Waiting for the washing machine cycle to end is one of life's big frustrations - because it seems to drag on forever.
In theory it's pretty simple, when you put a wash load on, your washing machine will normally give you a countdown so you know how long it is before you can take the clothes out and either hang them up to dry, or put them in the tumble drier.
But most people will know the frustration of watching the countdown that never seems to end - and most will agree that washing machine countdowns simply lie to us. One minute left on the cycle doesn't actually mean one minute.
An author known as That Ginger Fella on TikTok recently made a skit in relation to this relatable problem - joking that when it says one minute left on the countdown he still has time to go for a walk, a pint, and dinner before arriving home just before the cycle is about to finish.
Many could relate to the problem, with one person saying: "Yes! I've stood there waiting and it took another five minutes!! I was so mad."
Another agreed, commenting: "Waiting for the click is like an eternity, it's like, just tell me if you need extra time." A third added: "The biggest lie ever told."
But it turns out there's a reason why washing machine cycles tend to drag on, which Vivien Fodor, laundry category manager for Hotpoint UK has explained.
She said the reason the time changes is because the machine is adjusting to run more efficiently, therefore saving you money. Vivien said: "Most people rely on their washing machine and dryer timers to plan chores around their day – and rightly so! This is why most modern-day appliances have displays to tell you how long is left of your cycle.
"However, as the washing continues, the timer doesn't always reflect the total time set at the start and, in the end, can differ by a few minutes.
"Whilst the difference is not usually big, this can be frustrating. However, there is a perfectly good explanation for this – and it is actually helping you to save energy and money."
She continued: "Washing machines are designed to save resources wherever possible, be it water, energy, or laundry detergent.
"So, there are a number of checks that a washing machine will do during its cycle. These are usually automated and are there to tell the machine if it is taking more or less time than expected to fill, wash or spin.
"As a result, the machine will adjust the time to end at certain points of the cycle – sometimes sooner, sometimes later.
"The only difference is that people only notice when it's the latter! As the parameters differ with some loads being heavier than others, such as bedding and towels, this automated function ensures your laundry is washed properly yet economically every time, regardless of the load type."
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