RCA YLXR1020T User manual

3
Important Safety Information
6
Operating Instructions
The Controls on Your Washer
Other Washer Features
Preparing to Wash
Care of Product
12
Helpful Information
Specialized Fabric Guide
Stain Removal Guide
Removing Specific Stains
16
If Something Goes Wrong
Before You Call For Service
RCA Service Numbers
Warranty, Back Cover
Washer
Owner’s Manual
Model: YLXR1020T

Welcome to the RCA family. We’re
proud of our quality products and
we believe in dependable service.
You’ll see it in this easy-to-use
manual and you’ll hear it in the
friendly voices of our customer
service department.
Best of all, you’ll experience
these values each time you do
the laundry. That’s important,
because your new washer will be
part of your family for a long time.
Welcome
Staple your receipt to the inside back
cover of this manual.
Write down the model and serial
numbers here.
They are behind
the top edge of the control panel.
Model number
Serial number
Date of purchase
Before
using
your
washer
Need Help?
Before you call for service,
there are a few things you can
do to help us serve you better.
Read this manual. It contains
instructions to help you use and
maintain your washer properly.
Save time and money. Check the
section titled “If Something Goes
Wrong” before calling. This
section was designed to solve
common problems you might
encounter.
If you do need service, you can
relax knowing help is only a phone
call away. A list of toll-free customer
service numbers is included on the
inside back cover.
Help us
help you
2
Start Here!

WARNING: For your safety the information in this manual must be
followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion or to prevent property
damage, personal injury or loss of life.
Do not store or use gasoline
or other flammable vapors
and liquids in the vicinity of
this or any other appliance.
Installation and service must
be performed by a qualified
installer, service agency or
the gas supplier.
IF YOU SMELL GAS
1
Do not try to light any appliance.
2 Do not touch any electrical
switch; do not use any phone
in your building.
3 Clear the room, building or
area of all occupants.
4 Immediately call your gas
supplier from a neighbor’s
phone. Follow the gas
supplier’s instructions.
5 If you cannot reach your gas
supplier, call the fire department.
Important Safety Information
3
Water Heater Safety
Under certain conditions
hydrogen gas may be produced
in a water heater that has not been
used for two weeks or more.
HYDROGEN GAS CAN BE
EXPLOSIVE UNDER THESE
CIRCUMSTANCES.
If the hot water has not been used
for two weeks or more, prevent the
possibility of damage or injury by
turning on all hot water faucets
and allow them to run for several
minutes before using any electrical
appliance which is connected to
the hot water system. This will
allow any hydrogen gas to escape.
Since the gas is flammable, do
not smoke or use an open flame
or appliance during this process.
Read all safety information before using
Many washers are located near a gas dryer or a water heater in the home.

4
Important Safety Information
Warning
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons
when using your appliance, follow basic precautions, including
the following sections.
Safety Precautions
•Use this appliance only for its
intended purpose as described
in this Owner’s Manual.
•This washer must be properly
installed and located in
accordance with the Installation
Instructions before it is used. If
you did not receive an Installation
Instructions sheet, you can obtain
one by contacting
the service loca-
tion nearest you.
— Properly ground to conform
with all governing codes and
ordinances. Follow details in
Installation Instructions.
— Install or store where it will not be
exposed to temperatures below
freezing or exposed to the weather.
— Connect to a properly rated, pro-
tected and sized power supply cir-
cuit to avoid electrical overload.
— Connect to adequate plumbing
and drain facilities as described
in the Installation Instructions.
•Turn off water faucets when the
washer is not in use to relieve
pressure on hoses and valves and
to minimize leakage if a hose or
valve should break or rupture.
•Do not repair or replace any
part of the appliance or attempt
any servicing unless specifically
recommended in this Owner’s
Manual or in published user-
repair instructions that you
understand and have the skills
to carry out.
•When disconnecting this
appliance pull by the plug rather
than the cord to avoid damage to
the cord or junction of cord and
plug. Make sure that the cord
is located so that it will not be
stepped on, tripped over or
otherwise subjected to damage
or stress.
•Keep all laundry aids (such
as detergents, bleaches, fabric
softeners, etc.) out of the reach
of children, preferably in a
locked cabinet. Observe all
warnings on container labels
to avoid personal injury.
•Do not tamper with the controls.
•Keep the area around and
underneath your appliances
free from the accumulation of
combustible materials, such as
lint, paper, rags, chemicals, etc.

5
•Keep the floor around your
appliances clean and dry to
reduce the possibility of slipping.
•Never reach into washer while
it is moving. Before loading,
unloading or adding clothes,
push in the Cycle Selector knob
and wait until the machine has
completely stopped before open-
ing the lid.
•Close supervision is necessary
if this appliance is used by or
near children. Do not allow
children to play inside, on or
with this appliance or any
discarded appliance. Dispose
of discarded appliances and
shipping/packing materials
properly. Before discarding
a washer, or removing from
service, remove the washer lid.
•Do not leave washer lid up
during cycle. This will stop
the wash and spin action and
prevent completion of the cycle.
•Do not wash or dry articles that
have been cleaned in, washed
in, soaked in, or spotted with
combustible or explosive
substances (such as wax, oil,
paint, gasoline, degreasers,
dry-cleaning solvents, kerosene,
etc.) which may ignite or
explode. Do not add these
substances to the wash water.
Do not use these substances
around your washer and/or
dryer during operation.
•The laundry process can reduce
the flame retardancy of fabrics.
To avoid such a result, the
garment manufacturer’s care
instructions should be followed
very carefully.
•Do not mix chlorine bleach with
ammonia or acids such as vinegar
and/or rust remover. Mixing can
produce a toxic gas which may
cause death.
•Never climb on or stand on the
washer top.
•Do not wash fiberglass articles in
your washer. Skin irritation could
result from the remaining parti-
cles that may be picked up by
clothing during subsequent
washer use.
•To minimize the possibility
of electric shock, unplug this
appliance from the power supply
or disconnect the washer at the
household distribution panel by
removing the fuse or switching
off the circuit breaker before
attempting any maintenance
or cleaning.
•NOTE: Turning the Cycle
Selector knob to an off position
does NOT disconnect the
appliance from the power supply.
•Do not operate this appliance
if it is damaged, malfunctioning,
partially disassembled, or has
missing or broken parts, including
a damaged cord or plug.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

wash
temperature
warm
cold
warm
cold
cold
Wash Temperature Guide
Operating Instructions
The
controls
on your
washer
6
Use this chart as a general guide.
1
Wash Temperature
Push in the Cycle knob and select the wash tem-
perature. Always follow Fabric Manufacturer’s
Care Label or instructions when laundering.
COTTONS WHITE
COTTONS COLORS
PERM PRESS WHITE
PERM PRESS
DELICATES

7
2
See next page for other washer features
Starting Washer
•Add detergent.
•Add clothes and close lid.
•Pull out the Cycle knob to start washer.
COLD WASH
WARM WASH
OFF
12

8
Operating Instructions
Other washer features your model may have
This cap fits into the top of the
agitator. If it accidentally comes
off, simply put it back on.
Agitator Cap
Do not pour anything into the
agitator if the top is removed
This dispenser automatically
releases liquid fabric softener at
the proper time during the cycle.
To use, follow these steps:
1 Make sure dispenser is securely
attached to agitator.
2 Pour liquid fabric softener
into dispenser, using amount
recommended on package.
3 Add water to dispenser until it
reaches the maximum fill line.
NOTE:
• Do not stop the washer during
the first spin. This will cause
the dispenser to empty too soon.
• Never pour fabric softener directly
on clothes. It will leave spots on
clothes.
• Only use dispenser for liquid fabric
softeners. If dispenser gets clogged,
see Cleaning the Fabric Softener
Dispenser section.
Fabric Softener
Dispenser
Pour liquid fabric softener
and water into fabric softener
dispenser
Do not pour anything into the
agitator if the top is removed

1 Remove the dispenser from the
top of the agitator.
2 Separate the dispenser cup from
the cover by grasping the top and
pushing down on the inside of the
cup with your fingers. Dispenser
cup will pop free from the cover.
3 To clean dispenser, soak both the
dispenser cup and the dispenser
cover in the following solution:
1 US gallon (3.8 liters) warm water
1/4 cup (60ml) heavy duty liquid
detergent
1 cup (240 ml) bleach
4
If necessary, loosen build-up
with a clean, soft cloth after soak-
ing. Do not use a stiff brush; you
may roughen the surface of the
dispenser.
5 Rinse and reassemble dispenser.
Place dispenser back on the
agitator.
9
Cleaning Fabric
Softener Dispenser
Separate for cleaning

10
Empty pockets, unroll cuffs, shake
out loose dirt, zip zippers, fasten
snaps, hooks and buttons.
Treat/remove stains. See Stain
Removal Guide.
Turn poly knits inside-out to
reduce pilling.
Do any necessary mending.
Use a net laundry bag for
delicate items.
Prepare
Operating Instructions
Preparing to Wash
Always follow Fabric Manufacturer’s
Care Label when laundering.
Sort by color
(Separate colorfast from
non-colorfast fabrics*)
•Whites
•Lights
•Darks
Separate by fabric type
•Cottons and linens
•
Permanent press cottons and
blends
•Synthetic and poly knits
•Delicates
Separate lint producers from
lint collectors
•Lint producers: terry cloth and
chenille
•Lint collectors: velveteen and
corduroy
Sort by soil
•Light
•Medium
•Heavy
* Non-colorfast fabrics may bleed or fade. Sort by
individual color.
Sort
Always add detergent before
adding clothes so that the deter-
gent can work effectively.
Using the correct amount of
detergent is one of the most
important things you can do to
make sure your wash comes out
clean. Always follow the detergent
package directions.
Using too little detergent is
a common cause of laundry
problems. Use more detergent if
you have hard water, large loads,
greasy or oily soils or lower water
temperature.
Detergent

Load dry items loosely, spacing even-
ly around agitator, and close the lid.
A typical wash load: two twin sheets,
two pillow cases, three small bath
towels, three wash cloths and two
t-shirts.
Place large items in bottom, small
items in the middle and medium
items on top.
When loading wet items make sure
you do not overload the washer.
Items should have enough room to
move freely.
Wash bulky items like blankets
separately.
To add items after washer has
started, push in Cycle knob and
submerge additional items next to
the agitator. Close the lid and pull
Cycle knob out to restart.
To reduce wrinkling, give
permanent press items, synthetics
and poly knits room to move freely
in the washer.
NOTE:
• Do not wrap large items like sheets
around the agitator.
• Do not wash fabrics containing
flammable materials (waxes, clean-
ing fluids, etc.) in your washer.
Load
Leave the lid open after washing
to allow moisture to evaporate. The
wash basket is practically care free.
If you want to clean the basket use
a clean soft cloth dampened with
liquid detergent, then rinse. (Do
not use harsh or gritty cleaners.)
To rinse:
1 Turn the Cycle knob to any
wash setting.
2 Start washer.
Fill Hoses— Hoses connecting wash-
er to faucet should be replaced
every five years.
Lint Filter— The lint filter is located
under the agitator. It is self cleaning
and requires no maintenance.
Exterior— Immediately wipe off any
spills. Wipe with damp cloth. Try
not to hit surface with sharp objects.
Moving and Storage— Ask the service
technician to remove water from
drain pump and hoses. Do not store
the washer where it will be exposed
to the weather. Contact the service
location nearest you for informa-
tion on how to keep the tub station-
ary when moving the washer.
Long Vacations— Be sure water
supply is shut off at faucets. Drain
all water from hoses if weather will
be below freezing.
The Washer
Care & Cleaning
11

Down-Filled Garments Always wash down-filled garments separately from other types
of garments. Wet down gives off an odor that will disappear when
the down is dried. Wash down items frequently to fluff up the
down and to retain down’s warmth. When washing make sure
the load is balanced. Add towels if necessary. Always tumble-dry
down garments.
Pillows Pillows are made from a variety of materials. Wash only if
recommended on the Pillow Manufacturer’s Care Label. Before
washing check pillows for weak seams or holes, and mend. Let
the washer fill with water and add detergent. Let the washer
agitate for several minutes and then add pillows in pairs. This
will keep the load balanced.
Blankets Let the washer fill with water, add detergent, allow detergent to
dissolve, then add blanket. Wash only one blanket at a time.
Electric Blankets Sew a strong piece of cloth over the plug to protect the
blanket and washer from damage. Wash according to pillow
instructions above.
Permanent Press Clothes Remove clothes as soon as the wash cycle is complete and hang
that are Line Dried them up immediately.
12
Helpful Information
Specialty Care Guide
Item Suggested Care
Always follow Fabric Manufacturer’s Care Label or instructions when laundering.
Otherwise use the information below as a general guide.

Stain Removal Guide
•Check Fabric Care Label.
•Remove stains as soon as
possible. The fresher the stain,
the easier it is to remove.
•To make sure a stain removal
product is safe for your fabric
test it on a hidden inside seam.
•Avoid use of hot water on
unknown stains. It can set
some stains.
General Hints
A thorough soaking with detergent
or a special soaking agent is an
effective way to remove heavy
soils or stains.
Try one of these methods.
•Use the soak cycle. If your model
does not have a soak cycle you
can
still soak by allowing the
washer to fill and agitate for a few
minutes to help loosen soils. Then
push in the Cycle knob to stop
the washer (keep lid closed) and
allow to soak. Don’t leave your
laundry soaking in the washer
longer than a few hours. After
the soak period,
pull out the
Cycle knob to complete
the cycle.
•Pretreat heavy soil by rubbing
in a small amount of liquid
detergent or a paste made of
water and powdered detergent
or soap. For best results, wait
1/2 hour before washing.
•To remove stains on white or
bleachable fabrics, try soaking the
stained area in a container for five
minutes in the following solution
and then launder in the washer:
1 US gallon (3.8 liters) cool water
1/4 cup (60 ml) chlorine bleach
Soaking and
Pretreating
To remove stains on white or bleachable fabrics, try soaking the stained
area in a container for five minutes in the following solution and then
launder in the washer:
1 US gallon (3.8 liters) cool water
1/4 cup (60 ml) chlorine bleach
Turn page for specific stain removal
Bleach Solution
13

14
Helpful Information
Removing Specific Stains
Foods on synthetic clothes may
cause stains which are virtually
invisible when you put the clothes
in the washer. If these stains are not
completely removed in the wash,
they may pick up dirt from other
clothes in the washer and appear
after the clothes are dried.
When They Become Visible:
•Rub the stain with undiluted
liquid detergent.
•Let stand 30 minutes.
•Rewash using the hottest water
that is safe for the fabric.
Preventing These Stains:
•Increase the amount of
detergent used.
•Increase water temperature.
•Wash synthetics often.
The Invisible Stain
Stain White and Bleachable Fabrics Other Washable Fabrics
Rub with ice or immerse in very cold water. Same as white and bleachable
Use dull tool to carefully scrape off as much fabrics.
adhesive or gum as possible. Rub the stain with
undiluted liquid detergent. Rinse well,
then wash as usual.
Adhesives
(Chewing Gum, etc.)
Apply undiluted liquid detergent. Rinse. Same as white and bleachable
If stain remains, use the Bleach Solution; fabrics except use non-chlorine
launder. bleach.
Antiperspirants,
Deodorants
Soak in cold water. Use the Bleach Same as white and bleachable
Solution; launder.
fabrics except use non-chlorine
bleach.
Chocolate, Cream,
Ice Cream and Milk
Soak in cold water, then launder in warm Sponge or soak in cool water,
water. If stain remains, use the Bleach then launder.
Solution; launder.
Blood

15
Stain White and Bleachable Fabrics Other Washable Fabrics
Use the Bleach Solution; launder. Rub the stain with undiluted
liquid detergent. Rinse well,
then wash as usual.
Cosmetics, Crayon
Apply undiluted liquid detergent; launder. Sponge with warm water. Apply
(Treat mildew spots while they are fresh, undiluted liquid detergent;
before mold has a chance to weaken fabric.) launder. Bleach with
If either type stain remains, use the Bleach non-chlorine bleach; launder.
Solution; launder. (Severe scorch stains can Old mildew cannot be removed.
seldom be removed.) Scorch can seldom be removed.
Grass, Mildew,
Scorch
Soak stain in cool water. If stain remains, Sponge with warm water.
use the Bleach Solution; launder. Bleach remaining stain with
non-chlorine bleach.
Juices, Wine,
Food Coloring
Without cream: Use the Bleach Solution; Sponge with warm water. If
launder. stain remains, apply warm
glycerine (available at drug
With cream: Soak in cold water, then use stores), let stand 30 minutes
the Bleach Solution; launder. and rinse well. Wash as usual.
Coffee and Tea
Fresh stains: Place stain face down on an Same as white and bleachable
absorbent towel and use a spray cleaner. fabrics except launder using
Rinse well, then wash as usual. Old stains: non-chlorine bleach.
Use the Bleach Solution; launder.
Ink, Ballpoint
Apply undiluted liquid detergent and launder Launder in warm water. Rinse
in warm water. If color has changed you may well. Bleach with non-chlorine
be able to restore it by treating with ammonia bleach.
or vinegar.
Perspiration
Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or acids such as
vinegar and/or rust remover. Mixing can produce a toxic gas
which may cause death.

16
Problem Possible Causes What to Do
Washer is unplugged •Make sure cord is plugged securely into a
working outlet.
Water supply is turned off •Turn both hot and cold faucets fully on.
Controls are not set properly •Check controls and make sure Cycle knob
is pulled out to ON position.
Lid is open •Close lid and pull Cycle knob out to ON
position.
Circuit breaker/fuse is •Check house circuit breakers/fuses. Replace
tripped/blown fuses or reset breaker. Washer should have
separate outlet.
Washer won’t Operate
Drain hose is kinked or •Straighten drain hose and make sure
improperly connected washer is not sitting on it.
•Top of drain outlet should be less than 8 ft.
above floor.
Water won’t Drain
Fill hoses or drain hose is •Make sure hose connections are tight at faucets
improperly connected and make sure end of drain hose is correctly
inserted in and secured to drain facility.
Household drain may • Check household plumbing. You may need
be clogged to call a plumber.
Water Leaks
Control is not set properly •Check water temperature control and adjust.
Water supply is turned off •Turn both hot and cold faucets fully on and
or improperly connected make sure hoses are connected to correct
faucets.
Water valve screens are •Turn off the water source and remove the
stopped up
water connection hoses from the upper back
of the washer. Use a brush or toothpick to
clean the screens in the machine. Reconnect
the hoses and turn the water back on.
House water heater is not set •Make sure house water heater is delivering
properly water at 120°F.-150°F. (48°C.-65°C.).
Water Temperature
is Incorrect
If Something Goes Wrong
Before you call for service

17
Problem Possible Causes What to Do
Washer is uneven •Make sure washer is level and firm
to the floor.
Washer load is unbalanced •Push the Cycle knob in to stop the
washer, open the lid and redistribute
the load evenly. Close the lid and restart.
Washer is Noisy
Constant water pressure to the •Tighten hoses at the faucets and turn the water
fill hoses at the water source off after each use.
•
Check condition of the fill hoses; they may
need replacement after 5 years.
Water Leaks
(continued)
The washer normally pauses
between washing steps
Washer Pauses
in Cycle
Incorrect cycle •Make sure the cycle selected matches the
selected load you are washing.
This is normal for some fabrics
Clothes too Wet
Incorrect sorting •Separate lint producers from
lint collectors.
Washing too long •Wash small loads for a shorter time than
larger loads.
Detergent not dissolving •
For best performance always add detergent
before adding clothes. If you use powdered
detergent, pre-dissolve
detergent in hot water
before adding to washer.
•Try a liquid detergent.
•Use warmer water temperature.
Overloading •Load your washer so clothes have enough
room to move freely.
Too much bleach •Check bleach package for correct amount.
Not enough detergent •Try using more detergent.
Incorrect use of fabric softener •Check fabric softener package for
instructions (see Fabric Softener
Dispenser section).
Lint or Residue
on Clothes

18
If Something Goes Wrong
Problem Possible Causes What to Do
Improper loads •Avoid mixing heavy items (like work
clothes) with light items (like blouses).
•Separate permanent press from
other laundry.
•Try a fabric softener (like Downy brand).
Overloading •Load your washer so clothes have enough
room to move freely.
Incorrect wash and dry cycles •Match Cycle selection to the type of fabric
you are washing (especially for permanent
press loads).
Repeated washing in water •Wash in cold water with plenty of detergent.
that is too hot
Wrinkling
Pins, snaps, hooks, sharp •Fasten snaps, hooks, buttons, and zippers.
buttons, belt buckles, •Remove loose items like pins, objects in
zippers, and sharp objects pockets and sharp buttons.
left in pockets •Turn knits (which snag easily) inside out.
Undiluted chlorine bleach •Check bleach package instructions for
proper amount.
•Never add undiluted bleach to wash or
allow clothes to come in contact with
undiluted bleach.
Small tears or holes •Repair tears and holes before washing.
present before wash
Chemicals like hair bleach, •Rinse items that may have chemicals
hair dye, permanent wave on them before washing.
solution and toilet bowl cleaners
Permanent press items •While this is not caused by the washer,
naturally fray (especially you can slow the fraying process by
collars and cuffs) making sure not to overload the washer.
Load your washer so clothes have enough
room to move freely.
•Avoid washing heavy items (like towels)
with permanent press items.
Snags, Holes, Tears,
Rips, or Excessive
Wear

19
Problem Possible Causes What to Do
Some fabrics will naturally •Follow directions on care label.
shrink in the wash
Shrinkage
Not enough detergent •Try using more detergent (especially with
(larger loads, heavy soil, larger loads).
and hard water might •If you live in a hard water area try using
require more detergent) a water conditioner like Calgon brand or
install a water softener.
Water is not hot enough •Make sure water heater is delivering water
at 120°F.-150°F. (48°C.-65°C.).
•Do not use the washer when hot water is
used for other needs (dishes, baths, etc.).
Washer is overloaded •Load your washer so clothes have enough
room to move freely.
Soak time is too short •Soak at least 30 minutes.
Soaking with too little detergent •Use more detergent (especially with
heavy soil).
Detergent is not dissolving •Add detergent as wash basket fills with
water before you load clothes.
To restore Grayed Clothes, •Put clothes through a wash cycle using warm
try one of the following water. (Check the garment’s manufacturing
care label to see if warm water can be used.)
Add a non-precipitating water softener, such
as Calgon brand. Use 2 1⁄2 times more than
is recommended for normal water softening.
Do not use detergent or soap. Allow clothes
to go through a complete cycle. Repeat if
necessary.
•Soak your clothes using a water softener
instead of a soaking agent. Allow clothes
to soak for about 20 minutes.
Grayed Clothes

20
If Something Goes Wrong
Problem Possible Causes What to Do
Not enough detergent •Always use the recommended amount
on a consistent basis of detergent.
Chlorine bleach may yellow •Use non-chlorine bleach.
some fabrics
Iron or manganese in water may •
Use extra detergent plus a non-precipitating
cause yellowing or yellow spots water softener dissolved in water and
non-chlorine bleach.
•Run hot water for 2 minutes to help the
pipes clean out iron buildup.
•Drain your house water heater occasionally.
•To remove spots spread stain area over a pan
of boiling water and squeeze lemon juice
through the stain.
Yellowed Clothes
Incorrect use of fabric softener •Check fabric softener package
for instructions (see Fabric Softener
Dispenser section).
•To remove spots dampen the spots
and rub with undiluted liquid detergent.
Rewash, using chlorine bleach if it is safe
for the fabric.
Blue or Gray Spots
Type of detergent •Switch to a lower sudsing detergent brand
and follow instructions on package.
Very soft water •Try less detergent.
Too Many Suds
Result of normal wear on •While this is not caused by the washer,
poly-cotton blends you can slow the pilling process by washing
poly-cotton blends inside out.
Pilling