User Manual Kenmore Elite 31633 6.2 cu. ft. Top-Load Washer w/Accela Wash® & Steam - Metallic ENERGY STAR Certified

Kenmore Elite 31633 6.2 cu. ft. Top-Load Washer w/Accela Wash® & Steam - Metallic ENERGY STAR Certified - Use Manual - Use Guide PDF.
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Table of contents

• WHAT’S NEW UNDER THE LID?
• CONTROL PANEL AND FEATURES
• DISPENSERS
• CYCLE GUIDE
• USING YOUR WASHER
• WASHER MAINTENANCE
• TROUBLESHOOTING

User Manual Washer

WHAT’S NEW UNDER THE LID?

Cleaning with Less Water

A striking difference in your new washer is the low-water washplate wash system. The washer automatically adjusts the water level to the load size—no water level selector is needed.

For best performance, it is recommended to load items in loose heaps evenly around the washplate.

As the washer dampens and moves the load, the level of the items will settle in the basket. This is normal, and does not indicate that more items should be added. IMPORTANT: You will not see a washer basket full of water as with your past agitator-style washer. It is normal for some of the load to be above the water line

Automatic Load Size Sensing

Once you start the cycle, the lid will lock, and the washer will begin the sensing process to determine the correct water level for the load. Initially the basket will start to spin prior to adding water, this is part of the sensing process and is normal. This low-water wash method uses less water and energy compared to a traditional agitator-style washer.

Choosing the Right Detergent

Use only High-Efficiency detergents. The package will be marked “HE” or “High Efficiency.” Low-water washing creates excessive sudsing with a non-HE detergent. Using non-HE detergent will likely result in longer cycle times and reduced rinsing performance. It may also result in component malfunction and, over time, the buildup of mold or mildew. HE detergents should be low-sudsing and quick-dispersing to produce the right amount of suds for the best performance. They should hold soil in suspension so it is not redeposited onto clean clothes. Not all detergents labeled as High Efficiency are identical in the formulation and their ability to reduce suds. For example, natural, organic, or homemade HE detergents may generate a high level of suds. Always follow the detergent manufacturer’s instructions to determine the amount of detergent to use.

Use only High Efficiency (HE) detergent.

Improved Cleaning

Low-water cleaning means concentrated cleaning. Rather than diluting detergent as done in an agitator-style washer, this washer delivers the detergent directly to the soils. This low water wash also allows the clothing to move in a more effective way to remove soils.

Normal Sounds You Can Expect

At different stages of the wash cycle, you may hear sounds and noises that are different from those of your previous washer. For example, you may hear a clicking and hum at the beginning of the cycle, as the lid lock goes through a self-test. There will be different kinds of humming sounds as the washplate moves the load and as basket is slowing down to stop. And sometimes, you may hear nothing at all, as the washer determines the correct water level for your load or allows time for clothes to soak.

CONTROL PANEL AND FEATURES

Not all features and options are available on all models. Appearance may vary

1. POWER BUTTON

Touch to turn the washer ON. Touching once while the washer is on will cancel the current cycle and turn the washer OFF.

2. WASH CYCLE KNOB

Use the Wash Cycle knob to select cycles on your washer. See “Cycle Guide” for detailed descriptions of cycles.

3. ESTIMATED TIME REMAINING DISPLAY

The Estimated Time Remaining display shows the time required for the cycle to complete. Factors such as load size and water pressure may affect the time shown in the display. Tightly packed loads, unbalanced loads, or excessive suds may cause the washer to adjust the cycle time, as well. If you have set a delay start to the cycle, the Estimated Time Remaining display will show the delay time adjusted. When the cycle is complete, the display will show END until the lid is opened.

4. START/PAUSE/UNLOCK LID BUTTON

Press and hold the START/PAUSE/Unlock Lid button to begin the selected cycle; touch again to pause a cycle and unlock the lid. NOTE: If the washer is spinning, it may take several minutes to unlock the lid. Press and hold for 3 seconds to cancel a cycle.

5. CYCLE MODIFIERS

When you select a cycle, its default settings or the previous cycle selection used will light up.

DELAY WASH

Touch Delay Wash to delay the start of the wash cycle up to 12 hours “12h”. Touch Delay Wash until a “0h” appears in the status display to turn off, or touch POWER.

WASH TEMP

Temperature control senses and maintains uniform water temperatures by regulating incoming hot and cold water. Select a wash temperature based on the type of fabric and soils being washed. For best results and following the garment label instructions, use the warmest wash water safe for your fabric.

• On some cycles, warm and hot water may be cooler than your previous washer.

• Even for cold wash settings, some warm water may be added to the washer to maintain a minimum temperature.

SOIL LEVEL

Soil Level (wash time) is preset for each wash cycle. As you touch the Soil Level pad, the cycle time (minutes) will increase or decrease in the Estimated Time Remaining display and a different wash time will appear. Select the most suitable setting for your load. For heavily soiled items, select Ex Heavy for more wash time. For lightly soiled items, select Light for less wash time. A lighter soil level setting will help reduce tangling and wrinkling.

SPIN SPEED

This washer automatically selects the spin speed based on the cycle selected. The preset speeds can be changed. Not all spin speeds are available with all cycles.

• Faster spin speeds mean shorter dry times but may increase wrinkling in your load.

• Slower spin speeds mean less wrinkling, but will leave your load more damp.

CYCLE SIGNAL

Use this to adjust the volume of button sounds and/or the signal indicating the end of a wash cycle. NOTE: You may also turn off the tones that sound when a feature, setting, or option is touched.

6. OPTIONS

You may add or remove options for each cycle. Not all options can be used with all cycles, and some are preset to work with certain cycles.

ACCELA WASH

Adding this option reduces the cycle time while maintaining a wash performance similar to the same cycle without ACCELA WASH.

DEEP FILL

If you would like to add the maximum amount of water to your wash cycle, select the Deep Fill option. NOTE: Expect longer cycle times due to extended fill times when using the Deep Fill option.

STEAM TREAT

The Steam Treat option adds additional soak and wash time to many cycles to help remove tough stains, as well as a steam boost for added cleaning power. Steam Treat uses a heater within the washer to maintain the selected temperature setting throughout the wash period. Steam Treat may be selected as an option with other cycles. NOTE: The Steam Treat option may increase the selected temperature.

TIMED OXI

This option must be selected if using Oxi products during a cycle. It ensures that the Oxi product is added at the correct time in the cycle for even distribution.

TWO RINSES

This option can be used to automatically add a second rinse to most cycles..

FABRIC SOFTENER

This option must be selected if using fabric softener during a cycle. It ensures that fabric softener is added at the correct time in the rinse for even distribution.

7. CYCLE STATUS LIGHTS

The Cycle Status Lights show the progress of a cycle. At each stage of the process, you may notice sounds or pauses that are different from traditional washers.

DELAY

When Delay Wash has been selected, the Delay light will illuminate and remain illuminated until the cycle begins.

ADD A GARMENT

When Add A Garment is lit, you may pause the washer, open the lid, and add items. Touch and hold START/ PAUSE/Unlock Lid to start the washer again.

WASH

During the first stage of the wash cycle, water will partially fill the washer and begin to move the load. You will hear the impeller rotate followed by a several second pause. This process will repeat for several minutes, allowing the entire load to become saturated. It is normal for the load to be above the water line during this stage. At the beginning of the second stage, the washer will add water to the correct level based on the load size. You will hear the impeller increase speed during this stage of the wash cycle. The motor sounds may change at different stages in the wash cycle.

RINSE

You will hear sounds similar to the wash cycle as the washer rinses and moves the load. You may hear the motor turning on briefly (short hum) to move the basket while filling.

SPIN

The washer spins the load at increasing speeds for proper water removal based on the selected cycle and spin speed.

COMPLETE

Once the cycle is complete, this light will come on. For best results, promptly remove the load.

LID LOCKED

The Lid Locked feature allows for higher spin speeds. When lit, the lid is locked and cannot be opened without pausing the cycle. When the light is off, the lid can be opened. To open the lid after it has been locked, press START/PAUSE/Unlock Lid. The lid will unlock once the washer movement has stopped. This may take several minutes if the load was spinning at high speed. Press START/PAUSE/Unlock Lid while the lid is closed to resume the cycle.

DISPENSERS

A. DETERGENT DISPENSER

Pour measured amount of liquid HE detergent into the detergent dispenser. The detergent will dispense at the optimum time during the wash cycle. NOTE: Do not place single-dose laundry packets or powder detergent into the dispenser. Add single-dose laundry packets or powder detergent directly to the washer basket.

B. LIQUID FABRIC SOFTENER DISPENSER

Pour measured liquid fabric softener into the liquid fabric softener dispenser, if desired. It will dispense automatically at the optimum time.

• Use only liquid fabric softener in this dispenser.

C. LIQUID CHLORINE BLEACH AND OXI DISPENSER

The breach will be automatically diluted and dispensed at the optimum time during the wash cycle. This dispenser cannot dilute powdered bleach.

NOTE: If a gel bleach is used, the Oxi button must be pressed to assist in dispensing the gel. This dispenser holds up to 3/4 cup (180 mL) of Oxi booster or other laundry boosters, such as powdered or liquid color-safe bleach. Laundry boosters are automatically dispensed at the proper time during the wash cycle. Be sure to select Oxi from the options to ensure proper dispensing.

NOTE: Fill the dispenser with only Oxi. Do not mix with bleach.

IMPORTANT: Even on cold cycles, using the Oxi booster option will cause the washer to use some warm water to assist in dispensing the Oxi liquid/powder.

CYCLE GUIDE

For best fabric care, choose the cycle that best fits the load being washed. Recommended settings for best performance are shown in Bold. Not all settings and options are available on each cycle.

USING YOUR WASHER

1. Sort and prepare your laundry

• Empty pockets. Loose change, buttons, or any small object can pass under the washplate and become trapped, causing unexpected sounds.
• Sort items by recommended cycle, water temperature, and colorfastness.
• Separate heavily soiled items from lightly soiled.
• Separate delicate items from sturdy fabrics.
• Do not dry items if stains remain after washing; heat can set stains into fabric.
• Treat stains promptly.
• Close zippers, fasten hooks, tie strings and sashes. Remove non-washable trim and ornaments.
• Mend rips and tears to avoid further damage to items during washing.

Helpful Tips:

• For best performance, use HE liquid detergent when washing bulky items.
• When washing waterproof or water-resistant items, load evenly.
• Use mesh bags to help avoid tangling when washing delicate or small items.
• Turn knits inside out to avoid pilling. Separate lint-takers from lint-givers. Synthetics, knits, and corduroy fabrics will pick up lint from towels, rugs, and chenille fabrics.
• Wash large, absorbent items with other water absorbent items or alone. Do not mix water absorbent items with items that do not absorb water as this can cause imbalance.

2. Add laundry products

Single-dose laundry packets, powder detergent, or fabric softener crystals can be added to the basket prior to adding laundry

3. Load laundry into washer

For best performance, load items in loose heaps evenly around the washplate. Try mixing different sized items to reduce tangling.

IMPORTANT: Items need to move freely for best cleaning and to reduce wrinkling and tangling.

4. Using the liquid detergent dispenser

Pour a measured amount of HE detergent into dispenser; always follow manufacturer’s directions for correct amount of detergent based on your load size.

5. Add liquid chlorine bleach or Oxi to dispenser

Do not overfill, dilute, or use more than 1 cup (236 mL) of liquid cholorine bleach. Pour a measured amount of Oxi-type boosters, into dispenser; always follow manufacturer’s directions for correct amount of Oxi-type boosters based on your load size. Oxi is added during main wash.

6. Add liquid fabric softener to dispenser

Pour a measured amount of liquid fabric softener into dispenser; always follow manufacturer’s directions for correct amount of fabric softener based on your load size. Fabric Softener is added during rinse.

IMPORTANT: Do not overfill or dilute. Overfilling dispenser will cause fabric softener to immediately dispense into washer. Do not put fabric softener crystals into dispenser. If Extra Rinse option is selected, fabric softener will be dispensed into the last rinse. It is normal for a small amount of water to remain in the dispenser at the end of a cycle.

7. Touch POWER to turn on washer

Close the lid and touch POWER to turn on the washer.

8. Select cycle

Turn the cycle knob to choose your wash cycle. For more information, see "Cycle Guide." Estimated Time Remaining will light up with a cycle time. You may notice time adjusting during the cycle. This is normal. If you do not want to begin a cycle immediately, you may choose DELAY WASH option.

To choose a delay time:

1. Touch DELAY WASH button to select desired delay time. Time will increase in hour increments up to 12 hours.

2. Press and hold the START/PAUSE/Unlock Lid button to start delay start time. IMPORTANT: When delaying a cycle, use liquid HE detergent only in the dispenser. Powdered detergents may absorb moisture from a previous cycle and clump before the wash cycle begins.

To cancel Delay Wash:

1. Touch POWER to cancel Delay Wash.

To pause Delay Wash:

1. Touch START/PAUSE/Unlock Lid button to pause Delay Wash.

2. Touch START/PAUSE/Unlock Lid button again to start Delay Wash time

9. Select cycle modifiers

Once you select a cycle, the default modifiers or the previous set modifiers for that cycle will be lit. Touch the cycle settings buttons to change the Wash Temp, Soil Level, and Spin Speed, if desired. Not all settings are available with all cycles.

NOTE: Always read and follow fabric care labels instructions to avoid damage to your items. If not sure on which temperature to use, refer to the chart below or select a cooler temperature.

Temperature suggestions

NOTE: Even for cold wash settings, some warm water may be added to the washer to maintain a minimum temperature.

10. Select cycle options

Select any other cycle options you may wish to add, if not previously set. Some cycles will automatically add certain options such as Two Rinses. These may be turned off, if desired. NOTE: Not all options are available with all cycles. Touch control panel to select any other options

11. Touch and hold START/PAUSE/Unlock Lid button to begin wash cycle

Press and hold the START/PAUSE/Unlock Lid button to start the wash cycle. When the cycle has finished, the end of cycle signal will sound (if set). Promptly remove items when cycle is done to avoid odor, reduce wrinkling, and rusting of metal hooks, zippers, and snaps.

Unlocking the lid to add items

If you need to open the lid to add 1 or 2 missed items:

Touch START/PAUSE/Unlock Lid button to pause washer; the lid will unlock once the washer movement has stopped. This may take several minutes if the load was spinning at a high speed. Then close lid and press and hold the START/PAUSE/Unlock Lid button again to restart the cycle.

IMPORTANT: If lid is left open for more than 10 minutes the water will pump out and F8E6 error code will appear on the display.

WASHER MAINTENANCE

WATER INLET HOSES

Replace inlet hoses after 5 years of use to reduce the risk of hose failure. Periodically inspect and replace inlet hoses if bulges, kinks, cuts, wear, or leaks are found. When replacing your inlet hoses, mark the date of replacement on the label with a permanent marker. NOTE: This washer does not include inlet hoses. See the “Installation Instructions” for more information.

WASHER CARE

Recommendations to Help Keep Your Washer Clean and Performing at its Best

1. Always follow the detergent manufacturer’s instructions regarding the amount of detergent to use. Never use more than the recommended amount because that may increase the rate at which detergent and soil residue accumulate inside your washer, which in turn may result in undesirable odor.

2. Use warm and hot wash water settings sometimes (not exclusively cold water washes), because they do a better job of controlling the rate at which soils and detergent accumulate.

3. Always leave the washer lid open between uses to help dry out the washer and prevent the buildup of odor-causing residue.

Cleaning Your Top Loading Washer

Read these instructions completely before beginning the routine cleaning processes recommended below. This Washer Maintenance Procedure should be performed, at a minimum, once per month or every 30 wash cycles, whichever occurs sooner, to control the rate at which soils and detergent may otherwise accumulate in your washer.

Cleaning the Inside of the Washer

To keep your washer odor-free, follow the usage instructions provided above, and use this recommended monthly cleaning procedure:

Recommended Cycle for Cleaning the Washer

Refer to the “Cycle Guide” for the optimal cycle for cleaning the inside of the washer. Use this cycle with liquid chlorine bleach as described below.

Begin procedure

Chlorine Bleach Procedure

a. Open the washer lid and remove any clothing or items.

b. Add 1 cup (236 mL) of liquid chlorine bleach to the bleach compartment. NOTE: Use of more liquid chlorine bleach than is recommended above could cause washer damage over time.

c. Close the washer lid.

d. Do not add any detergent or other chemical to the washer when following this procedure.

e. Select the cycle recommended for cleaning the inside of the washer.

f. Press the START/PAUSE/Unlock Lid button to start the cycle.

NOTE: For best results, do not interrupt cycle. If cycle must be interrupted, press START/PAUSE/Unlock Lid once. After the cycle has stopped, run a RINSE/SPIN cycle to rinse cleaner from washer.

WASHER CARE

Cleaning the Dispensers

After a period of using your washer, you may find some residue buildup in the washer’s dispensers. To remove residue from the dispensers, wipe them with a damp cloth and towel dry. Do not attempt to remove the dispensers or trim for cleaning. The dispensers and trim are not removable. If your model has a dispenser drawer, however, remove the drawer and clean it before or after you run the Clean Washer cycle. Use an all-purpose surface cleaner, if needed.

Cleaning the Outside of the Washer

Use a soft, damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any spills. Use only mild soaps or cleaners when cleaning external washer surfaces.

IMPORTANT: To avoid damaging the washer’s finish, do not use abrasive products.

NON-USE AND VACATION CARE

Operate your washer only when you are home. If moving, or not using your washer for a period of time, follow these steps:

1. Unplug or disconnect power to washer.

2. Turn off water supply to washer, to avoid flooding due to water pressure surge.

WINTER STORAGE CARE

IMPORTANT: To avoid damage, install and store washer where it will not freeze. Because some water may stay in hoses, freezing can damage washer. If storing or moving during freezing weather, winterize your washer.

To winterize washer:

1. Shut off both water faucets; disconnect and drain water inlet hoses.

2. Put 1 qt. (1 L) of R.V.-type antifreeze in basket and run washer on Rinse/Spin cycle for about 30 seconds to mix antifreeze and remaining water.

3. Unplug washer or disconnect power.

TRANSPORTING YOUR WASHER

1. Shut off both water faucets. Disconnect and drain water inlet hoses.

2. If washer will be moved during freezing weather, follow Winter Storage Care directions before moving.

3. Disconnect drain from drain system and drain any remaining water into a pan or bucket. Disconnect drain hose from back of washer.

4. Unplug power cord.

5. Place inlet hoses and drain hose inside washer basket.

6. Drape power cord over edge and into washer basket.

7. Place packing tray from original shipping materials back inside washer. If you do not have packing tray, place heavy blankets or towels into basket opening. Close lid and place tape over lid and down front of washer. Keep lid taped until washer is placed in new location. Transport washer in upright position.

REINSTALLING/USING WASHER AGAIN

To reinstall washer after non-use, vacation, winter storage, or moving:

1. Refer to “Installation Instructions” to locate, level, and connect washer.

2. Before using again, run washer through the following recommended procedure:

To use washer again:

1. Flush water pipes and hoses. Reconnect water inlet hoses. Turn on both water faucets.

2. Plug in washer or reconnect power.

3. Run washer through Clean Washer cycle to clean washer and remove antifreeze, if used. Use half the manufacturer’s recommended amount for a medium-size load.

TROUBLESHOOTING

See other models: 13473 14815 223709 51353 41683