Why is the washing machine taking longer than expected?

Why is the washing machine taking longer than expected?

The washing machine should have finished a long time ago but you are still waiting to hang up your freshly washed clothes? Before the last minute has passed, it sometimes takes what seems like an eternity. But what is the reason?

Is it just in our heads? No, because a glance at the clock proves that the washing machine takes longer than originally indicated. The time indicated on the screen is therefore misleading and unreliable in many cases. Find out here what could be the reasons.

1. Incorrect detergent dosage

If the detergent dosage is too high, the washing machine takes longer to rinse completely. The spin cycle can only begin when the sensors no longer detect foam formation. The longer the washing machine has to rinse, the longer the program. Incorrect detergent dosage is one of the most common reasons why the washing machine takes longer than indicated.

2. Water pressure too low

The problem does not come from the dose of detergent. Then check the water pressure. It should be as high as possible or at least within the normal range so that the washing machine is filled with water in a short time. If there are problems in the pipe or if water is taken from too many places at the same time, the water pressure may drop or fluctuate. The washing machine will need more time accordingly.

Try to avoid using too much water during the washing process. Avoid taking a shower or a bath, watering the garden, or running the dishwasher.

3. Water temperature too low

If the washing machine was only connected to the cold water pipe, this may be the cause of the problem. Indeed, if very cold water enters the device, it must first be heated, depending on the program. The colder the water, the longer the time. If possible, it is better to connect the washing machine to the hot water pipe to save electricity.

4. Incorrect loading of the washing machine

When the washing machine is properly loaded, its contents are pressed evenly against the drum wall during the spin cycle. The laundry is arranged in a ring and the drum can turn evenly. If there are too few laundry items or one large item of clothing in the washing machine, it can cause an imbalance in the spin cycle. In this case, the laundry is not evenly distributed in the drum and an imbalance occurs.

The washing machine’s sensors immediately detect this problem and the spin cycle is stopped to prevent any damage. The drum then spins backward to distribute the laundry more evenly. The spin cycle is then restarted. If an imbalance is detected again, the process is repeated several times until the program stops without spinning if an error is repeated. In this case, the laundry is still very damp when it is removed from the machine. If an imbalance occurs in the washing machine during the spin cycle, the machine will take much longer and the last few minutes may seem like an eternity. 

If the spin is successful despite an incorrect load, the last minutes of the program will still be longer. After spinning, the machine’s sensors must first ensure that the water has been spun enough to complete the program. With an irregularly loaded machine, this last point of the program takes much longer.

5. The time display itself

According to some washing machine manufacturers, the time shown on the washing machine display is only an approximate guide value. It is initially assumed that the conditions are optimal. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the weight and degree of soiling of the laundry also influence the duration of the selected program. If something does not go as planned during the washing process, the program duration is automatically extended.