GE GKSE4200, GNSE3160, GWSE3160, WBSE4220, WBSE5290 Owner’s Manual

GKSE4200

GNSE3160 GWSE3160 WBSE4220 WBSE5290

Washers

175D1807P326-1 49-90061-1 11-00 JR

Safety Information . . . . . . 3

Operating Instructions

Control Panels and

Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4–6

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 8

Loading and Using the

Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9–12

Stain Guide . . . . . . . . . .11, 12

Troubleshooting Tips

Before You Call For

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13–15

Customer Service

Service Telephone

Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 17

Owner’s Manual

GE Appliances

A Service Partnership.

FOR YOUR RECORDS

Write the model and serial numbers here:

# #

You can find them in the upper right corner on the back of your washer.

Inside you will find many helpful hints on how to use and maintain your washer properly. Just a little preventive care on your part can save you a great deal of time and money over the life of your washer.

READ THIS MANUAL

IF YOU NEED SERVICE

You’ll find many answers to common problems in the

Before You Call For Service

section. If you review our

chart of

Troubleshooting Tips

first, you may not need to call for service at all.

If you do need service, you can relax knowing help is only a phone call away. A list of toll-free customer service numbers is included in the back section. Or call 1-800-361-3400.

IMPORTANT!

Staple sales slip or cancelled check here.

Proof of the original purchase date is needed to obtain service under the warranty.

Operating Instructions Safety InstructionsCustomer Service Troubleshooting Tips

■Install or store where it will not be exposed to

temperatures below freezing or exposed to the weather.

■Properly ground washer to conform with all governing

codes and ordinances. Follow details in Installation Instructions.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

WARNING!

For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion, electric shock, or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.

WATER HEATER SAFETY

Under certain conditions hydrogen gas may be produced in a water heater that has not been used for two weeks or more. Hydrogen gas can be explosive under these circumstances.

If the hot water has not been used for two weeks or more, prevent the possibility of damage or injury by turning on all hot water faucets and allowing them to run for several minutes. Do this before using any electrical appliance which is connected to the hot water system. This simple procedure will allow any built-up hydrogen gas to escape. Since the gas is flammable, do not smoke or use an open flame or appliance during this process.

PROPER INSTALLATION

This washer must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used. If you did not receive an Installation Instructions sheet, you can receive one by calling, toll-free

1-800-361-3400.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Instructions

■Keep the area underneath and around your

appliances free of combustible materials such as lint, paper, rags, chemicals, etc.

■Close supervision is necessary if this appliance is

used by or near children. Do not allow children to play on, with, or inside this or any other appliance.

YOUR LAUNDRY AREA

■Never reach into washer while it is moving. Wait

until the machine has completely stopped before opening the lid.

■Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or acids

such as vinegar and/or rust remover. Mixing different chemicals can produce a toxic gas which may cause death.

■Do not wash or dry articles that have been cleaned in,

washed in, soaked in, or spotted with combustible or explosive substances (such as wax, oil, paint, gasoline, degreasers, dry-cleaning solvents, kerosene, etc.) which may ignite or explode. Do not add these substances to the wash water. Do not use or place these substances around your washer or dryer during operation.

■

The laundry process can reduce the flame retardancy

of fabrics. To avoid such a result, carefully follow the garment manufacturer’s wash and care instructions.

■To minimize the possibility of electric shock, unplug

this appliance from the power supply or disconnect the washer at the household distribution panel by removing the fuse or switching off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.

NOTE:

Turning the Cycle Selector knob to

an off position does

NOT

disconnect the appliance

from the power supply.

■Never attempt to operate this appliance if it is

damaged, malfunctioning, partially disassembled, or has missing or broken parts, including a damaged cord or plug.

WHEN USING THE WASHER

■Turn off water faucets to relieve pressure on hoses

and valves and to minimize leakage if a break or rupture should occur. Check the condition of the fill hoses; they should be replaced after 5 years.

■Before discarding a washer, or removing it from

service, remove the washer lid to prevent children from hiding inside.

■Do not attempt to repair or replace any part of this

appliance unless specifically recommended in this Owner’s Manual, or in published user-repair instructions that you understand and have the skills to carry out.

■Do not tamper with controls.

WHEN NOT IN USE

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Use this appliance only for its intended purpose as described in this Owner’s Manual.

Operating Instructions Safety InstructionsCustomer Service Troubleshooting Tips

STOP/ARRÊT

TEMPERATURE

WASH/RINSE

LAVAGE/RINÇAGE

WARM/COLD TIEDE/FROID

HOT/COLD

CHAUD/FROID

COLD/COLD

FROID/FROID

WARM/WARM

TIEDE/TIEDE

SUPER

EXTRA

MEDIUM

EXTRA

LIGHT/LÉGER

EASY CARE

WRINKLE FREE PERM. PRESS KNITS / TRICOTS

To select another cycle during operation turn selector and press start

Pour sélectionner un autre cycle durant l’opération, tourner le sélectionner et pousser départ

QUICK RINSE/ RINÇAGE RAPIDE

SPIN ONLY/ ESSORAGE SEUL

SUPER

MEDIUM

LIGHT/LÉGER

DELICATE

30 MIN

15 MIN

AUTO SOAK / TREMPAGE

COTTONS COTONS

START

DÉPART

SOAK 15 MIN 12 MIN 9 MIN 6 MIN RINSE

RINÇAGE

2ND RINSE

RINÇAGE

FINAL SPIN/

ESSORAGE

EXTRA LARGE

LARGE

MEDIUM

SUPER

RESET

SMALL PETITE

LOAD/CHARGE

VARIABLE

— WASH TIME/TEMPS DE LAVAGE —

TREMPAGE

REMPLISSAGE

FILL

4 SPEEDS / VITESSES

WASH/RINSE

LAVAGE/RINÇAGE

NORMAL NORMAL

NORMAL

DEL.

DEL. DEL.

DEL.

NORMAL

PerfecTemp

OPTIONS

EXTENDED SPIN

ESSORAGE PROLONGÉ

OFF

2ND RINSE

RINÇAGE

PAUSE

About the washer control panel.

Models GKSE4200

Quick Start Guide

• Add detergent

• Add clothes

• Select load size and other wash options

• Select wash cycle

• Close lid

• Push

START

NOTE:

When making a selection with any knob, simply point the knob anywhere within the shaded range for that setting.

STOP/PAUSE

OPTIONS

EXTRA LARGE

LARGE

MEDIUM

SUPER

RESET

SMALL PETITE

LOAD/CHARGE

VARIABLE

3 SPEEDS / VITESSES

WASH/SPIN

LAVAGE/ESSORAGE

DEL. DEL.

NORMAL

DEL.

NORMAL

TEMPERATURE

WASH/RINSE

LAVAGE/RINÇAGE

WARM/COLD TIEDE/FROID

HOT/COLD

CHAUD/FROID

COLD/COLD

FROID/FROID

WARM/WARM

TIEDE/TIEDE

OFF

2ND RINSE

RINÇAGE

SUPER

EXTRA

MEDIUM

EXTRA

LIGHT/LÉGER

EASY CARE

WRINKLE FREE PERM. PRESS KNITS

To select another cycle during operation turn selector and press start

Pour sélectionner un autre cycle durant l’opération, tourner le sélectionner et pousser départ

QUICK RINSE/ RINÇAGE RAPIDE

SPIN ONLY/ ESSORAGE SEUL

SUPER

MEDIUM

LIGHT/LÉGER

DELICATE

30 MIN

15 MIN

AUTO SOAK / TREMPAGE

COTTONS COTONS

START

DÉPART

Super Capacity / Capacité Plus • 16 Cycle • Exclusive Auto Balance System / Équilibrage automatique • Heavy Duty / Haut rendement

SOAK 15 MIN 12 MIN 9 MIN 6 MIN RINSE

RINÇAGE

2ND RINSE

RINÇAGE

FINAL SPIN/

ESSORAGE

— WASH TIME/TEMPS DE LAVAGE —

TREMPAGE

REMPLISSAGE

FILL

Models GWSE3160 and GNSE3160

TEMPERATURE

VARIABLE

FILL SOAK

WASH TIME

15 MIN 12 MIN 9 MIN 6 MIN RINSE 2ND

RINSE

FINAL

SPIN

LOAD SIZE OPTIONS

To select another cycle during operation turn selector and press start

WARM

COLD

COLD COLD

WARM WARM

HOT

COLD

START

STOP/PAUSE

GENTLE

SLOW

GENTLE

FAST

NORMAL

FAST

NORMAL

SLOW

4 CUSTOM CARE SPEEDS

WASH/SPIN WASH/RINSE

EXTRA LARGE

LARGE

MEDIUM

SMALL

SUPER

RESET

HEAVY

MEDIUM

WRINKLE FREE PERM. PRESS KNITS

LIGHT

EXTRA HEAVY

HEAVY

MEDIUM

EXTRA LIGHT

LIGHT

QUICK RINSE

SPIN

ONLY

COTTONS

EASY CARE

DELICATES

OFF

EXTENDED

SPIN

AUTO SOAK

2ND

RINSE

Model WBSE4220

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Instructions

TEMPERATURE

FILL SOAK

WASH TIME

15 MIN 12 MIN 9 MIN 6 MIN RINSE 2ND

RINSE

FINAL SPIN

LOAD SIZE

To select another cycle during operation turn selector and press start

VARIABLE

WARM

COLD

COLD COLD

WARM WARM

HOT

COLD

AUTO SOAK

15 MIN

AUTO SOAK

15 MIN

AUTO SOAK

30 MIN

AUTO SOAK

15 MIN

HEAVY

MEDIUM

REG.

LIGHT

EXTRA HEAVY

HEAVY

MEDIUM

QUICK WASH

LIGHT

QUICK

RINSE

SPIN

ONLY

COTTONS

EASY CARE

DELICATES

WRINKLE FREE PERM. PRESS KNITS

HANDWASH

GENTLE

SLOW

HANDWASH

SLOW

GENTLE

FAST

NORMAL

FAST

NORMAL

SLOW

5 CUSTOM CARE SPEEDS

WASH/SPIN WASH/RINSE

EXTRA LARGE

LARGE

MEDIUM

SMALL

SUPER

RESET

START

STOP/PAUSE

SPOT

SPRAY

SIGNAL

OFF

2ND

RINSE

OPTIONS

2ND RINSE

& EXTENDED

SPIN

(AUTO END OF CYCLE SIGNAL)

EXTENDED

SPIN

OFF

Model WBSE5290

Color Logic (on some models)

Select the correct

TEMPERATURE

setting. Match the particular color below the words with the same

color on the

WASH/SPIN SPEED

setting. Next, match the color again with the same color on the

Cycle Selector knob.

Example: Washing a load of medium soiled whites, such as towels and sheets.

Choose the

LOAD SIZE.

Choose the

TEMPERATURE

setting—

for this load it would be the

HOT COLD

(which is a

particular color)

Choose the

WASH/SPIN SPEED

setting

that matches that color—for this load it would be the

NORMAL FAST.

Turn the Cycle Selector knob to the area that has the same color as the

TEMPERATURE

and

WASH/SPIN SPEED

settings you have chosen—for this load it would be the

COTTONS

area.

Turn the knob to the

MEDIUM

setting.

About the control settings.

Load Size

Loosely load clothes no higher than the top row of holes in the washer tub. The water level should just cover the clothes.

Custom Care Wash/Spin Speeds

The agitator moves clothes around for a cleaner wash; the basket spins later in the cycle to release water from the load. The Wash/Spin Speed dial sets the speed of both the agitator and the basket.

With Normal wash speed, the agitator will move at a high speed for the first few minutes, then it steps down to a moderate speed. This reduces the wear on your clothing. Use for cottons, denims and play clothes.

With Delicate/Gentle wash speed, the agitator moves slower. Use for delicate and knit items.

The Normal/Fast spin speed is for durable items.

The Delicate/Slow spin speed is for delicate items like sweaters and lingerie. When using

Delicate/Slow spin speed, clothes will be less dry than when using Normal/Fast spin speed.

The Handwash speed is for items labeled handwashable.

Operating Instructions Safety InstructionsCustomer Service Troubleshooting Tips

About the control settings.

Temperature

Select the water temperature for the wash and rinse cycles. Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label or instructions when laundering.

Wash Cycle

The wash cycle controls the length of the washing process. The knob can be turned in either direction. Turning the Cycle Selector knob after starting a cycle will stop the washer and reset the cycle to the new selection. Press START to begin the new cycle selection.

The Cycle Indicator Lights show what stage the washer is in. The wash time is the length of the wash agitation. The 6 MIN light will remain lit during drain and spin. When the Selector knob is set to a new cycle the Indicator Lights will flash momentarily, showing what stages the cycle will go through.

The chart below will help you match the wash cycle setting with your clothing.

COTTONS For heavy to lightly soiled cottons, household linens, work and play clothes.

EASY CARE For wrinkle-free and permanent press items, and knits.

HANDWASH For items labeled handwashable with light soils. Provides period of agitation and soak during

wash and rinse.

DELICATE For lingerie and special-care fabrics with light to normal soil. Provides periods of agitation and soak during

wash and rinse.

SUPER/

EXTRA HEAVY For heavily soiled and heavy-duty fabrics. This cycle provides a longer agitation.

QUICK RINSE For quickly rinsing chlorine, perspiration, stains, etc. out of clothes.

15 MIN/30 MIN For heavily soiled clothes. Begins with a brief agitation, soaks for a specified period of time, then moves

AUTO SOAK through the rest of the cycle automatically.

START

Press START to begin the cycle. Pressing START again or raising the lid will PAUSE the cycle and the Cycle indicator light will blink.

REMEMBER: When choosing the cycle, the Cycle Selector knob can be pointed anywhere within the shaded range for the cycle setting.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Instructions

About washer features.

2nd Rinse Option (on some models)

When you use extra detergent or bleach to clean heavily soiled clothes, you may want to use the 2nd Rinse option. It provides a second deep cold rinse.

Extended Spin Option (on some models)

Use this option to extract more water from your clothes. Clothes will be drier when this option is selected.

Signal Off Option (on some models)

Some models have a signal that will sound at the end of the cycle. Use this option to turn off the signal.

PerfecTemp (on some models)

PerfecTemp senses the incoming water temperature and adjusts the fill water to obtain a more

precise temperature range for all three wash temperatures.

You may select cold, warm or hot. For example, in a Cold Wash selection, some warm water may be added to reach a temperature needed to better dissolve detergents.

Often, detergents are not completely

dissolved in very cold water, especially in cooler climates.

NOTE: PerfecTemp

will not adjust the fill on

WARM WASH

unless the washer lid is closed.

Be sure to start the washer after the lid is closed.

PerfecTemp

Spot Spray (on some models)

When you open the washer lid and press the

SPOT SPRAY

button, you will see a short stream

of cold water.

Open the washer lid.

Press the

SPOT SPRAY

button. (You will see a short stream of water.)

Dampen your soiled garment with the

SPOT SPRAY

option and rub your favorite

pretreatment product into soiled area.

NOTE:

The

SPOT SPRAY

option will not work if

■

the washer lid is down

■

the washer tub is filling

■

the water has already reached the level you selected.

SPOT SPRAY

(appearance and features may vary)

OPTIONS

(AUTO END OF CYCLE SIGNAL)

SPIN

2ND

RINSE

COTT

2ND RINSE

& EXTENDED

SPIN

OFF

SIGNAL

OFF

ARM ARM

EXTENDED

FILL

Operating Instructions Safety InstructionsCustomer Service Troubleshooting Tips

About washer features.

NOTE: Not all features are available on all washer models.

Liquid Bleach Dispenser (on some models)

The dispenser dilutes liquid chlorine bleach before it reaches into your wash load.

Check clothing care labels for special instructions.

Measure liquid bleach carefully, following instructions on the bottle.

■

Never pour undiluted liquid chlorine bleach directly onto clothes or into the wash basket.

■

Do not pour powdered bleach into bleach dispenser.

Before starting the washer, pour measured amount of bleach directly into bleach dispenser. Avoid splashing or over-filling dispenser. If you prefer to use powdered bleach, add it into the wash basket with your detergent.

■

Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or acids such as vinegar and/or rust remover. Mixing can produce a toxic gas which may cause death.

The Agitator Cap or Fabric Softener Dispenser (depending on model)

The agitator cap

fits into the top of the agitator. If it accidentally comes off, simply put it back on.

The fabric softener dispenser

automatically releases liquid fabric softener at the proper time during the cycle.

Do not stop the washer during the first spin. This will cause the dispenser to empty too soon.

To use, follow these steps:

Make sure dispenser is securely attached to agitator.

Use only liquid fabric softener. Pour into dispenser, using amount recommended on package.

Never pour fabric softener directly on clothes. It may stain them.

Add water to dispenser until it reaches the maximum fill line.

Do not pour anything into the agitator if the agitator cap or dispenser is removed.

Cleaning the Fabric Softener Dispenser (on some models)

Remove the dispenser from the top of the agitator.

Separate the dispenser cup from the cover by grasping the top and pushing down on the inside of the cup with your fingers. Dispenser cup will pop free from the cover.

To clean the dispenser, soak both the dispenser cup and the dispenser cover in the following solution:

■

1 US gallon (3.8 liters) warm water

■

1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy duty liquid detergent

■

1 cup (240 ml) bleach

If necessary, loosen build-up with a clean, soft cloth after soaking. Do not use a stiff brush; you may roughen the surface of the dispenser.

Rinse and reassemble dispenser. Place dispenser back on the agitator.

Separate for cleaning.

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Instructions

Loading and using the washer.

Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering.

Sorting Wash Loads

Proper Use of Detergent

Add detergent as the wash basket fills with water, before you load clothes. Using too much detergent can be a common cause of laundry problems. Today’s detergents are formulated to be effective without highly visible sudsing. Be sure to carefully read and follow manufacturer’s recommendations for how much detergent to use in your wash. You can use less detergent if you have soft water, a smaller load, or a lightly soiled load.

Loading the Washer

Load dry items loosely, no higher than the top row of holes in the washer basket. When loading wet items make sure you set the load/water level high enough to allow the items to move freely. Water level should just cover the clothes. To add items after washer has started, lift the lid and submerge additional items next to the agitator.

■

Do not wrap long items like sheets or pants around the agitator.

■

Do not wash fabrics containing flammable materials (waxes, cleaning fluids, etc.).

■

Agitation will not start with the lid up.

Sort by color (whites, lights, colors), soil level, fabric type (sturdy cottons, easy care, delicates), and whether the fabric produces lint (terry cloth, chenille), or collects lint (velveteen, corduroy).

Operating Instructions Safety InstructionsCustomer Service Troubleshooting Tips

Loading and using the washer.

Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering.

Care and Cleaning of the Washer

Wash Basket:

Leave the lid open after washing to allow moisture to evaporate. If you want to clean the basket use a clean soft cloth dampened with liquid detergent, then rinse. (Do not use harsh or gritty cleaners.)

Fill Hoses:

Hoses connecting washer to faucet should

be replaced every 5 years.

Lint Filter:

The lint filter is located under the agitator.

It is self-cleaning and requires no maintenance.

Exterior:

Immediately wipe off any spills. Wipe with

damp cloth. Try not to hit surface with sharp objects.

Moving and Storage:

Ask the service technician to remove water from drain pump and hoses. Do not store the washer where it will be exposed to the weather. For information on how to keep the tub stationary when moving the washer write to: Manager, Consumer Relations, Camco Inc., 1 Factory Lane, Suite 310, Moncton, N.B. E1C 9M3.

Long Vacations:

Be sure water supply is shut off at faucets. Drain all water from hoses if weather will be below freezing.

Fabric Care Labels

Machine wash cycle

Normal

Permanent Press/

wrinkle resistant

Gentle/

delicate

Hand wash

Do not wash Do not wring

Water temperature

Hot

(50°C/120°F)

Warm

(40°C/105°F)

Cold/cool

(30°C/85°F)

Tumble dry

Dry

Normal

Permanent Press/

wrinkle resistant

Gentle/

delicate

Do not tumble dry

Do not dry (used with

do not wash)

Heat setting

High

Medium

Low

No heat/air

Special instructions

Line dry/

hang to dry

Drip dry

Dry flat

In the shade

Bleach symbols

Any bleach

(when needed)

Only non-chlorine bleach

(when needed)

Do not bleach

Below are fabric care label “symbols” that affect the clothing you will be laundering.

WASH LABELS

DRY LABELS

BLEACH LABELS

Customer ServiceTroubleshooting TipsOperating InstructionsSafety Instructions

STAIN White and Bleachable Fabrics Other Washable Fabrics

Adhesives

Rub with ice or immerse in • Same as white and bleachable fabrics.

(chewing gum, etc.)

very cold water. Use dull tool to carefully scrape off as much adhesive or gum as possible.

Rub the stain with undiluted liquid detergent. Rinse well, then wash as usual.

Antiperspirants,

Apply undiluted liquid detergent. • Same as white and bleachable fabrics except use

deodorants

Rinse. If stain remains, use the non-chlorine bleach. Bleach Solution; launder.

Blood

Soak in cold water, then launder • Sponge or soak in cool water, then launder. in warm water. If stain remains, use the Bleach Solution; launder.

Chocolate, cream,

Soak in cold water. Use the • Same as white and bleachable fabrics except use

ice cream and milk

Bleach Solution; launder. non-chlorine bleach.

Coffee and tea

Without cream: Use the Bleach • Sponge with warm water. If stain remains, apply warm Solution; launder. glycerine (available at drug stores), let stand 30 minutes

and rinse well. Wash as usual.

With cream: Soak in cold water, then use the Bleach Solution; launder.

Cosmetics, crayon

Use the Bleach Solution; • Rub the stain with undiluted liquid detergent. launder. Rinse well, then wash as usual.

Removing Specific Stains

Bleach Solution:

To remove stains on white or bleachable fabrics, try soaking the stained area in a container for five minutes in the following solution and then launder in the washer:

■

1 US gallon (3.8 liters) cool water

■

1/4 cup (60 ml) chlorine bleach

The invisible stain When They Become Visible:

• Rub the stain with undiluted liquid detergent.

• Let stand 30 minutes.

• Rewash using the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.

Preventing These Stains:

• Increase the amount of detergent used.

• Increase water temperature.

• Wash synthetics often.

Foods on synthetic clothes may cause stains which are virtually invisible when you put the clothes in the washer. If these stains are not completely removed in the wash, they may pick up dirt from other clothes in the washer and appear after the clothes are dried.

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