GE dishwashers do a good job of cleaning soiled dishes. However, their runtime is often more than an hour long.
So, how long do GE dishwashers run?
The Runtime of GE Dishwashers Explained
GE dishwasher run time depends on the model, selected cycle, soil level, water temperature and drying options. Use the cycle table in your owner’s manual rather than a brand-wide AutoSense estimate. Choose a cycle appropriate for the load, not just the shortest one.
The reason GE dishwashers run for so long is to thoroughly clean dishes.
Additionally, the appliance is designed in such a way that the water and power usage is optimized for maximum efficiency.
However, these design aspects also mean that the cycle time is often very long.
If your GE dishwasher runs longer than its manual suggests, check the following factors before assuming it needs a repair.
6 Checks for an Unusually Long GE Dishwasher Cycle
GE dishwashers have internal sensors that evaluate the load and choose a suitable cycle to clean dishes properly.
While the sensors are accurate, they add extra minutes if they think the dishes are extremely soiled or that the load is heavy.
The following checks can help distinguish normal operation from a problem.
1. Load Dishes After Scraping Off Any Residual Food
If there is any remaining food on your plates or dishes, your GE dishwasher takes extra time to clean it.
In the auto-sense mode, the sensors will assess the load to be heavy and extend the cycle length to clean the dishes thoroughly.
So, you end up with a very long dishwasher cycle.
To avoid this problem, simply scrape off any residual food from your plates and dishes before placing them in the dishwasher.
While you don’t have to pre-rinse the dishes, scrape off the big chunks of food from their surface.
This supports cleaning performance without guaranteeing a shorter cycle.
It will also reduce the burden on the filter, which traps all the waste and keeps it working efficiently.
2. Start the Hot Water Early
On certain GE dishwashers, the cycle time may be extended by roughly twenty minutes when the dishwasher must heat the water first.
This will drastically increase the runtime.
To overcome this issue, you can run hot water in the sink for a few minutes before starting the cycle.
This will help the dishwasher get the water to the right temperature easily, thereby reducing the cycle time.
Since an internal sensor evaluates the temperature of the water, you may like to check if the water is reaching the appropriate temperature quickly.
If the incoming water is outside the model’s specified range, have a professional investigate the supply; do not raise its temperature merely to chase a shorter cycle.
3. Use a Normal Dishwashing Cycle to Clean Your Dishes
Some GE dishwasher models have an “Auto Hot Start” cycle.
In this case, the appliance waits till the water is hot to start the cycle.
This can add several minutes to your dishwasher runtime.
Similarly, “heavy” and “intensive” wash cycles take too long to complete.
You don’t have to use these program settings unless it’s necessary.
Normal is generally intended for everyday loads. Use a programme suitable for the soil level and items being washed.
Normal cycles can still include heating pauses.
Choosing Normal does not guarantee that the dishwasher will avoid waiting for the correct temperature.
4. Clean the Filter Regularly
We mentioned earlier that all the residual food from the dishes makes its way into the filter of the dishwasher.
In addition to this, debris and dirt that build up inside the dishwasher are also washed into the filter compartment.
Left uncleaned, the filter gets clogged over time and becomes inefficient.
This can lead to slower dishwasher cycles as the appliance has to wait longer for the waste to get eliminated.
Regular cleaning can help prevent a clogged filter; it will not fix every cause of a long cycle.
Remove the filter from its place and get rid of any trapped food or dirt.
To remove slimy or hard food bits, use soapy water.
Refit the filter securely according to the manual before running the dishwasher.
Use the inspection and cleaning interval in your model’s manual, checking sooner if residue builds up.
5. Address Hard Water Issues Promptly
Hard water can create several unexpected problems for dishwashers.
It can leave limescale on wetted surfaces and affect cleaning performance.
A long cycle alone does not prove that scale has caused a sensor fault.
Additionally, mineral deposits make the insides of the dishwasher scaly.
Address scale using the approved cleaning procedure, but investigate persistent errors separately.
The good news is that you can tackle hard water problems in various ways.
The best way would be to prevent hard water from entering the device in the first place by using a water softener to remove minerals from the inlet water.
However, this may involve additional plumbing or prove costly.
Use a dishwasher-approved cleaner or descaler at the dose and frequency specified for the product and your appliance.
Do not assume every descaler belongs in the detergent compartment; follow its placement instructions.
Another alternative solution is to run vinegar through the dishwasher because it can remove limescale deposits.
Use the vinegar procedure specified by GE for your model and the cleaning problem. For example, GE’s film-removal instructions call for adding two cups after the detergent cup has opened, not simply pouring vinegar in before the initial drain. Other GE cleaning instructions use a different amount. Remove metal items as directed and follow the safe door-opening instructions. Do not combine vinegar with detergent or other cleaners.
Vinegar may help remove mineral film, but it will not repair a sensor or mechanical fault and cannot guarantee a like-new finish.
Related Reading: Where GE Appliances Are Made
6. Avoid Stopping the Dishwasher Mid-Cycle
Some people have the habit of stopping the dishwasher mid-cycle to add extra plates or dishes that they missed loading up in the first place.
If you halt the dishwasher operation during a cycle, it can make the appliance run longer than usual.
When you open the dishwasher in the middle of the cycle, the sensors temporarily halt.
Depending on the phase in which the dishwasher was when you opened the door, the sensor may add a few extra minutes when it restarts the cycle.
This can interfere with the normal operation of the appliance, and you will end up having to wait longer for your dishes to get clean.
Opening during a cycle can release hot water or steam. Follow the manual’s pause and opening procedure to avoid burns.
Nevertheless, it’s not recommended for various reasons.
Hot steam may escape when the door opens.
The dishwasher can also splash water outside.
If it was in the middle of a drying cycle when you paused the operation, you might have to press the start button again to get the dishwasher to complete its work.
