January 1, 2025, 3:54 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Many people know the problem: the time display shows that the washing machine will be ready in one minute. But this last minute can take a long time – and it often feels longer than 60 seconds. myHOMEBOOK explains why.
One minute can be quite a long time! For example, when you’re waiting in front of the washing machine until it’s finally ready. This is because the time displayed on the machine is often deceptive and unreliable. And it’s not your imagination that the washing machine sometimes takes longer – the last minute may well be different. There are various reasons behind this.

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This is Why the Last Minute of the Washing Machine Often Takes Longer
It may well be that the same amount of laundry sometimes takes shorter and sometimes longer. This can also affect the last minute on the time display. The wash cycle is influenced by various factors, as the manufacturer AEG explains on its support page. The machine tries to adhere to the specified duration but does not always succeed. In some situations, however, it is also the user’s fault if they have to wait longer. The washing machine may take longer than planned for these reasons:
1. Too Much Detergent in the Machine
A sensor detects when there is a lot of foam in the drum. This may be because too much washing powder or the wrong detergent has been used. If there is a large amount of foam at the end of the wash cycle, the machine waits until it has collapsed. It then rinses with water. The process is repeated until there is no more foam. This means that the last minute can sometimes take longer.
2. Imbalance in the Drum
If there is only one large item, such as a bath mat or blanket, in the machine, an imbalance occurs. This can also happen if only a few items are washed. Normally, the laundry is pressed against the edges of the drum, but this cannot be done evenly. The appliance recognizes that the drum is running out of alignment and stops the spin cycle to prevent damage. The drum then rotates backward to distribute the laundry more evenly. However, as this does not work well with individual large items, the machine repeats the process until it finally completes the wash cycle without spinning. This can also affect the last minute. In addition, the laundry may still be soaking wet.
3. Water Temperature and Pressure
Unfortunately, unlike the former, this point can be influenced less. Nevertheless, it does have an impact on the overall running time of the washing machine. If the water comes out of the inlet with too little pressure, it will take longer to fill. The situation is similar with regard to the operating temperature. If very cold water enters the appliance, it must first be heated, depending on the wash cycle. The colder the water, the longer it takes.
Is the Last Minute Taking Too Long? With These Tips, the Washing Machine Will Run As Intended
If the washing machine takes longer, it is often due to user error. If you follow these tips, you will not only avoid unnecessary waiting times but also ensure that the washing machine lasts longer.
- In some inlet hoses, there is a sieve that is designed to retain dirt. If the strainer is clogged, the water runs in with too little pressure. Check and clean it if necessary.
- Follow the detergent dosage instructions carefully. Too much powder can lead to excessive and unnecessary foaming. You should also use a suitable detergent: Wool detergent, for example, produces a lot of foam, which is why you should put fewer items of laundry in the drum.
- Avoid washing large items individually when loading the machine. Instead, large and small textiles should be mixed so that the laundry can be better distributed. This helps prevent imbalances that could cause long-term damage to the appliance.