Whirlpool WGD8000DW 8.8 cu.ft Top Load HE Gas Dryer

Use and Care Guide Electronic Dryer

Check Your Vent System for Good Airflow

Warning- Fire Hazard

• Use a heavy metal vent.
• Do not use a plastic vent.
• Do not use a metal foil vent.
• Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or fire.

Good airflow

• Along with heat, dryers require good airflow to efficiently dry laundry. Proper venting will reduce your drying times and improve your energy savings. See Installation Instructions.
• The venting system attached to the dryer plays a big role in good airflow.
• Service calls caused by improper venting are not covered by the warranty and will be paid for by the customer, regardless of who installed the dryer.

Maintain good airflow by:

• Cleaning your lint screen before each load.
• Replace plastic or foil vent material with 4" (102 mm) diameter heavy, rigid vent material.

• Use the shortest length of vent possible.
• Use no more than four 90° elbows in a vent system; each bend and curve reduces airflow.

• Remove lint and debris from the exhaust hood.
• Remove lint from the entire length of the vent system at least every 2 years. When cleaning is complete, be sure to follow the Installation Instructions supplied with your dryer for final product check.
• Clear away items from the front of the dryer.

EcoBoost™ option

Touch to activate the EcoBoost™ option, which allows you to increase your energy savings by using a slightly lower heat level. For automatic cycles, the EcoBoost™ option will increase drying times by approximately 40 minutes; the LED Display will reflect this time. The EcoBoost™ option will default on for Normal. For optimal energy, turn on the EcoBoost™ option. For optimal time, turn off the EcoBoost™ option.

What To Dry and How To Dry? for better fabric care and energy savings

By answering these questions, you can achieve the most energy savings and enhanced fabric care from your dryer. Using these automatic cycles, the drying air temperature and moisture levels are sensed in the load. This sensing process occurs throughout the entire drying cycle and turns off once the load reaches your selected dryness level. Using the NORMAL dryness level provides the optimal energy savings.

If Timed Dry is your answer, the dryer runs for the amount of time you select, which sometimes results in shrinkage, wrinkling, and static due to overdrying. Use Timed Dry for the occasional damp load that needs a little more drying time or when using the drying rack.

Tips for getting the best performance from your steam dryer (on some models)

• Results may vary depending on fabric. 100% cotton garments with wrinkle-free finish may yield better results than those without. 100% cotton items may require additional touching up after cycles that use steam.
• Use of fabric softener sheet is not recommended with cycles that use steam. It may cause temporary staining on clothes.
• Cycles that use steam are not recommended for items that have been starched. Wash any starched or new garments prior to using a cycle that uses steam.
• The Steam Refresh Cycle is best for smoothing out wrinkles and reducing odors from loads consisting of dry items of wrinkle-free cotton, cotton-polyester blend, common knits, and synthetics.

Control panel and features

Not all features and cycles are available on all models.

STEAM MODELS

NOTE: The control panel features a sensitive surface that responds to a light touch of your finger. To ensure your selections are registered, touch the control panel with your finger tip, not your fingernail. When selecting a setting or option, simply touch its name.

NON-STEAM MODELS

1. POWER
   Touch to turn the dryer on and off. Touch to stop/cancel a cycle at any time.
2. WHAT TO DRY/HOW TO DRY
   First select a cycle from the “What to Dry” (Automatic cycles) and then select the “How to Dry” to get the best combination cycle available for the type of items you are going to dry. See “Cycle Guide” for cycle details.
3. START/PAUSE
   Touch and hold until the LED comes on to start a cycle, or touch once while a cycle is in process to pause it.
4. LED DISPLAY
   When you select a cycle, its default settings will light up and the Estimated Time Remaining (for Automatic Cycles) will vary depending on “What to Dry” and “How to Dry” selections or actual time remaining for Timed Dry cycles (for Manual Cycles) will be displayed.
5. MODIFIERS
   Use to select available modifiers for your dryer. Not all cycles and options are available on all models.
   Temperature
   When using Timed Dry Cycle, you may select a dry temperature based on the type of load you are drying. Use the warmest setting safe for the garments in the load. Follow garment label instructions.
   NOTE: Automatic Cycles will give you up to 3 temperatures to adjust and it varies, depending on the “What to Dry” or “How to Dry” selections that have been made.
   Dryness
   You may adjust the Dryness on Automatic Cycles (except for the Sanitize cycle), if desired.
   NOTE: Dryness is for use with Automatic Cycles only.
6. OPTIONS
   Use to select available options for your dryer. Not all cycles and options are available on all models.
   Static Reduce (on some models)
   Touch to add the Static Reduce option to selected Automatic cycles. The dryer will automatically tumble, pause, and introduce a small amount of moisture into the load to help reduce static. This option adds approximately 8 minutes to the total cycle time.
   End Beep
   Use this to turn the signal indicating the end of a drying cycle to low, medium, high, or off.
   NOTE: You may also turn off the tones that sound when a feature, setting, or option is touched. Touch and hold End Beep for about three seconds to turn sounds to low, medium, high, or off.
   Damp Beep
   Touch to select the Damp Beep signal. You may adjust the signal to low, medium, high, or off. When selected, a series of beeps will sound when the load is damp, but not completely dry. This will allow you to take clothes out of the load that do not need to dry completely. This option is available on some cycles. The Damp Beep signal is selected as a default for the Bulky/Sheets cycle, as a reminder to manually reposition bulky loads midway through the cycle.
   Wrinkle ShieldTM OptionIf you will be unable to remove a load immediately, touch Wrinkle Shield™ to add up to 150 minutes of periodic tumbling to help reduce wrinkling. You may select the “+ Steam” setting (on some models) to add a short steam cycle after 60 minutes to help smooth out wrinkles.
   NOTE: If you open the dryer door prior to the end of the Wrinkle Shield™ option, the dryer will go into Pause mode. You will need to touch Power to turn off or touch Start/Pause to continue Wrinkle Shield™ option.
   EcoBoostTM OptionTouch to activate the EcoBoost™ option, which allows you to increase your energy savings by using a slightly lower heat level. This will increase dry times. EcoBoost™ option will default on for Mixed Normal. Can be selected for: Mixed Gentle, Casual Normal, Casual Gentle, Delicate Normal, and Delicate Gentle. It will be not available for the other cycles.
   Steam Refresh (steam models only)
   This cycle is best for reducing wrinkles and odors from dry items. Cycle time will increase depending on number of items

Cycle Guide - Steam Model

Cycle Guide - Non-Steam Model

Using Your Dryer

Warning- Explosion Hazard

• Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from dryer.
• Do not dry anything that has ever had anything flammable on it (even after washing).
• Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, explosion, or fire.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, read the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS before operating this appliance.

Clean the lint screen

• Clean the lint screen before each load. Pull the lint screen straight up. Roll lint off the screen with your fingers. Do not rinse or wash screen to remove lint. Wet lint is hard to remove. Push the lint screen firmly back into place.
• For additional cleaning information, see “Dryer Care.”

Load the dryer

Open the door by pulling on the handle. Place laundry in the dryer. Add a dryer sheet to wet load, if desired. Close the door.
IMPORTANT: Do not tightly pack the dryer. Items need to tumble freely. Tightly packing can lead to poor drying performance and may increase wrinkling and tangling.

Warning- Fire Hazard

• No washer can completely remove oil
• Do not dry anything that has ever had any type of oil on it (including cooking oils).
• Items containing foam, rubber, or plastic must be dried on a clothesline or by using an Air Cycle.
• Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or fire.

Touch POWER

Touch POWER to turn on the dryer.

Select type of load to dry

First select a cycle from the “What to Dry” (Automatic cycles) and then select the “How to Dry” to get the best combination cycle available for the type of items you are going to dry. See “Cycle Guide” for cycle details. Not all cycles are available on all models.

Automatic Cycles:

You can select a different dryness level, depending on your load. Touch DRYNESS to scroll to Less to More. Selecting Less to More automatically adjusts the dryness level at which the dryer will shut off. Dryness level can be changed in the first 5-8 minutes of the cycle.

Automatic Cycles give the best drying in the shortest time. Drying time varies based on fabric type, load size, and dryness setting.

NOTE: Automatic Cycles will give you up to 3 temperatures to adjust and it varies, depending on the “What to Dry” or “How to Dry” selections that have been made.

TIMED DRY Cycle:

When you select Timed Dry, the default time appears in the display. Touch “+” and “–” to increase or decrease the time in 1 minute increments. Touch and hold to change the time in 5 minute increments. The default temperature may be changed by pressing Temperature until the desired dry temperature is lit.

Steam Refresh Cycles (on some models):

Select Steam Refresh to reduce odors and light wrinkles in dry loads consisting of wrinkle-free cotton, cotton-polyester blends, common knits, and synthetics. If you will be unable to remove a load immediately, touch Wrinkle Shield™ to add up to 150 minutes of periodic tumbling. You may select the + Steam setting to add a short steam cycle after 60 minutes to help smooth out wrinkles.

Adjust cycle settings, if desired

You may adjust different settings, depending on what you are drying and how you are going to dry the item. See the “Cycle Guide” for detailed information.
NOTE: Not all options and settings are available with all cycles. Not all cycles are on all models.

Select any additional options

Add additional options such as Static Reduce, Wrinkle Shield, and/or EcoBoost™ (on some models) by touching that option. If you will be unable to remove the load promptly, select Wrinkle Shield™ before pressing START/PAUSE. You may select the “+ Steam” setting (on some models) to add a short steam cycle after 60 minutes to help smooth out wrinkles.

NOTE: Not all options and settings are available with all cycles.

Touch and hold START/PAUSE to begin cycle

Touch and hold START/PAUSE to begin the cycle.

Remove garments promptly after cycle is finished

Promptly remove garments after cycle has completed to reduce wrinkling.

Changing the Automatic Cycle settings to increase or decrease drying time

If all your loads on all Automatic Cycles are consistently less dry or more dry than you would like, you may change the default settings to increase or decrease the default dryness level.

Your automatic drying settings can be adjusted to adapt to different installations, environmental conditions, or personal preference. This change is retained and will affect all of your Automatic Cycles, not just the current cycle/load. There are 5 drying settings (setting codes differ depending on model), which are displayed using the time display:
0 Much wetter clothes, 30% less drying time.
1 Slightly wetter clothes, 15% less drying time.
2 Factory preset dryness level.
3 Slightly drier clothes, 15% more drying time.
4 Much drier clothes, 30% more drying time.
To change the drying settings:

NOTE: The settings cannot be changed while the dryer is running or paused. The dryer must be in standby mode (power is off) to adjust the default settings.

1. Before starting a cycle, touch and hold DRYNESS LEVEL for 6 seconds.
2. Touch DRYNESS to select the dryness level shown in the time display: 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.
3. Touch START/PAUSE to save the new dryness level setting.

Additional Features

USING THE DRYING RACK

To obtain a drying rack for your dryer, order by calling 1-877-944-7566. You will need your model and serial number and the purchase date. Remove and discard any packing material before use.

Use the Drying Rack for items that you do not want to tumble dry, such as sweaters and tennis shoes. When you use the drying rack, the drum continues to turn, but the rack remains stationary.

The drying rack is intended for use with the Manual Dry/ Timed Dry cycles only. The drying rack cannot be used with Automatic cycles.

To use the drying rack:

IMPORTANT: Do not remove the lint screen.

1. Open dryer door.
   
2. Align the two hooks on the front of the drying rack with the holes in the dryer door opening and press down fully into holes. Rest the rear support on the dryer back ledge.
   
3. Place wet items on top of the drying rack. Allow space around items for air to circulate. The drying rack does not move, but the drum will rotate; be sure to leave adequate clearance between items and the inside of the dryer drum. Make sure items do not hang over the edges or between drying rack grille.
4. Close the door
5. Select a Timed Dry/Air Only, or Low Temperature cycle. Items containing foam, rubber, or plastic must be dried on a clothesline or by using the Air Only setting.
6. When the cycle is selected, the Estimated Time Remaining display shows the default time. You can change the actual time in the cycle by increasing or decreasing the cycle time.
7. Start the dryer.

NOTE: Check the lint screen and remove any lint accumulated from items dried on the drying rack after the cycle is finished.

Dryer Care

CLEANING THE DRYER LOCATION

Keep dryer area clear and free from items that would block the airflow for proper dryer operation. This includes clearing piles of laundry in front of the dryer.

Warning- Explosion Hazard

• Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from dryer.
• Place dryer at least 18 inches (460mm) above the floor for a garage installation.
• Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire

CLEANING THE DRYER INTERIOR

To clean dryer drum

1. Use a mild hand dish detergent mixed at a low concentration with very warm water, and rub with a soft cloth.
2. Rinse well with a wet sponge or towel.
3. Tumble a load of clean clothes or towels to dry drum OR Use a microfiber cloth and hot water in a spray bottle to clean the drum and a second microfiber towel to dry.

NOTE: Garments that contain unstable dyes, such as denim blue jeans or brightly colored cotton items, may discolor the rear of the dryer interior. These stains are not harmful to your dryer and will not stain future loads of clothes. Dry unstable dye items inside out to avoid transfer of dye.

REMOVING ACCUMULATED LINT

From Inside the Dryer Cabinet

Lint should be removed every 2 years, or more often, depending on dryer usage. Cleaning should be done by a qualified appliance servicer.

From the Exhaust Vent

Lint should be removed every 2 years, or more often, depending on dryer usage.

CLEANING THE LINT SCREEN

Every load cleaning

The lint screen is located in the door opening of the dryer. The control panel has an indicator light “Check Lint” to remind you to clean the lint screen after each load. A screen blocked by lint can increase drying time.

To clean:

1. . Pull the lint screen straight up. Press tab down and open lint screen. Roll lint off the screen with your fingers. Do not rinse or wash screen to remove lint. Wet lint is hard to remove.
   
2. Close the lint screen and push firmly back into place.

IMPORTANT:

• Do not run the dryer with the lint screen loose, damaged, blocked, or missing. Doing so can cause overheating and damage to both the dryer and fabrics.
• If lint falls off the screen into the dryer during removal, check the exhaust hood and remove the lint. See “Venting Requirements” in the Installation Instructions.
• Clean space where lint screen is located, as needed. Using a vacuum, gently remove any lint that has accumulated outside of the lint screen.
  

As needed cleaning

Laundry detergent and fabric softener residue can build up on the lint screen. This buildup can cause longer drying times for your clothes, or cause the dryer to stop before your load is completely dry. The screen is probably clogged if lint falls off while the screen is in the dryer.

Clean the lint screen with a nylon brush every 6 months, or more frequently, if it becomes clogged due to a residue buildup.

To wash:

1. Roll lint off the screen with your fingers.
2. Wet both sides of lint screen with hot water.
3. Wet a nylon brush with hot water and liquid detergent. Scrub lint screen with the brush to remove residue buildup.
   
4. Rinse screen with hot water.
5. Thoroughly dry lint screen with a clean towel. Reinstall screen in dryer.

NON-USE, STORAGE, AND MOVING CARE

Steam models only: Install and store your dryer where it will not freeze. Because some water may stay in the hose, freezing can damage your dryer. If storing or moving your dryer during freezing weather, winterize it.

Non-Use or Storage Care

Operate your dryer only when you are at home. If you will be on vacation or not using your dryer for an extended period of time, you should:

1. Unplug dryer or disconnect power.
2. Clean lint screen. See “Cleaning the Lint Screen.”
3. Turn off the water supply to the dryer. This helps to avoid unintended flooding (due to a water pressure surge) while you are away.

Moving Care

For power supply cord-connected dryers:

1. Unplug the power supply cord.
2. Gas models only: Close shut-off valve in gas supply line.
3. Gas models only: Disconnect gas supply line pipe and remove fittings attached to dryer pipe.
4. Gas models only: Cap the open gas supply line.
5. Steam models only: Shut off water faucet.
6. Disconnect the water inlet hose from faucet, then drain the hose. Transport hose separately.
7. Make sure leveling legs are secure in dryer base.
8. Use tape to secure dryer door.

Warning- Electrical Shock Hazard

• Disconnect power before servicing.
• Replace all parts and panels before operating.
• Failure to do so can result in death or electrical shock.

For direct-wired dryers:

1. Disconnect power.
2. Disconnect wiring.
3. Steam models only: Shut off water faucet.
4. Steam models only: Disconnect the water inlet hose from faucet; then drain the hose. Transport hose separately.
5. Make sure leveling legs are secure in dryer base.
6. Use tape to secure dryer door.

Reinstalling the Dryer

Follow the Installation Instructions to locate, level, and connect the dryer.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR STEAM MODELS

Water Inlet Hose

Replace inlet hose and hose screen after 5 years of use to reduce the risk of hose failure. Periodically inspect and replace inlet hose if bulges, kinks, cuts, wear, or leaks are found.

When replacing your inlet hose, record the date of replacement.

To Winterize the Dryer

1. Unplug dryer or disconnect power.
2. Shut off water faucet.
3. Disconnect water inlet hose from faucet and drain.

To Use the Dryer Again

1. Flush water pipes. Reconnect water inlet hose to faucet. Turn on water faucet.
2. Plug in dryer or reconnect power as described in the Installation Instructions.

Troubleshooting

Dryer Operation

Unusual Noise

Dryer Results

Dryer Results (cont.)

Dryer Results (cont.)

Dryer Displaying Code Message or Cycle Status Indicator Lights Up

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