How Long Does a 70 Degree Dishwasher Cycle Last? Expert Guide

You probably just finished loading your dishwasher, set it to 70 degrees, and now you’re wondering how long it will take. I’ve been there too. The 70-degree cycle can sound intense, but it’s often the best for dirty pots and pans. Here’s the quick answer: A 70 degree dishwasher cycle usually lasts between 2 to 3 hours, depending on your dishwasher model. In this article, you’ll learn everything about this high-heat cycle, what it does, how it works, and what to expect each time you use it.

What Happens During a 70 Degree Dishwasher Cycle?

When you choose the 70 degree setting on your dishwasher, it means the water will heat up to 70°C. That’s very hot. This temperature helps clean your dishes in a deeper way, especially when they are greasy, full of dried food, or just very dirty.

At this high temperature, the dishwasher goes through many stages. First, it fills up with water and heats it to around 40°C. This starts to loosen up food and grease. Then it drains and fills again, but this time it heats the water even more — all the way to 70°C. During this phase, the powerful spray arms clean the dishes. This hot water kills almost all germs and makes sure everything is sparkling clean.

The hot water also helps dry your dishes better. After the cleaning part, the dishwasher drains the dirty water again and starts the rinse cycle. This uses clean water, again heated to 70°C, to wash off all the remaining soap and dirt. Finally, there’s the drying part, where the heat makes the water evaporate from the dishes.

Some dishwashers also have a fan or heating element that blows warm air around. This helps everything dry faster. But even without that, the 70 degree heat helps dishes dry more completely than cooler settings.

This whole process usually takes 2 to 3 hours. Some dishwashers are faster, and some are slower. It depends on the brand, model, and even how full the machine is. If you overload it or block the spray arms, it might not clean or dry as well. So always load your dishwasher the right way.

Some people think that higher heat might damage plastic items. That can be true. If your plastic cups or containers are not dishwasher-safe, they might warp or even melt. So always check the bottom of your plastic items before placing them on a 70°C cycle.

If you care about energy use, keep in mind that 70°C uses more electricity and water than eco or quick cycles. But the result is usually much better for very dirty dishes.

Uses water heated to 70°C for deep cleaning
Starts with a lower-temp pre-wash
Main wash and rinse use very hot water
Kills bacteria and removes heavy grease
Drying is faster and more complete
Average time: 2 to 3 hours
Some plastic items may get damaged
Higher power and water use than eco modes

Why Use the 70 Degree Cycle Instead of a Normal One?

If you’ve ever pulled out a plate that still had grease stuck on it, you know how frustrating that can be. The 70°C cycle is made for exactly that. It works better than the normal or eco cycles when your dishes are especially dirty. This is because the high heat breaks down oils, fats, and tough food bits more easily.

On a regular cycle, the dishwasher might heat water to just 50 or 55 degrees. That’s enough for light cleaning, but not strong enough for pots with baked-on sauce or dried oatmeal. In comparison, the 70°C cycle cuts through that mess easily.

This cycle is perfect when you’re cleaning after a big dinner or if you’ve left dishes sitting in the sink for a day or two. It’s also great for cutting boards, baby bottles, and any item that needs to be fully sanitized. It doesn’t just clean — it disinfects.

Even though it takes longer and uses more power, the results are usually worth it. You won’t need to pre-wash dishes by hand. That saves time and effort. Just scrape off food, load them in, and let the dishwasher do the hard work.

Some people only use the 70°C setting once or twice a week for the really dirty loads. That way, they save energy most days but still get top cleaning when needed.

Keep in mind that normal cycles are better for delicate dishes or items with paint or design. The strong heat can cause those to fade or crack. So always think about what you’re loading before choosing this hot setting.

If you’re someone who often cooks at home, especially with oils and sauces, using the 70°C setting will make life easier. You’ll notice that pans and plates come out cleaner, without that greasy film some other cycles leave behind.

Best for heavy grease and food stains
Works better than normal settings on tough mess
Cleans and sanitizes at the same time
Ideal for cookware, baby bottles, cutting boards
Saves time by skipping pre-wash
Use less often to save energy
Not good for delicate dishes or decorations

How Long Is Too Long for a Dishwasher Cycle?

If your dishwasher keeps running and you start to wonder, “Is it broken?”, you’re not alone. A 70 degree cycle usually takes 2 to 3 hours. That may feel long, but it’s normal. However, there are times when a cycle might go even longer, and that can be a problem.

Some dishwashers have sensors that measure how dirty your dishes are. If they detect a lot of grime, the machine may add extra time to clean everything properly. So if you loaded very greasy or caked-on items, the dishwasher might take longer.

Another reason could be a problem with water heating. If your home’s water supply is cold or if the heating element inside the dishwasher is weak, it will take more time to reach 70°C. This delay makes the cycle stretch out.

Also, if the filter inside your dishwasher is dirty or clogged, water can’t flow well. That might slow down every stage. Make sure to clean the filter regularly.

A long cycle can also be caused by hard water. If you have hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium build up over time. This buildup can slow the machine and make it less effective. A dishwasher cleaner or salt can help with this.

And yes, loading the dishwasher the wrong way can also mess with timing. If dishes block the spray arms or sensors, the machine may keep running longer trying to clean properly.

If your dishwasher often takes more than 3.5 hours on the 70°C cycle, you might want to check the manual or call a technician. Something might be wrong, like a thermostat issue or a clogged drain.

Even though the time feels long, the cycle is doing a lot — washing, heating, rinsing, and drying. Just think of it like a full bath for your dishes.

Normal time: 2 to 3 hours
Sensors may extend the time
Cold water or faulty heater = longer cycles
Dirty filters or hard water slow it down
Overloading affects cleaning and timing
If over 3.5 hours, check for problems
Regular maintenance can help

Do All Dishwashers Have a 70 Degree Option?

Not every dishwasher comes with a 70°C setting. This setting is usually found on mid-range to high-end models. It’s sometimes called the ‘Intensive’ or ‘Heavy’ cycle. If you have an older or budget model, it may not go up to 70°C. Instead, it may top out around 60°C.

Dishwashers from brands like Bosch, Siemens, Whirlpool, and Miele often include a 70°C option. But even then, the exact temperature might change slightly depending on your local water pressure and heating system.

If you’re buying a new dishwasher and want the 70°C option, check the manual or look for it in the cycle list. Words like ‘Intensive’, ‘Hygiene’, or ‘Sanitize’ usually mean high heat.

Some machines also have a ‘sanitize’ button that can be added to a normal wash. That will raise the water temperature at the end, usually for the final rinse. This is helpful for baby bottles or cutting boards.

If your dishwasher does not have the 70°C option, you can still get good cleaning by using the hottest available cycle and making sure you clean filters often. You can also use good quality detergent and rinse aid to improve results.

But if deep cleaning and hygiene are important for your kitchen, it’s worth looking for a dishwasher with the 70°C setting. It really does make a difference.

Not all dishwashers have 70°C
Often labeled as ‘Intensive’ or ‘Heavy’
Found in mid to high-end models
Brands like Bosch, Miele, Whirlpool offer it
Some offer a ‘sanitize’ add-on instead
Check user manual or cycle list before buying
Still possible to clean well without it

Will 70 Degree Wash Damage Your Dishes?

This is a common worry, and it’s valid. The 70°C cycle is strong. While it does a great job cleaning, not all items can handle the heat. Things like thin plastic, wooden spoons, non-stick pans, or fancy dishes with gold trim can get damaged.

Plastic cups may warp or bend if they’re not heat-safe. Labels might peel off, and colorful prints can fade. Wooden handles can crack or dry out. And anything with glue or stickers can melt or leave a sticky mess inside your machine.

Even some glassware might not be dishwasher-safe. Thin wine glasses or delicate crystal can crack under high heat. Always check the bottom of your items for a dishwasher-safe label.

If you’re not sure, it’s better to wash it by hand. A broken or melted item inside the dishwasher can not only ruin the item but might also clog your filter or spray arms.

However, for strong dishes like ceramic plates, stainless steel pots, and glass baking dishes, the 70°C wash is perfect. They come out clean and dry with no issues.

Many modern items are made to handle dishwashers, even at high temps. But always check to avoid mistakes.

Heat may damage plastic, wood, stickers
Thin glass or crystal might crack
Non-stick coatings may wear off faster
Always check for dishwasher-safe label
Ceramic and metal dishes are usually safe
Better to hand wash delicate items

How to Use the 70 Degree Dishwasher Setting the Right Way

Using the 70°C setting is easy, but doing it right gives you better results and protects your dishes. First, make sure you don’t overload the dishwasher. Every dish needs space for water and soap to reach. If things are stacked tightly, they won’t get clean.

Place big pots and pans on the bottom rack. Bowls and smaller items go on the top. Always face the dirty side toward the spray arms. Keep plastic items on the top rack if you must include them.

Don’t forget to check the filter. A dirty filter can make even a high-temp cycle useless. Food and grease build up over time. Try to clean it once a week.

Use a good quality dishwasher detergent and rinse aid. These help the water clean better and leave fewer spots. Some brands even make tablets designed for hot cycles.

Pick the 70°C option or ‘Intensive’ mode on your machine. If there’s a ‘sanitize’ option, turn that on too.

Close the door tightly and start the cycle. Once it finishes, open the door slightly to let steam out. This helps your dishes dry even more.

Try not to use this setting every single day unless you really need it. It uses more power and water. Save it for big cleanups or very dirty loads.

Load dishes properly with space between
Place plastics on the top rack
Clean the filter weekly
Use high-quality detergent and rinse aid
Choose the right mode: 70°C or ‘Intensive’
Use ‘sanitize’ add-on if available
Open door after cycle to help drying

Final Thoughts

The 70°C dishwasher cycle may take longer, but it’s worth the wait. It brings strong cleaning power, better drying, and peace of mind knowing your dishes are truly clean. Whether you’re cleaning up after a big dinner or just need that deep clean once a week, this setting is a great tool in your kitchen. Just remember to load your dishes the right way and be gentle with delicate items. With the right habits, your dishwasher will give you sparkling results every time.

Feature	Detail
Temperature	70°C
Average Time	2 to 3 hours
Best For	Greasy pots, pans, baby items
Not Ideal For	Plastics, wooden, thin glass, delicate ware
Energy Use	Higher than normal/eco cycles
Drying Power	Stronger due to high heat
Dish Safety	Check labels before use
Cycle Names (Other Brands)	Intensive, Heavy, Hygiene, Sanitize
Recommended Use Frequency	1-2 times per week
Works With Sanitize Option	Yes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it okay to use the 70 degree setting every day?

Using the 70°C setting every day is safe, but it may not be needed for daily dishwashing. This setting uses more electricity and water compared to regular or eco modes. It’s made for very dirty dishes, greasy pans, or times when you want full sanitation. If your dishes are only lightly dirty or if you wash often, a normal cycle will do the job just fine. Using the high heat daily may also wear out some of your items faster, especially plastic. It’s best to use it only when needed.

Can the 70 degree dishwasher cycle kill all germs?

Yes, the 70°C cycle can kill most common germs and bacteria. This is one of its biggest benefits. The hot water helps to sanitize the dishes during both the wash and rinse parts of the cycle. It’s especially helpful when you’re washing baby bottles, cutting boards, or items that touched raw meat. Many health experts agree that water above 60°C is enough to kill most germs, so 70°C is very effective. Just make sure your dishwasher is working well and your items are placed correctly to get full coverage.

Do I need to rinse dishes before using the 70 degree cycle?

No, you usually don’t need to rinse your dishes before using the 70°C setting. This cycle is strong enough to remove stuck-on food and grease. You just need to scrape off big food pieces before loading. Rinsing wastes water and is often not needed with modern dishwashers. If you rinse too much, your dishwasher sensors may think the dishes are clean already and shorten the wash time. That might give poor results. Let the machine do the job it’s built for.

Is it safe to wash baby bottles on the 70 degree setting?

Yes, it is safe and often the best choice. The 70°C cycle is great for baby bottles because it kills germs, bacteria, and leftover milk that could cause health problems. Just make sure the bottles are labeled as dishwasher-safe and place them on the top rack to avoid too much heat exposure. Use a baby-safe detergent if possible. Many parents use this cycle to sanitize bottles, nipples, and pacifiers. Always inspect the items after washing to make sure there is no warping or damage.

Can I use dishwasher tablets with the 70 degree cycle?

Yes, dishwasher tablets work well with the 70°C cycle. In fact, most tablets are designed to handle high heat. The strong water temperature helps the tablet dissolve fully and clean better. Some brands even make tablets specifically for heavy or intensive cycles. If you’re using powder or gel, make sure you’re using the right amount. Too much can leave a film, and too little won’t clean properly. Always read the label and store your tablets in a dry place so they don’t get sticky.

Do I need to dry dishes after a 70 degree wash?

Usually, you don’t need to dry dishes by hand after a 70°C cycle. The heat helps water evaporate faster, leaving dishes dry and ready to put away. Many dishwashers also have a drying phase with heated air or residual heat. But if you open the door right after the cycle, some steam may still be trapped. Opening the door a little and letting the steam escape will help the drying finish quicker. Some plastics may still hold water, so you might need to wipe them lightly.

Can a 70 degree cycle damage my dishwasher?

No, it should not damage your dishwasher if used properly. Dishwashers with a 70°C option are built to handle that heat. The parts inside — like spray arms, filters, and seals — are tested to work under hot water. However, using it too often without cleaning the machine can lead to buildup of grease or limescale. That’s why it’s good to clean the filter and run a machine cleaning cycle once a month. This will keep your dishwasher in good shape and extend its life.

Is it normal for the 70 degree cycle to take more than 3 hours?

It can happen sometimes, but it’s not always normal. The usual time is between 2 and 3 hours. If your dishwasher often takes more than 3.5 hours, it may be due to cold water supply, sensor adjustments, or internal problems like a dirty filter or heating issue. Some dishwashers are built with sensors that change the time based on how dirty the dishes are. But if it happens every time, it might be time to clean the filter or check the heating element. Always check the user manual for the normal cycle times.