Roper Roper RAB3132EW0 User manual

PART NO. 3950304 Rev. A
UseAndCare
GUIDE
ONE SPEED AUTOMATIC WASHERS
A Note to You ......................... 2
Washer Safety ........................ 3
Parts and Features................. 4
Operating Your Washer
(on models with separate
Water Level and
Temperature Selectors)...... 5
(on models with
Temperature Selector
in Cycle Control Knob)........ 9
Stopping/restarting your
washer .............................. 11
Understanding what
happens in each cycle ...... 12
Understanding normal
washer sounds ................. 12
Adding liquid chlorine
bleach............................... 13
Adding liquid fabric
softener............................. 13
Caring for Your Washer....... 14
Laundry Tips ........................ 15
Removing Stains.................. 19
Troubleshooting................... 22
Requesting Assistance
or Service ............................. 24
Warranty ............................... 28
1-800-447-6737
Call us with questions or comments.

2
A Note to You
Thank you for buying a ROPER®appliance.
ROPER appliances give you all the functionality of name brand appliances at a value price.
To ensure you enjoy years of trouble-free operation, we developed this Use and Care Guide.
It contains valuable information about how to operate and maintain your appliance properly
and safely. Please read it carefully. Also, please complete and mail the Ownership Registra-
tion Card provided with your appliance. This card helps us notify you about any new
information on your appliance.
Please record your model’s information.
Whenever you call to request service on
your appliance, you need to know your
complete model number and serial number.
You can find this information on the model
and serial number label/plate (see diagram
on page 4 for location of label/plate).
Please also record the purchase date of
your appliance and your dealer’s name,
address, and telephone number.
Keep this book and the sales slip together in a safe place for future reference.
Call our toll-free number.
Model Number __________________________
Serial Number __________________________
Purchase Date __________________________
Dealer Name ___________________________
Dealer Address _________________________
Dealer Phone ___________________________
1-800-447-6737

3
Washer Safety
This symbol alerts you to
hazards such as fire,
electrical shock, or
other injuries.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING – To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons
when using the washer, follow basic precautions, including the following:
•Read all instructions before
using the washer.
•Do not wash articles that have
been previously cleaned in,
washed in, soaked in, or spotted
with gasoline, dry-cleaning
solvents, other flammable, or
explosive substances as they
give off vapors that could ignite
or explode.
•Do not add gasoline, dry-clean-
ing solvents, or other flammable,
or explosive substances to the
wash water. These substances
give off vapors that could ignite
or explode.
•Under certain conditions, hydro-
gen gas may be produced in a
hot water system that has not
been used for 2 weeks or more.
HYDROGEN GAS IS EXPLO-
SIVE. If the hot water system
has not been used for such a
period, before using the washing
machine, turn on all hot water
faucets and let the water flow
from each for several minutes.
– SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS –
This will release any accumulated
hydrogen gas. As the gas is flam-
mable, do not smoke or use an
open flame during this time.
•Do not allow children to play on or
in the washer. Close supervision
of children is necessary when the
washer is used near children.
•Before the washer is removed
from service or discarded, remove
the door.
•Do not reach into the washer if
the tub or agitator is moving.
•Do not install or store the washer
where it will be exposed to the
weather.
•Do not tamper with controls.
•Do not repair or replace any part
of the washer or attempt any
servicing unless specifically rec-
ommended in this Use and Care
Guide or in published user-repair
instructions that you understand
and have the skills to carry out.
•See Installation Instructions for
grounding requirements.
Your safety is important to us.
This guide contains safety symbols and
statements. Please pay special attention to
these symbols and follow any instructions
given. Here is a brief explanation of the use
of the symbol.

4
WASH
RINSE
TEMPERATURE
WARM
COLD
COLD
COLD
HOT
WARM
HOT
COLD
LOAD SIZELOAD SIZE
EX
LARGE
LARGE
SMALL
MEDIUM
WATER
SAVER
2 SPEED • 8 CYCLE2 SPEED • 8 CYCLE
•
SELF CLEANING FILTERSELF CLEANING FILTER
•
1/2 HP MOTOR1/2 HP MOTOR
WHIRLPOOLCORPORATIONWHIRLPOOLCORPORATION
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTERCUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER
1-800-253-1301
HEAVYDUTYHEAVYDUTY
SUPERCAPACITYSUPERCAPACITY
PULLSTARTPULLSTART
•
PUSH STOPPUSH STOP
NORMAL
HEAVY
SUPER WASHSUPERWASH
OFF
OFF
PERMANENTPERMANENT
PRESSPRESS
OFF
KNITS/DELICATES
OFF
10
14
6
6
14
10
SOAK
NORMAL
LIGHT
NORMAL
LIGHT
4
68
COOL
DOWN
DEEP
RINSE
REGULAR
Parts and Features
The parts and features of your washer are illustrated on this page. Become familiar with all
parts and features before using your washer. Page references are included next to some
features. Refer to those pages for more information about the features.
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.
Basket
Tub
Model and serial
number label/plate
(under lid)
Cycle control knob
(may include temperature
selections) (pp. 6-11)
Water level
selector*
(p. 6)
Self-cleaning lint filter*
(bottom of washer basket)
(p. 8)
Liquid chlorine
bleach dispenser*
(p. 13)
Temperature selector*
(p. 6)
*On some models

5
Operating Your Washer
To obtain the best washing results, you must operate your washer properly. This section
gives you this important information. Page references are included for more information.
wWARNING
Explosion Hazard
Never place items in the washer that
are dampened with gasoline or other
flammable fluids.
No washer can completely
remove oil.
Do not dry anything that has ever
had any type of oil on it (including
cooking oils).
Doing so can result in death,
explosion, or fire.
NOTES:
•Pages 5-8 detail using models with sepa-
rate Water Temperature and Water Level
Selectors.
Starting Your Washer
(on models with separate
Water Level and Temperature
Selectors)
1. Add measured detergent to the
washer. Then place a sorted load of
clothes in the washer.
•Sort and load clothes as described on
pages 15-16. You may load clothes to
the top row of basket holes.
•If desired, you may also add color
safe bleach.
2. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, add
measured liquid chlorine bleach to the
dispenser (see page 13).
•Use only liquid chlorine bleach in the
bleach dispenser.
continued on next page
wWARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
Do not remove ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in death, fire, or
electrical shock.
Liquid chlorine bleach
dispenser
•Pages 9-11 detail using models with
the Temperature Selector in the Cycle
Control Knob.

6
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
3. Close the washer lid.
4. Select a setting with the Water Level
Selector that corresponds with the
size of your wash load and the type of
fabric being washed.
•To change the water level setting after
the washer has started to fill, move the
Selector to the desired new setting.
•See pages 15 and 16 for loading tips.
5. Select a wash-rinse temperature with
the Water Temperature Selector. Match
the water temperature with the type of
fabric and soils being washed. See
page 17 for water temperature guidelines.
6. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and
turn it clockwise to the wash cycle
you want. See page 7.
7. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob to
start the washer.
8. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, add
measured and diluted liquid fabric
softener to the final rinse cycle.
See page 13.
LARGE
SMALL EXTRA
LARGE
MEDIUM
WATER LEVEL
WARM
WARM
COLD
COLD
WARM
COLD
WASH
RINSE
HOT
COLD
TEMPERATURE

7
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
Selecting a cycle and time
Use the information in this section to help
you make the best cycle selections for you
wash loads. Each cycle is designed for
different types of fabrics and soil levels.
•The washer pauses briefly throughout each
cycle. These pauses are normal for washer
operation.
RINSE SPIN OFF8
PAUSE
RINSE
SPIN
OFF
8
RINSE
SPIN
OFF
20
SOAK
OFF
12
86
LIGHT SOIL
NORMAL PERMANENT
PRESS
HEAVY DUTY EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY PLUS
FABRICARE
REGULAR SOIL
HEAVY SOIL
Cycle Control Knob with separate
water temperature selector
•Page 12 describes what happens during a
wash cycle.
Normal cycle
The Normal cycle features longer spins to
shorten drying time. Use this cycle for
cleaning cotton and linen fabrics. Select
6 (Light), 8 (Regular), or 12 (Heavy) minutes
of wash time, depending on whether your
load is heavily, moderately, or lightly soiled.
Permanent Press
The Permanent Press cycle features a cool-
down rinse, and shorter spins to reduce
wrinkling. Use this 8-minute cycle for clean-
ing permanent press and some synthetic
fabrics that are lightly to moderately soiled.
Fabricare cycle
The Fabricare cycle features a brief wash
cycle that includes a 2-minute soak, and
shorter spins for gentle soils removal. Use
this 8-minute cycle to clean delicate items
and washable knits that are lightly to moder-
ately soiled.
Soak cycle
The Soak cycle features brief periods
of agitation and soak time to help
remove heavy soils and stains that
need pretreatment.
•Use warm water when soaking laundry. Hot
water can set stains. See pages 19-21 for
stain removal information.
•Use the amount of detergent or
presoak additive recommended by the
manufacturer.
•After the Soak cycle ends, add detergent
and set a new wash cycle.

8
Using rinse and spin
When using extra detergent for heavily
soiled clothes, or washing special-care
items, you may find an extra rinse and spin
is needed.
1. For an additional rinse, push in the Cycle
Control Knob and turn it clockwise to
RINSE, as shown.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob. The
washer fills, agitates, drains, and spins.
Using drain and spin
A drain and spin may help shorten drying
time for some heavy fabrics or special-care
items by removing excess water.
1. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and turn
it clockwise to SPIN, as shown.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob. The
washer drains, then spins.
RINSE OFF
RINSE
OFF
RINSE
OFF
OFF
NORMAL
FABRICARE
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
SPIN OFF
SPIN
OFF
SPIN
OFF
OFF
NORMAL
FABRICARE
Self-cleaning
lint filter Basket
interior
Self-cleaning lint filter
The lint filter at the bottom of the washer
basket cleans itself. During agitation, wash
and rinse water passes 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 the cycle.
If your washer drains into a tub, remove
any lint collected in the tub or strainer.

9
Starting your washer
(on models with
Temperature Selector in
Cycle Control Knob)
1. Add measured detergent to the
washer. Then place a sorted load of
clothes in the washer.
•Sort and load clothes as described on
pages 15-16. You may load clothes to
the top row of basket holes.
•If desired, you may also add color
safe bleach.
2. Close the washer lid.
3. Select a setting with the Water Level
selector that corresponds with the size
of your wash load and the type of
fabric being washed.
•To change the water level setting after
the washer has started to fill, move the
selector to the desired new setting.
•See pages 15 and 16 for loading tips.
4. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and
turn it clockwise to the wash cycle
you want. See page 10.
5. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob to
start the washer.
6. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, add
measured liquid chlorine bleach
after the washer starts agitating.
See page 13.
7. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, add
measured liquid fabric softener to the
final rinse water. See page 13.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
LARGE
SMALL
WATER LEVEL

10
Selecting a cycle, time, and temperature
Use the information in this section to help
you make the best cycle selections for your
wash loads. Each cycle is designed for
different types of fabrics and soil levels.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
Heavy cycle
The Heavy cycle features warm or hot water
and longer spins to shorten drying time.
Select this 14-minute cycle to clean large
loads of sturdily constructed fabrics that are
heavily soiled.
Normal cycle
The Normal cycle features cold or warm
water and longer spins to shorten drying
time. Use this 10 or 12-minute cycle to clean
cotton and linen fabrics that are moderately
to heavily soiled.
Light cycle
The Light cycle features a brief wash with
cold water and longer spins to shorten
drying time. Use this 6-minute cycle for
cleaning delicate items and washable knits
that are lightly to moderately soiled.
Cycle options
You may select a different wash time by first
selecting the water temperature (Hot, Warm
or Cold) and then turning to the new wash
time. For example, for 14 minutes of wash
time with Cold water:
1. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and turn
it clockwise to Cold.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob and allow
your washer to fill.
3. When your washer has filled, push in and
turn the Cycle Control Knob to Heavy,
14 minutes of wash time.
4. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob.
LIGHT
NORMAL
HEAVY
COLD
COLD
WARM
PULL START PUSH STOP
Spin
14
10
6
OFF
Rinse
LIGHT
HEAVY
COLD
COLD
NORMAL
WARM
HOT
PULL START PUSH STOP
Spin
14
10
12
6
OFF
Rinse
•The washer pauses briefly throughout
each cycle. These pauses are normal for
washer operation.
•Page 12 describes what happens during a
wash cycle.

11
Using rinse and spin
(models with Water
Temperature Selector in
Cycle Control Knob)
When using extra detergent for heavily-
soiled clothes, or washing special-care
items, you may find an extra rinse and spin
is needed.
1. For an additional rinse, push in the Cycle
Control Knob and turn it clockwise to
Rinse, as shown.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob. The
washer fills, agitates, drains, and spins.
Using drain and spin
(models with Water
Temperature Selector in
Cycle Control Knob)
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
it clockwise to Spin, as shown.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob. The
washer drains, then spins.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
Rinse
OFF
Spin
OFF
Stopping/restarting your washer
•To stop the washer at any time, push in
the Cycle Control Knob.
•To restart the washer, close the lid (if
necessary) and pull out the Cycle
Control Knob.

12
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
Understanding what happens in each cycle
When the Cycle Control Knob is set to a
number and pulled out, the washer fills
before agitation and timing start. The washer
begins agitating immediately after filling;
agitation occurs with the washer lid up
or down.
After agitation starts, the Cycle Control
Knob turns clockwise until it points to an
OFF area and the cycle ends.
Fill
▼
Rinse
▼
Drain-No agitation
▼
Spin-Spray rinse
▼
Spin
▼
Off
Fill
▼
Wash selected time
▼
Drain*
No agitation
▼
Spin
▼
*On some models, the Permanent Press
cycle partially drains, fills, agitates briefly,
and drains.
WASH RINSE
Understanding normal washer sounds
Your new washer may make sounds that
your old one didn’t. Because the sounds are
unfamiliar, you may be concerned about
them. Don’t be; most of them are normal.
The following describes some of the sounds
you may hear and what causes them.
During washing
When you select a small load size setting
for a small wash load, the water level in your
washer is lower. With this lower water level,
you may hear a clicking sound from the
upper portion of the agitator.
During drain
The rate that water is drained from your
washer depends on your installation. If water
is drained quickly from the washer, you may
hear air being pulled through the pump. This
happens during the end of draining.
After drain and before spin
When the cycle changes from draining to
spinning, you may hear gears engaging.
NOTE: The washer pauses briefly throughout
each cycle. These pauses are normal for
washer operation.

13
Using the liquid chlorine bleach dispenser
(on some models)
Always measure liquid chlorine bleach. Do
not guess. Never use more than 1 cup
(250 mL) for a full load. Use less with lower
water level settings. Follow manufacturer’s
directions for safe use. Use a cup with a
pouring spout to avoid spilling.
1. Load the washer.
2. Pour measured chlorine bleach carefully
into the 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
and dispensed automatically during wash
part of cycle.
Adding liquid chlorine bleach
(on models with no bleach
dispenser)
Always measure liquid chlorine bleach. Do
not guess. Never use more than 1 cup
(250 mL) for a full load. Follow manu-
facturer’s directions for safe use. Use a cup
with a pouring spout to avoid spilling.
1. Let the washer fill and begin agitating
the load.
2. Add bleach to wash cycle so it can be
removed in the rinse cycle. Pour bleach
around agitator, not directly on load.
Adding liquid fabric softener
•Always dilute fabric softener with 1⁄2to
1 cup (125 to 250 mL) warm water.
Undiluted fabric softener can stain fabrics.
•Add diluted fabric softener only in the
final rinse.
•Fabric softener 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.
NOTE: Do not use this dispenser to add
powdered chlorine or color safe bleach to
your wash load. The dispenser is for liquid
chlorine bleach use only.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
•Follow directions on care labels. Do not
use chlorine bleach on wool, silk,
spandex, acetates, or some flame-
retardant fabrics.
•When soaking with 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.
•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.

14
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 occur. Occa-
sionally wipe the outside of
the washer to keep it looking
like new.
Do not put sharp or metal objects in your
washer. They can damage the
finish. Check all pockets for
pins, clips, money, bolts, nuts,
etc. Do not lay these objects
on your washer after emptying
pockets.
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 pages 8 and 11) for about 30 seconds
to mix the antifreeze and water.
5. Unplug the power supply cord.
Non-use or vacation care
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.
Interior
Clean interior with 1 cup (250 mL) of chlo-
rine bleach mixed with 2 cups (500 mL) of
detergent. Run washer through a complete
cycle using hot water. Repeat process if
necessary.
NOTE: Remove hard water deposits using
only cleaners labeled as washer safe.
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.
•Turn off the water supply to the washer.
This helps avoid accidental flooding
(due to a water pressure surge) while
you are away.

15
Laundry Tips
This section reviews proper laundering techniques, gives you additional washing information,
and discusses solutions to common laundering problems.
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 non-
washable trim and ornaments.
•Empty pockets and turn them inside out.
•Turn down cuffs and brush away lint and dirt.
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, perma-
nent press). When possible, turn lint givers
inside out.
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. Items should sink and
reappear later.
•To reduce wrinkling, permanent press and
synthetic knits should have more room
to move in the water than heavy items
(towels, jeans).
•Turn 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 “Removing
Stains” on pages 19-21.)
•Stained or wet garments should be washed
promptly for best results.
•Separate dark from light colors, colorfast
items from noncolorfast items.
•Sort by fabric and construction (sturdy
cottons, knits, delicate items).
•Overloading or packing 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.

16
Heavy Work
Clothes
2 pair pants
3 shirts
3 pair jeans
1 coverall
Knits
2 slacks
2 blouses
4 shirts
4 tops
2 dresses
Saving energy
•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
and pretreat stains or heavy soils. Use the
cycles and wash times recommended for
the fabric and soil.
•Use your washer during off-peak hours –
usually early morning and late evening.
(Ask your power company.)
Loading suggestions
For these suggested full-sized loads, set the Load Size Selector to the highest water level
setting.
EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY WASHERS
Permanent
Press
1 double sheet
1 tablecloth
1 dress
1 blouse
2 slacks
3 shirts
2 pillowcases
Mixed Load
2 double or
1 king size
sheet(s)
4 pillowcases
6 T-shirts
6 pair shorts
2 shirts
2 blouses
6 handkerchiefs
Towels
8 bath towels
8 hand towels
10 wash cloths
1 bath mat
Delicates
2 camisoles
4 slips
4 panties
2 bras
2 nighties
LAUNDRY TIPS

17
Water guidelines
Selecting water temperatures
SUGGESTED FABRICS
•Work clothes
•Sturdy whites/colorfast
pastels
•Diapers
•Dark/noncolorfast colors
•Permanent press items
•Nylon, polyester, acrylics,
silks, woollens
•Knits/delicate fabrics
•Extra-sensitive colors
•Noncolorfast items
•Hand washables
COMMENTS
•Best cleaning for heavily soiled items
•Removes oils, perspiration, greasy
soils, and stains
•Prevents graying or yellowing
•Best for moderately soiled to lightly
soiled items
•Safe for most fabric finishes
•Less fading and dye bleeding
•Reduces wrinkling
•Best for very lightly soiled items
•Saves hot water
•Best rinse water temperature
WASH WATER
TEMPERATURE*
HOT
130°F (54°C)
or above
WARM
90-110°F
(32-44°C)
COLD
70-90°F
(21-32°C)
* The washer features cold rinses for all wash temperatures. In addition, warm rinses are
available with warm washes on some models. Warm rinse water provides better water
extraction than cold rinse water and shortens drying times. However, warm rinse water
may increase wrinkling when line drying. In cold climates, warm rinse water also provides
a more comfortable temperature for handling the wash load.
Checking hot water
temperature
Your hot water should be 130°F (54°C) or
above. If you do not know your hot water
temperature, you can check it easily. You
may need to raise the temperature of your
water heater. To check your hot water:
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 thermometer or cooking
thermometer in the water to check the
temperature.
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 137 parts/
million, you should consider:
•Installing a water softener.
•Using more detergent.
•Using a packaged water conditioner.
•Not using soap.
LAUNDRY TIPS

18
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
Blankets
(electric or woolen)
Curtains, drapes,
slipcovers
Diapers
Elastic, spandex
Flame-retardant
clothing
Knits, washable
Pillows, stuffed
toys
Plastic, rubber
items
Quilts, bedspreads
Scatter rugs
Snowsuits, jackets
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Pretreat spots and stains. Select wash cycle according to the type
of blanket being washed. An extra rinse may be necessary (see
pages 8 and 11 for rinse and spin information). Check care label to
see if manufacturer recommends machine washing.
Wash small loads. Crowding may cause wrinkling. Replace
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.
Items will be clearly labeled as flame-retardant. Follow
manufacturer’s instructions to retain flame-retardant qualities.
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.
LAUNDRY TIPS

19
•When bleach is recommended, use a
bleach that is safe for the fabric.
•Test stain removers on an inside seam or
hidden corner of the item to see if the color
is removed.
•Put the stained area face down on a paper
towel or white cloth. Apply the stain
remover to the back of the stain. This
forces the stain off the fabric instead of
through it.
•Meat tenderizer or enzyme presoaks help
break down some protein stains so they
are easier to remove.
TO REMOVE
These stains turn brown with age, so treat immediately. Sponge or soak
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.
Use ice to make gum hard. Scrape off what you can. Sponge with a
nonflammable fabric cleaner. Let dry. Wash.
Sponge immediately with a nonflammable fabric cleaner or apply a prewash
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.
Scrape off excess with a dull knife. Place fabric between two blotters or
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.
Sponge with a nonflammable fabric cleaner, or a prewash soil and stain
remover. Rinse. Wash. Repeat if necessary. If stain remains, apply a few
drops of liquid detergent and a few drops of ammonia. Blot dry and rinse.
If stain remains, soak in an enzyme presoak. Wash.
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
•Use warm water for soaking or prewashing
stained laundry. Hot water can set stains.
•Most stains are easier to remove when
they are fresh. Old or set stains may not
come out. Follow package directions for
pretreatment products.
•Before treating any stain, find out what
kind of stain it is, how old the stain is, what
kind of fabric it is, and if the fabric is
colorfast. (Check the care label.)
•Washing and drying can set some stains.
•Start with cold or warm water. Hot water
can set some stains.
Stain removal guide
STAIN
Alcoholic
beverage
Blood
Chewing
gum
Chocolate
or coffee
Crayon and
candle wax
Cream,
milk, or
ice cream
continued on next page

20
STAIN
Deodorants
and anti-
perspirants
TO REMOVE
Light stain: Treat with liquid detergent or your regular laundry detergent.
Wash in hottest water safe for fabric.
Heavy stain: Place face down on towel and treat with a paste of ammo-
nia and color safe bleach. Let stand for 30 minutes. Wash in hottest water
safe for fabric.
wWARNING
Fire Hazard
No washer can completely remove oil.
Do not dry anything that has ever had any type of oil on it
(including cooking oils).
Doing so can result in death or fire.
Items soiled with vegetable or cooking oil should not be washed or dried.
For other types of greasy stains, use one of the methods below:
•Use pretreatment stain remover. Follow label directions. Wash in hottest
water safe for fabric.
•Use talcum powder to absorb as much grease as possible. Sponge with
a nonflammable fabric cleaner. Rinse. Wash.
•Treat with liquid detergent or rub a detergent paste on the stain. Wash
using hottest water safe for fabric.
Fresh stains: Soak immediately in cool water. Wash. If stain remains,
cover area with a paste made of color safe bleach, a few drops of hot
water, and a few drops of ammonia. Wait 15 to 30 minutes. Wash.
Old stains: Sponge with white vinegar. Rinse. Repeat procedure for
fresh stains.
Soak in warm or cold water with an enzyme presoak for at least 30 min-
utes, or sponge with denatured alcohol. Wash in water temperature and
bleach safe for the fabric. For colored fabrics, check colorfastness before
applying alcohol. For acetate, sponge with a nonflammable fabric cleaner.
If stain remains, bleach with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Rinse. Rewash.
Spray stain with an aerosol hair spray or rubbing alcohol. Sponge stain
continuously until all bleeding stops. Let dry. Repeat if necessary. Wash.
If stain remains, bleach if safe for fabric. (India and other indelible inks are
almost impossible to remove completely.)
Colored or noncolorfast items: Apply lemon juice and salt. Place in the
sun to dry. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat if necessary.
White or colorfast items: Try a rust remover. Test first on inside seam or
hem. Some rust removers are not washer safe. Follow package directions.
Fat, grease,
or oil
Fruit stains
Grass or
green
vegetables
Ink or
ballpoint
pen ink
Iron or rust
REMOVING STAINS