Dishwasher cycles explained: What each mode does

So you’ve got yourself a shiny new dishwasher, but you aren’t entirely sure which cycles do what or when you’re actually supposed to use them. That confusion is pretty common because modern dishwashers come packed with options that sound similar but work in very different ways. Each dishwasher cycle adjusts heat, water pressure, and timing differently depending on the type of load, so you can’t use the same setting for all loads. In this guide, we’ll go over all the different dishwasher cycles and explain what each mode is designed for, so you can choose the best option every time you run a load.

Every dishwasher cycle explained

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the dishwasher cycles, especially when the control panel shows a long list of settings that sound too similar to tell apart. Dishwashers come with multiple cycles to handle different types of loads, which is why choosing the right setting is important. So to help you understand what each cycle does, here’s a look at the most common dishwasher cycles and how they work.

1. Normal or Auto

This is the cycle most people end up using on a daily basis. As the cycle’s name suggests, the dishwasher figures out how dirty your load is and automatically adjusts the heat and wash time, so you get a thorough clean without wasting water or energy.

2. Heavy or Pots and Pans

This setting is designed for tougher jobs like cookware, greasy trays, casserole dishes, and anything with baked-on or dried-on food. It uses hotter water, stronger spray pressure, and a longer overall wash time to break down stubborn grime.

3. Quick or Express

If your dishes are only lightly used, this cycle gets them clean in a fraction of the time. It uses higher heat and a more forceful spray pattern to finish in roughly an hour.

4. Eco or Energy Saving

Eco mode relies on lower water temperatures and longer soak phases to reduce energy use. Because it uses gentler heat, it extends the cycle time in order to guarantee proper cleaning. It works well for everyday loads that aren’t heavily soiled and helps lower utility bills.

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5. Delicate or Glass

This gentle cycle protects fragile items like glassware, stemware, and certain plastics. It reduces both the water temperature and spray intensity to prevent cloudiness, scratches, or accidental breakage.

6. Prewash or Soak

Prewash softens dried or stuck-on food before the main cycle begins and is best used when your load has a lot of buildup. It loosens surface debris before the main wash cycle starts, so you don’t have to scrub dishes by hand.

7. Hi-Temp wash

Hi-temp wash raises the main wash temperature to improve cleaning performance on greasy or stubborn messes. Hotter water helps break down residue more effectively and can also improve drying results, especially with rinse aid.

8. Sanitize or Hygiene

The sanitize cycle raises the water temperature high enough to kill bacteria. Some models add an extra-hot final rinse to complete the sanitizing process. It’s useful for baby bottles, cutting boards, and items that need a higher level of cleanliness.