Amica WA 461 010 Washing Machine
Operating Instructions
Introduction
Thank you for choosing an Amica product. Amica has consistently pursued a pro-ecological policy, prioritizing environmental concern alongside modern technology and unique design. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient use of your new washing machine.
Please read these operating instructions carefully before using the appliance to avoid improper use and ensure long and reliable operation. Store these instructions in a safe place for future reference.
Unpacking and Disposal
Unpacking
The appliance is protected by environmentally friendly, 100% recyclable packaging materials. Please dispose of all packaging elements responsibly to avoid environmental damage. Keep packaging materials away from children during unpacking.
Disposal of Old Appliance
This appliance is marked with the symbol of a crossed-out waste container, indicating it must not be disposed of with household waste. Hand it over to a designated waste collection center for electrical and electronic goods. Proper handling helps avoid environmental and health hazards.
Basic Information
This washing machine is intended for domestic use only for washing machine-washable textiles and clothes in a detergent bath. Ensure the machine is level before plugging it into the mains. The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes that do not affect the appliance's operation.
Usage Guidelines
- Carefully read all instructions before use.
- Never use the appliance outdoors or in freezing temperatures.
- The machine should not be operated by children or individuals unfamiliar with the instructions.
- Temperatures below 0°C can damage the washing machine. If stored or transported in sub-zero temperatures, allow it to acclimatize at above 0°C for 8 hours before use.
Manufacturer's Declaration
Amica declares that this product meets the requirements of European directives: Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU), Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive (2014/30/EE), Eco-design Directive (2009/125/EU), and RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU). It is marked with the CE symbol and has a declaration of compliance.
Safety and Garment Care Labels
Safety Precautions
- Risk of Death: Not for use by children under 8, persons with reduced physical or mental capabilities, or those lacking sufficient skills without supervision. Children under 3 must be kept away unless supervised. Children could get trapped inside. Check the machine before operation. Keep children and pets away from the hot glass door during operation. Do not use in wet rooms or rooms with explosive or caustic gases.
- Risk of Explosion: Do not wash or dry articles cleaned with combustible or explosive substances (wax, oil, paint, gasoline, degreasers, dry-cleaning solvents, kerosene, etc.). Rinse items thoroughly by hand before washing if they have come into contact with such substances.
- Risk of Damaging Appliance: Remove all packages and transport bolts before use. Use only for home use and for machine-washable textiles. Do not climb or sit on the machine. Do not lean against the machine door. Transport bolts must be reinstalled by a specialized person after moving. Drain accumulated water. Handle carefully, do not use the door as a handle during transport. Close the door gently; if difficult, check laundry distribution. Do not wash carpets.
- Operating the Appliance: Before the first wash, run a cycle without clothes. Flammable, explosive, or toxic solvents are forbidden. Use only detergents suitable for machine washing. Empty all pockets; sharp items can cause damage. Check for water in the drum before opening the door. Be careful of hot water during draining. Never refill water by hand. Wait two minutes after the program completes before opening the door.
Understanding Garment Care Symbols
Pay attention to garment labels when choosing a washing program. The manual includes a table explaining symbols for washing (e.g., boil at 90°C, normal wash at 60°C, normal wash at 40°C, do not wash), chemical cleaning (all solvents, all except TRI, petrol only, no dry clean), tumble dryer (normal, low, high, do not dry), and ironing (110°C, 150°C, 200°C, do not iron).
Install the Appliance
- Remove Transit Bolts: Unscrew the 4 transit bolts and remove rubber/plastic brackets. Keep bolts for future use. Plug holes with provided stoppers. Caution: Transit bolts MUST be removed before use.
- Position and Level: Place the machine on a solid, level surface. Loosen plastic washers, level by adjusting legs, and lock with washers. Ensure stability by pressing each corner.
- Connect Water Supply: Use only new hoses supplied. Water pressure: min 0.01 MPa (0.1 bar), max 1 MPa (10 bar). Ensure the hose is not twisted and connections are sealed. Supply with cold water only.
- Water Drain: Fix the drain hose at the back of the machine so it doesn't move. Use the elbow if necessary. Ensure the drain hose height is between 60-100 cm.
- Connect to Power Supply: Use a visible and accessible electrical wall outlet with an earthing pin. Do not use extension cords. If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced by an authorized service technician. The electrical system must be protected with a 10 A fuse.
Prepare to Wash
Small items like coins, paper clips, and needles can damage laundry and the machine. Follow these recommendations:
- Empty pockets.
- Remove all metal items.
- Wash delicate items (bras, stockings) in a protective mesh laundry bag.
- Close zippers and fasten buttons.
- Remove foreign objects from the appliance.
Features and Components
The appliance includes a top cover, control panel, power supply cord, drum, service filter, drain hose, water supply hose, and detergent dispenser. Accessories include cover caps, a supply hose for cold water, an owner's manual, and an optional acoustic sponge.
Display and Control Panel
The control panel features a programme selector dial, Prewash button, Extra Rinse button, Skip Spin button, and Start/Pause button.
- Programme Selector Dial: Choose the appropriate wash program based on soil level, fabric type, and load.
- Prewash Button: Provides an extra wash before the main wash, suitable for heavily soiled items. Add detergent to compartment (I).
- Extra Rinse Button: Performs an additional rinse cycle.
- Skip Spin Button: Skips the spin cycle.
- Start/Pause Button: Starts or pauses the program. The indicator light is on during operation and off when paused. The PAUSE mode can be used for soaking laundry.
Acoustic Signal On/Off
Press the Prewash button for 3 seconds to mute the buzzer. Press again for 3 seconds to reactivate it. The setting is retained until the next reset.
Child Lock
Press and hold the Extra Rinse and Skip Spin buttons for 3 seconds to activate/deactivate Child Lock. This prevents accidental changes or interruptions by children. The symbol appears on the display when activated. The lock remains active even after turning off the machine.
Using the Appliance
Select Programme
Set the programme selector knob to the desired program. Modify spin speed or temperature as needed. Press the Start/Pause button.
End of the Wash Cycle
When the cycle is complete, the START/PAUSE indicator flashes, and an acoustic signal sounds (if enabled). Turn off the water valve, main switch, and unplug the appliance. Open the door and remove laundry.
After Washing
The door lock and Start/Pause lights flash with a buzzer sound or digital display indicators. Wait for the temperature inside the drum to drop below 60°C before opening the door if it remains locked.
Troubleshooting
The manual provides a table to help diagnose and solve common issues such as the washing machine not starting, the door not opening, water leakage, detergent residue, display not lighting up, or abnormal noise. If problems persist, contact the service center.
Maintenance and Cleaning
- General: Never use solvents or harsh detergents. Use mild liquid detergents and soft cloths. Do not use sponges.
- Cleaning the Cabinet: Clean with diluted non-abrasive neutral detergents. Wipe up any water overflow immediately. No sharp items allowed. Formic acid and solvents are forbidden.
- Cleaning the Drum: Remove rust with chlorine-free detergents. Never use steel wool. Do not put laundry in the machine during drum cleaning.
- Cleaning the Door Seal and Glass: Wipe the glass and seal after each wash to remove lint and stains. Remove coins, buttons, and other objects from the seal.
- Clean the Drain Pump Filter: Clean the filter every 20 washes. Open the service filter counter-clockwise, remove and clean the filter, then close the cover cap.
- Clean the Water Supply Valve: Replace the filter by unscrewing the water supply hose, grasping the filter mesh with forceps, removing and cleaning it, and then reassembling.
- Clean the Detergent Drawer: Clean at least once a month. Pull out the drawer, press the tab, remove it, rinse under running water, clean with a brush or fabric, clean the recess with a toothbrush, and replace the drawer.
Practical Tips on Washing
Detergents and Laundry Additives
- Use general-purpose laundry detergent powder or liquid according to packaging instructions.
- Pour detergent into the designated drawer compartments.
- For liquid detergents, install the provided tab and pour into the compartment marked (II).
- Pour fabric softener into the compartment marked (symbol of flower). Do not exceed the maximum level.
- For whites, use washing powder as liquid detergents may not contain bleach. Avoid rinse aid with white laundry to prevent yellowing.
First Wash
Before the first wash, run a high-temperature cycle without a load. Connect to power, open water valve, set a high-temperature program, add detergent, and press Start/Pause.
Soil Levels
- Stubborn Stains: Apply stain remover according to instructions before washing underwear.
- Heavy Soil: Wash less laundry for better results. Add more detergent. Rinse the machine after washing heavily soiled items by running a 60°C cycle without load.
- Light Soil: Refer to Conservation section.
Conservation (Reduce Energy and Water Consumption)
- Wash lightly soiled garments on the Rapid Wash setting.
- The machine detects load for most programs.
- The QUICK WASH program reduces water and energy consumption for partial loads.
- Energy and water-efficient programs generally run at lower temperatures for longer durations.
- Loading the machine to its full capacity saves energy and water.
Water Hardness
Hard water can cause scale. Use water softener for each washing. Information on water hardness is available from local water works.
Power Outage (Programme Memory)
The set program is memorized and resumes upon power restoration. Do not open the appliance doors during a power outage.
Load
Maximum Drum Capacity
The maximum drum capacity is 6 kg.
Loading Instructions
- Cotton, Denim, Children's Clothes: Max full drum (do not force clothes).
- Synthetics: Max 1/3 of the drum.
- Delicates Fabrics: Max 1/3 of the drum.
Do not overload the appliance, as it may damage clothes. The OVL indicator appears if overloaded; remove excess laundry and restart. Maximum load amounts vary by program.
Load Distribution Control
The system checks load distribution before spinning. If an imbalance is detected, it attempts to rearrange clothes. If unsuccessful, it may reduce spin speed or cancel spinning. After the cycle, open the door, remove laundry, close the door, and select the spin setting again.
Delicate Fabrics
Select Programme
Select the appropriate program: Synthetics, Wool.
Load
Avoid overloading; the maximum load for delicate fabrics is 1/3 kg.
Add Detergent
- Not Enough Detergent: Laundry turns grey, lumps of fat form, lime scale is deposited.
- Too Much Detergent: Excessive foam, ineffective washing, detergent incompletely rinsed.
Warranty and After Sales Service
Warranty
Warranty service is as stated on the warranty card. The manufacturer is not liable for damage caused by improper use.
Service
- Repairs and adjustments should be carried out by authorized service technicians. Repairs by unqualified persons can be dangerous.
- The minimum availability period for spare parts is 7 or 10 years, depending on the part.
- The list of spare parts and ordering procedure are available on the manufacturer's website.
- The minimum warranty period is stated on the warranty card.
- The warranty is void if unauthorized alterations are made or if the appliance is tampered with.
Malfunction Assistance
If your appliance needs repair, contact the service center. Have the appliance serial number ready before contacting them. The serial number can be found on the identification sticker.
For more information about the product, refer to the EU EPREL Product Database at https://eprel.ec.europa.eu/. You can also scan the QR code on the energy label or use the product model in the EPREL search engine.