Maytag Dishwasher: cycle taking too long

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Are you noticing that your Maytag dishwasher cycle is taking longer than expected, often exceeding typical run times of 1.5 to 3 hours? This can occur even when dishes are not heavily soiled and standard cycle settings are selected. Understanding the common and occasional causes can help you troubleshoot this frustrating issue effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag dishwashers include sensor cycles and efficiency features that inherently vary cycle times; extended durations can be normal for sensor and eco modes.
  • Maytag recommends checking water temperature and sensor behavior for long cycle issues.

Possible Causes

Normal long cycle due to design and selected cycle

How to Identify: Cycle selected is a Heavy, Eco, Sensor/Auto, or Sanitize option and run time matches documented longer durations.

Part: Control/Software

Low incoming water temperature

How to Identify: Cycle pauses to heat water; actual water entering dishwasher is below ~120°F, and run time extends until temperature is reached. Water heater settings can confirm.

Part: Water Heater/Incoming Supply

Dirty or clogged filter and spray components

How to Identify: Visible debris in filter, reduced spray arm rotation, longer cycles without improved cleaning.

Part: Filter/Spray Arms

Hard water/mineral buildup on sensors and components

How to Identify: White or brown mineral deposits, inconsistent wash behavior, extended cycles.

Part: Soil Sensor/Interior Components

Blocked drain or slow drainage

How to Identify: Water remains after cycle, slow drain, cycle pauses repeatedly.

Part: Drain/Drain Hose

Malfunctioning control board or timer

How to Identify: Cycle durations are erratic and excessive, not correlated to settings or visible factors.

Part: Control Board/Timer

DIY Solutions

Select appropriate cycle settings

Easy 1–2 minutes
  1. Review current cycle selected on dishwasher display
  2. Choose a shorter cycle
  3. Start cycle and note approximate expected duration

Ensure hot water supply

Moderate 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: Thermometer (optional)
  1. Run kitchen sink hot water until hot
  2. Measure water temperature
  3. If low, increase water heater setting within safe limits
  4. Start dishwasher immediately after hot water flows
⚠️ Safety First: Be cautious with water heater settings to avoid scalding

Clean filter and spray arms

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Soft brush, Warm water
  1. Turn off dishwasher power
  2. Remove bottom rack and locate filter
  3. Take out filter and rinse off debris
  4. Wipe spray arms and clear holes
  5. Reinstall components and run a short cycle

Remove hard water buildup

Moderate 30–45 minutes
Tools Needed: Vinegar or dishwasher cleaner
  1. Place cup of vinegar on top rack or run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner
  2. Run a high‑temperature cycle empty to dissolve mineral deposits
  3. Repeat monthly if needed

Check and clear drain hose

Advanced 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Bucket
  1. Turn off power and water
  2. Access dishwasher drain hose under sink
  3. Disconnect and inspect hose for clogs
  4. Clear any blockages and reconnect hose
  5. Test with a short cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure proper reconnection to avoid leaks

Professional Repairs

Replace control board/timer

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Address internal component faults (sensor/heating element)

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher consistently runs excessively beyond expected times for selected cycle and DIY steps don’t help
Visible error codes or rapid start/stop behavior
Water not heating despite proper hot water supply

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean dishwasher filter: Clogs and prolonged cycle times
    Frequency: monthly
  • Run dishwasher cleaner cycle: Mineral buildup affecting sensors and spray performance
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check water heater temperature: Extended cycle due to slow water heating
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dishwasher cycle taking too long?
Common causes include normal long cycles, low water temperature, or dirty filters.
How do I fix Maytag Dishwasher cycle taking too long myself?
You can select shorter cycles, ensure hot water supply, and clean filters.
How much does it cost to fix cycle taking too long?
Professional repairs can range from $100 to $400 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for cycle taking too long?
If DIY solutions don't work or if you suspect internal component faults.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Water temperature is too low, causing the dishwasher to extend the cycle to reach optimal cleaning temperatures.
  • Dirty or clogged filters and spray arms, which can lead to the dishwasher running longer to ensure proper cleaning.
  • Faulty water inlet valve that may be restricting water flow, causing longer fill times and extended cycles.

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and adjust the water heater setting to ensure the water temperature is at least 120°F. Run the hot water in the sink before starting the dishwasher to ensure hot water is available immediately.

  2. Inspect and clean the dishwasher filters and spray arms. Remove the filters, rinse them under hot water, and ensure that the spray arms are free of debris.

  3. Test the water inlet valve for proper operation. If it appears to be malfunctioning, replace it with a new valve.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Dishwasher adds time

Community Discussions

Dishwasher adds time to cycle

Cycle time may be extended due to water temperature issues or dirty water detection.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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