Why does my washing machine keep changing the washing time?

Last Update date : Jan 18. 2022

You may notice that the washing time changes on your machine after you have already started the washing cycle. There is no need to worry if this happens. It is not an appliance malfunction. Your washing machine calculates the time needed to wash your clothes according to the load, and the time displayed follows this estimate. 

The initial sensing

Your washing machine automatically adjusts the amount of water needed and the cycle time necessary based on the weight of the laundry in the drum before starting the washing cycle. Normally it is called 'Load Sensing' or 'Initial Sensing' when the appliance detects the laundry weight before the water fills the drum.

Generally, the load sensor inside your washing machine operates for about 1 minute before the water is added. The washing plate will move, and the tub will rotate for about 30 seconds to detect the weight of the laundry.

washing machine laundry loading washing machine laundry loading

Laundry loading
We recommend that you only fill the washing machine to three-quarters of its capacity.

 washing machine initial sensing  washing machine initial sensing

Initial sensing
The tub inside will rotate to detect the weight of the laundry.

Note:

  • Do not overload the washing machine. The washing machine may not be as effective in cleaning clothing if overloaded.

Washing time changes after load sensing

When you select the Cotton ECO 40-60 cycle on the washing machine, the initial time is shown on the display panel. After the selection has been made, the initial sensing will begin.

Once load sensing is complete, the fill level, selected cycle, number of rinses, and spin speed are calculated, and the new total estimated time is displayed. Due to the initial sensing, the displayed time may change.

Generally, the initial time is based on a reference load that weighs 4.5kg.

  • With a bigger load (weight), the total washing time will increase.
  • With a smaller load (weight), the total washing time will decrease.
washing machine washing time changes after load sensing

Sensing load during washing cycle

Moreover, the calculated total washing time after the first sensing can be changed yet again after a second sensing. A second sensing of the load will start approximately 16 minutes after the wash cycle starts while the load is wet.

Case 1. Cotton cycles decrease time

 

Item

Time

Initial time

01:27

Time after 1st sensing

01:12

Time after 2nd sensing 

(After 16 min from start)

00:56

Case 2. Cotton cycles increase time

Item

Time

Initial time

01:27

Time after 1st sensing

03:19

Time after 2nd sensing

(After 16 min from start)

03:03

Note:

  • Depending on the washing machine model and the washing cycle, the displayed time may be corrected at the beginning or during the washing cycle.
  • An unbalanced load: If the clothes are not loaded evenly, the washing machine will refill the water again and again in an attempt to distribute the load evenly in the drum. As a result, this will extend the duration of the cycle.
  • Water pressure: This can be a factor that influences the duration of the cycle.
  • Wet clothes: If the machine is filled with wet clothes, for example because of pre-soaking, this can also result in different washing times.
  • Laundry type: The general cycle time for each program can affect the total duration of the washing time. Change the laundry type so that the total washing time is reduced significantly.
  • Excess suds (Using too much detergent): If your washing machine detects that there are still too many suds inside the drum after a wash, more rinses are added to the cycle until the suds are completely washed away.

Note: 

  • Available technologies and functions may vary depending on the country, service provider, network environment, or product.
  • Illustration images on this content may vary depending on the device model you have.

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