A typical dishwasher cycle usually lasts between 1.5 and 2.5 hours for a normal wash. However, cycle times vary widely depending on the type of cycle chosen, dishwasher model, water temperature, soil level of dishes, and energy- saving settings.

Common Dishwasher Cycle Durations:

• Normal wash: 1.5 to 2.5 hours, suited for everyday loads with typical dirtiness.
• Quick wash: 30 minutes to 1 hour, ideal for lightly soiled dishes.
• Heavy wash: 2.75 to 4 hours, for heavily soiled pots and pans.
• Sanitize cycle: 3 to 3.5 hours, for thorough cleaning.
• Eco-wash: Typically longer (2 to 4 hours), using less energy and water.
• Prewash: 6 to 8 minutes.

Many modern dishwashers have sensor wash cycles that adjust duration based on how dirty the dishes are, so times can fluctuate accordingly. Also, adding high-temperature wash or sanitizing rinse may add extra minutes to the cycle time.

In summary, a normal dishwasher cycle typically takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, while other specialized cycles can range from under 30 minutes to several hours depending on the cleaning needs and settings.