Washing machine takes too long or the time keeps going up: causes
If a programme runs longer than the display showed, or the time goes up during the wash, it is not always a fault. Electrolux explains that once the wash starts, sensors estimate the load and work out how long to wash and how much water to use, so the cycle can get shorter or longer. Samsung adds that the load sensing at the start takes about a minute.
But the time also grows because of problems: the machine takes a long time to fill, tries again and again to spread the laundry before the spin, or drains slowly. These are worth checking.
Likely causes
- automatic load sensing: the machine recalculates the time for the load — this is normal (Electrolux, Samsung);
- an unbalanced load: the machine refills and redistributes the laundry to spread it before the spin (Samsung);
- low water pressure: filling takes longer (Samsung);
- pre-soaked or wet laundry: it is heavier, so the machine recalculates the cycle (Samsung);
- too much detergent: extra suds need additional rinses (Samsung);
- heavy fabrics — towels, bedding — need longer cycles (Samsung);
- the cycle was interrupted — this can reset the time calculation (Samsung);
- a clogged drain pump filter: draining takes longer (Samsung).
Safe steps you can try
- Compare the time with the manual: the average length of the main programmes is listed in your user manual (Electrolux).
- Do not overload the drum: Samsung advises filling it to about three-quarters.
- Spread the laundry evenly around the drum (Samsung).
- Dose detergent as the pack says so there are no excess suds (Samsung).
- Clean the drain pump filter with a container underneath: water will run out (Samsung).
- Check the pressure: the water tap fully open and the inlet hose not kinked (Samsung).
- Do not interrupt the cycle, and choose it by the type of laundry. For lightly soiled laundry many machines have a time-saving option (Time Manager on Electrolux).
When to call a technician
Call a technician if the programme gets stuck at one stage, filling or draining takes very long although the tap is open and the filter is clean, the machine often stops with an error code, or it does not heat the water. The inlet valve, the pump, the heater or the water level sensor may be faulty.
A MasService technician will check them and name the price before starting the repair.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the time on the display go up during the wash?
Usually the machine is recalculating the time for the load or trying to spread the laundry before the spin. Electrolux explains that the sensors decide how long to wash, and Samsung that with an unbalanced load the machine refills and redistributes the laundry.
How long should a programme take?
The average length of the main programmes is listed in your machine's manual — Electrolux advises comparing with it.
Can I make the wash shorter?
Many machines have a time-saving button — on Electrolux it is Time Manager, for lightly soiled laundry. A moderate load also helps: Samsung advises filling the drum to about three-quarters.
Other faults
Washing machine repair — Brands
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