Tall Mens Fashion Advice

How Long Does a Washer Take? [Answered]

Find out how long your clothes will take in the washing machine specific to each washer setting.

How Long Does a Washer Take?

Wash Clothes

When using a normal wash cycle on a top or front-load washing machine, it should take somewhere between 60 and 80 minutes to complete. A quick wash cycle for lightly soiled garments takes between 15 an 40 minutes. A delicate wash cycle takes anywhere between 45 and 80 minutes, depending on the make and model of the washing machine. 

This is How Long Does a Washer Take [Answered].

Knowing how long the washing machine takes can help us to plan our day and get through our laundry chores more efficiently. 

The amount of time that a washing machine needs to clean clothes varies depending on the brand as well as the model of washer you are using. 

The wash cycle setting you choose to use will also effect the amount of time needed. Choosing quick wash will take the least amount of time and can be used together with lightly soiled garments. 

Follow our washing tips for all types of garments.

The heavy duty setting takes a longer period of time and can be used in conjunction with heavily soiled items.

Continue reading to find out how long each wash cycle takes to finish.

How Long Does a Washer Take?

How long does a washing machine take?

A washer will take between 60-80 minutes for your clothes to be washed. However with the variety of settings these days, there are a few variable that will come into play. Let me explain…

The length of time depends on the make and model of the washing machine, as well as the wash setting that you choose to use. 

Continue reading below to see how long a washer takes when using the most common types of wash settings, such as delicate or quick wash. 

this is a photo of a washing machine timer

1. How Long is a Quick Wash Cycle?

The quick wash cycle for lightly soiled garments typically takes between 15 to 40 minutes to complete. The length of time varies depending on the make and model of the washer. Only use this setting with lightly soiled garments, as it will not be vigorous enough to clean heavily soiled clothes. 

2. How Long is a Delicate Wash Cycle?

A delicate wash cycle usually takes 45 to 80 minutes to wash clothes. Delicate garments made from fabrics such as silk, wool, or spandex should be washed using the delicate setting. The wash time will vary depending on the washer’s make and model. The delicate setting may also be referred to as “gentle” on some washing machines. 

3. How Long is a Heavy Duty Wash Cycle?

Heavily soiled garments can be washed using a heavy duty wash cycle, which usually takes somewhere between 60 to 120 minutes.

4. How Long Does a Front-Load Washer Take?

You can expect a front-load washing machine to take anywhere between 60 and 80 minutes while using the normal wash cycle setting. 

5. How Long Does a Top-Load Washer Take?

Depending on the make and model of your top-load washing machine, a normal wash cycle should last between 60 to 80 minutes before finishing. 

6. How Long Does it Take to Wash and Dry Clothes

Drying your clothes can take anywhere from 30 to 80 minutes in the dryer (read the full article on how long does a dryer take?). The amount of time needed for your load to dry will depend on the setting you choose to use, as well as the contents and density of the load. Items like robes, towels, and sweaters hold more moisture and therefore will take a longer time to dry.

Not sure how to use your dryer, let me help: How to use a Dryer!

The dryer has settings ranging from air dry to tumble dry high. The most commonly used setting is tumble dry low, because it uses low heat and will not shrink or damage the majority of garments. Tumble dry high should only be used with thick cotton items such as towels and hoodies. The air dry setting will take the longest time to dry your clothes since it uses no heat at all. 

If you are wary of shrinking your clothes in the dryer, there are other options that will keep the fabric from altering.

How Long Does a Washer Take FAQ

Yes, 30 minutes is enough for a quick wash cycle. It would be best to use only a 30-minute cycle for lightly soiled garments.

A full washing machine cycle takes between 60 and 80 minutes.

Your washing machine taking 3 hours can be due to multiple reasons. The best thing you can do is call in an expert to look at it. This will save you time and money using an inefficient washing machine.

A 15-minute wash is enough if you wash a few lightly soiled pieces of clothing. A 15-minute wash is called a quick wash cycle.

Written and reviewed by
Tall Paul
Tall Paul
Paul Marlow, standing at an impressive 6'7 (201cm) and weighing 225lb (102kg), is a mental health speaker, fashion expert, and ex-athlete who excels at helping tall men find well-fitting clothing and teaching them how to style it effectively. As a model in the fashion and film industries, Paul shares his expertise in tall men's fashion, offering valuable advice on measurements, tailoring, and alterations. In addition, he founded Never Alone, an organization that provides mental health and therapy inspiration, and started the Mental Growth Newsletter to support those facing mental health challenges, drawing from his own experiences.

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