Why Your Washing Machine ‘Lies’ About How Long It Has Left

It’s perhaps a little strange but I really love doing the laundry. I love carrying a soft stack of clothes to the washing machine, hearing the gentle swish as they go through the cycle and eventually putting them back away in drawers and wardrobes.

There is just one problem and for a slightly uptight person like me, it really is a problem. My washing machine has a digital timer that counts down how many hours and minutes the cycle has left. I’m not exaggerating when I say that when I have a wash on, my whole day revolves around that timing.

But… it lies. It lies specifically about having 11 minutes left. Every single time. It drives me up the wall. How can I plan my day around this undetermined end? I can’t. It’s impossible.

Speaking to Homes and Gardens in 2023, appliance expert Rich Mullins shared some insight: “Factors like the size of the load, the type of fabric, water temperature, and the level of soil on the clothes can significantly extend the cycle duration. This results in a ‘lie’. These adjustments are designed to provide better cleaning and fabric care, but they can add extra time to the process.

“For example, if your washing machine detects a heavy load, it may incorporate longer agitation or rinsing times to ensure proper cleaning.”

Of course, I could try lightening up a little and letting the machine takes as long as it needs to wash my clothes but, according to washing machine expert Katy Roberts, there is sort of a solution here.

Speaking to Ideal Home, she said: “Many washing machines have sensors that detect if the load is balanced before it starts its final spin. If your appliance detects an imbalanced or uneven load, this can make that final minute stretch much longer.

“To combat this, try to distribute your clothes evenly in the drum to help your washing machine reach its balance faster.”