How Long Does the Drain Cycle Take?
Let’s be real: waiting around for your washing machine to drain isn’t the highlight of laundry day. Good news? The drain phase of a washing machine cycle typically zips by within 2 to 5 minutes — depending on the model and how much water’s inside the tub. This isn’t the entire wash time, mind you, but the part where your washer’s pump hustles to get water out through the drain hose according to Maytag.
Factors Affecting Drain Time
- Machine model & capacity: High-efficiency and larger-capacity machines might take a bit longer to expel that water.
- Water volume: More water means more to drain—simple math here.
- Drain hose & pump condition: If there’s a kink, clog, or a funky pump, your water might linger longer than usual.
Drain & Spin Cycle: The Speedy Sibling
If you’ve ever used the “Drain & Spin” cycle, you know it’s a whole dance of removing water and spinning clothes dry without washing them again. This cycle usually clocks in around 10 minutes on average — but the actual drain portion is again just a few minutes per Whirlpool. Efficient? You bet.
When Drain Time Gets Unreasonably Long
If your washing machine seems to be stuck in a draining soap opera longer than 15 minutes, it’s time to investigate. Here are the usual suspects:
Common Causes & Fixes for Slow Draining
- Clogged filter: Coins, buttons, fluff—oh my! These can block water flow. Clean your filter regularly to keep the pipeline clear source.
- Blocked or kinked drain hose: Sometimes hoses get bent or blocked by lint or a rogue sock. Check and clear or replace your drain hose as needed source.
- Faulty pump or mechanical parts: A broken pump, lid switch, or belt may be the villain; these usually need a professional to exorcise source.
- Too much detergent: Excess suds can confuse sensors and slow drainage. Use the recommended detergent types and amounts.
- Imbalanced loads: A skewed load can keep the washer from spinning and draining properly. Even it out and try again!
Pro Tips to Keep Your Washer Draining Like a Champ
- Regularly clean your filter and inspect your drain hose.
- Avoid overloading and spreading out heavy items evenly.
- Use only the recommended type and amount of detergent.
- If you notice drainage lasting way too long, don’t ignore it. Early fixes save you a grander headache later.
Got Laundry Needs? Check These Out!
If you’re thinking about upgrading or just want reliable washing machine accessories, here are a couple of handy Amazon picks for you:
So there you have it — that dreaded draining wait is usually a blink of an eye unless your machine’s throwing a tantrum. Keep your washer happy and unclogged, and your laundry days will be breezy. You feel me?