Asko W6441WH, W6021, W6761, W6441 User Manual
USE AND CARE GUIDE
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
IMPORTANT!
To get the best performance from
your washer, read all operating
instructions before using it for the
first time.
WASHER
CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 2
CHILD SAFETY FEATURES 2
ASKO WASHER FEATURES 3
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 4
PREPARING THE LAUNDRY 6
THE DETERGENT DRAWER 8
DETERGENTS 8
FABRIC SOFTENERS 9
FABRIC DYEING 9
RECOMMENDED WASH TEMPERATURES 9
W6021 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 10
W6441 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 12
W6761 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 15
CARE AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS 21
COMMON LAUNDRY PROBLEMS 22
TROUBLESHOOTING 23
ASKO PRODUCT WARRANTY 25
INDEX 26
Page 1
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
T o reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to
persons when using your appliance, follow basic
precautions, including the following:
♦ Read all instructions before using the appliance.
♦ Do not run appliance while you are out of the home.
♦ Do not wash or dry articles that have been previously
cleaned in, washed in, soaked in, or spotted with
gasoline, dry-cleaning solvents, cooking oils, or other
flammable or explosive substances because they
give off vapors that could ignite or explode.
♦ Do not allow children to play on or in the appliance.
Close supervision of children is necessary when the
appliance is used near children.
♦ Before the appliance is removed from service or discarded,
remove the door to the washing compartment.
♦ Do not reach into the appliance if the drum is moving.
♦ Do not install or store this appliance where it will be
exposed to the weather.
♦ Do not tamper with controls.
♦ Do not repair or replace any part of the appliance or
attempt any servicing unless specifically
recommended in the user-repair instructions or in
published user-repair instructions that you
understand and have the skills to carry out.
♦ Do not add gasoline, dry-cleaning solvents, or other
flammable or explosive substances to the wash
water. These substances give off vapors that could
ignite or explode.
♦ Under certain conditions, hydrogen gas may be
produced in a hot water system that has not been
used for 2 weeks or more. HYDROGEN GAS IS
EXPLOSIVE. If the hot water system has not been
used for such a period, before using a washing
machine or combination washer-dryer, turn on all
water faucets and let the water flow from each for
several minutes. This will release any accumulated
hydrogen gas. As the gas is flammable, do not
smoke or use an open flame during this time.
WARNING!
This appliance must be properly grounded.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
A) Grounding instructions for a grounded, cordconnected appliance
In the event of malfunction or breakdown, grounding
will reduce the risk of electric shock by providing a path
of least resistance for electric current. This appliance is
equipped with a cord having an equipment-grounding
conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be
plugged into an appropriate outlet that is properly
installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes
and ordinances.
WARNING!
Improper connection of the equipment-grounding
conductor can result in a risk of electric shock.
Check with a qualified electrician or service
representative or personnel if you are in doubt as
to whether the appliance is properly grounded.
Do not modify the plug provided with the appliance. If it
will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a
qualified electrician.
B) Grounding instructions for a permanently
connected appliance:
This appliance must be connected to a grounded metal,
permanent wiring system, or an equipment-grounding
terminal or lead on the appliance.
NOTE: This manual does not cover every possible
condition and situation that may occur. Use
common sense and caution when installing,
operating, and maintaining any appliance.
CHILD SAFETY FEATURES
CHILD-SAFE DETERGENT DRAWER
ASKO washers have a child-safety catch on the detergent
drawer that can be engaged to prevent a child from
opening the drawer and possibly coming into contact with
the detergent or fabric softener. Refer to page 8 for
instructions on how to engage the child-safety catch.
CHILD-SAFE TEMPERATURE KNOB
Model W6021 has a child-safety catch that can be engaged
to prevent children from tampering with the temperature
knob. The catch is located below the temperature knob
behind the edge of the control panel. To engage it, insert a
flathead screwdriver in the slot on the catch. Press upwards
as you turn the catch clockwise. When you release the catch
it should protrude slightly below the control panel.
Once the catch is engaged, you must hold it up as you
turn the temperature knob to the desired setting.
CHILD-SAFE START
Y ou can program Models W6441 and W6761 not to start
unless the Start button is held down for three seconds.
Page 2
This is to prevent children from inadvertently starting
the machine. Refer to the operating instructions for these
models to program this safety feature.
MORE CHILD-SAFETY TIPS
♦ Laundry detergents are corrosive, so always keep
them out of reach of children.
♦ Should a child swallow detergent, give plenty to drink
immediately , i.e., one or two glasses of milk or water .
Do not try to induce vomiting. Seek medical advice
immediately: 1-800-POISON1
♦ Always close the door and start the appliance as
soon as you put in the detergent.
♦ Always turn the power off to the machine when it is
not in use.
♦ Always keep small children away from the machine
when it is open. There may be some detergent
residue left inside the machine.
♦ If laundry detergent gets in someone’s eyes, rinse
them with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
ASKO WASHER FEATURES
Your new energy-efficient ASKO washer is designed to
give you maximum cleaning performance using less
water, energy and detergent. To make the most of the
washer’s functions and features, we recommend that
you read this manual carefully before using your machine
for the first time. For operating instructions, refer to
pages 10 through 20.
Below is an illustration of the external parts and features
of your ASKO washer.
Detergent and Fabric
Softener Dispenser
Type Plate
(with Type
and Serial
Number)
Power
Button
2
E
2h
Outer Door
(W6441 and W6761)
Control
Panel
Glass
Door
ENZYME STEP
To successfully remove all dirt and stains from fabric,
the enzymes in your detergent need to work at a
temperature between 105° and 140° F for a longer time
period. This longer wash cycle gives the enzymes in the
detergent ample time to remove stains, eliminating the
need for stain sprays and spot removers.
MORE RINSE CYCLES
Most washers have only two or three rinse cycles; some
have an option to add a fourth. ASKO washers have
five rinses and a Super Rinse option that adds two more.
ASKO washers get the soil and detergent out of your
laundry that most other washers leave in. That’s why
your whites will remain white and your colored fabrics
will remain bright.
SUPER RINSE OPTION
This option is designed for people with sensitive skin or
who are allergic to detergents. It can also be used for
large, heavily soiled loads.
SPIN OPTIONS
ASKO washers have faster spin speeds than most other
washers, which may decrease the time it takes to dry
your laundry. The spin speeds range from 400 rpm to
1600 rpm, depending on the model. You can also turn
the spin cycle off.
SENSOR LEVEL CONTROL (SLC)
ASKO washers do not need high, medium, or low water
level settings to compensate for different sized loads.
ASKO units have a consumption sensor—Sensor Level
Control—that ensures the correct amount of water is
pumped into the machine for any size load. It even
compensates for fabric saturation, letting in more water
if needed. This eliminates worry about selecting the right
water level setting for each laundry load.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Because wash water temperature is a major factor in
getting laundry clean, ASKO washers have built-in heating
elements and a sensor that keeps the temperature to
within +/-1° F of the selected program temperature.
ASKO washers are programmed not to advance in a
cycle until the selected water temperature is reached,
so the length of the cycles may vary, depending upon
the household cold water temperature, the amount of
laundry in the washer, and the wash temperature setting.
Page 3
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Read these instructions carefully and completely before
you install the machine. The installation should be
carried out by a qualified person who is familiar with all
local codes and ordinances for electrical and plumbing
connections.
SPECIFICATIONS
Height 33-1/2”–34-1/2 (850–876 mm)
Width 23-7/16” (595 mm)
Depth W6761: 23-7/16" (595 mm)
W6021/W6441: 24-7/16” (620 mm)
Weight 167 lbs. (73 kg)
Rated load See data plate
Supply voltage Single-phase 230 V, 60 Hz
Heating element 2000 W
Fuse 15 A (2 internal fuses)
REMOVING THE SHIPPING
SUPPORTS
The machine is transported with three shipping supports,
as illustrated below. These supports hold the tub in place
during shipment. When you unpack the machine, you
must remove these supports.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Cosmetic damage must be reported to your dealer
within five days from the date of purchase. After
unpacking the washer, thoroughly check the unit for
cosmetic damage.
Drum and Barrel Stainless steel
Outer casing Stove-enamelled hot-dipped
galvanized steel or stainless steel
Mounting Four adjustable rubber-covered
feet
Inlet supply hose 5 ft. (1.5 m) PEX tubing with
brass ferrules
Supply pressure 15–142 PSI
Outlet hose 5.5 ft. (1.7 m) polypropylene hose,
3/4” ID
LEVELING THE MACHINE
It is important that the machine is level so it won’t vibrate
excessively during the spinning cycles. Each foot on
the washer is adjustable, so you can level the washer
on any surface. Once it is level, securely tighten the
lock nuts on the feet to prevent excessive vibration during
the spin cycles.
You must remove the
shipping supports before
you install the washer.
To remove the shipping supports, follow the instructions
below:
1. Unscrew the 5/8” (12
mm) bolts holding the
supports in place and
remove the bolts.
2. Push the rubber spacer
up then pull it out of the
slot.
2
1
ACCESSORIES
3. Rotate the spacer so that the extruded end
points toward the machine.
Be sure to tighten the
lock nuts securely when
you level the machine.
WATER SUPPLY CONNECTION
Because ASKO washers have their own heating element,
you only need to have a cold water inlet. The connection
should be made by someone who is sufficiently skilled.
Use the hose supplied with the washer. (The inlet hose is
marked for proper connections.)
Water pressure must be in the range of 15–146 PSI.
A tap should be fitted on the water supply pipe.
If a new supply pipe has been installed for the washer, it
should be flushed thoroughly to remove any foreign
particles that might clog the strainer in the water inlet.
Tap
Cold water
supply
4. Insert it into the
slot and push
down to lock it
into position.
Page 4
NOTE: If unit is installed on a second story , follow local
building codes. We recommend a drip pan be
installed.
DRAIN OUTLET CONNECTION
The machine is supplied with the outlet hose already
attached. The hose should be extended over a suitable
sink edge or drain pipe at a height of 24” to 36” (610
mm to 914 mm) above the bottom of the unit. (The lower
height is preferable.) Make sure that the hose is not
kinked.
NOTE: If the hose is extended, the internal diameter
of the coupling must not be less than 1/2”.
WARNING!
Do not extend the drain hose higher than
36” (914 mm) from the bottom of the unit.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
The machine is delivered ready-fitted with a plug and is
intended for connection to an ASKO Dryer, which is
equipped with a matching receptacle. The plug supplied
with the washer can only be used with an ASKO Dryer.
If the washer is used separately or with another dryer, it
must be on a separate 220 V single-phase circuit.
If the machine is to be used in a wet area, the supply
must be protected by a residual current device.
As supplied: 230 V, 60 Hz
2000 W heating element
15 A fuse required
FREESTANDING INSTALLATION
The washer can be placed next to the dryer. It is essential
that the machine is leveled and the locknuts tight to
prevent excessive vibration during the spin cycles. Also
be sure to leave a minimum of 1/2”
(12 mm) of space between the washer and the dryer.
The height adjustment for the washer is 33-1/2” to
34-1/2” (850 mm to 876 mm). Do not raise it higher
than 34-1/2”.
STACKED INSTALLATION
ASKO washers should never be stacked on a counter
or a dryer. You can, however, stack an ASKO dryer on
an ASKO washer. Refer to your Dryer Use and Care
Guide for instructions on how to do this.
BUILT-IN INSTALLATION
ASKO washers can be installed beneath a cabinet or
worktop with a height of 34-1/2” ( 876 mm). There must
be a gap of about 1/2” (12 mm) all around the machine,
including between the rear edge of the machine top panel
and the back wall. The opening width must be at least
24-1/2” (622 mm).
Space must also be available for the inlet and drain
hoses. See the diagram below for measurements and
positions.
WARNING!
Connection to a permanently wired
supply point must be made only by a
qualified electrician.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This appliance must be grounded. In the event of
malfunction or breakdown, grounding will reduce the risk
of electric shock by providing a path of least resistance
for electric current. This appliance is equipped with a cord
having an equipment-grounding conductor and a
grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an
appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded
in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
WARNING! Improper connection of the
equipment-grounding conductor can result in a
risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified
electrician or serviceman if you are in doubt as
to whether the appliance is properly grounded.
Do not modify the plug provided with the
appliance. If it will not fit the outlet, have a proper
outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
If the drain outlet is higher than 24”, the connections will
need to be recessed.
Page 5
PREPARING THE LAUNDRY
We believe ASKO washers clean better than any other
washer available on the market. With proper attention
to how you prepare your laundry items for washing and
drying, your wardrobe and linens will look like new for
years.
SORTING THE LAUNDRY
Properly sorting your laundry is a very important factor
in ensuring that your clothing and linens look new for a
long time. Another important factor is properly following
the care label instructions (see next page).
Below are some basic rules for sorting your laundry:
Sort by
1. Fabric color
Whites; pastels and medium colors; bright colors;
dark colors
2.2.
2. Amount of soil
2.2.
Heavily soiled items should be washed separately
from lightly soiled items.
3.3.
3. Fabric Type
3.3.
Delicates should be washed separately. You should
also consider separating fabrics that tend to shed
lint (e.g., cotton, chenille, and terrycloth) from fabrics
that attract lint (e.g., permanent press, corduroy,
velveteen, flannel and synthetics).
IMPORT ANT NOTE:
If the care label says "Wash Separately," the fabric is
likely to lose color (excess dye) for the first few washings.
T o minimize the possibility of the color transferring to white
or lighter colored items, wash new colored garments with
items of similar color or separately. Bright reds and
oranges on cottons are the dyes most likely to transfer
colors to the wash load. Fluorescent colors should always
be washed separately.
RECOMMENDED LOAD SIZES
To reduce wrinkling, you should determine the load size
based on the type(s) of fabrics being washed. The chart
below gives recommended load sizes for different fabrics.
Load Size Fabrics
Full Cotton, linen
Half Perm press, synthetics, acrylics
Third Special finish cottons, machine
washable wool, silk, acetates
Cotton and Linen Fabrics
These items should be washed in full loads because
the tumble action of the tub along with the gentle rubbing
and lifting and falling movement of the clothes gives the
best cleaning result.
Permanent Press Fabrics
These items need more room to move freely during
washing for the most wrinkle-free results. Therefore, fill
the machine only half full for permanent press loads.
These items should have only a brief spin cycle and
they should be removed promptly from the washer and
put directly into the dryer or hung to dry.
Delicate Fabrics
More delicate fabrics, such as machine washable wool
and silk, should only be washed in one-third size loads
for the best results.
ADVICE FOR PERSONS WITH
SENSITIVE SKIN
ASKO washers are ideal for people allergic to detergent.
Our Heavy, Normal and Light wash programs have five
rinse cycles and a Super Rinse option that adds two
more rinses. This ensures that all the detergent residue
is rinsed out of your laundry.
As an extra precaution, you should use mild detergents
and be careful not to use too much.
GENERAL LAUNDRY ADVICE
♦ Always follow the care label instructions (see page
7).
♦ Remove any sharp ornaments, pins or buckles to
prevent snags.
♦ Empty pockets and turn them inside out.
♦ Close zippers and hooks to prevent snagging.
♦ Tie sashes and strings to prevent tangling.
♦ Mend any small rips to prevent them from enlarging.
♦ Turn colored cotton garments, velvet and finer
knitwear inside out before washing.
♦ Turn delicate items, sweaters and T-shirts inside out
to prevent pilling and to protect the prints.
♦ Prewash severely soiled items.
♦ Wash colored fabrics separately the first time.
♦ Thoroughly rinse down items, such as comforters
(Super rinse).
♦ Use fabric softener to eliminate static electricity in
synthetic garments and to soften cotton.
Page 6
CARE LABEL INSTRUCTIONS
Most clothes and other washable items have permanent
care labels. Read these labels carefully! Care label
instructions and warnings should be followed for the best
cleaning results.
The table below defines the symbols used on fabric care
labels. (NOTE: Some manufacturers may use slightly
different symbols.)
CARE LABEL SYMBOLS
As an example, the symbols in the label illustrated below
mean: wash in warm water on permanent press setting.
Use non-chlorine bleach. Dry on permanent press setting.
Iron on low temperature setting.
Page 7
THE DETERGENT DRAWER
The detergent drawer on ASKO washers automatically
dispenses the detergent and fabric softener at the
appropriate times. Simply pour the measured amounts
of detergent and softener into the proper compartments
(as illustrated) and close the drawer.
Prewash
detergent
Main wash
detergent
Liquid detergent
partition (see below)
Control Button
Definitions
NOTE: To avoid oversudsing, do not put detergent in the
prewash compartment unless you are using one of
the Heavy wash programs which has a prewash
cycle.
Fabric
softener
Childsafety
catch
Pullout
handle
DETERGENTS
Laundry detergents are available in low-, normal- and
high-sudsing formulas. A detergent´s ability to clean is
not relative to the amount of suds it produces. Excess
suds in a front-loading washer actually interfere with
the cleaning because they cushion the tumbling action.
Also, high-sudsing detergents are more difficult to
completely rinse out.
The use of anything other than a low-sudsing detergent
can cause severe oversudsing, which could cause suds
to backup through the detergent compartment and run
down the front of the washer onto the floor. If oversudsing
occurs, run the wash through one or more rinse programs
until all items are thoroughly rinsed. Remove the laundry
then run the washer through a Normal wash program to
get rid of any remaining detergent.
We recommend that you don’t use bleach in your
ASKO washer. The tumbling wash action, temperature
control options, extended wash times and proper amount
of detergent are sufficient to remove most stains.
Control Button Definitions
Inside the detergent drawer is a plate that illustrates the
buttons on the control panel and defines each button.
Refer to the “Operating Instructions” in this guide for
your specific model for more details regarding the control
buttons.
Child-Safety Catch
All ASKO washers have a child-safety catch on the
detergent drawer that can be engaged to prevent a child
from opening the drawer and possibly coming into
contact with the detergent or fabric softener.
The safety catch is the red plastic piece on the back
right side of the pull-out handle. To engage the catch,
open detergent drawer a little then pull the catch forward
and release it. Once the catch is engaged, you must
push it to the left each time you open the detergent
drawer.
To disengage the catch, push it to the left then back.
RECOMMENDED POWDER
DETERGENTS
ASKO washers use 50% to 75% less detergent than
most other washers. This is because of their low water
consumption and the fact that all the wash water is
repeatedly circulated through the laundry, ensuring that
all the detergent is fully utilized. We recommend that
you use powder detergents made specifically for frontloading washers. These are sometimes called HE (HighEfficiency) detergents. Listed below are some lowsudsing powder detergents that have been successfully
tested in ASKO washers:
♦ Fab
♦ Amway SA8
We recommend that you do not use any powder
detergent that doesn’t wash completely out of the
detergent drawer.
♦ All
♦ Tide HE
♦ Fresh Start
♦ Wisk HE
LIQUID DETERGENTS
We don’t recommend liquid detergents because they
tend to produce more suds than powder detergents when
used in water temperatures of 150° F or higher. If you
should try a liquid detergent, start
with a very small amount, such as
1 to 2 tablespoons. Also, liquid
detergent can be used for all
programs without prewash, so add
it into the main wash compartment.
Should you prefer to use a liquid
detergent, we have provided a
partition piece with the detergent
drawer specifically for use with liquid detergents. Insert
the partition in the slot at the back of the main wash
compartment before you pour in the liquid detergent.
NOTE: The partition piece is packaged under the
detergent drawer.
Page 8
AMOUNT OF DETERGENT TO USE
The amount of detergent needed varies among the
different brands, but for most detergents, you need only
one or two tablespoons. Using too much detergent
can result in detergent residue being left in your clothes,
which can cause them to appear gray or dingy. You
should start with a small amount of detergent and
increase it only if the cleaning results are unsatisfactory.
Additionally, you should never put detergent in the
prewash compartment unless you are using a wash
program that has a prewash cycle. This could cause
excess foaming, which could damage the machine.
The amount of detergent needed can also depend on
the hardness of the water in your area. See the “Detergent
Amounts Based on Water Hardness” section on the next
page for more details.
Detergent Amounts Based on Water Hardness
The amount of detergent needed can vary due to
differences in water hardness. To determine the water
hardness in your area, contact your local water utility or
area water softening company. The harder the water,
the more detergent you may need. Refer to the chart
below for the recommended detergent amounts based
on water hardness. Remember, you should adjust the
amount of detergent you use by small amounts until
you find the correct amount.
Note that 12 grains and higher is extremely hard water
Recommended Detergent Amounts Based on Water Hardness
Water Hardness
Soft (0-3 grains per gal.) 1 teaspoon 1 to 1-1/2 tablespoons
Medium (4-8 grains per gal.) 1 teaspoon 1 to 2 tablespoons
Hard (9+ grains per gal.) 1 teaspoon 2 to 3 tablespoons
Prewash Main Wash
and detergent alone may not be enough. Y ou may need to
use a water softener to maximize the performance of your
washer. Also, in areas with extremely hard water (9+) you
may need to wash at lower temperatures to prevent hard
water deposits from forming in the tank and wash system.
Different brands of detergent have different amounts of
phosphorous for softening water. If you have hard water
and use a detergent with less than 8.7% phosphorous
content, you may need to use more detergent or use a
detergent with a higher phosphorous content.
Detergent Amounts
FABRIC SOFTENERS
Fabric softeners are available in several concentrations.
We recommend that you use only two tablespoons of
fabric softener. If more softening is desired, try adding
slightly more the next time.
FABRIC DYEING
To dye fabrics in your washing machine, pour the dye
directly into the drum, not in the detergent compartment.
Select Normal wash with the Super Rinse option and
use the temperature recommended on the dye package.
If you’re dyeing polyester, select a spin speed of 800
rpm.
After you have removed the dyed items, be sure to clean
the drum before you wash a load of laundry. Do this by
running the empty machine through a Normal wash
program using the normal amount of detergent.
RECOMMENDED WASH TEMPERATURES
Different fabrics require different wash temperatures. The
table below gives recommended wash temperatures for
different fabrics as well as recommended programs, load
Wash Wash Load Spin
Fabric Type Temp. Program Size
White cotton w/out elastic 140–205° F Normal Full Long spin, high rpm
and/or decorative trim
White cotton w/elastic 120–140° F Normal Full Long spin, high rpm
and/or decorative trim
Colored cotton 120–140° F Normal Full Long spin, high rpm
Linen (white and colorfast) 120–140° F Normal Half Short spin, low rpm
Cotton/polyester blends 105–120° F Normal/Permanent press Half Short spin, low rpm
Polyester/acrylic blends 105–120° F Normal/Permanent press Half Short spin, low rpm
Rayon and acetate 105° F Delicate/Wool Half Short spin, low rpm
Washable silk and nylon 85° F (cold) Delicate/Wool Third Short spin, low rpm
Washable wool and 85–105° F Delicate/Wool Third Short spin, low rpm
wool blends (cold)
Handwash wool & silk
(3)
85° F (cold) Delicate/Wool Third Short spin, low rpm
sizes, and spin options. These are only suggestions.
We recommend that you always refer to the care label
instructions (see page 7).
(1)
Options
(2)
NOTES:
(1) The load size should be determined by the type of fabric being washed. (See page 6.)
(2) Spin speed options are not available on all models.
(3) Some hand-washable wool and silk items should not go through a spin cycle. These items should be removed
from the washer then pressed out in a terry towel to remove excess water before being hung up or laid flat to dry .
Page 9