Miele WDB 038 WPS Active Eco User manual

Operating instructions
for washing machines
To avoid the risk of accidents or damage to the machine, it is essential
to read these instructions before it is installed and used for the first time.
en-GB M.-Nr. 10 980 050

Caring for the environment
2
Disposal of the packing mater-
ial
The packaging is designed to protect
the appliance from damage during
transportation. The packaging materials
used are selected from materials which
are environmentally friendly for disposal
and should be recycled.
Recycling the packaging reduces the
use of raw materials in the manufactur-
ing process and also reduces the
amount of waste in landfill sites.
Disposing of your old appli-
ance
Electrical and electronic appliances of-
ten contain valuable materials. They
also contain specific materials, com-
pounds and components, which were
essential for their correct function and
safety. These could be hazardous to hu-
man health and to the environment if
disposed of with your domestic waste
or if handled incorrectly. Please do not,
therefore, dispose of your old appliance
with your household waste.
Please dispose of it at your local com-
munity waste collection / recycling
centre for electrical and electronic ap-
pliances, or contact your dealer or
Miele for advice. You are also respons-
ible (by law, depending on country) for
deleting any personal data that may be
stored on the appliance being disposed
of. Please ensure that your old appli-
ance poses no risk to children while be-
ing stored prior to disposal.

Contents
3
Caring for the environment .................................................................................. 2
Warning and Safety instructions ......................................................................... 6
Operating the washing machine ........................................................................ 13
Control panel......................................................................................................... 13
How the control panel works ................................................................................ 14
Before using for the first time ............................................................................ 16
Washing environmentally and economically .................................................... 18
1. Prepare the laundry......................................................................................... 19
2. Load the washing machine............................................................................. 20
3. Select a programme........................................................................................ 21
4. Add detergent .................................................................................................. 23
Detergent dispenser drawer .................................................................................. 23
Tips on dosing.................................................................................................. 23
Adding detergent.............................................................................................. 23
CapDosing............................................................................................................. 24
5. Start the programme....................................................................................... 26
6. End of programme - unload the drum........................................................... 27
Spinning................................................................................................................ 28
Delay start ............................................................................................................ 30
Programme chart ................................................................................................ 31
Extra options........................................................................................................ 34
Short...................................................................................................................... 34
Water plus ............................................................................................................. 34
Pre-wash ............................................................................................................... 34
Soak ...................................................................................................................... 34
The following extra options can be selected in addition to the programme: ........ 35
Programme sequence......................................................................................... 36
Changing the programme sequence ................................................................ 38
Changing a programme......................................................................................... 38
Cancelling a programme ....................................................................................... 38
Interrupting a programme...................................................................................... 38
Adding or removing laundry .................................................................................. 39

Contents
4
Garment care label symbols............................................................................... 40
Detergent ............................................................................................................. 41
The correct detergent............................................................................................ 41
Water softeners ..................................................................................................... 41
Dispensing aids ..................................................................................................... 41
Fabric conditioner and liquid starch...................................................................... 41
Miele recommended detergents ........................................................................... 42
Recommended detergents in accordance with Directive (EU) Nr. 1015/2010...... 43
Cleaning and care ............................................................................................... 45
Cleaning the drum (Hygiene info) .......................................................................... 45
External casing and fascia panel........................................................................... 45
Cleaning the detergent dispenser drawer ............................................................. 45
Cleaning the water inlet filter................................................................................. 47
Problem solving guide ........................................................................................ 48
The programme does not start.............................................................................. 48
The programme is cancelled and a fault indicator light lights up in the control
panel...................................................................................................................... 49
During the programme, a symbol appears in the time display ............................. 50
At the end of the programme, an indicator light lights up in the control panel ..... 50
General problems with the washing machine ....................................................... 51
An unsatisfactory wash result ............................................................................... 53
The door will not open........................................................................................... 54
Opening the door in the event of a blocked drain outlet and/or power failure ..... 55
Service.................................................................................................................. 57
Contact in case of malfunction ............................................................................. 57
Optional accessories............................................................................................. 57
Warranty ................................................................................................................ 57
Installation and connection ................................................................................ 58
Rear view............................................................................................................... 58
Installation surface ................................................................................................ 59
Transporting the washing machine to its installation site...................................... 59
Removing the transit bars ..................................................................................... 59
Re-fitting the transit bars....................................................................................... 61
Levelling the machine............................................................................................ 62
Screwing out and adjusting the feet.................................................................62
Building under a continuous worktop/ in a kitchen run.................................... 63
Washer-dryer stack .......................................................................................... 63

Contents
5
The water protection system................................................................................. 64
Connection to the water supply ............................................................................ 66
Water drainage ...................................................................................................... 67
Electrical connection U.K. ..................................................................................... 68
Technical data...................................................................................................... 69
Data sheet household washing machines............................................................. 70
Consumption data............................................................................................... 72
Note for test institutes ........................................................................................... 72
Programmable functions .................................................................................... 73
Choosing and selecting a programmable function ............................................... 73
Editing and saving the programmable function .................................................... 74
Exit programming level.......................................................................................... 74
 Keypad tone..................................................................................................... 74
 Lock code........................................................................................................ 75
 Control panel switch-off status ...................................................................... 75
 Memory .......................................................................................................... 76
 Longer pre-wash Cottons .............................................................................. 76
 Soak duration ................................................................................................. 76
 Gentle action .................................................................................................. 76
 Reduce temperature....................................................................................... 77
 Water plus....................................................................................................... 77
 Water plus level ............................................................................................... 77
 Maximum rinse level....................................................................................... 77
 Suds cooling ................................................................................................... 78
 Anti-crease ..................................................................................................... 78
 Backlight brightness dimmed ........................................................................ 78
Optional accessories .......................................................................................... 79
Detergent............................................................................................................... 79
Specialist detergents............................................................................................. 79
Fabric care............................................................................................................. 80
Additive ................................................................................................................. 80
Machine care......................................................................................................... 80

Warning and Safety instructions
6
This washing machine complies with current safety requirements.
Inappropriate use can, however, lead to personal injury and dam-
age to property.
To avoid the risk of accidents and damage to the machine, please
read these instructions carefully before using it for the first time.
They contain important information on its safety, use and mainten-
ance.
Keep these instructions in a safe place and ensure that new users
are familiar with the content. Pass them on to any future user.
Correct application
 This washing machine is intended for use in domestic households
and similar working and residential environments.
 The washing machine is not intended for outdoor use.
 It must be used only as a domestic appliance to wash items which
are specified by the manufacturer as being washable on the wash
care label. Miele cannot be held liable for damage resulting from in-
correct or improper use or operation.
 The washing machine can only be used by people with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience or
knowledge, if they are supervised whilst using it or have been shown
how to use it safely and recognise and understand the con-
sequences of incorrect operation.

Warning and Safety instructions
7
Safety with children
 Children under 8 years of age must be kept away from the wash-
ing machine unless they are constantly supervised.
 Children 8 years and older may only use the washing machine un-
supervised if they have been shown how to use it safely and recog-
nise and understand the consequences of incorrect operation.
 Children must not be allowed to clean or maintain the washing
machine unsupervised.
 Please supervise children in the vicinity of the washing machine
and do not let them play with it.
Technical safety
 Please observe the instructions in “Installation and connection”
and “Technical data”.
 Before setting up the washing machine, check it for any externally
visible damage. Do not install or use a damaged machine.
 Before connecting the washing machine, ensure that the connec-
tion data on the data plate (fuse rating, voltage and frequency) match
the mains electricity supply. If in any doubt, consult a qualified elec-
trician.
 Reliable and safe operation of this washing machine can only be
assured if it has been connected to the mains electricity supply.

Warning and Safety instructions
8
 The electrical safety of this washing machine can only be guaran-
teed when correctly earthed.
It is essential that this standard safety requirement is met. If in any
doubt, please have the wiring system of the building tested by a
qualified electrician.
Miele cannot be held liable for the consequences of an inadequate
earthing system (e.g. electric shock).
 Do not connect the washing machine to the mains electricity sup-
ply by a multi-socket adapter, extension lead or similar. These do not
guarantee the required safety of the machine (fire hazard due to the
risk of overheating).
 Faulty components must only be replaced by genuine Miele ori-
ginal spare parts. Only when these parts are fitted can Miele guaran-
tee the safety standards of the machine.
 The electrical socket must be easily accessible after installation so
that the machine can be disconnected from the electricity supply if
necessary.
 Unauthorised repairs could result in unforeseen dangers for the
user, for which the manufacturer cannot accept liability. Repairs
should only be undertaken by a Miele authorised service technician,
otherwise any subsequent damage will not be covered by the war-
ranty.
 If the electrical connection cable is faulty it must only be replaced
by a Miele authorised service technician to protect the user from
danger.

Warning and Safety instructions
9
 The machine must be isolated from the electricity supply when
cleaning and maintaining the machine and in the event of a fault.
 The Miele “Water protection system” protects from water damage
provided the following conditions are met:
– the machine is correctly plumbed in and connected to the electri-
city supply.
– if a fault or damage has been identified, the machine must be ex-
amined by a competent person before further use, and repaired if
necessary.
 The water flow pressure must be at least 100kPa and should not
exceed 1000kPa.
 In areas which may be subject to infestation by cockroaches or
other vermin, pay particular attention to keeping the machine and its
surroundings in a clean condition at all times. Any damage which
may be caused by cockroaches or other vermin will not be covered
by the warranty.
 The machine must not be used in a non-stationary location (e.g.
on a ship).
 Do not make any alterations to the machine, unless authorised to
do so by Miele.

Warning and Safety instructions
10
Correct use
 Do not install the washing machine in a room where there is a risk
of frost. Frozen hoses may burst or split. The reliability of the elec-
tronic control unit may be impaired at temperatures below freezing
point.
 Before using the machine for the first time, check that the transit
bars at the rear of the machine have been removed (see “Installation
and connection - Removing the transit bars”). During spinning, a
transit bar which is still in place may result in damage to both the
machine and adjacent furniture or appliances.
 Turn off the stopcock if the machine is to be left for any length of
time (e.g. holiday), especially if there is no floor drain (gully) in the im-
mediate vicinity.
 Flooding danger.
If hooking the drain hose into a wash basin, check that the water can
drain off quickly enough to prevent the sink from overflowing. Make
sure the drain hose is secure, so that the force of the water flowing
out of the hose does not dislodge it.
 Take care to ensure that foreign objects (e.g. nails, pins, coins, pa-
per clips) do not find their way into the machine with the laundry.
These may damage components of the machine (e.g. suds con-
tainer, drum), which in turn can result in damage to the laundry.
 The maximum load for this washing machine is 7 kg (dry weight).
See the “Programme chart” for the maximum recommended loads
for individual programmes.

Warning and Safety instructions
11
 If the correct amount of detergent is dispensed, the machine
should not need to be descaled. If, however, you do wish to descale
it, only use a proprietary natural citric acid based descaling agent.
Miele recommends using Miele descaling agent which is available to
order online at www.miele.co.uk or from Miele. Strictly observe the
instructions on the packaging.
 Textiles which have been pre-treated in solvent based cleaning
agents must be thoroughly rinsed in clean water before being
washed in the machine.
 Do not use solvent based cleaning agents, e.g. those containing
benzine, in this machine, as this may result in damage to component
parts and create toxic fumes. Such agents also pose a fire and ex-
plosion hazard.
 Do not use solvent based cleaning agents, e.g. those containing
benzine, to clean the surfaces of the machine. They can cause dam-
age to plastic surfaces.
 Only use dyes specified by the manufacturer as being suitable for
use in a domestic washing machine. Always observe the manufac-
turer's instructions carefully.
 Colour run and dye removers contain sulphur compounds which
can cause damage such as corrosion. Do not use these products in
this machine.
 If detergent comes into contact with the eyes, rinse them thor-
oughly with lukewarm water immediately. If swallowed, seek medical
assistance immediately and retain the packaging or label for refer-
ence. Those with skin problems or sensitive skin should avoid their
skin coming into contact with detergent.

Warning and Safety instructions
12
Accessories
 Accessory parts may only be fitted when expressly approved by
Miele. If other parts are used, warranty, performance and product li-
ability claims will be invalidated.
 A Miele tumble dryer can be stacked on top of a Miele washing
machine using the appropriate stacking kit (available as an optional
accessory). Please make sure you order the correct one for the Miele
washing machine and Miele tumble dryer.
 If installing the machine on a Miele plinth, (available as an optional
accessory, depending on country), please make sure you order the
correct one for this washing machine.
Miele cannot be held liable for damage caused by non-compliance
with these Warning and Safety instructions.

Operating the washing machine
13
Control panel
aControl panel
bSensor controls – temperature
for selecting the temperature.
cSensor controls – spin speed
for selecting the spin speed.
dSensor controls – extras
various options can be added to the
wash programmes.
eIndicator lights   
light up when necessary
fSensor controls – CapDosing
gTime display
for the programme duration
hSensor controls   
for the delay start function
iSensor control – Start/Stop
for the programme start/cancellation
jOptical interface
for service technicians
kProgramme selector
for programme selection and for
switching the machine off. Selecting
a programme switches the washing
machine on, and turning the pro-
gramme selector to  switches the
machine off.

Operating the washing machine
14
How the control panel works
The , , , ,  and  sensors
react to fingertip contact. Selection is
possible as long as the respective
sensor is illuminated.
If a sensor is brightly lit, this means:
currently selected
If a sensor is dimly lit, this means: se-
lection possible
 and  sensors for temperature
and spin speed
After selecting a wash programme with
the programme selector, the recom-
mended temperature (in °C) and spin
speed (in rpm) light up brightly.
Selectable temperatures and spin
speeds light up dimly.
 Sensor controls for extras
You can select extra options to aug-
ment the wash programmes.
If a wash programme has been selec-
ted, the sensor controls for the possible
extras light up dimly.
 Indicator lights
–
lights up if there are faults with the
water inlet and drainage
–
lights up if excess detergent was
used
–
lights up as a reminder about hygiene
information
–
flashes for as long as it is possible to
add laundry
lights up when the door of the wash-
ing machine is locked
 CapDosing
The CapDosing sensors are used for
activating cap dosing.
–
Fabric care (e.g. fabric conditioner,
proofing agent)
–
Additives (e.g. detergent enhancers)
–
Detergent (for the main wash only)

Operating the washing machine
15
 Time display
After the programme has started, the
programme duration will appear in the
display in hours and minutes.
If delay start has been selected, the
programme duration will appear at the
end of the delay start time.
 Sensor controls   
–
After touching the sensor, a later
start time for the programme (delay
start) can be selected. Once selec-
ted,  lights up brightly.
– 
The duration of the delay start period
is selected by touching the  or
sensor.
The delay start time selected will ap-
pear in the time display.
After the programme has started, the
delay start time will begin to count
down.
Once the delay start time has elapsed,
the programme begins and the estim-
ated programme duration appears in
the time display.
 Start/Stop sensor control
Touching the Start/Stop sensor starts
the selected programme or cancels a
programme that has already been star-
ted. The sensor flashes slowly as soon
as it is possible for a programme to be
started and then lights up constantly
after the programme has started.

Before using for the first time
16
Before using the machine for the
first time ensure that it is correctly in-
stalled and connected. See “Installa-
tion and connection”. Also check that
the drain filters are securely
tightened to prevent the risk of water
leaks during use.
Remove the protective foil and
stickers
Remove
– the protective foil from the door.
– any stickers from the front and the
lid.
Please do not remove any labels
(e.g. the data plate), visible when you
open the door.
Remove the drain hose elbow
from the drum
An elbow piece for the drain hose is
stored in the drum.
Reach under the door grip and pull
the door open.
Remove the elbow piece.
Shut the door with a gentle swing.
This washing machine has undergone
a complete functional test at the fact-
ory and there will be some residual
water in the drum from this process.
For safety reasons, spinning is not pos-
sible until the machine has been pre-
pared for using for the first time. To ac-
tivate the spinning function you must
run a wash programme without laundry
and without detergent.
Using detergent could result in an ex-
cessive build-up of foam.
This also activates the ball valve. The
ball valve prevents detergent escaping
from the suds container into the sump
during a wash programme, thus making
maximum use of the detergent.

Before using for the first time
17
Running the first programme
Open the stopcock.
Turn the programme selector to Cot-
tons.
The washing machine is now switched
on and in the control panel, the temper-
ature 60°C lights up.
Touch the Start/Stop sensor.
The programme will start and the
symbol lights up in the control panel.
After 10 minutes, the indicators dim
and the Start/Stop sensor starts
flashing.
After the end of the programme
At the end of the programme, the anti-
crease phase is switched on. The
symbol lights up in the control panel;
: appears in the time display and
the drum occasionally rotates.
Touch the Start/Stop sensor.
The door will unlock.
Reach under the door grip and pull
the door open.
Tip: Leave the door slightly open to al-
low the drum to dry.
After the end of the programme, turn
the programme selector to.
The washing machine is switched off
again and is now ready for use.
Energy savings
– Ten minutes after the beginning of the
anti-crease phase, the indicators dim
and the Start/Stop sensor starts
flashing.
– Fifteen minutes after completion of
the anti-crease phase, the washing
machine is completely switched off
and the door lock lifted.

Washing environmentally and economically
18
Energy and water consumption
– Water consumption and energy us-
age are determined by the size of the
load.
To make the most of your machine,
load the maximum dry load for the
programme you are using.
– When smaller amounts of laundry are
washed, the automatic load control
will reduce the amount of water and
energy used.
– Use the Express20 programme for
small, lightly soiled loads.
– Modern detergents make it possible
to wash at lower temperatures (e.g.
20°C). Washing using lower temper-
ature settings will save energy.
– To maintain the hygiene of the ma-
chine, carry out a hot wash (above
60°C) at regular intervals. The  in-
dicator will light to remind you to
carry out a hot wash.
Detergent
– Do not exceed the amounts of deter-
gent recommended by the manufac-
turer on the packaging.
– Adjust the dosage to the degree of
soiling of the laundry.
– Reduce the amount of detergent with
smaller loads (approx. ⅓ less than
the amount recommended can be
used when washing a half load).
Choosing the correct extra option
(Short, Soak, Pre-wash)
Select:
– A wash programme together with the
Short extra option for light to normal
soiling where there are no obvious
marks.
– A wash programme without any extra
options for normal to heavy soiling
with visible staining.
– A wash programme together with the
Soak extra option for heavily soiled
laundry.
– The Pre-wash extra option for laundry
with large amounts of dirt (e.g. dust,
sand).
When drying with a tumble dryer
Selecting the highest possible spin
speed for the wash programme will
save energy when drying in a tumble
dryer afterwards.

1. Prepare the laundry
19
Empty all pockets.
Foreign objects (e.g. nails, coins,
paper clips, etc.) can cause damage
to garments and to components in
the machine.
Check the laundry before washing
and remove any foreign objects.
Sort the laundry
Sort the laundry by colour and by
care label. Most garments have a tex-
tile care label in the collar or side
seam.
Tip: Dark textiles often contain excess
dye and should be washed separately
several times before being included in a
mixed load. Always wash whites and
coloureds separately.
Pre-treat stains
Badly soiled areas, stains etc. should
be cleaned as soon as possible,
preferably whilst still fresh. Spillages
should be carefully dabbed off using
a soft, colourfast cloth. Do not rub.
Tip: Badly soiled areas can be pre-
treated with liquid detergent, stain re-
movers etc. first, following the manu-
facturer's instructions. With particularly
stubborn stains ask your dry cleaner for
advice.
Solvent-based cleaners (e.g.
benzine) can damage plastic parts.
When pre-treating garments, make
sure that any plastic parts (e.g. but-
tons) are protected from cleaning
agent.
Chemical (solvent-based) clean-
ing agents can cause severe damage
to the washing machine.
Do not use solvent-based cleaning
agents in this machine.
General tips
– Curtains: Remove lead weights first
or place in a laundry bag.
– Underwiring and collar stiffeners: Any
loose wiring in bras, shirt collar
stiffeners, etc. should be removed or
sewn in.
– Close any zips, attach velcro fasten-
ers, fasten hooks and eyes etc. be-
fore washing.
– Fasten duvet covers, pillow cases
etc. to prevent small items from being
rolled up inside them.
Do not wash any items in this washing
machine which are specified by the
manufacturer as not washable on the
care label ( symbol).

2. Load the washing machine
20
Open the door
Reach under the door grip and pull
the door open.
Check the drum for pets or foreign
objects before loading it with laun-
dry.
The most efficient use of energy and
water is achieved when a full load is
washed. However, do not overload as
this reduces cleaning efficiency and
causes creases.
Unfold the laundry and load loosely
into the drum.
Mixing both large and small items
gives better wash results and also
helps distribute the load evenly during
spinning.
Tip: Please note the maximum load for
different wash programmes.
Close the door
Make sure that no items are caught
between the door and the seal.
Shut the door with a gentle swing.