How long does a washer take to complete a cycle? On average a washing cycle is completed within an hour. It could be prolonged due to load and other factors.
You are not alone if you find laundry a bit longer. And, if you’re looking for the answer to how long it takes to complete a washing machine spin cycle? Then we got you. This article will provide you with a complete guide on laundry time and step-by-step washer cycle details.
On average, it takes 50 minutes to complete a wash cycle. The laundry cycle duration depends on the size, machine settings, and fabric quantity. A delicate wash cycle ends about an hour. Tightly packed clothes usually require a prolonged period till the final spin.
The time also depends on the type of clothes you are washing. Usually, cotton and linen take less cycle time than jeans or fabric that need an extra rinse.
Washing Machine Cycle Times – By Different Fabric Type
In a nutshell, it depends on the machine settings, fabric, and load size. Our team tested different everyday clothes with multiple settings to determine the exact time. Here’s the result:
| Cycle Type | Fabric Type | Average Time |
| Normal | Mix including cotton, viscose, and denim | 50 minutes |
| Quick Wash | Everyday clothes | 45 minutes |
| Heavy Duty | Towels, jeans and bed sheets | 80 minutes |
| Sanitize Cycle | Regular clothes | 60 minutes |
| Delicate | Shirts, Sleeping gowns and jeans | 50 minutes |
| Rinse | Cotton shirts, viscose, and denim | 60 minutes |
| Wash and Tumble Dry | Towels, jeans and bed sheets | 60 minutes |
- A normal laundry cycle takes 50 minutes.
- Quick wash takes less time compared to delicate and full.
- Rinse washing takes more time and requires extra water.
- On average, washing and drying fabric in the Top loading machine take less time than in front-load washers.
- The average is around 50 minutes to an hour.
Front Loader V/S Top Loader – Normal Wash Cycle
Both top and front loader washing machines take almost the same time. The top load requires more water usage and the rinse cycle is pretty easy to complete in it.
Front Load Washing Machine
In general, a front loader is energy and water-efficient. Due to its convenience, I normally do my laundry at a local launderette in a front loader. Here’s my own opinion;
- The Laundry routine also determines how much it’s going to take to wash all your clothes.
- Sweaters, jeans, and sheer clothes take 60 minutes.
- It is best to wash comforters and curtains in full load with heavy-duty washing machine settings.
- A quick cycle with hot water usually takes less time.
- A delicate cycle is best for jeans and denim.
- Unbalanced loads require too much detergent and long washing machine cycles.
It is always recommended to wash normal loads in soapy water. It is best to do laundry once a fortnight.
Top Load Washers
A top load washer is best for comforters, bedsheets, and regular clothes. It is best for a quick and heavy-duty cycle.
- A top-load laundry machine is best for delayed or extra long wash time.
- It also goes well with a lightly soiled and unbalanced load.
- A top washer usually takes slightly less time but requires more water.
- For daily clothes, an average cycle time is 50 – 60 minutes.
- The time may vary depending on the type of fabric and machine settings.
I am not a fan of a top loader. There is always a threat of common household bacteria buildup if you forget to remove the wet clothes on time.
To run a sanitized wash cycle, such machines use a lot of water resulting in way more energy bills.
How Does The Spin Speed Affect Washing Machine Cycle?
The rule of thumb is “the faster the spin, the earlier you’re done with laundry.”
At 1600rpm, the clothes dry faster, but at 1200rpm, around 30% to 35% moisture is present in dried clothes.
Small and normal loads are good to go on lower settings. Heavy washing loads with excessive suds require more laundry detergent and time.
Why Does It Take So Long To Complete A Laundry Cycle?
Nowadays, washers are designed to use less water. Due to it, the wash times increase as it uses the same limited water. Here’re some common reasons:
- Unbalanced and heavy loads
- The wrong type of cycle
- Too much detergent
- Low voltage
- Faulty control panel
There may be water leakage in your washer. The machine has to refill again and again in such a case which consumes additional time.
Tips To Save Time In Laundry – Your Ultimate Guide
Try our tested tricks next time and save time. I save almost 20 minutes to 30 minutes following these hacks.
- The Early, The Better
Don’t let the clothes pile up. Buckle yourself and do the laundry at least once in fifteen days. Doing so will save you from stress and trouble.
- Balanced Loads
When you are putting the fabric in your washer, it is balanced and in small loads. Unbalanced clothes will take additional time and be less clean even at full cycle.
- Take Care Of Stains
Try to remove stains as soon as possible. Once you start to follow this practice, you’ll be amazed to see how it cuts the timing almost in half.
Wrapping It Up!
The washing cycle depends on the type of clothes. On average, it is 50 minutes long. We recommend washing small loads by type of fabric.
The delayed start is not suitable for rugged fabric. A top loader machine requires more water. Due to it, the time is prolonged.