Whirlpool 7LSR8244EQ0 User Manual

Use And Care

GUIDE

Table of Contents .......... 2

A Note to You................. 2

Washer Safety................ 3

Parts and Features ........ 4

Operating

Your Washer .................. 5

Laundry Tips................ 16

Removing Stains ......... 21

Caring for

Your Washer ................ 24

3366862

Troubleshooting ..........25

Requesting Assistance or

Service..........................27

TWO SPEED AUTOMATIC WASHERS

Table of Contents

A Note to You ............................................ 2

Washer Safety ........................................... 3

Parts and Features.................................... 4

Operating Your Washer ............................ 5

Starting your washer............................. 5

Stopping/restarting your washer ........... 8

Selecting a cycle and time .................... 9

Using rinse and spin ........................... 11

Using drain and spin ........................... 11

Understanding normal

washer sounds.................................... 11

Understanding what happens

in each cycle ....................................... 12

Lint filters ............................................ 13

Adding liquid chlorine bleach .............. 14

Adding liquid fabric softener ............... 15

A Note to You

Laundry Tips........................................... 16

Sorting clothes .................................... 16

Choosing load sizes............................ 16

Washing tips ....................................... 16

Saving energy..................................... 17

Water guidelines................................. 18

Washing special-care items................ 19

Removing Stains..................................... 21

Caring for Your Washer .......................... 24

Cleaning your washer ......................... 24

Winter storage or moving care............ 24

Non-use or vacation care.................... 24

Troubleshooting...................................... 25

Requesting Assistance or Service......... 27

Thank you for buying a WHIRLPOOL* appliance.

Because your life is getting busier and more complicated, WHIRLPOOL washers are easy to use, save time, and help you manage your home better. To ensure that 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 washer properly and safely. Please read it carefully. Also, please complete and mail in the Ownership Registration Card provided with your appliance. The 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.

Model Number _________________________ Serial Number _________________________ Purchase Date _________________________ Dealer Name __________________________ Dealer Address ________________________ Dealer Phone __________________________

Our Consumer Assistance Center number is toll-free from anywhere

1-800-253-1301

in the U.S.A.

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.

This symbol alerts you to hazards such as fire, electrical shock, or other injuries.

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, 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 a washing machine, turn on all hot water faucets and

• 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.

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.

– SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS –

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.

NOTES:

• 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.

• Page references are included next to some features. Refer to those pages for more

information about the features.

Load size selector

(p. 6)

CLEAN TOUCH*

†

panel

(pp. 7, 8)

Liquid fabric softener dispenser

†

(p. 15)

Water temperature selector

(p. 7)

Heavy Duty • Large Capacity Heavy Duty • Large Capacity

Medium

SmallSmall

Extra Small

9 Cycle - 3 Speed 9 Cycle - 3 Speed

HotHot WarmWarm ColdCold WarmWarm WarmWarm WashWash

Large

ColdCold ColdCold ColdCold WarmWarm ColdCold RinseRinse

Extra Large

Cold Cold Cold WarmWarm WarmWarm Spray

Temperature

Load SizeLoad Size

On Off

Final

Extra RinseExtra Rinse

Cycle signal selector

†

(p. 8)

NormalNormal

Extra Rinse

Spin

Light

Spin

Off

Normal

Rinse

Permanent

Pause

Press

Cool

Soft WashSoft Wash

Down

Regular

9 12

Rinse

Heavy

Pause

Spin

Off

Super Wash

Extra

Off

Rinse

Spin

Pull Start

Rinse

Push StopPush Stop

Off 6

NormalNormal

Off

Delicate

Rinse

Spin

Light

X-Rinse

Off

Hand Washables

Extra rinse selector

†

(p. 7)

Cycle control knob

(pp. 8-11)

Liquid chlorine

bleach dispenser

(p. 14)

Model and serial

number plate

(under lid)

Basket

Tub

†

On some models.

MAGIC CLEAN* lint filter

Manual clean lint filter

(p. 13)

†

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.

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

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 16 and 17.

• If desired, on some models you may

also add color safe bleach or extra detergent for the Super Wash cycle.

2. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, on

models with a liquid chlorine bleach dispenser, pour measured chlorine bleach into the dispenser. See page 14.

• If your model does NOT have a liquid

chlorine bleach dispenser, see page 14.

• Use only liquid chlorine bleach in the

bleach dispenser.

3. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, on

models with a liquid fabric softener dispenser, pour measured liquid fabric softener into the dispenser.

See page 15.

• If your model does NOT have a liquid

fabric softener dispenser, see Step 11 and page 15.

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, fire, or electrical shock.

Liquid chlorine

Fabric softener dispenser

(on some models)

continued on next page

bleach dispenser

(on some models)

OPERATING YOUR WASHER

Load SizeLoad Size

Extra RinseExtra Rinse

8 Cycle - 2 Speed 8 Cycle - 2 Speed

Heavy Duty • Super Capacity Heavy Duty • Super Capacity

xcept Regular C

old

Except Regular Cold

Extra Large

Large

Small

Medium

OnOn

OffOff

Pull StartPull Start Push StopPush Stop

Permanent Press

Regular

Super WashSuper Wash

NormalNormal

Soft WashSoft Wash

Delicate

(All Cold Rinses)(All Cold Rinses)

Spin

Off

Cool Down

Rinse

Extra Rinse

Spin

Off

Rinse

Extra Rinse

Extra

Rinse

Pause

9 12

LightLight

NormalNormal

HeavyHeavy

Quick WashQuick Wash

TemperatureTemperature

Wash Temperature

Rinse Tem

perature

Rinse Temperature

HotHot

arm

Warm

ColdCold

arm

Warm

Cold

4. Close the washer lid.

5. Turn the Load Size Selector to the

setting that corresponds with the size of your wash load and the type of fabric being washed.

• The Load Size Selector is a rotary

knob. Depending on your model, your

washer has two; three; or four load size settings:

Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large

Small, Medium, Large

Small, Large

• To change the load size setting after

the washer has started to fill, turn the Selector to the desired new setting.

Medium

Large

Small

Load Size

Medium

Small Large

Load Size

Small

Large

Extra Large

Load Size

OPERATING YOUR WASHER

6. Select a wash-rinse temperature with

the Water Temperature Selector. Match the water temperatures with the type of fabric and soils being washed.

• See page 18 for water temperature

guidelines.

• Depending on your model, your washer

has one of the two Water Temperature Selectors shown:

– Rotary knob with three temperature

selections;

– CLEAN TOUCH* Selector with

four temperature selections. (The washer shown on page 4 has a CLEAN TOUCH panel.)

• For all Selectors, the top temperature

is the wash water, and the bottom temperature is the rinse water.

NOTE: On CLEAN TOUCH models,

a colored indicator shows the setting you select.

7. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, on

models with the Extra Rinse option, set it to On for an additional rinse and spin to the end of the wash cycle.

• If your model has an Extra Rinse option,

it is either a Rotary Knob or CLEAN TOUCH* selector.

• Use the Extra Rinse option when adding

extra detergent for the Super Wash cycle, or any other cycle, depending on your model.

Warm

Cold

Cold Cold

Temperature

Wash Rinse

Hot

Cold

Rotary Knob

Hot Warm Cold Warm

Cold Cold Cold Warm

Wash Rinse

Temperature

CLEAN TOUCH

Selector

Off

Extra Rinse

Rotary Knob

On Off

Extra Rinse

Options

CLEAN TOUCH

Selector

continued on next page

OPERATING YOUR WASHER

8. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, on

models with the End of Cycle signal option, set the it to On if you want the washer to alert you when the wash cycle is complete.

• If your model has an End of Cycle

signal, it is either a Rotary Knob or CLEAN TOUCH* selector.

• The signal is helpful when you are

washing items that should be removed from the washer as soon as the cycle ends.

9. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and

turn it clockwise to the wash cycle you want. See pages 9 and 10.

Off

Cycle Signal

Rotary Knob

On Off

Cycle Signal

Options

CLEAN TOUCH

Selector

10. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob to

start the washer.

11. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, on

models with no liquid fabric softener dispenser, add measured liquid fabric softener to the rinse water.

See page 15.

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.

OPERATING YOUR WASHER

Normal

Spin

Rinse

X-Rinse

6 9

Off

Regular Heavy

Softwash

Selecting a cycle and time

This section illustrates and describes the wash cycles you can select with the Cycle Control Knob. Use this information 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.

Super Wash cycle

(on 8-cycle models only)

The Super 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.

• Some washer models have an Extra Rinse

option in most wash cycles.

• Cycle descriptions are included below and

on the following pages for 4-cycle, 5-cycle, and 8-cycle models.

• Refer to page 11 to learn more about the

sounds you may hear during a wash cycle.

• Refer to page 12 to help you understand

what happens during a wash cycle.

Super Wash

Normal cycle

The Normal cycle features the Gentle Wash system, and high agitation and spin speeds to shorten drying time. Use this cycle for cleaning cotton and linen fabrics. On the 8-cycle models, select 12 (Heavy) or 9 (Regular) minutes of wash time, and on the 4 and 5-cycle models, select 14 (Heavy) or 10 (Regular) minutes depending on whether your load is heavily or moderately soiled.

For lightly soiled cotton and linen fabrics, use 6 minutes of wash time. (On 8-cycle models, this is labeled Softwash.)

8-cycle models

Off

Normal

inse

6 10 14

4 and 5-cycle models 8-cycle models

continued on next page

OPERATING YOUR WASHER

Permanent Press

Spin

Extra Rinse

Cool

Down

Pause

Off

Rinse

Regular

Light

Delicates

Spin

Rinse

Extra

Off

Permanent Press cycle

The Permanent Press cycle features the Gentle Wash system, a cool-down rinse, and low spin speeds to reduce wrinkling. Use this cycle for cleaning permanent press and some synthetic fabrics. On the 8-cycle models, select 9 (Regular) or 6 (Light) minutes of wash time and on the 5-cycle models select 10 (Regular) or 6 (Light) minutes depending on whether your load is moderately or lightly soiled. The 4-cycle models have 10 (Regular) or 6 minutes of wash time.

Delicates cycle

(on some models)

The Delicates cycle features a reduced agitation speed for gentle soil removal. Low spin speeds reduce wrinkling. Use 6 minutes of wash time for cleaning lightly to moderately soiled delicate items and washable knits.

Off

Permanent

Pause

Press

Cool

Down

inse

Off

inse

Delicates

5-cycle models

8-cycle models4 and 5-cycle models

8-cycle models

Short/Knits cycle

(on some models)

The Short/Knits 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. Select 8 or 6 minutes of wash time depending on whether your load is moderately or lightly soiled.

Hand Washables cycle

(on some models)

The Hand Washables cycle features brief, low-speed agitation (2 seconds), and short soaks (28 seconds) to gently clean special-care items. Low spin speeds reduce wrinkling. Use 6 minutes of wash time to clean lightly soiled hand washables.

Wash small loads. If items appear to be floating (due to trapped air), stop the washer by pushing in the Cycle Control Knob. Push items down into the washer. Restart the washer. Refer to “Hand Washables” on page 19 for more information.

Off

inse

4-cycle models

Off

Spin

Extra

Rinse

Off

Spin

Rinse

Hand WashablesHand Washables

8-cycle models

oak

Short/Knits

Using rinse and spin

NOTE: On some models, an Extra Rinse

option is available in most cycles. See page 7.

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 clockwise to Rinse, as illustrated.

2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob. The

washer fills to selected load size, agitates, drains, and spins.

Using drain and spin

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

clockwise to Spin, as illustrated.

2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob. The

washer drains, then spins.

OPERATING YOUR WASHER

Regular

Permanent

Normal

Softwash

Regular Heavy

Super Wash

Hand Washables

Normal

Softwash

Regular Heavy

Super Wash

Hand Washables

X-Rinse

Off

Spin

Rinse

Off

Spin

Extra

Rinse

Off

Spin

Rinse

Off

X-Rinse

Off

Spin

Rinse

Off

Spin

Extra

Rinse

Off

Spin

Rinse

Off

Light

Off

Spin

Press

Pause

Cool

Down

Rinse

Spin

Off

Extra Rinse

Spin

Off

Rinse

Spin

Extra

Off

Rinse

Off

Spin

Extra

Off

Rinse

Spin

Regular

Pause

Rinse

Light

Cool

Down

Rinse

Off

Delicates

Permanent Press

Spin

Off

Extra Rinse

Spin

Delicates

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.

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 (to the selected load size) 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.

NOTES:

• The washer pauses briefly throughout

each cycle. These pauses are normal for washer operation.

• A Gentle Wash system helps protect your

fabrics by reducing wash agitation speed during the last few minutes of wash agitation in the Normal and Permanent Press cycles.

WASH

Fill

▼

Wash selected time

▼

†

Drain

No agitation

†

The Permanent Press cycle partially drains, fills, agitates briefly, and drains.

▼

Spin

▼

RINSE

Fill

▼

Rinse

▼

Drain-No agitation

▼

Spin-Spray rinse

▼

Spin

▼

Off

OPERATING YOUR WASHER

Lint filters

Your washer has a self-cleaning lint filter (requires no cleaning by you) or a manual clean lint filter. Check the shape of your agitator to see if you need to clean your lint filter.

AGITATOR ABOUT YOUR FILTER

MAGIC CLEAN* lint filter

(5 and 8-cycle models)

This lint filter requires no cleaning. (The lint filter at the bottom of the washer basket cleans itself.) During agitation, wash and rinse water pass over the filter, separating the lint from the water. The lint is then spun away from the filter and out of

Spiral-shaped

agitator

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.

Manual clean lint filter

(4-cycle models)

NOTE: If your agitator is barrel shaped with 5 fins

at the base, your filter requires no cleaning. If your agitator is barrel shaped with 4 fins at the

base, your machine has a manual clean lint filter. Clean the filter at the bottom of the agitator after every load for best filtering results.

Fin

Barrelshaped agitator

To clean:

1. Lift off the agitator barrel.

2. Wash or wipe the filter clean in the bottom of

the agitator barrel. The filter is not removable.

3. Replace agitator barrel. Snap it into place.

FILTER

MAGIC CLEAN lint filter

Manual clean lint filter

Basket interior

OPERATING YOUR WASHER

Adding liquid chlorine bleach

Models with liquid chlorine bleach dispenser installed

(5 and 8-cycle models)

Use your washer’s liquid chlorine bleach dispenser to add bleach to the wash load. Always measure liquid chlorine bleach. Do not guess. Never use more than 250 mL (1 cup) 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

automatically during wash part of cycle.

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.

Models with no liquid chlorine bleach dispenser installed

(4-cycle models)

Always measure liquid chlorine bleach. Do not guess. Never use more than 250 mL (1 cup) 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.

• Follow directions on care labels. Do not

use chlorine bleach on wool, silk, spandex, acetates, or some flame-retardant 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.

OPERATING YOUR WASHER

Adding liquid fabric softener

Models with fabric softener dispenser installed

(5 and 8-cycle 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 dis-

penser removed. Do not add detergent or bleach to dispenser. The dispenser is for liquid fabric softener use only.

Models with no fabric softener dispenser installed

(4-cycle models)

• Always dilute fabric softeners with 125 mL

(1⁄2 cup) to 250 mL (1 cup) warm water. Undiluted fabric softener can stain fabrics.

• Add diluted fabric softener only in the

final rinse.

• Fabric softeners 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 use it less often.

Laundry Tips

This section reviews proper laundering techniques and gives you additional washing information.

Sorting clothes

• 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.

Choosing load sizes

• Drop items into washer loosely. Fill to the

top of the basket (top row of

holes). Do not wrap items

around the agitator. Items

should move easily through

wash water for best cleaning and wrinkle-free results. Items should sink and reappear later.

• Load washer properly and select correct

load size setting. Overloading or packing the machine, and selecting a setting too small for the wash load can:

– cause poor cleaning. – increase wrinkling. – create excessive lint. – wear out items faster (because of pilling).

• Separate dark colors from light colors,

colorfast items from noncolorfast items.

• Sort by fabric and construction (sturdy

cottons, knits, delicate items).

• 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 washer vibrate during spin.

• Use a large load size setting to reduce

wrinkling with permanent press clothes and some synthetic knits. These items should have more room to move in the water than heavy items (towels, jeans).

• Reduce wash time when using a small

load size setting. Loads with only a few small items need less wash time.

Washing tips

• Close zippers, snaps, and hooks to avoid

snagging other items. Remove

pins, buckles, and other hard

objects to avoid scratching the

washer interior. Remove non-

washable trim and ornaments.

• Empty pockets and turn them inside out.

• Turn down cuffs, brush away lint and dirt.

• 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.

LAUNDRY TIPS

Loading suggestions

For these suggested full-sized loads, set the Load Size Selector to the highest load size setting.

SUPER CAPACITY WASHERS

Heavy Work Clothes

3 pair pants 3 shirts 4 pair jeans 1 coverall 1 overall

Knits

3 slacks 3 blouses 6 shirts 4 tops 4 dresses

Permanent Press

2 double or

1 king size sheet(s) 1 tablecloth 1 dress 1 blouse 2 slacks 3 shirts 2 pillowcases

Mixed Load

3 double sheets 4 pillowcases 8 T-shirts 6 pair shorts 2 shirts 2 blouses 8 handkerchiefs

Towels

10 bath towels 10 hand towels 14 wash cloths 1 bath mat

Delicates

3 camisoles 1 quilted robe 4 slips 4 panties 2 bras 2 nighties 1 baby’s dress

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

Water guidelines

Selecting water temperatures

WASH WATER TEMPERATURE*

HOT

54°C (130°F) or above

WARM

32-44°C (90-110°F)

COLD

21-32°C (70-90°F)

†

The washer features cold rinses for all wash temperatures. In addition, warm rinses are available with warm washes. 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.

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

Checking hot water temperature

Your hot water should be 54°C (130°F) 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 21°C (70°F), 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

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

Hand washables

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Pretreat spots and stains. Select water temperature, cycle, and time according to the type of blanket being washed. Two rinses may be necessary. 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.

Garments are labeled “Hand Wash” because:

• The fiber or construction may be sensitive to agitation.

• The fabric contains sensitive dyes that may bleed.

Properly sort and then use your Hand Washables cycle for gentle washing. Follow care label directions for drying. Items that may shrink should be dried flat. Block these items by gently stretching to original measurements. Woolens tend to shrink more the first time they are washed.

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LAUNDRY TIPS

ITEM Knits

Pillows, stuffed toys

Plastic, rubber items

Quilts, bedspreads

Scatter rugs

Snowsuits, jackets

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

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 knits 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 1 rug at a time. If washing only 1 rug, add bath towels to balance the load.

Wash only 1 or 2 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.

Removing Stains

Stained, heavily soiled, or greasy items may need to be prewashed or soaked for best results. Soaking helps remove protein-type stains like blood, milk, or grass. Prewashing helps loosen soil before washing.

Stain removal rules

• Use warm water for soaking or prewashing

stained laundry. Hot water can set stains.

• Most stains are easier to remove when

they are fresh. Old or set stains may not come out. Follow package directions for pretreatment products.

• Before treating any stain, find out what

kind of stain it is, how old the stain is, what kind of fabric it is, and if the fabric is colorfast. (Check the care label.)

• Washing and drying can set some stains.

• Start with cold or warm water. Hot water

can set some stains.

Stain removal guide

• When bleach is recommended, use a

bleach that is safe for the fabric.

• Test stain removers on an inside seam or

hidden corner of the item to see if the color is removed.

• Put the stained area face down on a paper

towel or white cloth. Apply the stain remover to the back of the stain. This forces the stain off the fabric instead of through it.

• Meat tenderizer or enzyme presoaks help

break down some protein stains so they are easier to remove.

STAIN Alcoholic

beverage

Blood

Chewing gum

Chocolate or coffee

Crayon and candle wax

Cream, milk, or ice cream

TO REMOVE

These stains turn brown with age, so treat immediately. Sponge or soak fresh stains with cold water. Wash. If stain remains, soak 15 minutes in a solution of lukewarm water, liquid detergent, and a few drops of white vinegar. Rinse. Wash.

Rinse immediately or soak in cold water with enzyme presoak for 30 minutes or longer. Rinse. Rub detergent into any remaining stains. Rinse. If stain remains, put a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide on stain for 3-5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Wash.

Use ice to make gum hard. Scrape off what you can. Sponge with a nonflammable fabric cleaner. Let dry. Wash.

Sponge immediately with a nonflammable fabric cleaner or apply a prewash soil and stain remover. Rinse. Wash. If stain remains, apply a liquid detergent to stain or soak in warm water with an enzyme presoak. Rewash.

Scrape off excess with a dull knife. Place fabric between 2 blotters or facial tissue. Press with warm iron. Remove color stain with nonflammable fabric cleaner. Hand wash until stain is gone. If full load is crayon stained, take to cleaners or coin-operated dry cleaning machine.

Sponge with a nonflammable fabric cleaner, or a prewash soil and stain remover. Rinse. Wash. Repeat if necessary. If stain remains, apply a few drops of liquid detergent and a few drops of ammonia. Blot dry and rinse. If stain remains, soak in an enzyme presoak. Wash.

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REMOVING STAINS

STAIN Deodorants

and antiperspirants

Fat, grease, or oil

Fruit stains

Grass or green vegetables

Ink or ballpoint pen ink

Iron or rust

TO REMOVE Light stain: Treat with liquid detergent or your regular laundry detergent.

Wash in hottest water safe for fabric. Heavy stain: Place face down on towel and treat with a paste of ammo-

nia and color safe bleach. Let stand for 30 minutes. Wash in hottest water safe for fabric.

wWARNING

Fire Hazard

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 or fire.

Items soiled with vegetable or cooking oil should not be washed or dried. For other types of greasy stains, use one of the methods below:

• Use pretreatment stain remover. Follow label directions. Wash in hottest

water safe for fabric.

• Use talcum powder to absorb as much grease as possible. Sponge with

a nonflammable fabric cleaner. Rinse. Wash.

• Treat with liquid detergent or rub a detergent paste on the stain. Wash

using hottest water safe for fabric.

Fresh stains: Soak immediately in cool water. Wash. If stain remains, cover area with a paste made of color safe bleach, a few drops of hot water, and a few drops of ammonia. Wait 15 to 30 minutes. Wash.

Old stains: Sponge with white vinegar. Rinse. Repeat procedure for fresh stains.

Soak in warm or cold water with an enzyme presoak for at least 30 minutes, or sponge with denatured alcohol. Wash in water temperature and bleach safe for the fabric. For colored fabrics, check colorfastness before applying alcohol. For acetate, sponge with a nonflammable fabric cleaner. If stain remains, bleach with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Rinse. Rewash.

Spray stain with an aerosol hair spray or rubbing alcohol. Sponge stain continuously until all bleeding stops. Let dry. Repeat if necessary. Wash. If stain remains, bleach if safe for fabric. (India and other indelible inks are almost impossible to remove completely.)

Colored or noncolorfast items: Apply lemon juice and salt. Place in the sun to dry. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat if necessary.

White or colorfast items: Try a rust remover. Test first on inside seam or hem. Some rust removers are not washer safe. Follow package directions.

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