User Manual GE GFW450SSK0WW Washer

GE GFW450SSK0WW Washer - Use Manual - Use Guide PDF.
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Table of contents

Using the washer
Care and Cleaning
Troubleshooting

USER MANUAL WASHER

Using the washer

Throughout this manual, features and appearance may vary from your model.

Getting Started

Controls

About the washer features.

The Dispenser Drawer

The Prewash Compartment (on some models)

The Detergent Compartment

High-efficiency detergent is required for this washer. Use the detergent manufacturer’s recommended amount.
Add measured detergent to the front left detergent compartment of the dispenser drawer.
Detergent is flushed from the dispenser at the beginning of the wash cycle. Either powdered or liquid detergent can be used.
Detergent usage may need to be adjusted for water temperature, water hardness, size and soil level of the load. Avoid using too much detergent in your washer as it can lead to oversudsing and detergent residue being left on the clothes.
Using more detergent than the recommended quantity can cause residue buildup on your washer.

The Selection Insert

The detergent selection insert must be placed in the detergent compartment in a specific position according to what type of detergent you are using.

Powder Detergent – Remove the detergent selection insert and place it in a safe location outside of the washer.
Liquid Detergent – You will need to adjust the insert according to the type of Liquid Detergent you are using. The Icons on the side of the detergent compartment must line up on the center when the insert is in position.

NOTE: Not all models have the 2x and 3x detergent settings. Some have only regular HE detergent settings. You must reduce the amount of detergent for 2x or 3x detergent per bottle instructions.

Move the insert by pulling it up and replace it by sliding it down between either the rear or front detergent compartment molded rails, as desired, for liquid detergent. Remove for powder detergent.

Liquid detergent may seep under the insert prior to the start of the cycle. This is normal and will not affect the wash performance.

The Liquid Bleach Compartment

The Fabric Softener Compartment

Care and Cleaning

Exterior

Interior

To clean the interior of the washer, select the Tub Clean feature on the control panel. This Tub Clean cycle should be performed, at a minimum, once per month. This cycle will use more water, in addition to bleach, to control the rate at which soils and detergents may accumulate in your washer.

NOTE: Read the instructions below completely before starting the Tub Clean cycle

Remove any garments or objects from the washer and ensure the washer tub is empty.
Open the washer door and pour one cup or 250 ml of liquid bleach or other washing machine cleaner into the tub.
Close the door and select the Tub Clean cycle. Push the Start pad.
When the Tub Clean cycle is working, the display will show the estimated cycle time remaining. The cycle will complete in about 90 minutes. Do not interrupt the cycle.
After the cycle is complete, leave the door open slightly for better ventilation.

If for any reason the cycle needs to be interrupted, the door will not open immediately. Forcing open the door at this stage may cause water to flood. The door will open after the water is drained to a level where it would not flood the floor.

Tub Clean may be interrupted by pressing the Start pad in between cycles. A power outage in the house might also interrupt the cycle. When the power supply is back, the Tub Clean cycle resumes where it had stopped. When interrupted, be sure to run a complete Tub Clean cycle before using the washer. If the Power pad is pressed during Tub Clean, the cycle will be lost.

IMPORTANT:

Run Tub Clean with 1 Cup (250 ml) of bleach once a month.
After the completion of a Tub Clean cycle, the interior of your washer may have a bleach smell.
It is recommended to run a light color load after the Tub Clean cycle.

Cleaning the Pump Filter

Due to the nature of the front-load washer, it is sometimes possible for small articles to pass to the pump. The washer has a filter to capture lost items so they are not dumped to the drain. To retrieve lost items, clean out the pump filter.

1. Using a small flathead screwdriver or coin, open the access door.

2. Place a shallow pan or dish under the pump access door and towels on the floor in front of the washer to protect the floor. It is normal to catch about a quart of water when the filter is removed.

NOTE: If there is water in the tub when the pump filter is cleaned, it will drain out and a larger pan or dish may be necessary.

3. Pull down the pour spout.

4. Turn the pump filter counterclockwise and remove the filter slowly, controlling the flow of the draining water.

5. Clean the debris from the filter.

6. Replace the filter and turn clockwise. Tighten securely.

7. Flip up the pour spout.

8. Close the access door by hooking the bottom tabs first, then rotating the access door shut.

Dispenser Drawer Area

Door Gasket

Open the washer door. Using both hands, press down the door gasket. Remove any foreign objects if found trapped inside the gasket. Make sure there is nothing blocking the holes behind the gasket.

While holding down the door gasket, inspect the interior gasket by pulling it down with your fingers. Remove any foreign objects if found trapped inside this gasket. Make sure there is nothing blocking the holes behind the gasket

When you are finished cleaning the door gasket, remove your hands and the gasket will return to the operating position.

Long Vacations

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

Moving and Storage

Ask the service technician to remove water from drain pump and hoses. Do not store the washer where it will be exposed to the weather. When moving the washer, the tub should be kept stationary by reinstalling the shipping bolts removed during installation. See Installation Instructions in this book. If these parts are not available, they can be ordered by visiting our Website or by calling 800.GE.CARES. In Canada, call 800.561.3344.

Troubleshooting

Before you call for service…

Truth or myth?

Below is a list of truths and myths to help you better understand your frontload washer
Truth or Myth?	Answer	Explanation
There is not enough water to properly wash my clothes	MYTH	Since frontload washers do not require the tub to fill with water, significantly less water is required to thoroughly wash and rinse each load. Except for certain cycles like Delicates/Handwash and Tub Clean that use more water, you will not see a visible water line on the door glass.
My frontload washer may add time or run longer than the original displayed time.	TRUE	Occasionally, the washer may need to add more time to the cycle. This is mainly due to automatic load redistributions to better balance the load and reduce vibration. It is normal operation for the washer to add time to the cycle to rebalance the load. Common causes of out-of-balance loads or longer cycle times are a clogged pump filter (see the Care and Cleaning section), un-level washer, or exceeding the recommended maximum load sizes.
I should see suds/foam during a wash cycle in the frontload washer.	MYTH	HE detergents, which should be the only detergents used in your GE Appliances frontload washer, have been formulated to clean effectively without causing a build-up of suds. If you add detergent until a visible suds/foam level is reached, you may be using too much detergent and negatively impacting washer performance. Remember, more suds/foam does not equal more cleaning power. Follow the manufacturer's directions for HE detergent.
It is best to wash full loads and like fabrics together.	TRUE	Wash multiple similar garments at one time for best results. Washing single items can cause an out-of-balance condition.
I need to keep the washer level for proper operation and to reduce vibration.	TRUE	If the washer is uneven, adjust the leveling legs so that they are firmly touching the floor and the lock nuts are securely tightened. This is especially important if the washer is installed on a pedestal. Leveling the legs on the washer or the pedestal require the same steps.
It is impossible to overload a frontload washer.	MYTH	Although the capacity of the frontload washer allows for larger loads than a traditional topload washer, care must be taken to not overload the wash tub. See the Loading the Washer section for recommended maximum load sizes. Overloading the washer can lead to reduced wash performance and clothes becoming trapped between the door glass and the gasket, possibly causing damage to your gasket or your clothes.
If not periodically cleaned, my wash tub and gasket may not maintain a fresh smell.	TRUE	This is true for all washers, not just frontload. Regularly run a Tub Clean cycle and clean around the rubber door gasket. When not in use, you may leave the door slightly open for the inside of the washer to air dry. Close supervision is necessary if this appliance is used by or near children.
Frontload washers have a "pump filter” that needs to be cleaned periodically.	TRUE	Due to the nature of the frontload washer, it is sometimes possible for small articles to pass to the drain pump. The washer has a filter to capture lost items so they do not damage the drain pump. To retrieve lost items, clean out the pumpfilterfsee the Care and Cleaning section). Indicators of a clogged pump are long drain and cycle times, wet clothes at the end of a cycle, incomplete cycles or washer pausing in the middle of a cycle.
I cannot add items to a wash cycle once it has started.	MYTH	To add items after the washer has started, press Start/Pause - Add a Garment button and wait until the door is unlocked. The drain pump may run briefly before door is unlocked. Do not try to force open the door when it is locked. After the door unlocks, open gently. Add items, close the door and press Start/Pause to restart.
Items left in pockets can cause damage to the rubber door gasket	TRUE	This is true for all frontload washers. Remove all loose items from your clothes.

Troubleshooting Tips

Problem	Possible Cause	What To Do
Not draining Not spinning Not tumbling	Load is out of balance	Redistribute clothes and run Drain + Spin or Rinse + Spin. Increase load size if washing small load containing heavy and light items.
	Pump clogged	See page 12 on how to clean the Pump Filter.
	Drain hose is kinked or improperly connected	Straighten drain hose and make sure washer is not sitting on it.
	Household drain may be clogged	Check household plumbing. You may need to call a plumber.
	Drain hose siphoning; drain hose pushed too far down the drain	Ensure there is an air gap between hose and drain.
Leaking water	Door gasket is damaged	Check to see if gasket is seated and not torn. Objects left in pockets may cause damage to the washer (nails, screws, pens, pencils) Water may drip from the door when the door is opened. This is a normal operation. Carefully wipe off rubber door seal. Sometimes dirt or clothing is left in this seal and can cause a small leak
	Check back left of washer for water	If this area is wet, you have oversudsing condition. Use less detergent.
	Fill hoses or drain hose is improperly connected	Make sure hose connections are tight at washer and faucets and make sure end of drain hose is correctly inserted in and secured to drain facility.
	Household drain may be clogged	Check household plumbing. You may need to call a plumber.
	Dispenser clogged	Powder soap may cause clogs inside the dispenser and cause water to leak out the front of the dispenser. Remove drawer and clean both drawer and inside of dispenser box. Please refer to Cleaning the Washer section.
	Incorrect use of detergent	Use only HE and correct amount of detergent.
	Dispenser box cracked	If new installation, check for crack on inside of dispenser box.
Clothes too wet	Load is out of balance	Redistribute clothes and run Drain + Spin or Rinse + Spin. Increase load size if washing small load containing heavy and light items. The machine will slow the spin speed down to 410 rpm if it has a hard time balancing the load. This speed is normal.
	Pump clogged	See page 12 on how to clean the Pump Filter.
	Overloading	The dry weight of the load should be less then 16 lbs.
	Drain hose is kinked or improperly connected	Straighten drain hose and make sure washer is not sitting on it.
	Household drain may be clogged	Check household plumbing. You may need to call a plumber.
	Drain hose siphoning; drain hose pushed too far down the drain	Ensure there is an air gap between hose and drain.
Incomplete cycle or timer not advancing	Automatic load redistribution	Timer adds 3 minutes to cycle for each rebalance. 11 or 15 rebalances may be done. This is normal operation. Do nothing; the machine will finish the wash cycle.
	Pump clogged	See page 12 on how to clean the Pump Filter.
	Drain hose is kinked or improperly connected	Straighten drain hose and make sure washer is not sitting on it.
	Household drain may be clogged	Check household plumbing. You may need to call a plumber.
	Drain hose siphoning; drain hose pushed too far down the drain	Ensure there is an air gap between hose and drain.

Loud or unusual noise; vibration or shaking	Cabinet moving	Washer is designed to move 1/4" to reduce forces transmitted to the floor. This movement is normal.
	All rubber leveling legs are not firmly touching the floor	Push and pull on the back right and then back left of your washer to check if it is level. If the washer is uneven, adjust the rubber leveling legs so they are all firmly touching the floor and locked in place. Your installer should correct this problem.
	Unbalanced load	Pause unit, open door and manually redistribute load. To check machine, run rinse and spin with no load. If normal, unbalance was caused by load.
	Pump clogged	See page 12 on how to clean the Pump Filter.
No power/washer not working or dead	Washer is unplugged	Make sure cord is plugged securely into a working outlet.
	Water supply is turned off	Turn both hot and cold faucets fully on.
	Circuit breaker/fuse is tripped/ blown	Check house circuit breakers/fuses. Replace fuses or reset breaker. Washer should have separate outlet.
	Automatic self system checks	First time the washer is plugged in, automatic checks occur. It may take up to 20 seconds before you can use your washer. This is normal operation.
Snags, holes, tears, rips or excessive wear	Overloaded	Do not exceed maximum recommended load sizes. See recommended maximum load sizes on page 11.
	Pens, pencils, nails, screws or other objects left in pockets	Remove loose items from pockets.
	Pins, snaps, hooks, sharp buttons, belt buckles, zippers and sharp objects left in pockets	Fasten snaps, hooks, buttons and zippers.
Control time wrong or changes	This is normal	During spin the washer may need to rebalance the load sometimes to reduce vibrations. When this happens, the estimated time is increased causing time left to increase or jump.
Not enough water	This is normal	Horizontal washers do not require the tub to fill with water like top-load washers.
Washer pauses or has to be restarted, or washer door is locked and will not open	Pump clogged	See page 12 on how to clean the Pump Filter.
Door unlocks or press Start and machine doesn't operate	This is normal	Front-load washers start up differently than top-load washers, and it takes 30 seconds to check the system. The door will lock and unlock.
Door unlocks or press Start and machine doesn't operate	Incorrect operation	Simply open and close the door firmly; then press Start.
Water does not enter washer or enters slowly	Automatic self system checks	After Start is pressed, the washer does several system checks. Water will flow 60 seconds after Start is pressed.
	Water supply is turned off	Turn on both hot and cold faucets fully.
	Water valve screens are stopped up	Turn off the water source and remove the water connection hoses from the upper back of the washer. Use a brush or toothpick to clean the screens in the machine. Reconnect the hoses and turn the water back on.
	Inlet hose screen washers are stopped up	Turn off the water source and remove the inlet hoses from the wall faucets. Use a brush or toothpick to clean the screen washers in the end of the hoses. Reconnect the hoses and turn the water back on.
Wrinkling	Improper sorting	Avoid mixing heavy items (like work clothes) with light items (like blouses).
	Overloading	Load your washer so clothes have enough room to move freely.
	Incorrect wash cycle	Match cycle selection to the type of fabric you arewashing (especially for easy care loads).
	Repeated washing in water that is too hot	Wash in warm or cold water.

Grayed or yellowed clothes	Not enough detergent	Use correct amount of detergent.
	Not using HE (high efficiency) detergent	Use only HE detergent.
	Hard water	Use hottest water safe for fabric.
	Hard water	Use a water conditioner like Calgon brand or install a water softener.
	Water is not hot enough	Make sure water heater is delivering water at 120o-140°F (48°-60°C).
	Detergent is not dissolving	Try a liquid HE detergent.
	Dye transfer	Sort clothes by color. If fabric label states wash separately, unstable dyes may be indicated.
Colored spots	Incorrect use of fabric softener	Check fabric softener package for instructions and follow directions for using dispenser.
	Dye transfer	Sort whites or lightly colored items from dark colors.
	Dye transfer	Promptly remove wash load from washer.
Water temperature is incorrect	Water supply is improperly connected	Make sure hoses are connected to correct faucets.
Water temperature is incorrect	House water heater is not set properly	Make sure house water heater is delivering water at 120°-140°F (48°-60°C).
Slight variation in metallic color	This is normal	Due to the metallic properties of paint used for this unique product, slight variations of color may occur due to viewing angles and lighting conditions.
Bad odor inside your Washer	Washer unused for a long time, not using recommended quality of HE detergent or used too much detergent	Run a Tub Clean cycle.
		In case of strong odor, you may need to run the Tub Clean cycle more than once.
		Use only the amount of detergent recommended on the detergent container.
		Use only HE (high efficiency) detergent.
		Always remove wet items from the washer promptly after machine stops running.
		Leave the door slightly open for the water to air dry. Close supervision is necessary if this appliance is used by or near children. Do not allow children to play on or in this or any other appliance.
Detergent leak	Incorrect placement of detergent insert	Make sure detergent insert is properly located and fully seated. Never put detergent above max line.
Detergent leak	This is normal	It is normal operation to see detergent leak on door gasket about 20 seconds after filling the dispenser.
Improper dispensing of softener or bleach	Dispenser clogged	Monthly clean the dispenser drawer to remove buildup of chemicals.
	Softener or bleach is filled above the max line	Make sure to have the correct amount of softener or bleach.
	Softener or bleach cap issue	Make sure softener and bleach cap for dispenser are seated or they will not work.
Dispenser drawer not dispensing properly	Laundry detergent packet placed in dispenser drawer	Laundry detergent packets should not be used in the dispenser. They should only be added directly to the wash tub following the manufacturer's directions.
Pump running while washer is not in use	Clog in sump drain	This is normal. Drain sump is detecting an undesired water fill level from a potential open faucet. Shut off water valve and inspect water valve for blockage.

See other models: TBX19ZABARWW HDA2220Z02BB PP9830SJ1SS GFE26GMHBES GSL25WGPHBS

1.Load clothes into your washer and close the door.
2. Press Power to turn on the washer
3. Turn the knob to the desired cycle or use My Cycle (on some models) to program or recall your favorite cycle.
4. Open the dispenser and add detergent, bleach and fabric softener, as desired.
5. Press Start to begin the wash cycle. The machine will weigh your clothes and add the proper amount of water. When the wash cycle is finished, the door will unlock.