1. Introduction
Welcome to the user manual for your new Miele WMH 120 WPS LW front-load washing machine. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your appliance. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the washing machine for the first time and keep it for future reference.
Figure 1: Overview of the Miele WMH 120 WPS LW washing machine. This image shows the full appliance, highlighting its front-load design, control panel, and lower access panels.
2. Important Safety Instructions
To prevent accidents and machine damage, always observe the following safety precautions:
- Electrical Safety: Ensure the washing machine is connected to a properly grounded outlet. Do not use extension cords or adapters. Disconnect power before any maintenance or cleaning.
- Water Connection: Use new hose sets for connection. Do not reuse old hose sets. Ensure all connections are tight to prevent leaks.
- Child Safety: Keep children away from the appliance. Do not allow them to play with or inside the washing machine.
- Flammable Materials: Do not wash items that have been cleaned, washed, soaked, or spotted with combustible or explosive substances (such as wax, oil, paint, gasoline, degreasers, dry-cleaning solvents, kerosene, etc.).
- Installation: The appliance must be installed on a firm, level floor. Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Damage: Do not operate the machine if it is damaged. Contact Miele customer service immediately.
3. Setup and Installation
3.1 Unpacking
Carefully remove all packaging materials. Retain the packaging for future transport if needed. Remove the transport bars from the rear of the machine as instructed in the separate installation guide.
3.2 Positioning
Place the washing machine on a stable, level surface. Use a spirit level to ensure it is perfectly balanced. Adjust the feet by turning them clockwise or counter-clockwise until the machine is stable and does not wobble. Ensure there is sufficient space around the machine for ventilation and access.
3.3 Water Connection
Connect the water inlet hose to a cold water tap with a ¾ inch thread. Ensure the connection is secure and leak-free. Position the drain hose into a standpipe or secure it over the edge of a sink, ensuring it is not kinked.
3.4 Electrical Connection
Plug the power cord into a grounded electrical outlet. Ensure the voltage and frequency match the specifications on the appliance's rating plate. Do not overload the circuit.
4. Operating Your Washing Machine
4.1 Control Panel Overview
The control panel consists of a program selector dial, a display, and various touch buttons for options and settings.
Figure 2: Close-up of the Miele WMH 120 WPS LW control panel. This image highlights the digital display, program selector dial, and touch buttons for various wash options.
4.2 Before First Use
Before washing laundry for the first time, run a maintenance wash cycle without laundry and detergent to clean the drum and remove any manufacturing residues. Select a 'Cottons' program at 60°C.
4.3 Loading Laundry
Open the door and load laundry loosely into the drum. Do not overload the machine; ensure there is enough space for the laundry to tumble freely. Close the door firmly.
4.4 Adding Detergent
Pull out the detergent dispenser drawer. Add the appropriate amount of detergent and fabric softener to the designated compartments. Refer to the detergent packaging for dosage recommendations.
4.5 Selecting a Wash Program
Turn the program selector dial to choose the desired wash program (e.g., Cottons, Delicates, Wool, Express). The display will show the default temperature and spin speed for the selected program. Adjust these settings using the touch buttons if necessary.
4.6 Starting a Wash Program
Press the 'Start/Add laundry' button to begin the wash cycle. The program indicator will illuminate, and the display will show the remaining time.
4.7 Program End
At the end of the program, the display will show 'End'. Open the door and remove the laundry promptly to prevent creasing. Turn the program selector dial to 'Off' and close the water tap.
5. Care and Maintenance
5.1 Cleaning the Exterior
Wipe the exterior of the washing machine with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
5.2 Cleaning the Detergent Dispenser
Regularly remove and clean the detergent dispenser drawer under running water to prevent detergent residue buildup. Reinsert it correctly after cleaning.
5.3 Cleaning the Drain Filter
The drain filter should be cleaned periodically to ensure proper drainage and prevent blockages. The filter is located behind the lower access panels on the front of the machine.
Figure 3: View of the lower access panels on the Miele WMH 120 WPS LW. These panels conceal the drain filter and emergency drain hose.
- Open the lower access panel.
- Place a shallow container beneath the filter to collect any residual water.
- Slowly unscrew the filter counter-clockwise and remove it.
- Clean the filter under running water, removing any lint or foreign objects.
- Screw the filter back in securely, ensuring it is tight to prevent leaks.
5.4 Cleaning the Drum
If unpleasant odors develop, run a 'Maintenance Wash' program or a 'Cottons' program at 90°C with a suitable drum cleaner or a small amount of detergent, without laundry.
6. Troubleshooting
Before contacting customer service, please refer to the following table for common issues and their solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Machine does not start | Power cord not plugged in; door not closed properly; program not selected. | Check power connection; ensure door is latched; select a program and press Start. |
| No water intake | Water tap closed; inlet hose kinked; water filter blocked. | Open water tap; straighten hose; clean inlet filter. |
| Excessive vibration/noise | Transport bars not removed; machine not level; uneven load. | Remove transport bars; adjust feet to level machine; redistribute laundry. |
| Water leaking | Hose connections loose; detergent drawer overflowing; drain filter not secured. | Tighten hose connections; do not overfill detergent drawer; secure drain filter. |
| Error code on display | Specific malfunction. | Refer to the full error code list in the comprehensive manual or contact customer service. |
7. Technical Specifications
- Brand: Miele
- Model: WMH 120 WPS LW
- Type: Front-Load Washing Machine
- Maximum Spin Speed: 1600 RPM
- Capacity: 8 kg (approximate, based on typical Miele models of this series)
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 89.1 x 68.57 x 64.23 cm (approximate, based on package dimensions)
- ASIN: B00J576S3M
8. Warranty and Customer Support
Your Miele washing machine comes with a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your appliance for specific terms and conditions. For technical assistance, spare parts, or to schedule a service appointment, please contact Miele customer support. Contact details can typically be found on the Miele official website or in the documentation provided with your purchase.
