Whirlpool Automatic Washer Use & Care Guide

Copy Your Model and Serial Numbers Here

When you need service, or call with a question, have this information ready:

1. Complete Model and Serial Numbers (from the plate under the lid near the hinge).
2. Purchase date from sales slip (or date installed).

Copy this information in these spaces. Keep this book in the Laundry Information Center with your Laundry Guide, sales slip and warranty.

Model Number: [Space for Model Number]

Serial Number: [Space for Serial Number]

Purchase Installation Date: [Space for Date]

Service Company and Phone Number: [Space for Service Info]

Before Using Your Washer

Please read this booklet to be sure your washer is installed and used correctly. If you follow the instructions, your washer was designed to give you the best results and longest service.

You are personally responsible for making sure that your washer:

• Is installed by a qualified installer.
• Is installed and leveled on a floor that can support the weight.
• Is connected to the right kind of outlet, electric supply, water supply, and drain.
• Is properly electrically grounded.
• Is used only for jobs normally expected of home automatic washers.
• Is properly maintained.
• Is protected from the weather.
• Is not run by children or anyone unable to operate it properly.

Remove the "Consumer Buy Guide" label. It will be easier to remove before the washer is used.

You may want to wipe out the basket with a damp cloth before using to remove dust from storing or shipping.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: See the Laundry Guide for tips on detergents, other laundry aids, and instructions for washing special items.

See the Installation Instructions for complete information.

SAFETY FIRST
Do not permit children to operate or play with the washer.

CAUTION: Store laundry detergent and additives in a cool, dry place where children can't reach them.

Spinning Safety

If the lid is opened while the basket is spinning, the basket will automatically stop in a few seconds. DO NOT ADD OR REMOVE ITEMS UNTIL THE BASKET STOPS COMPLETELY.

Special Caution

Flammable gases may build up in hot water pipes and heater. This can happen when hot water hasn't been used for a while (usually two weeks or more).

To prevent injury or damage, allow any gases to escape by running hot water from the faucet nearest the washer for several minutes. Don't smoke near the faucet while it is open, and turn off any open flame.

Contents

• Before Using Your Washer
• Loading Your Washer
• Understanding Your Washer
• Cleaning the Lint Filter
• Using Your Washer
• Water Levels and Load Sizes
• Important Detergent Information
• For a Pre Wash
• For Rinsing Only
• For Spinning Only
• Cycle Operation
• If You Need Service or Help

Loading Your Washer

For best washing results and energy savings, sort the laundry carefully.

1. Sort the Laundry into Loads.
   • Group the laundry into loads that can be washed and dried together. See the Laundry Guide for information and samples of typical loads.
   • Try to mix large and small items for best movement in the washer.
2. Measure Detergent; Add to Washer Basket.
   • See detergent information on page 6 and in Section IV of the Laundry Guide.
   • Add dry bleach or water conditioner (not fabric softener) if used. Follow the package directions carefully.
3. Dilute Liquid Bleach Before Adding to the Washer Basket.
   • See the "Laundry Aids" section of the Laundry Guide for more information.
4. Load the Washer.
   • Spread the load evenly. (Don't put all the towels on one side and a few wash cloths on the other.) An unbalanced load can cause the washer to shake during spinning.
   • Load without packing so items can move freely for best cleaning and least wrinkling.
5. Add Diluted Fabric Softener Only to the Deep Rinse Cycle.
   • DO NOT ADD FABRIC SOFTENER TO THE WASH. Fabric softeners can combine with soap or detergent to make greasy stains on fabrics.

Understanding Your Washer

This automatic washer has four cycles. Each is designed for a fabric type.

The washer has a LOAD SIZE SELECTOR that lets you adjust the water level to match the size of the load.

It has a TEMPERATURE SELECTOR. You can select the wash water temperature best for the amount of soil and fabric type in each load.

Sections in this Use & Care Guide go into detail on the "what and why" of each setting. Read this and the Laundry Guide carefully to get the best cleaning results.

Cleaning the Lint Filter

Water runs through the lint filter whenever the washer agitates. Check it often to make sure it's clean and filtering at its best.

To remove it for cleaning, press the release and pull straight out. Instructions for cleaning are printed on the bottom of the filter.

Using Your Washer

Start your washer after you put in detergent, the load, and any other laundry aids according to information on page 3 and page 6.

1. Set the LOAD SIZE SELECTOR.
   • Select the water level that matches the size of the load. See page 5 for more information.

   IMPORTANT: For the best cleaning results with the least wrinkling, make sure the load has enough water for items to move freely.

2. Set the TEMPERATURE SELECTOR.
   • Match the wash water temperature to the type of fabrics and soils being washed. All rinses are cold.

   Cold water rinses save energy and help prevent wrinkles from setting into fabrics.

3. Select a Cycle and Start the Washer.
   • Push the Cycle Control Knob in and turn it to the right (clockwise).
   • Stop when the pointer is on the number of minutes of washing you want in the cycle you want.
   • Instructions for which cycles to use for each fabric type are under the lid.
   • To start the washer, pull the Cycle Control Knob out. When the cycle is over, the washer will stop.
   • To stop the washer at any time during a cycle, push the Control Knob in. Pull it out to restart the washer.
   • To change a setting, push the Control Knob in to stop the washer. Then turn the Control Knob to the right (clockwise) to the setting you want. Pull the knob out to start the washer.
   • Pages 8-11 show what happens in each cycle.

Diagram Description: The control panel features two main selectors. The "water saving load size selector" allows choosing between "small", "med", and "large" loads. The "energy saving temperature selector" allows choosing "cold", "warm", or "hot" for the wash cycle, with rinses always being "cold".

Water Levels and Load Sizes

The LOAD SIZE SELECTOR lets you control the amount of water that fills the washer. The water level can be set for extra small, medium, or full loads.

Approximate fill with load.

To save water and energy, match the water level to the load size.

For the best cleaning results, the load should move freely in the water. Watch for rollover: an item like a sock should sink in the middle and come up later on the outside.

Be sure to read pages 11-13 in your Laundry Guide. You will find more information on loading and load sizes.

IMPORTANT:

• The EX SMALL setting is designed for very small loads. It uses very little water. Too big a load in this amount of water may tear some items.
• Water may splash if you use EX SMALL with the REG/HEAVY Cycle. If this happens, move the LOAD SIZE SELECTOR to MEDIUM.

Diagram Description: The main cycle control dial is illustrated. It features settings for "permanent press" (with time options 2, 6, 10), "regular heavy" (with time options 2, 8, 14), "short" (with time options 1, 2, 8), and "soak" (with time options 2, 12, 22). It also includes "Off" positions and a "pull start / push stop" indicator.

Important Detergent Information

Detergents and soaps clean by loosening soil and by holding it in the water so it drains away. If not enough detergent is used, soil and lint can settle back on the items in the load.

SOAP works best in soft water (0-4 grains hardness). In harder water, both the wash and rinse water should be softened. Use enough soap to make about 1½ to 2 inches (3.8 to 5.5 cm) of suds.

DETERGENT works in hard or soft water. Package directions are usually based on soft water and washers with normal size tubs. Use more detergent:

• For hard water.
• For heavy greasy or oily soils.
• If the detergent is low phosphate.
• For cold-water washes.

DETERGENT SUDS: There are high, normal, and low sudsing powdered detergents. If the recommended amount of detergent makes too much suds, switch to a lower sudsing brand. DO NOT REDUCE THE AMOUNT of detergent.

Use the following chart as beginning suggestions for powdered and liquid detergent amounts. See your Laundry Guide for more information (pages 14-22).

* These recommendations do not apply...

• In areas where phosphates are banned.
• In areas with laws limiting (by weight or percentage) the amount of detergent used in a wash load.

For a Pre Wash

Use the setting for SOAK cycle with detergent for a single wash. Accomplish:

• Set the LOAD SIZE SELECTOR.
• Set water temperature.

Push the Cycle Control Knob in and turn it to the 12-minute mark for the SOAK CYCLE. Pull the Control Knob out to start the washer. See SOAK cycle description on page 10. It will start the first "SOAK 8 minutes". After filling, the washer may pause before starting to agitate.

For Rinsing Only

Loads with towels, diapers, jeans, or heavily soiled items often need extra detergent. Extra detergent can require an extra rinse.

Your washer can be set to rinse only. Use the setting for an extra rinse, or for laundry that only needs a rinse and spin.

Diagram Description: The cycle control dial is shown with settings for "PERMANENT PRESS" (2, 6, 10) and "SOAK" (2, 12, 22). The text indicates that for Permanent Press, you set the load size, water temperature, push and turn the knob to the desired cycle and time, then pull to start. For Soak, you push and turn to the 12-minute mark, then pull to start. The washer will start the soak cycle.

For Spinning Only

There may be times when you want to drain all the wash water and spin dry. To spin the washer, at any time during a cycle, push in on the Cycle Control Knob, turn the dial to the right (clockwise) so the pointer is touching the bar just before OFF in any cycle. The washer will drain, spin out water, and stop. All cycle settings have a high-speed spin.

Diagram Description: The cycle control dial is shown with settings for "REGULAR HEAVY" (2, 8, 14) and "OFF". The text explains how to set the washer to drain and spin only by turning the knob to the position just before OFF.

Cycle Operation

Your washer has four cycles on the Cycle Control Dial. The numbers in each cycle are for the number of minutes you want the washer to agitate before it drains. After the rinse, you want longer agitation times for heavily soiled loads.

You choose the wash water temperature you want with the TEMPERATURE SELECTOR. Rinse water is always cold in all settings.

You set the amount of water that fills the tub with the LOAD SIZE SELECTOR.

WHAT HAPPENS IN EACH CYCLE:

PERMANENT PRESS CYCLE

Use for washing permanent press fabrics. Cooling of the wash water before the spin helps prevent the setting of wrinkles.

• SET LOAD SIZE
• SET WATER TEMPERATURE
• PUSH IN KNOB, TURN TO CYCLE AND TIME
• PULL OUT TO START

Flowchart Description: FILL -> Selected Level -> WASH (Selected Time; High Agitation) -> PARTIAL DRAIN -> REFILL -> COOL DOWN -> DRAIN (No Agitation) -> HIGH SPEED SPIN.

SHORT CYCLE

Use for delicate items that need a short wash and spin time. Wash nylon or silk, or panty hose in a net laundry bag.

• SET LOAD SIZE
• SET WATER TEMPERATURE
• PUSH IN KNOB, TURN TO CYCLE AND TIME
• PULL OUT TO START

Flowchart Description: FILL -> Selected Level -> WASH (Selected Time; High Agitation) -> DRAIN (No Agitation) -> HIGH SPEED SPIN.

REGULAR HEAVY CYCLE

Use for sturdy white and colorfast cottons and for heavy work clothes. High agitation and spin speeds help get the best cleaning results.

• SET LOAD SIZE
• SET WATER TEMPERATURE
• PUSH IN KNOB, TURN TO CYCLE AND TIME
• PULL OUT TO START

Flowchart Description: FILL -> Selected Level -> WASH (Selected Time; High Agitation) -> DRAIN (No Agitation) -> HIGH SPEED SPIN.

NOTE: You may notice that some of the "SPIN" cycles have SPRAY RINSES. Cold water is sprayed on the spinning load to help rinse and remove detergent residue.

If you turn to a cycle and start the washer, but change your mind, push in on the Cycle Control Knob and turn to the right (clockwise) to the setting you want. Then pull out to start.

If You Need Service or Help, We Suggest You Follow These Three Steps:

1. Before calling for service

Problems are sometimes caused by little things you can correct without tools. Check this list before you call for service:

• IF YOUR WASHER DOES NOT FILL:
  • Is the power supply cord plugged in?
  • Are both water faucets open?
  • Is the Cycle Control Knob set and pulled out?
• IF YOUR WASHER DOES NOT SPIN:
  • Is the lid closed?
  • Is the power supply cord plugged in?
  • Is a fuse blown or circuit breaker tripped?
• IF WASHER FILLS AND DRAINS WITHOUT RUNNING:
  • Make sure that the Cycle Control Knob is pointing to a number in the Cycle.
• IF YOUR WASHER STOPS DURING THE PERMANENT PRESS CYCLE:
  • Remember, the washer will stop for about 1½ minutes after the partial drain during the cool-down period in this cycle.

MAKE SURE THE DRAIN HOSE IS HIGHER THAN THE WATER LEVEL IN THE WASHER. IF IT ISN'T...

• The washer may seem to be draining during wash and rinse cycles.
• Water can siphon out (See Installation Instructions).

Troubleshooting Illustrations: Illustrations depict common troubleshooting checks: a power cord plugged into an outlet, open water faucets, and a drain hose. Text also advises checking fuses/circuit breakers.

2. If you need service:

If your WHIRLPOOL appliance ever needs service anywhere in the United States, help is just a phone call away to your nearest Whirlpool franchised TECH-CARE service representative. Whirlpool maintains a nationwide network of franchised TECH-CARE service companies to fulfill your warranty and provide after warranty service and maintenance to keep your WHIRLPOOL appliance in peak condition.

You'll find your nearest TECH-CARE service company listed in your local telephone book Yellow Pages under APPLIANCES - HOUSEHOLD - MAJOR SERVICE & REPAIR. Should you not find a listing, dial free, the Whirlpool COOL-LINE service assistance telephone number.

When calling from:

• Michigan: (800) 632-2243
• Alaska & Hawaii: (800) 253-1121
• All other states: (800) 253-1301

For installation, or to get the name of a qualified installer (installation cost will, of course, be paid by you).

Helpful hints: You can help your TECH-CARE service representative give you faster service if you include the model and serial number of your appliance when requesting service. Also, retain your sales slip and warranty to verify your warranty status.

Remember... Your TECH-CARE service representative is specially trained in the expert repairing and servicing of your WHIRLPOOL appliances. He can help you maintain the quality originally built into your WHIRLPOOL appliance. So why not take the time, now, to look up his telephone number and jot it down in the space provided on the cover.

3. If you have a problem:

Call Whirlpool Corporation in Benton Harbor at the COOL-LINE service assistance telephone number (see Step 2) or write:

Mr. Guy Turner, Vice President
Whirlpool Corporation
Administrative Center
2000 U.S. 33 North
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022

If you must call or write, please provide: your name, address, telephone number, type of appliance, brand, model, serial number, date of purchase, the dealer's name, and a complete description of the problem. This information is needed in order to better respond to your request for assistance.

FSP Parts

FSP is a registered trademark of Whirlpool Corporation for quality parts. Look for this symbol of quality whenever you need a replacement part for your Whirlpool appliance. FSP replacement parts will fit right and work right because they are made to the same exacting specifications used to build every new Whirlpool appliance.

Part No. 382594 Rev. A

Whirlpool Corporation manufactures: Automatic Washers, Clothes Dryers, Freezers, Refrigerator-Freezers, Ice Makers, Dishwashers, Built-in Ovens and Surface Units, Ranges, Microwave Ovens, Compactors, Room Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Central Heating and Air Conditioning Systems.

Quality. Our way of life. Printed in U.S.A.