Whirlpool RAB3121EW0 User Manual
Use And Care
GUIDE
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)........ 9
Stopping/restarting your
washer .............................. 11
Understanding what
happens in each cycle...... 12
Understanding normal
washer sounds ................. 12
Adding liquid chlorine
bleach............................... 13
Adding liquid fabric
softener............................. 13
Caring for Your Washer....... 14
Laundry Tips ........................ 15
Removing Stains.................. 19
Troubleshooting................... 22
Requesting Assistance or
Service in the U.S.A. ............ 24
Requesting Assistance or
Service in Canada ................ 25
Warranty ............................... 26
3949064 A
ONE SPEED AUTOMATIC WASHERS
A Note to You
Thank you for buying this appliance.
You have purchased a quality,
have gone into its manufacturing. Use this Use and Care Guide to safely and efficiently
operate and maintain your appliance. Complete and mail the Ownership Registration Card
provided with your appliance. This will help 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.
world-class
home appliance. Years of engineering experience
Model Number __________________________
Serial Number __________________________
Purchase Date __________________________
Dealer Name ___________________________
Dealer Address _________________________
Dealer Phone ___________________________
In the U.S.A., call our Consumer
Assistance Center toll-free.
1-800-253-1301
In Canada, contact your dealer or nearest Inglis Limited
Appliance Service Branch.
2
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, 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.
•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.
– SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS –
3
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.
Water level
selector
†
(p. 6)
Temperature selector
(p. 6)
PUSH STOP
•
PULL START
WATERWATER
SAVER
2 SPEED • 8 CYCLE2 SPEED • 8 CYCLE
WASHWASH
TEMPERATURE
RINSERINSE
HOTHOT
LOAD SIZELOAD SIZE
COLDCOLD
MEDIUMMEDIUM
LARGELARGE
HOTHOT
SMALLSMALL
WARMWARM
EXEX
LARGELARGE
1/2 HP MOTOR 1/2 HP MOTOR
•
SELF CLEANING FILTER SELF CLEANING FILTER
•
REGULAR
WARMWARM
COLDCOLD
NORMAL
COLDCOLD
HEAVY
COLDCOLD
SUPER WASHSUPER WASH
†
HEAVY DUTYHEAVY DUTY
SUPER CAPACITYSUPER CAPACITY
PERMANENTPERMANENT
PRESSPRESS
OFF
NORMAL
10
LIGHT
6
COOLCOOL
DEEPDEEP
DOWNDOWN
RINSERINSE
6
10
14
OFF
4
NORMAL
8
LIGHT
6
OFF
KNITS/DELICATES
OFF
14
SOAK
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONWHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTERCUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER
1-800-253-1301
Cycle control knob
(may include temperature
selections)
(pp. 6-11)
Liquid chlorine
bleach dispenser
†
(p. 13)
Model and serial
number plate
(under lid)
Basket
Tub
Self-cleaning lint filter
†
(bottom of washer basket)
(p. 8)
†
On some models
4
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.
NOTES:
• Pages 5-8 detail using models with sepa-
rate Water Temperature and Water Level
Selectors.
• Pages 9-11 detail using models with
the Temperature Selector in the Cycle
Control Knob.
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 15-16. 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 13).
• Use only liquid chlorine bleach in the
bleach dispenser.
3. Close the washer lid.
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.
Liquid chlorine bleach
dispenser
continued on next page
5
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
4. Select a setting with the Water Level
Selector that corresponds with the
size of your wash load and the type of
fabric being washed.
• To change the water level setting after
the washer has started to fill, move the
Selector to the desired new setting.
• See pages 15 and 16 for loading tips.
5. 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 17 for water temperature guidelines.
MEDIUM
SMALL
HOT
COLD
WATER LEVEL
WARM
COLD
TEMPERATURE
WASH
RINSE
LARGE
COLD
COLD
EXTRA
LARGE
WARM
WARM
6. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and
turn it clockwise to the wash cycle
you want. See page 7.
7. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob to
start the washer.
8. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, add
measured and diluted liquid fabric
softener to the final rinse cycle.
See page 13.
6
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
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 12 describes what happens during a
wash cycle.
HEAVY DUTY EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY
NORMAL
LIGHT SOIL
REGULAR SOIL
HEAVY SOIL
OFF
RINSE
6
8
12
SOAK
Cycle Control Knob with separate
water temperature selector
Normal cycle
The Normal cycle features longer spins to
shorten drying time. Use this cycle for
cleaning cotton and linen fabrics. Select
6 (Light), 8 (Regular), or 12 (Heavy) minutes
of wash time, depending on whether your
load is heavily, moderately, or lightly soiled.
Permanent Press
The Permanent Press cycle features a cooldown rinse, and shorter spins to reduce
wrinkling. Use this 8-minute cycle for cleaning permanent press and some synthetic
fabrics that are lightly to moderately soiled.
PLUS
SPIN
OFF
8
OFF
SPIN
RINSE
20
PAUSE
8
RINSE
SPIN
OFF
PERMANENT
PRESS
FABRICARE
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 19-21 for
stain removal information.
• Use the amount of detergent or presoak
additive recommended by the manufacturer.
• After the Soak cycle ends, add detergent
and set a new wash cycle.
Fabricare cycle
The Fabricare cycle features a brief wash
cycle that includes a 2-minute soak and
shorter spins for gentle soil removal. Use
this 8-minute cycle to clean delicate items
and washable knits that are lightly to moderately soiled.
7
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
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.
NORMAL
OFF
NORMAL
RINSE
OFF
SPIN
OFF
RINSE
OFF
FABRICARE
RINSE
OFF
Self-cleaning lint filter
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 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.
8
OFF
Self-cleaning
lint filter
OFF
Basket
interior
SPIN
OFF
FABRICARE
SPIN
Starting your washer
(models with Water
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 15-16. 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 pages 10.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
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 13.
6. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, add
measured liquid fabric softener to the
final rinse water. See page 13.
9
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
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 12 describes what happens during a
wash cycle.
NORMAL
10
COLD
14
WARM
PULL START PUSH STOP
Water temperature selector in Cycle Control Knob
Normal cycle
The Normal cycle features either WARM or
COLD water and longer spins to shorten
drying time. Select the 14-minute WARM
cycle to clean large loads of sturdily constructed fabrics that are heavily soiled.
Select the 10-minute COLD cycle to clean
cotton and linen fabrics that are moderately
to heavily soiled.
Rinse
Spin
OFF
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.
10
Using rinse and spin
(models with Water
Temperature Selector in
Cycle Control Knob)
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.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
Rinse
OFF
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
OFF
11
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.
WASH RINSE
NOTE:
• The washer pauses briefly throughout
each cycle. These pauses are normal for
washer operation.
Fill
▼
Wash selected time
▼
†
Drain
No agitation
†
On some models, the Permanent Press
cycle partially drains, fills, agitates briefly,
and drains.
▼
Spin
▼
Spin-Spray rinse
Fill
▼
Rinse
▼
Drain
No agitation
▼
▼
Spin
▼
Off
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.
12
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.
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.
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.
• 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.
Adding liquid fabric softener
• 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.
13
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 8 and 11) for about 30 seconds
to mix the antifreeze and water.
5. Unplug the power supply cord.
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.
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.
14
• Turn off the water supply to the washer.
This helps avoid accidental flooding
(due to a water pressure surge) while
you are away.
Laundry Tips
This section reviews proper laundering techniques and gives you additional washing
information.
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, brush away lint and dirt.
• Turn synthetic knits inside out to avoid pilling.
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.
• Tie strings and sashes so they will not
tangle.
• Mend tears, loose hems, and seams.
• Treat spots and stains. (See “Removing
Stains” on pages 19-21.)
• Stained or wet garments should be
washed promptly for best results.
• Separate dark colours from light colours,
colourfast items from noncolourfast items.
• Sort by fabric and construction (sturdy
cottons, knits, delicate items).
Loading
• 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).
• 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.
15
LAUNDRY TIPS
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.)
16
Water guidelines
Selecting water temperatures
LAUNDRY TIPS
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.
†
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
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.
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.
17
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
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 8 and 11 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 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 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.
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