher right after dinner might be too noisy to enjoy watching TV in the living room. Using the delay start lets you set it and forget and still have clean dishes in the morning.

How Long Does the Delay Start Take on a Dishwasher?

Using the delay start feature doesn’t change the length of the actual wash cycle; it just prolongs the time when the dishwasher starts running.

Understanding the different dishwasher cycles available on your machine can help you get cleaner dishes, save energy, and extend the life of your appliance. Whether you’re tackling tough, baked-on cookware or just running a quick load of glasses, choosing the right setting makes a noticeable difference in both performance and efficiency. By pairing the correct cycle with proper loading habits and detergent use, you’ll ensure your dishwasher runs at its best, and your dishes come out spotless every time. if your dishwasher's cycles or features aren't working as intended, there may be a problem with one or more of the components responsible for the cycle. You can diagnose the exact issue causing your cycle problems with our dishwasher repair guides and complete your DIY repairs with our OEM dishwasher parts.