Roper Automatic washers Use And Care Manual
3949065
Use And Care
GUIDE
TWO SPEED AUTOMATIC WASHERS
A Note to You ......................... 2
Washer Safety ........................ 3
Parts and Features................. 4
Operating Your Washer
(models with separate
Water Level and
Temperature Selectors)...... 5
(models with
Temperature Selector
in Cycle Control Knob)...... 10
Stopping/restarting
your washer...................... 12
Understanding what
happens in each cycle...... 13
Understanding normal
washer sounds ................. 13
Adding liquid chlorine
bleach............................... 14
Adding liquid fabric
softener............................. 15
Caring for Your Washer....... 16
Laundry Tips ........................ 17
Removing Stains.................. 21
Troubleshooting................... 24
Requesting Assistance or
Service in the U.S.A. ............ 26
Requesting Assistance or
Service in Canada ................ 27
Warranty ............................... 28
2
A Note to You
Thank you for buying a ROPER* appliance.
ROPER appliances give you all the functionality of name brand appliances at a value price.
To ensure you enjoy years of trouble-free operation, we developed this Use and Care Guide.
It contains valuable information about how to operate and maintain your appliance properly
and safely. Please read it carefully. Also, please complete and mail the Ownership Registration Card provided with your appliance. This card helps us notify you about any new
information on your appliance.
Please record your model’s information.
Whenever you call to request service on
your appliance, you need to know your
complete model number and serial number.
You can find this information on the model
and serial number plate (see diagram on
page 4 for location of plate).
Please also record the purchase date of
your appliance and your dealer’s name,
address, and telephone number.
Keep this book and the sales slip together in a safe place for future reference.
Call our toll-free number.
Model Number __________________________
Serial Number __________________________
Purchase Date __________________________
Dealer Name ___________________________
Dealer Address _________________________
Dealer Phone ___________________________
1-800-447-6737
In Canada, contact your dealer, or nearest Inglis Limited
Appliance Service Branch.
3
Washer Safety
Your safety is important to us.
This guide contains safety statements
under warning symbols. Please pay special
attention to these symbols and follow any
instructions given. Here is a brief explanation of the symbol.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING – To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to
persons when using the washer, follow basic precautions, including
the following:
•Read all instructions before using
the washer.
•Do not wash articles that have
been previously cleaned in,
washed in, soaked in, or spotted
with gasoline, dry-cleaning
solvents, or other flammable or
explosive substances as they
give off vapors that could ignite
or explode.
•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, hydro-
gen 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 the washing
machine,
turn on all hot 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.
This symbol alerts you
to hazards suchas fire,
electrical shock, or
other injuries.
– SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS –
•Do not allow children to play on
or in the washer. Close supervision of children is necessary
when the washer is used near
children.
•Before the washer is removed
from service or discarded, remove the door.
•Do not reach into the washer if
the tub or agitator is moving.
•Do not install or store the washer
where it will be exposed to the
weather.
•Do not tamper with controls.
•Do not repair or replace any part
of the washer or attempt any
servicing unless specifically
recommended in this Use and
Care Guide or in published
user-repair instructions that you
understand and have the skills to
carry out.
•See Installation Instructions for
grounding requirements.
4
OFFOFF
ONON
EXTRA RINSE
2 SPEED
/
EXTRA LARGE CAPACITYEXTRA LARGE CAPACITY
HOTHOT
COLDCOLD
HOTHOT
WARMWARM
WARMWARM
COLDCOLD
COLDCOLD
COLDCOLD
WASHWASH
RINSE
TEMPERATURE
EXEX
SMALLSMALL
EXEX
LARGELARGE
LARGELARGE
SMALLSMALL
MEDIUMMEDIUM
RESETRESET
WATER LEVELWATER LEVEL
KNITS / GENTLE
PERMANENT
PRESS
CO
O
L
COOL
DO
W
N
DOWN
(PAUSE)
6
9
OFFOFF
REGULARREGULAR
SUPER WASHSUPER WASH
12
15
6
6
9
6
OFFOFF
OFFOFF
6
OFFOFF
OFFOFF
HEAVY
(ALL COLD RINSES)(ALL COLD RINSES)
SOFTSOFT
NORMALNORMAL
EXTRAEXTRA
RINSERINSE
NORMALNORMAL
LIGHTLIGHT
EXTRAEXTRA
RINSERINSE
EXTRAEXTRA
RINSERINSE
QUICK WASHQUICK WASH
Parts and Features
The parts and features of your washer are illustrated on this page. Become familiar with all
parts and features before using your washer. Page references are included next to some
features. Refer to those pages for more information about the features.
NOTE:
• The drawings in this book may vary from your washer model. They are designed to
show the different features of all models covered by this book. Your model may not
include all features.
Basket
Tub
Model and serial
number plate
(under lid)
Cycle control knob
(may include temperature
selections) (pp. 7-12)
Water level
selector
†
(p. 6)
Liquid fabric
softener
dispenser
†
(p. 15)
Self-cleaning lint filter
†
(bottom of washer basket)
(p. 9)
Liquid chlorine
bleach dispenser
†
(p. 14)
Temperature selector
†
(p. 7)
†
On some models
5
Operating Your Washer
To obtain the best washing results, you must operate your washer properly. This section
gives you this important information. Page references are included for more information.
NOTE:
• Pages 5-9 detail using models with sepa-
rate Water Temperature and Water Level
Selectors.
• Pages 10-12 detail using models with
the Temperature Selector in the Cycle
Control Knob.
wWARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
Do not remove ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in death or electrical
shock.
wWARNING
Explosion Hazard
Never place items in the washer that
are dampened with gasoline or other
flammable fluids.
Do not wash or dry items soiled with
vegetable or cooking oils because
they may contain some oil after
laundering.
Doing so can result in death,
explosion, or fire.
Starting Your Washer
(models with separate Water
Level and Temperature
Selectors)
1. Add measured detergent to the
washer. Then place a sorted load of
clothes in the washer.
• Sort and load clothes as described on
pages 17-18. You may load clothes to
the top row of basket holes.
• If desired, you may also add color
safe bleach.
2. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, add
measured liquid chlorine bleach to
the dispenser (see page 14).
• Use only liquid chlorine bleach in the
bleach dispenser.
continued on next page
Liquid fabric
softener dispenser
Liquid chlorine
bleach dispenser
6
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
3. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, pour
measured liquid fabric softener into
the fabric softener dispenser. See
page 15.
4. Close the washer lid.
5. Select a setting with the Water Level
selector that corresponds with the size
of your wash load and the type of
fabric being washed.
• Depending on your model, your washer
has two, four, or five load size settings:
–Small OR –Small OR –Extra
–Large –Medium Small
–Large –Small
–Extra Large –Medium
–Large
–Extra
Large
• To change the load size setting after
the washer has started to fill, turn the
Selector to the desired new setting.
LARGE
SMALL
WATER LEVEL
OR
LARGE
SMALL
EXTRA
LARGE
MEDIUM
WATER LEVEL
OR
LARGE
SMALL
EXTRA
LARGE
EXTRA
SMALL
MEDIUM
WATER LEVEL
7
6. Select a wash-rinse temperature with
the Water Temperature Selector. Match
the water temperature with the type of
fabric and soils being washed.
• See page 19 for water temperature
guidelines.
• Four wash-rinse temperatures are
available: hot-cold, warm-cold, coldcold, and warm-warm.
7. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and
turn it clockwise to the wash cycle
you want. See page 8.
8. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob to
start the washer.
WARM
WARM
COLD
COLD
WARM
COLD
WASH
RINSE
HOT
COLD
TEMPERATURE
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
8
Selecting a cycle and time
Use the information in this section to help
you make the best cycle selections for your
wash loads. Each cycle is designed for
different types of fabrics and soil levels.
• The washer pauses briefly throughout
each cycle. These pauses are normal for
washer operation.
• Page 13 describes what happens during
a wash cycle.
RINSE
SPIN
OFF
10
PAUSE
RINSE
SPIN
OFF
6
RINSE
SPIN
OFF
20
SOAK
OFF
14
10
6
LIGHT SOIL
4
PRE-WASH
NORMAL
PERMANENT
PRESS
DELICATES
REGULAR SOIL
HEAVY SOIL
18
EXTRA WASH
Cycle Control Knob with separate
water temperature selector
Extra Wash cycle
The Extra Wash cycle (18 minutes) features
an extended wash time for washing heavily
soiled loads that need maximum soil
removal. For improved cleaning, use two
times the amount of detergent recommended for a wash cycle.
Normal cycle
The Normal cycle features high agitation
speeds and longer spin speeds to shorten
drying time. Use this cycle for cleaning
cotton and linen fabrics. Select 6 (Light), 10
(Regular), or 14 (Heavy) minutes of wash
time, depending on whether your load is
lightly, moderately, or heavily soiled.
Permanent Press cycle
The Permanent Press cycle features a cooldown rinse, and low spin speeds to reduce
wrinkling. Use this cycle for cleaning permanent press and some synthetic fabrics.
Delicates cycle
The Delicates cycle features a reduced
agitation speed for gentle soil removal.
Low spin speeds reduce wrinkling. Use this
6 minute cycle for cleaning lightly to moderately soiled delicate items and washable knits.
Soak cycle
The Soak cycle features brief periods of
agitation and soak time to help remove
heavy soils and stains that need pretreatment.
• Use warm water when soaking laundry.
Hot water can set stains. See pages 21-23
for stain removal information.
• Use the amount of detergent or pre-soak
additive recommended by the manufacturer.
• After the Soak cycle ends, add detergent
and set a new wash cycle.
Pre-Wash cycle
(on some models)
The Pre-Wash cycle features a brief period
of agitation to help remove heavy soils and
stains that need pretreatment. See pages
21-23 for stain removal information. Once
the Pre-Wash cycle ends, add detergent and
start a new wash cycle.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
9
Using rinse and spin
When using extra detergent for heavily
soiled clothes, or washing special-care
items, you may find an extra rinse and spin
is needed.
1. For an additional rinse, push in the Cycle
Control Knob and turn it clockwise to
RINSE, as shown.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob. The
washer fills, agitates, drains, and spins.
Using drain and spin
A drain and spin may help shorten drying
time for some heavy fabrics or special-care
items by removing excess water.
1. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and turn
it clockwise to SPIN, as shown.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob. The
washer drains, then spins.
RINSE
OFF
RINSE
OFF
RINSE
OFF
OFF
NORMAL
DELICATES
SPIN
OFF
SPIN
OFF
SPIN
OFF
OFF
NORMAL
DELICATES
Self-cleaning
lint filter
Basket
interior
Self-cleaning lint filter
The lint filter at the bottom of the washer
basket cleans itself. During agitation, wash
and rinse water passes over the filter,
separating the lint from the water. The lint is
then spun away from the filter and out of the
system during the spin part of the cycle.
If your washer drains into a tub, remove
any lint collected in the tub or strainer.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
10
Starting your washer
(models with Temperature
Selector in Cycle Control Knob)
1. Add measured detergent to the
washer. Then place a sorted load of
clothes in the washer.
• Sort and load clothes as described on
pages 17-18. You may load clothes to
the top row of basket holes.
• If desired, you may also add color
safe bleach.
2. Close the washer lid.
3. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and
turn it clockwise to the wash cycle
you want. See page 11.
4. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob to
start the washer.
5. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, add
measured liquid chlorine bleach
after the washer starts agitating.
See page 14.
6. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, add
measured liquid fabric softener to the
final rinse water. See page 15.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
11
Selecting a cycle, time, and temperature
Use the information in this section to help
you make the best cycle selections for your
wash loads. Each cycle is designed for
different types of fabrics and soil levels.
• The washer pauses briefly throughout
each cycle. These pauses are normal for
washer operation.
• Page 13 describes what happens during a
wash cycle.
Water temperature selector in Cycle Control Knob
Normal cycle
The Normal cycle features hot and warm
water, high agitation, and longer spin
speeds to shorten drying time. Select 10 or
14 minutes of wash time, depending on
whether your wash load is lightly or moderately soiled.
Knits/Gentle cycle
The Knits/Gentle cycle features a brief soak
and reduced agitation speed for gentle soil
removal. Low spin speeds reduce wrinkling.
Use this cycle for cleaning delicate items
and washable knits.
Permanent Press cycle
The Permanent Press cycle features a cooldown rinse, and low spin speeds to reduce
wrinkling. Use this cycle for cleaning permanent press and some synthetic fabrics.
Cycle options
You may select a different wash time by first
selecting the water temperature (Warm or
Cold) and then turning to the new wash
time. For example, for 14 minutes of wash
time with Cold water:
1. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and turn
it clockwise to Cold.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob and allow
your washer to fill.
3. When your washer has filled, push in and
turn the Cycle Control Knob to Heavy, 14
minutes of wash time.
4. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob.
RINSE
PULL START PUSH STOP
SPIN
OFF
PAUSE
HOT
HOT
HOT
WARM
WARM
WARM
COLD
COLD
COLD
RINSE
SPIN
OFF
8
10
4
RINSE
SPIN
OFF
8
6
4
14
10
6
NORMAL
KNITS / GENTLE
PERMANENT
PRESS
4 CYCLE 2 SPEED
REGULAR
HEAVY
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
12
Using rinse and spin
(models with Water
Temperature Selector
in Cycle Control Knob)
When using extra detergent for heavilysoiled clothes, or washing special-care
items, you may find an extra rinse and spin
is needed.
1. For an additional rinse, push in the Cycle
Control Knob and turn it clockwise to
RINSE, as shown.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob. The
washer fills, agitates, drains, and spins.
Using drain and spin
(models with Water
Temperature Selector
in Cycle Control Knob)
A drain and spin may help shorten drying
times for some heavy fabrics or special-care
items by removing excess water.
1. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and turn
it clockwise to SPIN, as shown.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob. The
washer drains, then spins.
Stopping/restarting your washer
• To stop the washer at any time, push in
the Cycle Control Knob.
• To restart the washer, close the lid (if
necessary) and pull out the Cycle
Control Knob.
SPIN
SPIN
SPIN
OFF
OFF
OFF
NORMAL
PERMANENT
PRESS
RINSE
RINSE
RINSE
RINSE
RINSE
RINSE
SPIN
OFF
SPIN
OFF
SPIN
OFF
NORMAL
PERMANENT
PRESS
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
13
NOTE:
• The washer pauses briefly throughout
each cycle. These pauses are normal for
washer operation.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
Understanding what happens in each cycle
When the Cycle Control Knob is set to a
number and pulled out, the washer fills
before agitation and timing start. The washer
begins agitating immediately after filling;
agitation occurs with the washer lid up
or down.
After agitation starts, the Cycle Control
Knob turns clockwise until it points to an
OFF area and the cycle ends.
Fill
▼
Rinse
▼
Drain-No agitation
▼
Spin-Spray rinse
▼
Spin
▼
Off
Fill
▼
Wash selected time
▼
Drain
†
No agitation
▼
Spin
▼
†
On some models, the Permanent Press
cycle partially drains, fills, agitates briefly,
and drains.
WASH RINSE
Understanding normal washer sounds
Your new washer may make sounds that
your old one didn’t. Because the sounds are
unfamiliar, you may be concerned about
them. Don’t be; most of them are normal.
The following describes some of the
sounds you may hear and what causes
them.
During washing
When you select a small load size setting
for a small wash load, the water level in your
washer is lower. With this lower water level,
you may hear a clicking sound from the
upper portion of the agitator.
During drain
The rate that water is drained from your
washer depends on your installation. If water
is drained quickly from the washer, you may
hear air being pulled through the pump. This
happens during the end of draining.
After drain and before spin
When the cycle changes from draining to
spinning, you may hear gears engaging.
14
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
Using the liquid chlorine bleach dispenser
(on some models)
Always measure liquid chlorine bleach. Do
not guess. Never use more than 1 cup
(250 mL) for a full load. Use less with lower
water level settings. Follow manufacturer’s
directions for safe use. Use a cup with a
pouring spout to avoid spilling.
1. Load the washer.
2. Pour measured chlorine bleach carefully
into the dispenser. Do not let bleach
splash, drip, or run down into washer
basket. Undiluted bleach will damage any
fabric it touches.
3. Start the washer. Bleach will be diluted
and dispensed automatically during wash
part of cycle.
Adding liquid chlorine bleach
(on models with no bleach dispenser)
Always measure liquid chlorine bleach. Do
not guess. Never use more than 1 cup
(250 mL) for a full load. Follow manufacturer’s directions for safe use. Use a cup
with a pouring spout to avoid spilling.
1. Let the washer fill and begin agitating
the load.
2. Add bleach to wash cycle so it can be
removed in the rinse cycle. Pour bleach
around agitator, not directly on load.
NOTE: Do not use this dispenser to add
powdered chlorine or color safe bleach to
your wash load. The dispenser is for liquid
chlorine bleach use only.
• Follow directions on care labels. Do not
use chlorine bleach on wool, silk,
spandex, acetates, or some flameretardant fabrics.
• When soaking with chlorine bleach, add
detergent to soak water.
NOTE: Undiluted bleach will damage any
fabric it touches. The damage appears as
rips, holes, tears, or color loss and may not
show up until several washings later.
15
Using the liquid fabric softener dispenser
(on some models)
1. Add detergent and load clothes into the
basket.
2. Pour liquid fabric softener into the dis-
penser using the amount recommended
on the package. Avoid dripping or spilling
any fabric softener on the load.
3. Dilute fabric softener with warm water.
Fill dispenser with warm water until liquid
reaches the cross bar in the opening.
4. Start the washer. Diluted fabric softener
will be added to the load during the
final rinse.
NOTE: Do not stop the washer before the
rinse part of the cycle begins. Staining
can occur.
5. Flush dispenser periodically with warm
water, as illustrated.
• To remove the dispenser, grasp the top
of the dispenser with both hands.
Squeeze and push upward with thumbs
to remove.
• Clean dispenser by holding under water
faucet. Replace after cleaning.
NOTE: Do not wash clothes with this
dispenser removed. Do not add detergent
or bleach to dispenser. The dispenser is
for liquid fabric softener use only.
Adding liquid fabric softener
(on models with no fabric softener dispenser)
• Always dilute fabric softener with 1⁄2 to
1 cup (125 to 250 mL) warm water.
Undiluted fabric softener can stain fabrics.
• Add diluted fabric softener only in the
final rinse.
• Fabric softener should not be mixed with
other laundry products because greasy
stains may form. If stains form, remove by
wetting the stain and rubbing with liquid
detergent or a bar of soap. Rewash the
stained item.
• Too much fabric softener can make some
items (diapers and towels) nonabsorbent.
If this happens, use less fabric softener or
do not use it every time.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
16
Caring for Your Washer
Proper care of your washer can extend its life. This section explains how to care for your
washer properly and safely.
Cleaning your washer
Exterior
Wipe up detergent, bleach, and other spills
with a soft, damp cloth or
sponge as they occur. Occasionally wipe the outside of
the washer to keep it looking
like new.
Do not put sharp or metal objects in your
washer. They can damage the
finish. Check all pockets for
pins, clips, money, bolts, nuts,
etc. Do not lay these objects
on your washer after emptying
pockets.
Winter storage or moving care
Install and store your washer where it will
not freeze. Because some water may stay in
the hoses, freezing can damage your
washer. If storing or moving your washer
during freezing weather, winterize it.
To winterize washer:
1. Shut off both water faucets.
2. Disconnect and drain water inlet hoses.
3. Put 1 quart (1L) of R.V.-type antifreeze in
the basket.
4. Run washer on a drain and spin setting
(see pages 9 and 12) for about 30 seconds
to mix the antifreeze and water.
5. Unplug the power supply cord.
Non-use or vacation care
Operate your washer only when you are at
home. If you will be on vacation or not using
your washer for an extended period of time,
you should:
• Unplug the power supply cord or turn off
electrical power to the washer.
Interior
Clean interior with 1 cup (250 mL) of chlorine bleach mixed with 2 cups (500 mL) of
detergent. Run washer through a complete
cycle using hot water. Repeat process if
necessary.
NOTE: Remove hard water deposits using
only cleaners labeled as washer safe.
To use washer again:
1. Flush water pipes and hoses.
2. Reconnect water inlet hoses.
3. Turn on both water faucets.
4. Reconnect power supply cord.
5. Run the washer through a complete cycle
with 1 cup (250 mL) of detergent to clean
out antifreeze.
• Turn off the water supply to the washer.
This helps avoid accidental flooding
(due to a water pressure surge) while
you are away.
17
Laundry Tips
This section reviews proper laundering techniques, gives you additional washing information,
and discusses solutions to common laundering problems.
Preparing clothes for washing
• Close zippers, snaps, and hooks to avoid
snagging other items. Remove
pins, buckles, and other hard
objects to avoid scratching the
washer interior. Remove nonwashable trim and ornaments.
• Empty pockets and turn them inside out.
• Turn down cuffs and brush away lint and dirt.
Sorting
• Separate heavily soiled items from lightly
soiled ones even if they would
normally be washed together.
Separate lint givers (towels,
chenille) from lint takers
(corduroy, synthetics, permanent press). When possible, turn lint givers
inside out.
Loading
• Drop items into washer loosely. Fill to the
top of the basket, but do not
pack or wrap items around the
agitator. Items should move
easily through wash water
for best cleaning and wrinklefree results. Items should sink and
reappear later.
• To reduce wrinkling, permanent press and
synthetic knits should have more room
to move in the water than heavy items
(towels, jeans).
• Turn synthetic knits inside out to avoid pilling.
• Tie strings and sashes so they will not tangle.
• Mend tears, loose hems, and seams.
• Treat spots and stains. (See “Removing
Stains” on pages 21-23.)
• Stained or wet garments should be washed
promptly for best results.
• Separate dark from light colors, colorfast
items from noncolorfast items.
• Sort by fabric and construction (sturdy
cottons, knits, delicate items).
• Overloading or packing can:
– cause poor cleaning.
– increase wrinkling.
– create excessive lint.
– wear out items faster (because of pilling).
• Load by the amount of space items take
up, not by their weight.
• Mix large and small items in each load.
Load evenly to maintain
washer balance. An offbalance load can make the
machine vibrate during spin.
18
Loading suggestions
For these suggested full-sized loads, set the Load Size Selector to the highest water level
setting.
EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY WASHERS
Heavy Work
Clothes
2 pair pants
3 shirts
3 pair jeans
1 coverall
Knits
2 slacks
2 blouses
4 shirts
4 tops
2 dresses
Permanent
Press
1 double sheet
1 tablecloth
1 dress
1 blouse
2 slacks
3 shirts
2 pillowcases
Mixed Load
2 double or
1 king size sheet(s)
4 pillowcases
6 T-shirts
6 pair shorts
2 shirts
2 blouses
6 handkerchiefs
Towels
8 bath towels
8 hand towels
10 wash cloths
1 bath mat
Delicates
2 camisoles
4 slips
4 panties
2 bras
2 nighties
Saving energy
• Use warm or cold wash water for most
loads. Use hot water only when washing
heavy, greasy soils or whites.
• Use cold rinses.
• Wash full loads.
• Use lower water levels when washing
small loads.
• Avoid rewashing. Use enough detergent
and pretreat stains or heavy soils. Use the
cycles and wash times recommended for
the fabric and soil.
• Use your washer during off-peak hours –
usually early morning and late evening.
(Ask your power company.)
LAUNDRY TIPS
19
Water guidelines
Selecting water temperatures
SUGGESTED FABRICS
• Work clothes
• Sturdy whites/colorfast
pastels
• Diapers
• Dark/noncolorfast colors
• Permanent press items
• Nylon, polyester, acrylics,
silks, woolens
• Knits/delicate fabrics
• Extra-sensitive colors
• Noncolorfast items
• Hand washables
COMMENTS
• Best cleaning for heavily soiled items
• Removes oils, perspiration, greasy
soils, and stains
• Prevents graying or yellowing
• Best for moderately soiled to lightly
soiled items
• Safe for most fabric finishes
• Less fading and dye bleeding
• Reduces wrinkling
• Best for very lightly soiled items
• Saves hot water
• Best rinse water temperature
WASH WATER
TEMPERATURE
†
HOT
130°F (54°C)
or above
WARM
90-110°F
(32-44°C)
COLD
70-90°F
(21-32°C)
†
The washer features cold rinses for all wash temperatures. In addition, warm rinses are
available with warm washes on some models. Warm rinse water provides better water
extraction than cold rinse water and shortens drying times. However, warm rinse water
may increase wrinkling when line drying. In cold climates, warm rinse water also provides
a more comfortable temperature for handling the wash load.
Checking hot water
temperature
Your hot water should be 130°F (54°C) or
above. If you do not know your hot water
temperature, you can check it easily. You
may need to raise the temperature of your
water heater. To check your hot water:
1. Fill a pan with the hottest water available
from the faucet that fills your washer.
NOTE: If you do not have a faucet at your
washer site, collect the water from the
faucet closest to your washer.
2. Place a candy thermometer or cooking
thermometer in the water to check the
temperature.
NOTE: In wash water temperatures colder
than 70°F (21°C), detergents do not dissolve
well. Also, soils may be difficult to remove,
and some fabrics may retain wear wrinkles
and may have increased pilling.
Water hardness
Many poor washing results can be traced to
the hardness of the wash water. To check
your water hardness:
• City water – ask the city water company.
• Well water – ask the local water authority.
Ask for the mineral content in grains/gallon
or parts/million. If your water is more than
8 grains/gallon or more than 137 parts/
million, you should consider:
• Installing a water softener.
• Using more detergent.
• Using a packaged water conditioner.
• Not using soap.
LAUNDRY TIPS
20
Washing special-care items
Most garments and household textiles have care labels with laundering instructions. Always
follow care label directions when they are available. Below are general washing instruc-
tions for some special washables.
ITEM
Blankets
(electric or woolen)
Curtains, drapes,
slipcovers
Diapers
Elastic, spandex
Flame-retardant
clothing
Knits, washable
Pillows, stuffed
toys
Plastic, rubber
items
Quilts, bedspreads
Scatter rugs
Snowsuits, jackets
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Pretreat spots and stains. Select wash cycle according to the type
of blanket being washed. An extra rinse may be necessary (see
pages 9 and 12 for rinse and spin information). Check care label to
see if manufacturer recommends machine washing.
Wash small loads. Crowding may cause wrinkling. Replace
slipcovers while still slightly damp. They will dry to fit tightly.
NOTE: Sun-damaged curtains and draperies will tear whether
hand or machine washed.
When using chlorine bleach for soaking, add extra detergent to
the load. Avoid overuse of fabric softeners – absorbency will be
reduced.
Elastic picks up oil from the body. Oil can damage elastic. Wash
often to reduce the damage. Use warm water and sufficient
detergent to remove oils. Do not use chlorine bleach.
Items will be clearly labeled as flame-retardant. Follow
manufacturer’s instructions to retain flame-retardant qualities.
Knits are comfortable to wear because they stretch. However,
this means that knits are more likely to be stretched and damaged when washed (especially bulky knits). Knits made of
synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic tend to
keep their original shape more than a knit made of cotton
or ramie.
Washing feather pillows is not recommended unless they will be
dried in a dryer.
Treat as delicate items. Wash in warm water. Wash small items
in a mesh bag.
Do not wash cotton-filled comforters unless they are quilted or
stitched. Tucked cotton batting tends to slip and become lumpy.
An extra rinse may be necessary.
Shake or vacuum rugs to remove loose dirt. Wash more than one
rug at a time. If washing only one rug, add bath towels to balance
the load.
Wash only one or two items at a time. You may need to stop the
washer occasionally to press air from the items being washed.
An extra rinse may be necessary.
LAUNDRY TIPS
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