KitchenAid KAWE770B User manual

A KitchenAid®
4) FOR THE WAY IT’S MADE.™
A Note to You.................
Understanding
Washer Safety ................ 3
Getting to Know
Your Washer .................. 4
Operating Your
Washer ..............ccccccceeeeeee
Other Features .............
Caring for Your
Washe.............ccccceeeeee 13
Laundry Tips ................ 14
Removing Stains ......... 20
Troubleshooting ......... 23
4| If You Need
Assistance
or Service ..................0 25
7A) Warranty .............cc000
1-800-422-1230
Call with questions or comments.
KITCHENAID® Washers
Models: KAWE670B KAWE677B KAWE678B KAWE679B
KAWE770B KAWE777B KAWE778B KAWE870B
KAWE877B KAWE878B I>/q4

‘A Note to You
Thank you for buying a KitchenAid appliance!
KitchenAid appliances have everything you would expect of a superior
appliance, plus the distinct style and thoughtful details which contribute to
the overall look of your home and your enjoyment of it. To ensure that you
enjoy many years of trouble-free operation, we developed this Use and Care
Guide. It contains valuable information concerning how to operate and
maintain your new appliance properly and safely. Please read it carefully.
Also, please complete and mail the enclosed Product Registration Card.
Our Consumer Assistance Center telephone number,
1-800-422-1230, is toll-free 24 hours a day.
If
you
have
a
question
concerning
your
home
appliance’s
operation,
or
if
you
need
service,
call
our
toll-free
Consumer
Assistance
Center
telephone
number
for
help.
When
calling,
you
will
need
to
know
your
appliance’s
complete
model
number
and
serial
number.
You
can
find
this
information
on
the
model
and
serial
number
plate
(see
diagram
on
page
4).
Record
these
numbers
and
purchase
information
below.
You will
need
this information
if
you
require
service.
Keep
this
book
and
the
sales
slip
together
in
a
safe
place
for
future
reference.
NOTE: You must provide proof of purchase or installation date for in-warranty service.
Model Number Builder/Dealer Name
Serial Number Address
Date Installed Phone

(]nderstanding Washer Safety
Your safety is important to us.
This guide contains safety statements under
warning symbols. Please pay special attention
to these symbols and follow any instructions
AWARNING
This symbol alerts you to such dangers
as personal injury, burns, fire, and
electrical shock.
given. Here is a brief explanation of the symbol.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
AW INV iiNte To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or injury when using
¢ Read ail instructions before using
your washer.
¢Do not machine wash or machine dry
items cleaned, washed, soaked in, or
spotted with wax, paint, gasoline, oil, or
other flammable fluids. The fumes can
create a fire hazard or explosion. Always
hand wash and line dry items containing
these materials.
¢ Flammable fluids (dry-cleaning solvents,
kerosene, gasoline, etc.) should not be
used or stored in or near your washer. Do
not add flammable fluids to your wash
water. These substances give off vapors
that can create a fire hazard or explosion.
* Do not allow children to operate, play
with, or crawl on or inside your
washer. Supervise children closely
when your washer is used near them.
© Before your washer is removed from
service or discarded, remove the lid
to prevent accidental entrapment.
¢ After starting a cycle, do not reach
into the basket unless the Cycle
Control Knob is pushed in and all
motion stops.
© Do not tamper with the controls.
your washer, follow basic precautions including the following:
¢ If your hot water has not been used re-
cently (usually 2 weeks or longer), hydro-
gen gases may build up in your water
heater and your hot water pipes. HY-
DROGEN GAS IS EXPLOSIVE. To
prevent injury or damage, before using
your washer, tum on all hot water faucets
and allow water to run for several min-
utes. This will allow gases to escape. Do
not smoke or use any open flame near
your faucet while it is open.
Please ...
© Have only a qualified person install, re-
pair, or replace parts on washer.
¢ Maintain washer properly.
¢ Protect washer from the weather and
keep it where the temperature will not fall
below freezing.
Install and level washer on a floor that
can support the weight."
Connect washer to the correct 3-prong
outlet, electrical supply, water supply,
and drain.”
¢ Ground washer properly.”
*See the Installation Instructions.
— SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS —
Understanding your responsibilities
¢ Store laundry aids and other materials in a
cool, dry place where children cannot reach
them (in a locked cabinet if possible).
¢ Read and follow instructions on packages
of detergent and laundry aids, especially
warnings and precautions.
¢ Do not wash or dry items that are soiled with
vegetable or cooking oil. These items may
contain some oil after laundering. Due to the
remaining oil, the fabric may smoke or catch
fire by itself.
¢ Do not use chlorine bleach and ammonia
or acids (such as vinegar or rust remover)
in the same wash. Hazardous fumes
can form.
¢ Unplug power supply cord before attempt-
ing to service your washer.
¢ Do not machine wash fiberglass materials.
Small particles can stick to fabrics washed
in following loads and cause skin irritation.
3

Getting to Know Your Washer
The parts and features of your washer are illustrated in this section. Become familiar
with all parts and features before using your washer. Page references are listed next to
some features should you need more information.
NOTE: The drawings in this book may vary from your washer model. They are designed
to show the different features of all models covered by this book. Your model may not
include all features.
End of cycle selector* Hand care/extra
(below) rinse selector
Temperature selector (p. 11)*
(p. 6) — aaa) Cycle control knob
. 5-9
Load size selector i \ =
(p. 6) ; Model! and serial
number plate
Fabric softener (under lid)
dispenser (p. 2)
(p. 12)
Liquid chlorine
bleach
dispenser
(p. 12)
Self-cleaning
lint filter
(inside agitator)
"IE
* Available on some models
End of cycle signal
The washer sounds a signal to let you know
when a cycle is complete. The signal is
helpful when you are washing items that
should be removed from the washer as soon
as the cycle ends.
The signal is adjustable and can be turned
off (on some models).

perating Your Washer
This section tells you how to operate your washer. Operating your washer properly
enables you to obtain the best possible results.
IN THIS SECTION
Before starting your washer Selecting a cycle and setting
Starting or stopping your washer Using rinse and spin
Selecting a load size Using drain and spin
Selecting wash-rinse What happens in each cycle
temperatures Self-cleaning lint filter
Before starting your washer
Add measured detergent. Then place a NOTE: If your washer has a Consumer Buy
sorted load in the washer. Refer to the Guide, remove it and place it in this Use and
“Laundry Tips” section on pages 14 and 15 Care Guide.
for more information.
Starting or stopping your washer
To start your washer:
1. Select a load size and water temperature
as described on page 6.
2. Push in and turn the Cycle Control Knob
clockwise. Stop when the indicator on the
knob’s outer ring points to the setting in
the wash cycle you want. (See pages
7-10.) The settings indicate soil level.
3. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob.
To stop/restart your washer:
¢ To stop the washer at any time, push in
the Cycie Control Knob. Cycles may vary with model
¢ To restart the washer, close the lid (if
necessary) and puil out the Cycle Control
Knob.

Operating Your Washer
Selecting a load size
Turn the Load Size Selector to the setting
that corresponds with the size of your wash
toad and the type of fabric being washed.
See page 15 for loading suggestions.
To change the load size setting after the
washer has started to fill, turn the Selector to
the desired new setting.
NOTE: If you select the largest load size, the Settings may vary with model
rm | washer fills to the highest water level
ws (near the top of the basket, not to the
— top of the agitator).
If your selector has RESET
To change the load size selection after the
washer starts filling, first move the Selector
to RESET, then to the new load size.
Selecting wash-rinse temperatures
Match the water temperature with the type of
fabric and soils being washed. The top
temperature is the wash water and the
bottom temperature is the rinse water.
See pages 15 and 16 for water tempera-
ture guidelines.
NOTE: The Regular cycle features all cold
rinses.
Settings
may
vary
with
model
Selecting a cycle and selfing
You will find information you need to help
you make correct cycle selections in this
section.
* Pages 7-9: Use the information on these
pages to guide you when selecting a wash
cycle and time.
© Page 10: Use this page to help you under-
stand what happens during a wash cycle.
Cycles may vary with model

Heavy cycle
The Heavy cycle features high agitation and
spin speeds.
Use HEAVY to clean large loads of
sturdily constructed fabrics that are heavily
soiled.
NOTE: The Heavy cycle features an Extra
Rinse option (see page 11).
Regular cycle
The Regular cycle features high spin
speeds to shorten drying time.
e Use NORMAL to clean cotton and linen
fabrics that are moderately to heavily
soiled.
© Use LIGHT to clean cotton and linen
fabrics that are lightly soiled.
NOTE: The Regular cycle features all
cold rinses.
Permanent Press cycle
The Permanent Press cycle features a cool-
down rinse and low spin speeds to reduce
wrinkling.
e Use NORMAL to clean permanent press
and some synthetic fabrics that are
moderately soiled.
NOTE: The washer pauses briefly during
the wash cycle. This is normal for washer
operation.
Delicates cycle
The Delicates cycle features a reduced
agitation speed for gentle soil removal.
Low spin speeds reduce wrinkling.
e Use LIGHT to clean delicate items
and washable knits that are lightly to
moderately soiled.
Operating Your Washer
Heavy cycle
Regular cycle
Permanent Press cycle
Delicates cycle
4
Apt
“el
rs

Operating Your Washer
Hand Care cycle
(on some models)
The Hand Care cycle features brief low-
speed agitation and short soaks to gently
clean special-care items. Low spin speeds
reduce wrinkling. Turn the Options Selector
to HAND CARE (see page 11) and tum the
Cycle Control Knob to the Hand Care cycle.
¢ Use HAND CARE/LIGHT to clean lightly
soiled hand washables.
© Wash small loads.
© If items appear to be floating (due to
trapped air), stop the washer by pushing in
the Cycle Control Knob. Push items down
into the water. Restart the washer. See
“Hand washables” on page 18 for more
information.
Soak cycle
The Soak cycle features brief periods of
agitation and soak time to heip remove
heavy soils and stains that need pretreat-
ment.
e Use warm water when soaking laundry.
(Hot water can set stains.) See pages
20-22 for stain removal information.
¢ Use the amount of detergent or presoak
additive recommended by manufacturer.
© The Soak cycle automatically advances
into
Pre-Wash.
Soak
cycle
Pre-Wash cycle
The Pre-Wash cycle features a brief period
of agitation to help remove heavy soils and
stains that need pretreatment.
¢ Use warm water for prewashing stained
laundry. (Hot water can set stains.) See
pages 20-22 for stain removal information.
e After the Pre-Wash cycle ends, add
detergent and set a new wash cycle.
Hand Care cycle
Pre-Wash cycle

Operating Your Washer EZ
Extra Wash cycle
Extra Wash automatically prewashes the
laundry and advances into the Heavy cycle.
(The washer does not need to be reset after
the Extra Wash cycle.) Use this cycle when
washing heavily soiled loads that need
maximum soil removal.
® For proper cleaning, use double the
amount of detergent recommended for a
wash cycle.
NOTE: The machine pauses during Extra
Wash. This is normal for washer operation.
Using rinse and spin
NOTE: If your washer has an Extra Rinse
option in the Heavy cycle, see page 11.
When using extra detergent for heavily
soiled clothes, or washing special-care
items, you may want an extra rinse and spin.
1. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and turn
clockwise to RINSE, as illustrated.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob. The
washer fills to selected load size,
agitates, drains, and spins.
Using drain and spin
A drain and spin may help shorten drying
times for some heavy fabrics or special-care
items by removing excess water.
1. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and turn
clockwise to SPIN, as illustrated.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob. The
washer drains, then spins.
Extra Wash cycle

Operating Your Washer
What happens in each cycle
When the Cycle Control Knob is turned to a After agitation starts, the Cycle Control Knob
setting and pulled out, the washer fills (tothe turns clockwise until it points to OFF and the
selected load size) before agitation and cycle ends.
timing start. The washer begins agitating The washer pauses briefly throughout
immediately after filling; agitation can occur each cycle. These pauses are normal for
with the washer lid up or down. washer operation.
WASH RINSE
cs Fill Fill
wy wy
Rinse
yy
Wash*
~~
*Wash agitation speed Is reduced in the last few
minutes of most cycles. This provides better fabric care.
_m..| Drain (or partial drain*)
sy lo agitation
ww
* For cool down, the Permanent Press cycle partially
drains, fills, agitates briefly, and drains.
Spin
ww
Self-cleaning lint filter
Your washer has a self-cleaning lint fitter at
the bottom of the washer basket. During
agitation, wash and rinse water pass over
the filter, separating the lint from the water.
The lint is then spun away from the filter and
out of the system during the spin part of
Drain-No agitation
> A
Spin-Spray rinse
= |e |e | lar
(
the cycle. 2
If your washer drains into a tub, remove Self-cleaning Bask
any lint collected in the tub or strainer. lint fitter interior
10

Oiher Features
Your washer may have some of the following features. Understanding the use of the
features on your machine will help you efficiently use your washer.
IN THIS SECTION
Using the Hand Care/Extra . Using the liquid chlorine bleach
Rinse option dispenser
Using the Extra Rinse option Using the fabric softener
Using the Hand Care/Extra Rinse option
(on some models)
You can select the Hand Care cycle for
special-care items (see page 8), or an Extra
Rinse in the Heavy cycle (see page 7).
© Before the cycle starts, turn the Options
Selector to HAND CARE or EXTRA
RINSE.
® If an option is not desired, select OFF.
Using the Extra Rinse option
(on some models)
You can select an extra rinse in the
Regular/Heavy cycle.
¢ Before the cycle starts, select Extra Rinse
ON. The washer automatically adds an
extra rinse and spin to the cycle.
© If no extra rinse and spin are desired,
select Extra Rinse OFF.
11

Other Features
Using the liquid chlorine bleach dispenser
Always measure liquid chlorine bleach. Do NOTE: Do not use this dispenser to add
not guess. Never use more than 1 cup powdered chiorine or all-fabric bleach to
(250 mL) for a full load. Use less with lower your wash load. The dispenser is for liquid
water level settings. Follow manufacturer's chlorine bleach use only.
directions for safe use. Use a cup with a
pouring spout to avoid spilling.
1. Load the washer.
2. Pour measured chiorine bleach carefully
into dispenser. Do not let bleach splash,
drip, or run down into washer basket.
Undiluted bleach will damage any fabric
it touches.
3. Start the washer. Bleach will be diluted
automatically during the wash part of
the cycle.
Using the fabric softener dispenser
1. Add detergent and load the basket. Dilute fabric softener
2. Pour liquid fabric softener into the dis- with warm water to the
penser using the amount recommended cross-bar
on the package. Avoid dripping or spilling
any fabric softener on the load.
3. Dilute fabric softener with warm water. Fill
dispenser with warm water until liquid
reaches the cross-bar in the pouring well.
4. Start the washer. Diluted fabric softener
will be added to the load during the first
rinse.
NOTE: Do not stop the washer before the
final rinse begins. Staining can occur.
Flush dispenser periodically with warm water.
¢ To remove the dispenser, grasp the top of
the dispenser with both hands. Squeeze
and push upward with thumbs to remove.
© Clean dispenser by holding under water
faucet. Replace after cleaning.
NOTE: Do not wash clothes with this
dispenser removed. Do not add detergent
or bleach to dispenser. The dispenser is Clean the dispenser
for fabric softener use only.
12

(Caring for Your Washer
Proper care of your washer can extend its life. This section explains how to care for your
washer properly and safely.
Cleaning your washer
Exterior
Wipe up detergent, bleach,
and other spills with a soft,
damp cloth or sponge as they
es occur. Occasionally wipe the
outside of the washer to keep
it looking like new.
r= Do not put sharp or metal
aN objects in your washer. They
ew can damage the finish. Check
Vy od ail pockets for pins, clips,
lay these objects on your washer after
emptying pockets.
money, bolts, nuts, etc. Do not
Interior
Clean interior with 1 cup (250 mL) of
chlorine bleach mixed with 2 cups (500 mL)
of detergent. Run washer through a com-
plete cycle using hot water. Repeat process
if necessary.
NOTE: Remove hard water deposits using
cleaners labeled as washer safe only.
Winter storage or moving care
Install and store your washer where it will not freeze. Because some water may stay in the
hoses, freezing can damage your washer. If storing or moving your washer during freezing
weather, winterize it.
To winterize washer:
1. Shut off both water faucets.
2. Disconnect and drain water inlet hoses.
3. Put 1 quart (1L) of R.V.-type antifreeze in
the basket.
4. Run washer on a drain and spin setting
(see page 9) for about 30 seconds to mix
the antifreeze and water.
5. Unplug the power supply cord.
To use washer again:
1. Flush water pipes and hoses.
2. Reconnect water inlet hoses.
3. Turn on both water faucets.
4. Reconnect power supply cord.
5
. Run the washer through a complete cycle
with 1 cup (250 mL) of detergent to clean
out antifreeze.
Non-use or vacation care
You should operate your washer only when
you are at home. If you will be on vacation
or not using your washer for an extended
period of time, you should:
¢ Unplug the power supply cord or turn off
electrical power to the washer.
¢ Turn off the water supply to the washer.
This helps avoid accidental flooding (due
to a water pressure surge) while you
are away.
13

Laundry
Tips
This section reviews proper laundering techniques, gives you additional washing
information, and discusses solutions to common laundering problems.
IN THIS SECTION
Before you wash
Water guidelines
Using laundry aids
Washing special-care items
Before you wash
Preparing clothes for washing
¢ Close zippers, snaps, and hooks to avoid
snagging other items. Remove
pins, buckles, and other hard
objects to avoid scratching the
washer interior. Remove un-
washable trim and ornaments.
¢ Empty pockets and turn them inside out.
¢ Tur down cuffs and brush away lint and dirt.
¢ Tum synthetic knits inside out to avoid pilling.
¢ Tie strings and sashes so they will not tangle.
© Mend tears, loose hems, and seams.
* Treat spots and stains. (See pages 20-22 for
pretreatment and stain removal information.)
© Stained or wet garments should be washed
promptly for best results.
Sorting
© Separate heavily soiled items from lightly
%] soiled ones even if they
would normally be washed
together. Separate lint givers
(towels, chenille) from lint
takers (corduroy, synthetics,
permanent press). When possible, turn lint
givers inside out.
© Separate dark from light colors, colorfast
from noncolorfast.
© Sort by fabric and construction (sturdy
cottons, knits, delicate items).
14
Loading
© Drop items into washer loosely. Fill to the
top of the basket, but do not
pack or wrap items around
the agitator. Items should
move easily through wash
water for best cleaning and
wrinkle-free results. Watch for rollover.
Items should sink and reappear later.
© Load washer properly. Overloading can:
— cause poor cleaning.
— increase wrinkling.
— create excessive lint.
— wear out items faster (because of pilling).
¢ Load by the amount of space items take
up, not by their weight.
© Mix large and small items in each load.
Load evenly to maintain
washer balance. An off-
balance load can make the
machine vibrate during spin.
To reduce wrinkling, perma-
nent press and synthetic knits should have
more room to move in the water than
heavy items (towels, jeans).
* Do not select a load size that is too small
for the wash load. Use a large load size
setting for permanent press clothes.
© Reduce wash time when using a small
load size setting. Loads with only a few
small items need less wash time.

Loading suggestions:
Laundry Tips
For these suggested full-sized loads, use the highest load size setting.
EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY WASHERS
Heavy Work Clothes | Permanent Towels Mixed Load
3 pair pants Press 10 bath towels 3 double
3 shirts 2 double or 10 hand towels sheets
4 pair jeans 1 king 14 wash cloths 4 pillowcases
1 coverall size sheet 1 bath mat 8 T-shirts
1 overall : pious Delicates na shorts
Knits ress 3 i irts
melacke 1 blouse camisoles 2 blouses
2 slacks 1 quilted robe 8 handker-
3 blouses 3 shi 4 slips hief
6 shirts st irts Apantce chiefs
4 tops 2 pillowcases > bink
4 dresses 2 nighties
1 baby’s dress
Water guidelines
Selecting water temperatures
WASH WATER
TEMPERATURE* SUGGESTED FABRICS
HOT ¢ Work clothes
COMMENTS
© Best cleaning for heavily soiled items
130°F (54°C) ° Sturdy whites/colorfast ¢ Removes oils, perspiration, greasy
or above pastels soils, and stains
e Diapers ¢ Prevents graying or yellowing
WARM © Dark/noncolorfast colors © Best for moderately soiled to lightly
90°-110°F ¢ Permanent press items soiled items
(32°-44°C) ¢ Nylon, polyester, acrylics, | * Safe for most fabric finishes
silks, woolens ¢ Less fading and dye bleeding
® Knits/delicate fabrics ¢ Reduces wrinkling
COLD
e
Extra-sensitive
colors
70°-90°F
©
Noncolorfast
items
¢ Best for very lightly soiled items
¢ Saves hot water
* Best rinse water temperature
(21°-32°C) ¢ Hand washablies
* The washer features cold rinses for all wash temperatures. In addition, for some cycles,
warm rinses are available with hot washes and warm washes. Warm rinse water provides
better water extraction than cold rinse water, but may increase wrinkling when line drying. In
cold climates, warm rinse water also provides a more comfortable temperature for handling
the wash load.
15

Checking hot water
temperature
Your hot water should be 130°F (54°C) or
above. To check water temperature:
1. Fill a pan with the hottest water available
from the faucet that fills your washer.
NOTE: If you do not have a faucet at your
washer site, collect the water from the
faucet closest to your washer.
2. Place a candy or cooking thermometer in
the water to check the temperature.
3. Raise the temperature of your water
heater if necessary.
NOTE: In wash-water temperatures colder
than 70°F (21°C), detergents do not dissolve
well. Also, soils may be difficult to remove,
and some fabrics may retain wear wrinkles
and may have increased pilling.
Water hardness
Many poor washing results can be traced to
the hardness of the wash water. To check
your water hardness:
° City water — ask the city water company.
° Well water — ask the local water authority.
Ask for the mineral content in grains/gallon
or parts/million. If your water is more than
8 grains/gallon or more than 153 parts/
million, you should consider:
¢ Installing a water softener.
e Using more detergent.
e Using a packaged water conditioner.
¢ Not using soap; use detergent.
16
Saving energy
e Use warm or cold wash water for most
loads. Use hot water only when washing
heavy, greasy soils or whites.
© Use cold rinses.
© Wash full loads.
© Use lower water levels when washing
small loads.
© Avoid rewashing. Use enough detergent.
Pretreat stains or heavy soils.
¢ Do not overload; use the cycles and wash
times recommended for the fabric and soil.
e Use your washer during off-peak hours—
usually early morning and late evening.
(Ask your power company.)

Laundry Tips HZ
Using laundry aids
Follow package instructions when using
laundry aids. (See “Removing Stains” on
pages 20-22 for more information.)
AWARNING
Fire or Explosion Hazard
¢ Store flammable solvents or liquids
away from your washer.
© Dry cleaning solvents or fluids should
not be put directly into your washer.
® Items treated with solvents should be
rinsed and air dried before washing in
your washer.
The fumes from these substances can
create a fire hazard or explosion.
Personal Injury Hazard
e Never use chlorine bleach with ammo-
nia or acids. Hazardous fumes can
form.
¢ Keep stain removal products out of the
reach of children... preferably ina
locked cabinet.
All-fabric bleach
© Powdered or liquid all-fabric bleach may
be used on all types of fabrics.
© Do not use all-fabric bleach in the bleach
dispenser because it may clog.
Chlorine bleach
¢ Use bleach dispenser. (See page 12.)
© Follow directions on care labels. Do not
use chlorine bleach on wool, silk, spandex,
acetates, or some flame-retardant fabrics.
¢ When soaking with liquid chlorine bleach,
add detergent to soak water.
NOTE: Undiluted bleach will damage any
fabric it touches. The damage appears as
rips, holes, tears, or color loss and may not
show up until several washings later.
Detergent
© Using too little detergent is a common
cause of laundry problems. Follow
manufacturer's directions. Measure
accurately, especially when using ultra
detergents. Package directions are usually
based on:
— moderate water hardness (4-6 grains)
— lightly soiled items
— normal wash loads.
Use more detergent for:
— hard water
— cooler wash water
~ full loads
— heavily soiled items.
Do not judge the amount of detergent to
use by the amount of suds in the machine.
Low sudsing detergents do not create as
many suds as normal sudsing detergents.
If the recommended amount of normal
sudsing detergent creates too many suds
or suds are present in the rinse water, try
a low sudsing detergent.
Fabric softeners
¢ Use fabric softener dispenser if your
washer has one. (See page 12.)
¢ If your washer does not have a fabric
softener dispenser, add diluted fabric
softener only in the final rinse.
¢ Always dilute fabric softeners with
% to 1 cup (125 to 250 mL) warm water.
Undiluted fabric softener can stain fabrics.
© Fabric softeners should not be mixed with
other laundry products because greasy
stains may form. If stains form, remove by
wetting the stain and rubbing with liquid
detergent or a bar of soap. Rewash the
stained item.
¢ Too much fabric softener can make some
items (diapers and towels) nonabsorbent.
If this happens, use less fabric softener or
do not use it every time.
17

Laundry Tips
Washing special-care items
Most
garments
and
household
textiles
have
care
labels
with
laundering
instructions.
Always
follow
care
label
directions
when
they
are
available.
Below are
general washing
instruc-
tions for
some
special
washables.
ITEM CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Blankets Pretreat spots and stains. Select water temperature, cycle, and
(electric or woolen) _ time according to the type of blanket being washed. Two rinses
may be necessary. Check care label to see if manufacturer
recommends machine washing.
Curtains, drapes, Wash small loads. Crowding may cause wrinkling. Replace
slipcovers slipcovers while still slightly damp. They will dry to fit tightly.
NOTE: Sun-damaged curtains and draperies will tear whether
hand or machine washed.
When using chlorine bleach for soaking, add extra detergent to
the load. Avoid overuse of fabric softeners — absorbency will be
reduced.
Elastic picks up oil from the body. Oil can damage elastic. Wash
often to reduce the damage. Use warm water and sufficient
detergent to remove oils. Do not use chlorine bleach.
Flame-retardant
Items
will
be
clearly
labeled
as
flame-retardant.
Follow
clothing
manufacturer's
instructions
to
retain
flame-retardant
qualities.
Hand washables
Elastic, spandex
Garments are labeled “Hand wash” because:
° The fiber or construction may be sensitive to agitation.
* The fabric contains sensitive dyes that may bleed.
Properly sort wash and then use your Hand Care cycle for gentle
washing. Follow care label directions for drying.
Items that may shrink should be dried flat. Block these items by
gently stretching to original measurements. Woolens tend to
shrink more the first time they are washed.
18

iTEM
Pillows, stuffed
toys
Plastic, rubber
items
Quilts, bedspreads
Scatter rugs
Snowsuits, jackets
Laundry Tips
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Knits are comfortable to wear because they stretch. However,
this means that knits are more likely to be stretched and dam-
aged when washed (especially bulky knits). Knits made of
synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic tend to
keep their original shape more than a knit made of cotton
or ramie.
Washing feather pillows is not recommended unless they will be
dried in a dryer.
Treat as delicate items. Wash in warm water. Wash small items
in a mesh bag.
Do not wash cotton-filled comforters unless they are quilted or
stitched. Tucked cotton batting tends to slip and become lumpy.
An extra rinse may be necessary.
Shake or vacuum rugs to remove loose dirt. Wash more than one
rug at a time. If washing only one rug, add bath towels to balance
the load.
Wash only one or two items at a time. You may need to stop the
washer occasionally to press air from the items being washed. An
extra rinse may be necessary.
19

‘Removing Stains
Stained, heavily-soiled, or greasy items may need to be prewashed or soaked for best
results. Soaking helps remove protein-type stains like blood, milk, or grass. Prewashing
helps loosen soil before washing.
Stain removal rules
e Use warm water for soaking or prewashing §* When bleach is recommended, use a
stained laundry. Hot water can set stains. bleach that is safe for the fabric.
© Most stains are easier to remove when © Test stain removers on an inside seam or
they are fresh. Old or set stains may not hidden corner of the item to see if the color
come out. Follow package directions for is removed.
pretreatment products. ¢ Put the stained area face down on a paper
© Before treating any stain, find out what towel or white cloth. Apply the stain
kind of stain it is, how old the stain is, what remover to the back of the stain. This
kind of fabric it is, and if the fabric is forces the stain off the fabric instead of
colorfast. (Check the care label.) through it.
© Washing and drying can set some stains. © Meat tenderizer or enzyme presoaks help
e Start with cold or warm water. Hot water break down some protein stains so they
can set some stains. are easier to remove.
Stain removal guide
|STAN | TOREMOVE
Alcoholic These stains turn brown with age, so treat immediately. Sponge or soak
beverage fresh stains with cold water. Wash. If stain remains, soak 15 minutes in a
solution of lukewarm water, liquid detergent, and a few drops of white
vinegar. Rinse. Wash.
Rinse immediately or soak in cold water with enzyme presoak for 30
minutes or longer. Rinse. Rub detergent into any remaining stains. Rinse.
If stain remains, put a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide on stain for 3-5
minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Wash.
Chewing Use ice to make gum hard. Scrape off what you can. Sponge with a
gum nonflammable fabric cleaner. Let dry. Wash.
Chocolate | Sponge immediately with a nonflammable fabric cleaner or apply a prewash
or coffee soil and stain remover. Rinse. Wash. If stain remains, apply a liquid deter-
gent to stain or soak in warm water with an enzyme presoak. Rewash.
Crayon and | Scrape off excess with a dull knife. Place fabric between two blotters or
candle wax | facial tissue. Press with warm iron. Remove color stain with nonflammable
fabric cleaner. Hand wash until stain is gone. If full load is crayon stained,
take to cleaners or coin-operated dry cleaning machine.
Cream, Sponge with a nonflammable fabric cleaner, or a prewash soil and stain
milk, or remover. Rinse. Wash. Repeat if necessary. If stain remains, apply a few
ice cream drops of liquid detergent and a few drops of ammonia. Blot dry and rinse.
If stain remains, soak in an enzyme presoak. Wash.