Why is eco cycle so long?

[hkbs]

I have a new Hotpoint washing machine, the instructions show an Eco 40-60 cycle, which it says is the most efficient. I don’t understand this as it takes up to 3 hours, considerably longer than 40’ on my old machine.

Following advice to use the Rapid 30’ cycle, I discover that this only does an 800 spin - not enough for my laundry - so I have to follow up with a Spin & Drain cycle to use a 1400 spin.

This is wasteful and inconvenient. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Whitegoodshelp]

Hi there, and welcome. The reason that the most economical cycles take longer is explained in my article  Why does wash cycle take so long?

It covers all wash cycles but has a specific section on why eco cycles take so long. 
 

Also, a rapid cycle isn’t really designed for cottons. Cottons are the only type of laundry that are spun at top spin speed. If it’s only a 30 minute wash cycle then it’s useless for anything other than something like freshening up a shirt that’s only been worn for a few hours. 

If you have cottons, or clothes that actually need washing try to wash them on the proper wash cycle and accept that modern washing machines just take a long time to wash (for the reasons explained in my article).
 

It’s going to cost more in the long run to use quick and rapid wash cycles because it shortens the life of the washing machine and can cause various breakdowns. 
 

Washing at 30 degrees and quick wash cycles - 5 things you should know

[hkbs]

Many thanks. I understand now.