How Long Should A Bosch Dishwasher Cycle Run?

The run time on a Bosch dishwasher will depend on the cycle on which it's set. Some cycles run longer than others. However, if your dishwasher seems to be running longer than usual on specific cycles, this could be a sign that there's an issue with one of the components. But how long should each cycle run on a Bosch dishwasher? We've researched this, and we'll discuss it.

A Bosch dishwasher has a handful of different settings for its wash cycles. On average, the wash cycles will vary anywhere from 80 minutes to 135 minutes total. The ideal cycle will depend on the number of dishes you have in the dishwasher and the degree to which they are soiled. There are also additional settings for sanitization and rinse-only options.

Do you still have more questions about the various run times on a Bosch dishwasher? Stick around, we'll answer all your questions and provide you with a thorough look at a Bosch's cycle settings.

Typical Run Time on a Bosch Dishwasher

Recent Bosch dishwashers typically have shorter run times than older dishwashers. As the manufacturer improves these dishwashers, they always seek to add additional features for convenience and brevity. Let's take a look at the most common settings and their respective cycle run times.

Heavy Wash

The typical heavy wash cycle on most Bosch dishwashers is around 115-135 minutes. This wash cycle is for heavy-duty cleaning of dishes or pots and pans. During this cycle, the dishwashers use higher temperatures and extra water to get rid of hard-to-clean stains.

If you have any heavily stained casserole dishes, plates, silverware, or stained cups, this is the ideal setting to use.

Auto Wash

The auto wash cycle will typically last between 99-135 minutes, on average. This setting is more of an economical setting. It uses a unique sensor to determine how dirty the dishes are, and then it adjusts the cycle duration and water temperature accordingly.

The cycle will be longer for heavily soiled dishes, and for lightly soil dishes, it'll be shorter.

Normal Wash

The normal wash cycle is typically used to wash and dry dishes that aren't necessarily heavily soiled but need more than a light cleaning. You'll probably use this dishwasher setting more than any other--and it typically runs anywhere from 90 to 115 minutes.

Delicate Wash

The delicate wash runs about 80 minutes on average. It also uses a lower temperature setting and less water. This cycle may also be referred to as the "Light" or "Glass" cycle on some Bosch dishwasher models. It's ideal for fragile dishes such as crystals, glassware, or fine china.

If you have dishes that have just been used or that are not heavily soiled, this temperature setting will work to provide a thorough cleaning without using a lot of water or energy. The lowered pressure setting will help avoid damaging any fragile items with intense bursts of water or too hot temperatures.

Express Wash

Sometimes you may need to wash dishes quickly, which is where the express wash comes into place. On average, it runs about 30 minutes and uses heat and energy for a relatively quick wash cycle. This is typically a good choice for cleaning lightly soiled bowls, plates, or silverware.

Sanitize

The "Sanitize" setting allows the dishwasher to kill over 99% of bacteria on the dish surfaces and uses hot water. The runtime itself can add about an hour to an hour and a half to your regular dish cycle.

The temperature for this cycle is at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit, and some models have a setting where you can place the dishwasher on "Sanitize" only without having the initial wash. This is for instances where the dishes may have already been cleaned but not sanitized afterward.

Rinse Only

And lastly, you have the rinse only cycle. This cycle will last anywhere from 10-15 minutes, and its purpose is to rinse the dishes as the name states. No detergent is required for the rinse cycle, and some Bosch dishwasher models may have it listed on the control panel as the "Rinse and Hold" cycle.

What is the auto wash on a Bosch dishwasher?

The auto wash setting on the Bosch dishwasher will use an automatic sensor to determine how soiled the dishes are. It will then adjust the water temperature in the cycle time accordingly.

This setting is perfect if you're looking to get the dishes in and out of the dishwasher without having to mess around with the settings too much. Some models also allow you to add the sanitized option to the wash cycle.

Why is my Bosch dishwasher cycle so long?

The type of cycle that a dishwasher is on will play the biggest role in determining how long the cycle will last. Heavier cycles will always last longer than quick washes and rinses. However, there may be an issue with the dishwasher in some cases, causing the cycle to be extended. Here are a few of the most common types of issues that can prolong a Bosch dishwasher's cycle.

Malfunctioning Heating Element

The heating element raises the water temperature used inside the dishwasher for the washer and cycles. However, if the dishwasher is over seven years old, the heating element can begin to malfunction or burn out.

If this happens in specific dishwasher cycles, the dishwasher will continue to run — though, it will not advance the next cycle due to a lack of heated water. The best way to fix this issue is to use a multimeter to test the continuity of the heating element and replace it if needed.

Find this multimeter on Amazon.

Clogged Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet valve uses a small hole in the bottom of the dishwasher to allow clean water to enter the tub. Sometimes, this valve can become clogged with food debris. In other cases, it can become defective after 7 to 10 years.

If the dishwasher locks, the heating element will not function, which will cause the dishwasher to continue running for several hours. If the valve is defective or clogged, it will need to be replaced. Surprisingly, trying to clean it will increase the likelihood that it'll fail.

Faulty Control Board

The control board is the nucleus of the dishwasher. It provides every component with power, and if it begins to malfunction, it can cause a dishwasher to shut off, run for hours, or initiate the wrong cycles.

If you are experiencing issues with the control board or suspect it might be causing problems, it's best to look at your user's manual to troubleshoot them. If you aren't able to, it's best to contact a Bosch-approved appliance technician.

The Timer is Broken

The timer on the dishwasher tracks the length of each cycle, initiating the start of the following cycle in the cleaning process. When the timer malfunctions, it will not advance properly to the next cycle, causing the unit to run unnecessarily for several minutes or hours.

A timer can be replaced relatively easily, but it may be tricky to diagnose initially. This is another scenario where it may be best to contact an experienced technician.

How do you cancel a wash cycle on a Bosch dishwasher?

Most Bosch dishwasher models have a "Cancel" or "Reset" button on the control panel. If you want to cancel the wash cycle, press the cancel button and wait for the unit to stop. If this doesn't work, you can also reset the dishwasher. You can do this by clicking the reset button or manually resetting the dishwasher by simply unplugging it or resetting the power at the circuit breaker.

Can you open a Bosch dishwasher mid-cycle?

Yes, but it depends on the Dishwasher model. Most models will come with a "Cancel" or "Pause" button that will allow you to temporarily pause the current cycle or cancel it entirely and start a completely new cycle. Opening a dishwasher once it begins operation isn't recommended, as it can scald you with hot water and get a fair amount of water on your kitchen floor.

If you don't have a pause or cancel button because your dishwasher is an older model, unplug the power cord or turn off the power to the unit at the electrical box.

How do you reset the cycle on a Bosch dishwasher?

Most Bosch dishwashers can be reset by selecting the "Reset" button on the control panel. However, if you have an older model or can't find the button, you can also unplug the unit or turn off all power to the dishwasher by flipping the circuit breaker switch.

Wrapping Things Up

We hope that this post has helped illustrate how long a Bosch dishwasher cycle should run. You can also check your user manual to see the average run times for each cycle.

Before you go, be sure to check out our other articles:

How Long Should A Bosch Dishwasher Last?

Should Kitchen Countertops Match The Floor?