Asko W6903SS User manual

Dear ASKO Customer,
Thank you for choosing this quality product from Scandinavia,
which was made in Sweden.
We want you to feel assured that the inside of your new ma-
chine is just as good as the outside and that the ethics and
standards that went into the production of this machine are
just as high as the quality and performance that you will re-
ceive from it. We hope that this product will give you many
years of pleasure.
To ensure that you get the most out of your new machine, we
recommend that you read the operating instructions before
using the machine. The operating instructions also contain
information on how to avoid damaging the environment.
Operating Instructions
Washing Machine
Save these instructions for future reference
Asko W6903

4
Before using your machine for
the first time
4Transport protection
4Packing material
4Washer door
4Checking water hardness
5Important safety instructions
5Grounding instructions
6Installation
6Overflow guard function
6Transport/Winter storage
6Recycling
7Child safety
7Keep an eye on children!
7Child-safe Start
8
Description of the washing
machine
9Detergent compartment
10Front panel
11Advice and tips before washing
11Sorting your laundry
11Clothing
11Laundry labels
11Laundry label symbols
13Colored cotton
13Delicates
13Wool and silk
13Artificial fibers and synthetic fibers
13Reducing allergic reactions
13Save time and energy
13High Water Level
13Economy and efficiency
13Detergents
14Dyeing fabrics
14Detergents
14Liquid detergents
15
Recommended powder
detergents
15Amount of detergent to use
15
Detergent Amounts Based on
Water Hardness
16
Recommended detergent
amounts based on water hardness
17Operating instructions
17Sort your laundry.
17Turn on the main power switch.
17
Open the washer door and load
the laundry
17
Add detergent and fabric softener,
as required
19Select the program
21
Close the door and press the
button
21Once the program has finished
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Contents

22Selecting Options
22Temperature
22Spin
22Rinse
23High Water Level
23Delayed Start
24Settings
24
You can change the following
settings:
24How to choose the settings:
24Pre-soak
24Anti Wrinkle function
25Clock
25Buzzer Volume
25Child-safe Start
26Automatic Door Opening
26Language
26Temperature
26Back
27
Care and maintenance
instructions
27Checking the filter and drain pump
27
Cleaning the detergent
compartment
27
Cleaning the outside of the
machine
27
Cleaning the inside of the machine
to avoid unpleasant smells
28Rinse holes under the paddle
28If you have hard water
29Troubleshooting
29The washer door will not open
29The machine will not start
30Error messages
31Technical information
31Technical data
32Transport protection
33Installation instructions
33Leveling the machine
33Water supply connection
34Drain outlet connection
34Electrical Connections
34Grounding instructions
34Freestanding installation
34Stacked installation
35Built-in installation
36Reversing the door
37Follow these instructions:
38
Built-in machine with cover door
fitted
39Fitting the wooden door
40Service and guarantee
41Warranty
41
How to contact the AM Appliance
Group
44Quick guide
44Washing
44Load the laundry
44Detergent compartment
44Select the program
44Program finished
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Contents

Transport protection
Has the transport protection been removed?
If not, see the "Transport protection" chapter.
Packing material
Please sort waste materials in accordance
with local guidelines.
Washer door
• The washer door cannot be opened until
the machine is connected to the electricity
supply.
• To open the door manually, see the "The
door will not open" section in the "Trou-
bleshooting" chapter.
• It is not possible to start the machine with
the door open.
• To open the washer door while a program
is running, see the "Close the door and
press the Start/Stop button" section.
Checking water hardness
The quantity of detergent needed depends,
among other things, on water hardness.
Phone your local water company to check the
water hardness in your area.
Note!
Each machine is tested before leaving the
factory. A small amount of water may remain
in the drain pump, though this does not affect
quality or damage the machine.
See the Quick guide on the last page.
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Before using your machine for the first time

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or
injury to persons when using your appliance,
follow basic precautions, including the follow-
ing:
•Read all instructions before using the appli-
ance.
• Do not run appliance while you are out of
the home.
• Do not wash or dry articles that have been
previously cleaned in, washed in, soaked
in, or spotted with gasoline, dry-cleaning
solvents, cooking oils, or other flammable
or explosive substances because they give
off vapors that could ignite or explode.
• Do not allow children to play on or in the
appliance. Close supervision of children is
necessary when the appliance is used near
children.
• Before the appliance is removed from ser-
vice or discarded, remove the door to the
washing compartment.
• Do not reach into the appliance if the drum
is moving.
• Do not install or store this appliance where
it will be exposed to the weather.
• Do not tamper with controls.
• Do not repair or replace any part of the
appliance or attempt any servicing unless
specifically recommended in the user-re-
pair instructions or in published user-repair
instructions that you understand and have
the skills to carry out.
•Do not add gasoline, dry-cleaning solvents,
or other flammable or explosive sub-
stances to the wash water. These sub-
stances give off vapors that could ignite or
explode.
• Under certain conditions, hydrogen 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 a washing
machine or combination washer-dryer, turn
on all water faucets and let the water flow
from each for several minutes. This will re-
lease any accumulated hydrogen gas. As
the gas is flammable, do not smoke or use
an open flame during this time.
Warning!
This appliance must be properly grounded.
This manual does not cover every possible
condition and situation that may occur. Use
common sense and caution when installing,
operating, and maintaining any appliance.
Grounding instructions
A) Grounding instructions for a grounded,
cord-connected appliance:
In the event of malfunction or breakdown,
grounding will reduce the risk of electric shock
by providing a path of least resistance for
electric current. This appliance is equipped
with a cord having an equipment-grounding
conductor and a grounding plug. The plug
must be plugged into an appropriate outlet
that is properly installed and grounded in ac-
cordance with all local codes and ordinances.
Warning!
Improper connection of the equipment-
grounding conductor can result in a risk of
electric shock. Check with a qualified electri-
cian or service representative or personnel if
you are in doubt as to whether the appliance
is properly grounded.
Do not modify the plug provided with the ap-
pliance. If it will not fit the outlet, have a proper
outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
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Important safety instructions

B) Grounding instructions for a
permanently connected appliance:
This appliance must be connected to a
grounded metal, permanent wiring system,
or an equipment-grounding terminal or lead
on the appliance.
Note
This manual does not cover every possible
condition and situation that may occur. Use
common sense and caution when installing,
operating, and maintaining any appliance.
Installation
See the "Installation" chapter.
Overflow guard function
If the machine’s water level rises above the
normal level, the overflow guard function be-
gins to pump water out and shuts off the water
intake. If the water level has not dropped
within 60 seconds, the program is terminated.
Transport/Winter storage
If the machine is to be transported or stored
in unheated premises where the temperature
can fall below freezing, do as follows:
• Empty the filter and drain pump (see the
"Care and Cleaning" chapter).
• Shut off the water to the washing machine,
loosen the supply hose to the intake valve,
and let the water run out from the valve and
hose.
• After emptying the pump, a small amount
of water may remain in the machine. This
does not affect quality or damage the ma-
chine.
Recycling
When the machine has reached the end of
its service life and is to be disposed of, it
should immediately be made unusable by
removing the door to the washing compart-
ment. Contact your local authorities for infor-
mation about where your machine should be
disposed of and recycled in the proper way.
The machine is manufactured and labeled for
recycling.
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Important safety instructions

Keep an eye on children!
Watch out for children!
• Laundry detergents are corrosive, so al-
ways keep them out of reach of children.
• Should a child swallow detergent, give
plenty to drink immediately, i.e., one or two
glasses of milk or water. Do not try to in-
duce vomiting. Seek medical advice imme-
diately: The National Poison center phone
number is 1-800-222-1222.
• Always close the door and start the appli-
ance as soon as you put in the detergent.
• Always turn the power off to the machine
when it is not in use.
• Always keep small children away from the
machine when it is open. There may be
some detergent residue left inside the ma-
chine.
• If laundry detergent gets in someone’s
eyes, rinse them with plenty of water for at
least 15 minutes.
Child-safe Start
You can activate the Child-safe Start option
to prevent children from starting the machine.
You can deactivate the Child-safe Start option
by pressing the Start/Stop and Door Opening
(key symbol) buttons at the same time. The
Child-safe Start option will be temporarily
deactivated for three minutes.
1. Press the up or down arrow button until
Child-safe Start appears in the middle of
the display.
2. Press the program selector again (the big
arrow) to access the options menu on the
right of the display.
3. Press the up or down arrow button to select
Off or On.
4. Press the program selector to save your
setting.
5. If you do not want to select any more set-
tings, press the arrow button down until
you reach the program you want.
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Child safety

234
5
6, 7
1
1. Outer door
2. Main power switch
3. Detergent compartment
4. Program panel
5. Type plate (on the inside of the glass door)
6. Hatch for drain pump
7. Drain pump (behind hatch)
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Description of the washing machine

2
3
4
1
1. Pre Wash
2. Main Wash
3. Main wash liquid detergent.
4. Fabric softener
The detergent drawer automatically dispenses the detergent and fabric softener at the appropriate
times. Simply pour the measured amounts of detergent and softener into the proper compartments
(as illustrated) and close the drawer.
Note
To avoid oversudsing, do not put detergent in the prewash compartment unless you are using
one of the Heavy wash programs which has a prewash cycle.
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Detergent compartment

4
2 5
3
1
Start/Stop4Main power switch1
Door opening5Program selector2
Display window3
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Front panel

Here are some tips that may help you before
washing.
Sorting your laundry
Sort items according to:
• how soiled they are
• color
• material
Clothing
• Close zippers so that they don’t harm fab-
rics.
• New colored items may contain excess
dye and should therefore be washed sep-
arately the first few times.
• Turn delicate items inside out. This re-
duces the risk of burling and fading.
• Empty pockets and wash them inside out
if possible!
Laundry labels
Look at the item’s laundry label. The table
below shows suitable wash programs for dif-
ferent materials and wash loads. Using mod-
ern washing machines and detergents, such
as compact detergents, you can usually wash
at lower
temperatures. It is a good idea to use trial and
error to find out what produces the best re-
sults.
Laundry label symbols
LoadProgramMaterial
Laundry la-
bels
1/1 drumStain - Color 140°F (60°C) to
203°F (95°C)
Cotton, linen, white, and light-
colored items.
1/1 drumColor 140°F (60°C)Cotton, linen. Dark-colored
items.
1/2 drumPerma Press 140°F (60°C)Polyester, cotton/polyester, ny-
lon. White items.
1/2 drumPerma Press 104°F (40°C)Rayon, acetate, acrylic. Non-
colorfast items.
1/2 drumPerma Press 104°F (40°C)Polyester, cotton/polyester, ny-
lon. Colored items.
1/3 drumPerma Press 86°F (30°C)Silk and very delicate items
1/3 drumWool/Hand 104°F (40°C)Items labeled with the IWS or
Superwash mark
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Advice and tips before washing

Ironing instructions
Special drying instructions
Tumble dry heat setting
Tumble dry cycle
Dry clean symbol
Bleach instructions
Wash water temperature
Wash cycle
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Advice and tips before washing

Colored cotton
Colored cotton items labeled 140°F (60°C)
should be washed at 140°F (60°C) the first
time in order to remove any excess dye. If you
do not do so, there is a risk that the color will
run. Use detergent without bleach in order to
preserve the color of the fabric.
Delicates
Unbleached linen
Unbleached linen fabrics should be washed
at 140°F (60°C), using detergent containing
no bleach or optical whiteners. Heavily-soiled
linen can occasionally be washed at higher
temperatures, but not too often as the heat
can destroy the linen’s sheen and strength.
Wool and silk
These fabrics are sometimes labeled as ma-
chine washable and sometimes as hand
wash. The machine’s Wool/hand program is
just as gentle as washing by hand.
Wool is especially sensitive to processes such
as washing.
If you do not wish to spin dry, you can
squeeze out the water using terrycloth towels.
In this case select No spin.
To find out how to select this setting, see the
"Washing" chapter. However, most items can
withstand a short spin. Select short spin by
selecting a spin speed below 800 rpm.
Artificial fibers and synthetic fibers
These materials require plenty of room to
prevent them from getting wrinkled. Only fill
half the drum when washing artificial or syn-
thetic fibers. Choose a short spin by selecting
a spin speed of 800 rpm or less.
Note!
Viscose and acetates are fragile when wet.
Reducing allergic reactions
The washing machine has a Super Rinse op-
tion. Use this for people with sensitive skin,
such as those with allergies and small chil-
dren.
Save time and energy
Use the White program to save time and en-
ergy. This program has a shorter main wash
than a Stain - Color wash, but it is often long
enough for normally soiled laundry.
High Water Level
If you want more water for the main wash and
rinses, you can use the High Water Level op-
tion. High Water Level is used automatically
in the Wool/Hand program.
Economy and efficiency
You can save a lot of energy by not using
higher temperature programs than necessary.
• Select Quick if you just need to freshen up
shirts or sports clothes, for example. This
will save both water and energy.
•If you select a fast spin speed, this reduces
energy consumption when drying in a
tumble dryer or drying cabinet.
• Always wash with a fully loaded machine
when you use the Stain - White, Stain -
Color, Color, and White programs!
• Avoid washing with pre-wash. Modern
machines and detergents clean without
pre-wash. Only very heavily soiled laundry,
such as overalls and similar garments, are
likely to need a pre-wash.
Detergents
Eco-labeled detergents are less harmful to
the environment.
Detergent overdosing does not give better
washing results; it merely causes a greater
impact on the environment.
Try to use less detergent, and increase only
if you are not satisfied with the results.
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Advice and tips before washing

Dyeing fabrics
If you want to dye fabrics in the machine, se-
lect the Normal program with the Super Rinse
option On. Select temperature according to
the dye manufacturer’s recommendations.
Choose a low spin speed if the fabric to be
dyed is a blended material such as
polyester/cotton.
Note!
Add the dye directly to the washing drum –
not to the detergent compartment. After dye-
ing, you should run the machine empty using
the same program. Use the normal amount
of detergent.
Note!
Due to environmental concerns, we discour-
age the use of strong chemicals.
When using agents for bleaching or stain re-
moval, there is a risk of rust (corrosion) and
discoloration of the machine.
Detergents
Laundry detergents are available in low-,
normal- and high-sudsing formulas. A deter-
gent´s ability to clean is not relative to the
amount of suds it produces. Excess suds in
a front-loading washer actually interfere with
the cleaning because they cushion the tum-
bling action. Also, high-sudsing detergents
are more difficult to completely rinse out.
The use of anything other than a low-sudsing
detergent can cause severe oversudsing,
which could cause suds to backup through
the detergent compartment and run down the
front of the washer onto the floor. If oversuds-
ing occurs, run the wash through one or more
rinse programs until all items are thoroughly
rinsed. Remove the laundry then run the
washer through a Normal wash program to
get rid of any remaining detergent.
We recommend that you don’t use bleach in
your ASKO washer. The tumbling wash ac-
tion, temperature control options, extended
wash times and proper amount of detergent
are sufficient to remove most stains.
Liquid detergents
We don’t recommend liquid detergents be-
cause they tend to produce more suds than
powder detergents when used in water tem-
peratures of 150° F or higher. If you should
try a liquid detergent, start with a very small
amount, such as 1 to 2 tablespoons. Also,
liquid detergent can be used for all programs
without prewash, so add it into the main wash
compartment.
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Advice and tips before washing

Recommended powder detergents
ASKO washers use 50% to 75% less deter-
gent than most other washers. This is be-
cause of their low water consumption and the
fact that all the wash water is repeatedly cir-
culated through the laundry, ensuring that all
the detergent is fully utilized. We recommend
that you use powder detergents made
specifically for front-loading washers. These
are sometimes called HE (High-Efficiency)
detergents. Listed below are some low-
sudsing powder detergents that have been
successfully tested in ASKO washers:
• Fab
• All
• Tide HE
• Amway SA8
• Fresh Start
• Wisk HE
We recommend that you do not use any
powder detergent that doesn’t wash complete-
ly out of the detergent drawer.
Amount of detergent to use
The amount of detergent needed varies
among the different brands, but for most de-
tergents, you need only one or two table-
spoons. Using too much detergent can result
in detergent residue being left in your clothes,
which can cause them to appear gray or
dingy. You should start with a small amount
of detergent and increase it only if the clean-
ing results are unsatisfactory.
Additionally, you should never put detergent
in the prewash compartment unless you are
using a wash program that has a prewash
cycle. This could cause excess foaming,
which could damage the machine.
The amount of detergent needed can also
depend on the hardness of the water in your
area. See the “Detergent Amounts Based on
Water Hardness” section on the next page
for more details.
Detergent Amounts Based on Water
Hardness
The amount of detergent needed can vary
due to differences in water hardness. To de-
termine the water hardness in your area,
contact your local water utility or area water
softening company. The harder the water, the
more detergent you may need. Refer to the
chart below for the recommended detergent
amounts based on water hardness. Remem-
ber, you should adjust the amount of deter-
gent you use by small amounts until you find
the correct amount.
Note that 12 grains and higher is extremely
hard water and detergent alone may not be
enough. You may need to use a water soften-
er to maximize the performance of your
washer. Also, in areas with extremely hard
water (9+) you may need to wash at lower
temperatures to prevent hard water deposits
from forming in the tank and wash system.
Different brands of detergent have different
amounts of phosphorous for softening water.
If you have hard water and use a detergent
with less than 8.7% phosphorous content,
you may need to use more detergent or use
a detergent with a higher phosphorous con-
tent.
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Advice and tips before washing

Recommended detergent amounts based on water hardness
Detergent amounts
Main WashPre WashWater hardness
1 to 1-1/2 tablespoons1 teaspoonSoft (0-3 grains per gal.)
1 to 2 tablespoons1 teaspoonMedium (4-8 grains per gal.)
2 to 3 tablespoons1 teaspoonHard (9+ grains per gal.)
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Advice and tips before washing

1Sort your laundry.
See the "Advice and Tips" section be-
fore washing.
Note!
Place underwired bras in a laundry net.
Note!
Empty pockets. Coins, nails, and the like can
cause damage to the machine and fabrics.
See the "Advice and Tips" section before
washing.
2Turn on the main power switch.
3Open the washer door and load
the laundry
If the door is closed, press the Door
Opening button (key symbol). The door will
open after a few seconds. Load the laundry.
The laundry program chart shows how much
laundry can be washed with each program.
4Add detergent and fabric
softener, as required
The detergent packaging will have rec-
ommendations for how much detergent you
should use. The machine holds 13lb (6kg) of
laundry. If you only have a small amount of
laundry in the machine, you can reduce the
amount of detergent used.
Powder detergent
Pour the powder into the compartment for the
main wash, and pre-wash as well if desired
Liquid detergent
When using liquid detergent, follow the deter-
gent manufacturer’s recommendations. We
recommend always using a wash ball with
very thick liquid detergent.
Wash ball or net
If you use a wash ball or net, place it directly
in the drum and select a program without pre-
wash.
Note!
Detergent overdosing does not give better
washing results; it merely causes a greater
impact on the environment.
Try using less detergent, and increase only if
you are not satisfied with the results.
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Operating instructions

Fabric softener
Pour the fabric softener into the compartment
with the
symbol. Follow the recommendations on the
fabric softener packaging.
Note!
Do not fill above the compartment’s maximum
fill level. Otherwise fabric softener will be dis-
pensed too early, which impairs the washing
effect.
Detergent compartment
Push here to open.
Main Wash
Main wash liquid detergent.
Fabric softener
Pre Wash
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Operating instructions

5Select the program
You select the program by pressing the
up or down arrow button. The name of
the selected program is highlighted and the
program end time appears on the display.
Start the program by pressing the Start/Stop
button, or press the button in the middle of
the arrow buttons to select Options.
1. Auto
This program automatically adjusts the length
of the main wash and the number of rinses
depending on the amount of laundry.
2. Time Choice
When you use this program, it is important to
remember to adjust the temperature and time
depending on how heavily soiled the laundry
is. Choose a temperature up to 140°F (60°C),
set the spin speed to a maximum of 1600
RPM, and set the time you want the program
to finish. The machine will automatically
choose a program of the right length with the
settings you have selected.
3. Sani
Use this program for heavily soiled laundry.
You only need to use the maximum tempera-
ture, 203°F (95°C), if the laundry is very
heavily soiled.
4. Stain
This program is equivalent to the Sani pro-
gram, but without the pre-wash. It should be
used for heavily soiled whites for which a
temperature of 140°F (60°C) is sufficient.
5. White
Normally soiled sheets, pillowcases, and
towels will come clean at 140°F (60°C).
6. Color
Clothes worn next to the skin should be
washed at 140°F (60°C). Lightly soiled laun-
dry can be washed at 104°F (40°C). Most
modern detergents clean even at 104°F
(40°C).
7. Quick
Use this program for normally soiled laundry.
Select a temperature according to how soiled
the laundry is.
8. PermaPress
This program is suitable for shirts and blouses
made of synthetic and blended material.
Wash white clothes at 140°F (60°C) and col-
ored clothes at 104°F (40°C).
9. Wool
This program is used for clothes labeled wool
wash only. The maximum temperature is
104°F (40°C) and the program has a short
spin.
10. Delicate / Hand
This program is used for garments labeled
hand wash only. The maximum temperature
is 86°F (30°C) and the program has a short
spin.
11. Rinse
This program performs one rinse cycle + spin.
Good for cleaning cloths and mops.
12.Spin or 13. Drain
To be used when you only want to spin the
load or drain the water from the machine.
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Operating instructions

Menu overview
205°F
175°F
160°F
120°F
105°F
85°F
2000
*
1900
*
1700
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
400
1.
2.
3.
4.
6.
8.
7.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
5. 10.2009.20 140°F 1800
205°F
175°F
160°F
120°F
105°F
85°F
2000
*
1900
*
1700
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
400
5.
140°F
1800
*
*
*
*
Auto
Time Choice
Sani
Stain
White
Color
Quick
PermaPress
Wool
Delicate / Hand
Rinse
Spin
Drain
Settings
Cold
Super Rinse
Normal Rinse
Economy Rinse
Delayed Start
End
Clock Door open-
ing
High Water Level
Normal Water Level
End time Start/Stop
*Only applies to certain machines
Economy Rinse Normal Rinse Super Rinse Normal Water Level High Water Level
Note!
The illustration shows an example of a program.
Programme chart
Program
time (ap-
prox. min)
Energy
consump-
tion (ap-
prox. kWh)
Water con-
sumption
(approx.
gallon)
Max.
load
RPMsNormal
number of
rinses
Temp.
°F
Main WashPre
Wash
Program
1/1No1. Auto
30-1801/1No2. Time Choice
1501.016.41/120005140LongYes3. Sani
1351.0214.31/120003140LongNo4. Stain
800.89.21/220003140ShortNo5. White
700.49.81/220003104ShortNo6. Color
500.49.21/220003104ShortNo7. Quick
800.410.61/28004104ShortNo8. PermaPress
450.521.11/3800386ShortNo9. Wool
450.521.11/3800386ShortNo10. Delicate /
Hand
200.14.01/120001No11. Rinse
150.11/1200012. Spin
13.Drain
14. Settings
* Program tested in accordance with EN 60456/A11/A12/A13.
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Operating instructions