Everyone wants their dirty dishes washed quickly. But if you’ve just tried your new Samsung dishwasher for the first time, you may find it surprising to wait for over an hour before your cycle finishes.
So how long are Samsung dishwashers’ cycle times and what causes them to run even longer? Let’s jump right into it.
How long does a Samsung dishwasher run?
Samsung dishwashers run for about 80 to 150 minutes on average. It’s also normal for some cycles to take 2 to 3 hours to finish.
If your dishwasher is running longer than normal, unplug it and verify that it’s connected to a hot water supply. Test the heating rod, thermistor, and turbidity sensor.
If you’re still experiencing the error, try the following steps:
- Verify that the insulation material is still placed on top of your dishwasher.
- Make sure that you have not selected cycles and options that make your dishwasher run longer.
- Take advantage of the speed-boosting options available for your model.
Keep reading below to learn more about how long each cycle finishes and what causes your dishwasher to run longer.
Cycles and Durations
Here are some of the most common cycles in Samsung dishwashers and the average time range for each cycle to finish.
| Cycle | Duration |
| Auto | 109 – 143 mins. |
| Smart Auto | 100 – 149 mins. |
| Normal | 119 – 144 mins. |
| Heavy | 162 mins. |
| Express 60 | 60 mins. |
| Delicate | 107 mins. |
| Pots and Pans | 157 mins. |
| Rinse Only | 10 – 15 mins. |
Why is your Samsung dishwasher running longer than usual?
Your Samsung dishwasher will run longer than usual if it’s tapped into a cold water supply, the heating elements are damaged, or the sensors are faulty. Selecting extra options would also prolong your dishwasher’s cycle time.
Here’s a quick overview of how to troubleshoot each issue.
| Cause | Solution |
| Cold Water Supply | Verify that your dishwasher is connected to a hot water supply. Set your water heater between 120 – 149°F. |
| Removed Insulation Material | Pull your dishwasher out of the cabinetry and make sure that the green felt is placed on top of your appliance. Call a professional if the insulation material has been taken off. |
| Damaged Heating Components | Inspect the heating components in your dishwasher. Test the heating rod and thermistor and replace them if necessary. |
| Faulty Timer Motor | Test your timer motor using a multitester. Replace the timer motor if the reading is beyond the appropriate level. |
| Damaged Turbidity Sensor | Locate the turbidity sensor and inspect it for damage. Replace the sensor if it’s faulty. |
| Delay Start Selected | Check the Delay Start button on the panel and turn it off by pressing and holding the Start button for 3 seconds. You can also cancel it by restarting your dishwasher. |
| Sanitize Function is On | Open your dishwasher door to end the Sanitize function. You can also restart your dishwasher to remove all pre-set cycles. |
Now, let’s take a closer look at how to perform these repairs step-by-step.
Cold Water Supply
Samsung dishwashers use hot water to improve their cleaning and drying performance. This is why they have their own heating elements to ensure that they meet the minimum temperature requirement.
However, if you have connected your dishwasher to a cold water supply, your dishwasher will run longer since it will take time to set the water temperature higher.
Solution: Verify that your dishwasher is tapped into a hot water supply. Set your water heater between 120 – 149°F.
Open your sink faucet until the water is hot before you start a cycle on your dishwasher. This will help lessen your dishwasher’s heating time.
Removed Insulation Material
Your Samsung dishwasher comes with a green felt that serves as an insulation material. On top of lowering its noise, the felt also helps in trapping the heat inside your dishwasher.
If this material has been removed or severely damaged, the heat generated by your dishwasher will escape the tub, extending its run time significantly.
Solution: Pull your dishwasher out of the cabinetry to inspect the condition of the insulation material. To do this, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Unplug your dishwasher.
- Step 2: Turn off the water supply valve.
- Step 3: Disconnect the drain hose from the sink drain or garbage disposal. Feed the hose to the hole in your cabinet.
- Step 4: Detach the water inlet hose to the inlet valve.
- Step 5: Unscrew the dishwasher from the cabinet.
- Step 6: Pull out your dishwasher gently. Adjust the leveling legs if necessary.
- Step 7: Inspect the insulation material and make sure that it has not been removed.
If the green felt is damaged or has been removed from the top of your dishwasher, you’ll need to engage a professional service to fix or replace it.
Damaged Heating Components
Another likely cause of your dishwasher running longer is a faulty or damaged heating component.
If the heating rod is broken, your dishwasher will be stuck in the heating process longer than it normally would. The temperature inside your dishwasher could also fluctuate if the thermistor is faulty.
Solution: Unplug your dishwasher first and open it to inspect the metal rod at the bottom. Look for blistering, breaks, burnouts, and other signs of damage.
If there are no visible damages, test the heating element for continuity. To perform the test, follow these instructions:
- Step 1: Pull out the lower rack to access the metal rod at the bottom of the tub. Uninstall it and set it aside in a safe testing area.
- Step 2: Rotate your multimeter’s dial to the lowest setting for ohms of resistance.
- Step 3: Calibrate the multimeter by touching the probes together. Adjust the needle to zero.
- Step 4: Touch both terminals of the heating element using the probes. The rod has continuity if the reading is between 0 – 50 ohms.
Replace your metal rod if the needle doesn’t move significantly or at all.
If the metal rod is working, the thermistor may be causing the issue. Inspect the thermistor and replace it if damaged.
Follow the steps below to perform a replacement.
- Step 1: Unplug your dishwasher and turn off the water supply valve.
- Step 2: Unthread the screws on the lower access panel to remove it.
- Step 3: Disconnect the water supply line from the inlet valve.
- Step 4: Remove the cover from the junction box and disconnect the wires. Loosen and remove the strain relief nut from the box.
- Step 5: Disconnect the drain hose from the garbage disposal or sink drain. Feed the hose through the cabinet hole.
- Step 6: Unthread all the screws holding your dishwasher to the cabinet.
- Step 7: Pull out the dishwasher slowly. Adjust the leveling legs if necessary.
- Step 8: Remove the right side access panel by unthreading the screws.
- Step 9: Unscrew the thermistor and pull it out from the housing unit. Disconnect the wires and remove the thermistor.
- Step 10: Install the new thermistor and retrace the steps to install your dishwasher back in place.
Faulty Timer Motor
The timer motor regulates the length of time that power is directed to each component in your dishwasher.
If your timer motor is faulty, it will cause various errors in your dishwasher, such as failing to start, sticking to one cycle, running a cycle longer than normal, or not shutting off.
Solution: Test your timer motor for continuity to verify that it’s still in working condition. Follow the steps below to perform the test.
- Step 1: Locate where the timer motor is in your dishwasher model by checking your manual.
- Step 2: Remove the outer control panel by unthreading its screws.
- Step 3: Open the dishwasher door and unscrew the inner panel.
- Step 4: Disconnect the two wires connected to the terminals of the timer motor. Take note of the position of the wires to put them back correctly during reinstallation.
- Step 5: Set your multitester to X1000 and touch the terminal of the timer motor with one probe.
- Step 6: Check the reading and verify if it’s between 2,000 to 3,000 ohms. If the reading is outside this range, this means that your timer motor is already damaged.
Uninstall the old timer motor and bring it to your local appliance expert to buy a new one for your model. Install the new timer motor by following the steps above in reverse.
Make sure to connect the wires properly and reinstall your dishwasher correctly back in its place.
Damaged Turbidity Sensor
The turbidity sensor measures how clean the water inside your dishwasher is. It helps determine if your dishes are clean or if it needs more time to be washed.
If the turbidity sensor becomes faulty, it will cause your dishwasher to choose random lengths for the wash cycle. This could shorten the cycles or extend them for hours.
Solution: Locate the turbidity sensor by reading your model’s manual. Although most models install the sensor in the pump housing underneath the dishwasher, it’s best to be certain.
If the sensor is visibly damaged, you’ll need to replace it immediately. Follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Unplug your dishwasher and turn off the water supply valve.
- Step 2: Disconnect the drain and water inlet hoses. Uninstall your dishwasher from the cabinetry.
- Step 3: Lay your dishwasher carefully on its rear panel. Make sure not to damage the hoses.
- Step 4: Unthread the screws of the bottom access panel and remove the panel. Disconnect the wire harness of the leak detector.
- Step 5: Detach the wire connected to the turbidity sensor and pry off the locking tab on both sides.
- Step 6: Remove the old sensor and replace it with the new sensor. Lock it in place and connect the wires.
- Step 7: Screw the bottom panel back in place and reinstall the dishwasher back to the cabinet.
Delay Start Selected
Some Samsung dishwasher models have a Delay Start function to allow you to load the dishes early but start the cycle at a later time.
Depending on your model, the cycle can be delayed from 9 hours to 24 hours. So if you see your dishwasher still running, it may simply be because the Delay Start function is turned on.
Solution: If you want to cancel this feature, press the Delay Start button until the hour increment disappears on the display.
You can also press and hold the Start button to cancel any pre-set cycle, including the Delay Start feature. Restarting your dishwasher is another option.
Sanitize Function is On
The Sanitize function raises the water temperature inside your dishwasher during the final rinse cycle. This boosts your machine’s cleaning and drying performance.
However, because your dishwasher is too hot after sanitizing, it warns you of the steam and hot air when you open the door by staying lit.
Since your dishwasher won’t turn off unless the Sanitize function ends, it will appear like the cycle is running longer than normal.
Solution: End the Sanitize feature by opening the door carefully or by powering off your dishwasher.
It’s normal for your Samsung dishwasher to take a little more than an hour to clean your dishes thoroughly.
Still, if you need to wash your dishes faster, take advantage of your model’s features such as the Speed Booster, Zone Booster, or Storm Wash options.
Also, it’s best to call your local appliance repair expert if you’re having a tough time performing some of the troubleshooting steps above.
