Use and Care Guide Washer
CONTROL PANEL AND FEATURES
Not all features and options are available on all models. Appearance may vary
1 WASH CYCLE KNOB
Use the Wash Cycle knob to select cycles on your washer. Knob does not advance during the progress of the cycle – see cycle status lights for each stage of the process. See “Cycle Guide” for detailed descriptions of cycles. Select the cycle most suitable for your load. Items need to move freely. Tightly packing can lead to poor cleaning performance and may increase wrinkling and tangling.
2 TEMPERATURE
Temperature 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.
• Normal, Warm, and Hot water may be cooler than your previous washer. Deep Water cycles will provide higher temperatures for the wash cycle.
• Even in a cold or cool water wash, some warm water may be added to the washer to maintain a minimum temperature.
3 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.
EXTRA RINSE
This option can be used to automatically add a second rinse to most cycles.
PRESOAK & EXTRA RINSE
Use this option to add both an extra soak period to any cycle and a second rinse to most cycles.
PRESOAK
Use this option to add an extra soak period to any cycle to help loosen tough stains. The washer will agitate briefly, fill and pause to soak, then begin the selected cycle.
4 START/PAUSE BUTTON
Press to start the selected cycle. To unlock the lid during Final Spin, press to pause the cycle. Press and hold for 3 seconds to cancel a cycle.
NOTE: If the washer is spinning, it may take several minutes to unlock the lid.
5 CYCLE STATUS LIGHTS INDICATOR
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.
FILL
This LED remains illuminated during the Fill portion of the cycle.
SOAK/WASH
This LED remains illuminated during the Soak/Wash portion of the cycle.
RINSE
This LED remains illuminated during the Rinse portion of the cycle. Fabric softener can be added at this stage of the cycle.
FINAL SPIN/LID LOCKED
The Final Spin LED and the Lid Locked LED will both remain illuminated during this portion of the cycle. If you need to open the lid prior to cycle completion, press and hold START/PAUSE for 3 seconds.
DONE
This LED illuminates when the cycle is complete and will turn off when the lid is open.
CYCLE GUIDE
For best fabric care, choose the cycle that best fits the load being washed. Not all cycles and options are available on all models.
*All rinses are cold.
USING YOUR WASHER
1. Sort and prepare your laundry
• Empty pockets. Loose change, buttons, or any small object can pass under the agitator 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 garments if stains remain after washing, because heat can set stains into fabric.
• Treat stains promptly.
• Close zippers, fasten hooks, tie strings and sashes, and remove non-washable trim and ornaments.
• Mend rips and tears to avoid further damage to items during washing.
Helpful Tips:
• When washing waterproof or water-resistant items, load evenly.
• Use mesh garment 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.
• For best performance, heavier Items like jeans, towels, and blankets should be placed in first so they are at the bottom of the mixed load.
NOTE: Always read and follow fabric care label instructions to avoid damage to your garments.
2. Add laundry products
IMPORTANT: Add a measured amount of detergent or single-dose laundry packet into the basket. If using Oxi-type boosters, color-safe bleach, or fabric softener crystals, add to the bottom of the washer basket before adding clothes. If using liquid chlorine bleach (optional), manually add product to wash water. Do not overfill, dilute, or use more than 1 cup (236 mL) of liquid chlorine bleach. Do not use color-safe bleach or Oxi products in the same cycle with liquid chlorine bleach.
NOTE: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the amount of laundry products to use. Manufacturer suggests using HE detergent.
3. Load laundry into washer
Load garments in loose heaps evenly around basket wall. For best results, do not pack the load tightly. Do not wrap large items, such as sheets, around the agitator; load them in loose piles around the sides of the basket. Try mixing different-sized items to reduce tangling.
IMPORTANT: Do not tightly pack or force items into washer. Items need to move freely for best cleaning and to reduce wrinkling and tangling. Load heavier items in first. Do not load above agitator cap. Do not load clothes above white inner collar.
4. Add liquid chlorine bleach to dispenser
Do not overfill, dilute, or use more than 1 cup (236 mL). Do not use color-safe bleach or Oxi products in the same cycle with liquid chlorine bleach.
5. Add 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. Dilute liquid fabric softener by filling the dispenser with warm water until liquid reaches the underside of the rim. See Max Fill line arrows.
Adding Liquid Fabric Softener Manually to Wash Load
During the final rinse, wait until the washer has completed filling. At that time, water valve will shut off and you will not hear any water entering the washer. Lift the lid and add the measured recommended amount of liquid fabric softener. Do not use more than the recommended amount. Close lid.
6. Select cycle
Turn Cycles knob to choose your wash cycle. For more information, see “Cycle Guide.”
7. Select TEMPERATURE
Once you select a cycle, select the desired wash temperature by turning the Temperature knob to the appropriate setting based on your load. All rinses are tap cold.
NOTE: Always read and follow fabric care label instructions to avoid damage to your garments.
8. Select OPTIONS
Select any other cycle options you may wish to add, if not previously set. These may be turned off if desired.
NOTE: Not all options are available with all cycles.
9. Press START/PAUSE to begin wash cycle
Press the START/PAUSE button to start the wash cycle. When the cycle has finished, the Done indicator will light. Promptly remove garments after cycle has completed to avoid odor, reduce wrinkling, and avoid rusting of metal hooks, zippers, and snaps.
NOTE: If you press Start/Pause to pause cycle, you must press Start/Pause to resume cycle. If you hold Start/Pause for more than 3 seconds, it will cancel your cycle and drain the washer.
Adding a Garment After Cycle Begins
During Fill and Soak/Wash, open the lid, add a garment, and close the lid.
IMPORTANT: If the lid is left open for more than 10 minutes, the water will pump out automatically
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.
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 cleaning procedure:
Recommended Cycle for Cleaning the Washer
For optimal cleaning, use chlorine bleach:
- a. Open the washer lid and remove any clothing or items.
- b. Add 1 cup (236 mL) of liquid chlorine bleach to the wash basket.
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 PowerWash® cycle.
- f. Press the START/PAUSE button to start the cycle.
NOTE: Do not interrupt cycle.
Cleaning the Fabric Softener Dispenser
After a period of using your washer, you may find some residue buildup in the dispenser. To remove residue from the dispenser, wipe with a damp cloth and towel dry. 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.
NOTE: The Clean Washer cycle should be used one or two times a year. Check the Tech Sheet for access to the Clean Washer cycle in the Diagnostic Test mode.
NON-USE AND VACATION CARE
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.
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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 a wash 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 hose 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.
- 8. Reinstall bottom shipping cone if available.
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 Normal cycle to clean washer and remove antifreeze, if used. Use half the manufacturer’s recommended amount of detergent for a medium-size load.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Vibration or Shaking
Check the following for proper installation or see “Using Your Washer” section:
Feet may not be in contact with the floor and locked to cabinet.
- Front and rear feet must be in firm contact with floor, and washer must be level to operate properly.
Washer may not be level.
- Check floor for flexing or sagging. If flooring is uneven, a 3/4" (19 mm) piece of plywood under your washer will reduce sound.
- See “Level the Washer” in Installation Instructions.
Load could be unbalanced or twisted.
- Load dry items in loose heaps evenly around basket wall. Adding wet items to washer or adding more water to basket could unbalance washer.
- Wash smaller loads to reduce imbalance.
- Do not tightly pack. Avoid washing single items.
- Use PowerWash® cycle for oversized, non-absorbent items such as comforters or poly-filled jackets.
- See “Cycle Guide” and “Using Your Washer” in this Use and Care Guide.
Noises
Clicking or metallic noises
Objects caught in washer drain system.
- Empty pockets before washing. Loose items, such as coins, could fall between basket and tub or may block pump. It may be necessary to call for service to remove items.
- It is normal to hear metal items on clothing, such as metal snaps, buckles, or zippers, touch against the basket.
Gurgling or humming
Washer may be draining water.
- It is normal to hear the pump making a continuous humming sound with periodic gurgling or surging as final amounts of water are removed during the Drain & Spin cycle.
Humming
Load sensing may be occurring.
- You may hear the hum of the sensing spins after you have started the washer. This is normal.
Water Leaks
Check the following for proper installation:
Washer not level.
- Water may splash off basket if washer is not level. Check that load is not unbalanced or tightly packed.
Fill hoses not attached tightly.
- Tighten fill-hose connection.
Fill hose washers.
- Make sure all four fill hose flat washers are properly seated.
Drain hose connection.
- Pull drain hose from washer cabinet and properly secure it to drainpipe or laundry tub.
- Do not place tape over drain opening.
Check household plumbing for leaks or clogged sink or drain.
- Water can back up out of a clogged sink or drainpipe. Check all household plumbing for leaks (laundry tubs, drain pipe, water pipes, and faucets).
Washer not loaded as recommended.
- Improper loading can cause basket to be out of alignment and cause water to splash off tub. See “Using Your Washer” for loading instructions.
Washer not performing as expected
Washer won’t run or fill; washer stops working
Check for proper water supply.
- Both hoses must be attached and have water flowing to inlet valve.
- Both hot and cold water faucets must be turned on.
- Check that inlet valve screens have not become clogged.
- Check for any kinks in inlet hoses, which can restrict water flow.
Check proper electrical supply.
- Plug power cord into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
- Do not use an extension cord.
- Ensure there is power to outlet and that the polarity is correct.
- Reset a tripped circuit breaker. Replace any blown fuses.
NOTE: If problems continue, contact an electrician.
Normal washer operation.
- Lid must be closed for washer to run.
- Washer will pause during certain phases of cycle. Do not interrupt cycle.
Washer may be tightly packed.
- Press START/PAUSE for 3 seconds and wait for lid to unlock. Remove several items, rearrange load evenly in basket, and add detergent. Close lid and press START/PAUSE.
- Do not add more than one or two additional items after cycle has started to avoid tightly packing or unbalancing.
All LEDs remain lit
Error code.
- Try unplugging washer for 10 seconds and plug it back in to reset the control.
- Check for proper water supply per above.
Washer not draining/ spinning, loads are still wet, or spin light remains on (indicating that the washer was unable to pump out water within 10 minutes)
Small items may have been caught in pump or between basket and tub, which can slow draining.
- Empty pockets and use garment bags for small items.
Use a cycle with a low spin speed.
- Cycles with lower spin speeds remove less water than cycles with high spin speeds. Use the recommended cycle/spin speed for your garment. To remove extra water in the load on a nonpay model, select Final Spin. Load may need to be rearranged to allow even distribution of the load in the basket.
The washer may be tightly packed or unbalanced.
- Tightly packed or unbalanced loads may not allow the washer to spin correctly, leaving the load wetter than normal. Evenly arrange the wet load for balanced spinning on a nonpay model. Select the Final Spin cycle to remove excess water. See “Using Your Washer” for loading recommendations.
Check plumbing for correct drain hose installation. Drain hose extends into standpipe farther than 4.5" (114 mm).
- Check drain hose for proper installation. Use drain hose form and securely attach to drainpipe or tub. Do not tape over drain opening. Lower drain hose if the end is higher than 96" (2.4 m) above the floor. Remove any clogs from drain hose.
Too much detergent causing suds to slow or stop draining and spinning.
- Always measure and follow detergent directions for your load. To remove extra suds on a nonpay model, select Rinse & Spin. Do not add detergent.
Dry spots on load after cycle
High spin speeds extract more moisture than traditional top-loading washers.
- The high spin speeds combined with airflow during the final spin can cause items near the top of the load to develop dry spots during the final spin. This is normal.
Incorrect or wrong wash or rinse temperatures
Check for proper water supply
- Make sure hot and cold inlet hoses are not reversed.
- Both hoses must be attached to both washer and faucet and have both hot and cold water flowing to inlet valve.
- Check that inlet valve screens are not clogged.
- Remove any kinks in hoses.
Energy-saving controlled-wash temperatures.
- This washer uses cooler wash and rinse water temperatures than your previous washer. This includes cooler hot and warm washes.
Load not rinsed
Check for proper water supply.
- Make sure hot and cold inlet hoses are not reversed.
- Both hoses must be attached and have water flowing to the inlet valve.
- Both hot and cold water faucets must be on.
- Inlet valve screens on washer may be clogged.
- Remove any kinks in the inlet hose.
Using too much detergent.
- The suds from too much detergent can keep washer from operating correctly. Always measure detergent and follow detergent directions based on load size and soil level.
Washer not loaded as recommended.
- The washer is less efficient at rinsing when load is tightly packed.
- Load garments in loose heaps evenly around the basket wall. Load with dry items only. Do not load above bottom of white plastic clothes guard.
- Use cycle designed for the fabrics being washed.
- Add only one or two additional garments after washer has started.
Sand, pet hair, lint, etc., on load after washing
Heavy deposits of sand, pet hair, lint, detergent, fabric softener, or non-chlorine bleach residues may require additional rinsing.
Load is tangling
Washer not loaded as recommended.
- See “Using Your Washer” section.
- Select a cycle with a slower wash action and spin speed; however, items will be wetter than those using a higher speed spin. See the “Cycle Guide” to match your load with the best cycle.
- Load garments in loose heaps evenly around the basket wall.
- Reduce tangling by mixing types of load items. Use the recommended cycle for the type of garments being washed.
Not cleaning or removing stains
Washer not loaded as recommended.
- Washer is less efficient at cleaning when load is tightly packed.
- Load garments in loose heaps evenly around the basket wall. Load with dry items only.
- Add only one or two additional garments after washer has started.
Adding detergent on top of load.
- Add detergent, Oxi products, and color-safe bleach to the bottom of the basket before adding the load items.
Using too much detergent.
- The suds from too much detergent can keep washer from operating correctly. Always measure detergent and follow manufacturer’s directions based on load size and soil level.
Not using correct cycle for fabric type.
- Use a higher soil level cycle option and warmer wash temperature to improve cleaning.
- Use PowerWash® cycle for tough cleaning. See the “Cycle Guide” to match your load with the best cycle.
Not using dispensers.
- Use dispensers to avoid chlorine bleach and fabric softener staining.
- Load dispensers before starting a cycle.
- Do not add products directly onto load.
Not washing like colors together.
- Wash like colors together and remove promptly after the cycle is complete to avoid dye transfer.
Incorrect dispenser operation
Clogged dispenser.
- Use only liquid chlorine bleach in the bleach dispenser. Use only fabric softener in the fabric softener dispenser.
Fabric damage
Sharp items were in pockets during wash cycle.
- Empty pockets, zip zippers, and snap or hook fasteners before washing to avoid snags and tears.
Strings and straps could have tangled.
- Tie all strings and straps before starting wash load.
Items may have been damaged before washing.
- Mend rips and broken threads in seams before washing.
Fabric damage can occur if load is tightly packed.
- Load garments in loose heaps evenly around the basket wall. Load with dry items only. Load below white plastic clothes guard.
- Use cycle designed for the fabrics being washed.
- Add only one or two additional garments after washer has started.
Liquid chlorine bleach may have been added incorrectly.
- Do not pour liquid chlorine bleach directly onto load. Wipe up bleach spills.
- Undiluted bleach will damage fabrics. Do not use more than recommended by manufacturer.
- Do not place load items on top of bleach dispenser when loading and unloading washer.
Garment care instructions may not have been followed.
- Always read and follow garment manufacturer’s care label instructions. See the “Cycle Guide” to match your load with the best cycle.
Odors
Monthly maintenance not done as recommended.
- See “Washer Care” in “Washer Maintenance.”
- Unload washer as soon as cycle is complete.
Using too much detergent.
- Be sure to measure correctly. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions.
- See “Washer Care” section.
Lid Locked LED is flashing
The lid is not closed.
- Close the lid and press START/PAUSE. The washer will not start or fill with the lid open.
A cycle was stopped or paused using the Start/Pause button.
- The washer may still be spinning. The lid will not unlock until the basket has stopped spinning. This may take several minutes if washing large loads or heavy fabrics.
Single-dose laundry packet not dissolving
Adding laundry packet incorrectly.
- Be sure laundry packet is added to washer basket before adding clothes. Do not add packet to dispenser. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damage to your garments.
