Whirlpool 3401083 User manual

UseAndCare
A Note to You.. ...................... 2
Dryer Safety ....................... 3-4
Parts and Features .............. .5
Operating Your Dryer.. .........6
Before starting your dryer ... 6
Starting your dryer .............. 6
Stopping/restarting
your dryer ............................ 6
Selecting the right cycle
and setting .......................... 7
End-of-Cycle signal ...........
11
Using End-of-Cycle signal
and FINISH GUARD’
feature ...............................
11
Using the drying rack ........ 12
Caring for Your Dryer ....13-16
Laundry Tips ................... 17-20
Troubleshooting .............21-22
Requesting Assistance
or Service ............................. 23
Index ..................................... 27
Warranty .............................. 26
1-800-253-I 301
Call our Consumer Assistance Center
I
with questions or comments.
PART NO. 3401083

I - _--.
A Note to You
Thank you for buying a Whirlpool@ appliance.
Because your life is getting busier and more complicated, Whirlpool dryers are easy to use,
save time, and help you manage your home better. To ensure that 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 dryer properly and safely. Please read it carefully. Also,
please complete and mail in the Ownership Registration Card provided with your appliance.
The 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 Model Number
your appliance, you need to know your
complete model number and serial number.
Youcan find this information on the model
and serial number label in the door well (see
diagram on page 5 for location of label).
Please also record the purchase date of
Serial Number
your appliance and your dealer’s name,
address and telephone number.
Purchase Date
Dealer Name
Dealer Address
Dealer Phone
Keep this book and the sales slip together in a safe place for
future reference.
Our Consumer Assistance Center
number is toll-free 24-hours a day.
I-800-253-1 301
2

-
Dryer 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 given. Here is a brief explana-
tion of the use of the symbol.
This symbol will help alert you to such
dangers as personal injury, burns, fire
and electrical shock.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
explosion, or to prevent property damage, per-
sonal 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.
-WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS:
l Do not try to light any appliance.
l Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your
building.
l Clear the room, building or area of all occupants.
l Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone.
Follow the gas supplier’s instructions.
l if you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.
installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer,
service agency or the gas supplier.
continued on next
we
3

Imt3ortant Safetv Instructions
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or injury to
persons when using your dryer, follow basic precautions,
including the following:
l Read all instructions before using your
dryer.
l Dryer must be electrically grounded. See
the Installation Instructions.
l Do not machine wash or machine dry
items cleaned, washed, soaked in, or
spotted with wax, paint, gasoline, oil, dry
cleaning solvents or other flammable
fluids. The fumes can create a fire
hazard or explosion. Always hand wash
and line dry items containing these
materials.
l Do not wash or dry items that are soiled
with vegetable or cooking oil. These
items may contain some oil after laun-
dering. Due to the remaining oil, the
fabric may smoke or catch fire by itself.
l Store flammable solvents or fluids away
from your dryer.
l Dry cleaning solvents or fluids should
never be put directly into your dryer.
. Do not let dust, lint, paper, rags, chemi-
cals, etc. pile up around or under the
dryer.
l Do not allow lint to buildup inside the
dryer or exhaust system. Cleaning should
be done periodically by a qualified
person.
l Do not allow children to operate, play with
or crawl inside your dryer. Supervise
children when your dryer is used near
children.
l Do not reach into a dryer if the drum
is moving.
l Install and/or store dryer where it will not
be exposed to the weather.
l Do not tamper with the controls.
l Do not dry rubber, rubber-like or heat-
sensitive materials with heat.
@Unplug the power supply cord or turn off
electriial power before attempting to
service your dryer. Also, shut off gas
valve if you have a gas dryer.
l When removing from service or discard-
ing a dryer, always remove the door to
prevent accidental entrapment.
l Clean lint screen before or after each
load.
l Use only fabric softeners specifically
labeled as not being harmful to the dryer.
Understanding your responsibilities
l Be sure that your dryer: - is used only for jobs normally expected of
-is located in an area where the home clothes dryers.
temperature is above 45°F (7°C). -is not used by anyone unable to operate
-is properly installed in a well-ventilated it properly.
room and leveled on a floor that can l Never operate the dryer if:
support the weight.’ - it is not working right (i.e. noisy, too hot).
-is connected to the proper outlet and - it is damaged.
electrical supply.’ - parts are missing.
-is properly connected to fuel and
exhaust systems (gas dryers must be - all panels are not in place.
vented outdoors).* -the lint screen is loose, damaged or
-is not installed against draperies or missing.
curtains, or on carpet.* *See the Installation Instructions for com-
-is properly maintained, repaired and has plete information.
parts replaced by a qualified person.
4
- SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS -

Parts and Features
The parts and features of your dryer are illustrated below. Become familiar with all parts and
features before using your dryer. 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 dryer model. They are designed to
show the different features of all models covered by this book. Your model may not include all
features.
(pp. 6-e)
Model and serial
number label
@-2)
Dryer drum
@- 14)
Other doors: Other features not shown:
Full-width hamper door*
Endofcycle signal selector* (p. 11)
FINISH GUAFKP feature selector* (p. 11)
Drying rack* (p. 12)
Lint signal* (p. 13)
Drum light* (p. 14)
Mini-hamper door*
Side-swing door*
‘On some models
5
(l-6OCt2581301)
\
Lint screen
@- 13)
Wideopening
b/hamper door’
\

Operating Your Dryer
The information in this section helps you learn to use your dryer efficiently and safely. Refer
to “Laundry Tips” on page 17 for additional information on sorting, loading and drying most
types of washables.
Before starting your dryer
Before using your dryer, wipe
the dryer drum with a damp
cloth to remove dust from stor-
ing and shipping.
Your dryer may have a Dryer
Features Guide (usually
located on top of the dryer).
Remove it and place it with
your Use and Care Guide. The
Features Guide provides you with more infor-
mation about your dryer.
Starting your dryer
1. Load clothes into the dryer
and close the door.
2. Turn the Cycle Control Knob
to the desired cycle. Use the
Energy Preferred Automatic
Setting (t) to dry most loads *
(see page 7). •i
3. If your dryer has a Tempera-
ture Selector, set it to the de-
sired setting (see page 9).
Some dryer models have
either a rotary knob or
pushbutton Temperature Selector.
4. Press the Start Button.
NOTE: Your dryer stops automatically when a
cycle ends.
Stopping/restarting your dryer
You can stop your dryer anytime during a
cycle.
To stop the dryer, either:
l Cpen the dryer door.
OR
NOTE: The Cycle Control Knob shouM point
to an OFF area when the dryer is not in use.
To restart the dryer:
1. Close the door.
2. Select a new cycle and temperature (if
desired).
3. Press the Start Button.
l Turn the Cycle Control Knob
to OFF.
6

Selecting the right cycle and setting
The following pages describe the cycles on
your dryer. Refer to the charts on pages 9-10
for help in selecting drying cycles.
Drying guidelines
l Always follow care labels directions when
they are available.
l To dry delicate fabrics, rubber, plastic, and
heat-sensitive fabrics, always use the
Fluff Air cycle or dry these items on a line
or rack (see page 10).
l The last few minutes of all cycles are
without heat to make the load easier to
handle.
l To help reduce wrinkling, remove the load
from the dryer as soon as tumbling stops.
This is especially important for permanent
press, knits, and synthetic fabrii.
l Overdrying can cause shrinkage, static
cling, and damage some fabrics.
l Refer to pages 17-20 for information
about:
- sorting clothes for drying
- choosing load sizes
- drying tips
- using dryer fabric softeners
- saving energy
- drying special-care items.
Cycle descriptions
Automatic Cycle(s)
Dry most loads using
the Energy Preferred
Automatic Setting (a).
Your Automatic cycle(s)
shuts off when the
selected dryness is
reached. The Cycle
Control Knob will not
move until the load is almost dry. After the
cool-down, the Knob automatically turns to an
OFF area and tumbling stops.
l If the load is drier than you like, select a
setting closer to LESS DRY the next time
you dry a similar bad.
l If the bad is not as dry as you like, corn
plete drying using a Timed cycle. Select a
setting closer to VERY DRY the next time
you dry a similar load.
Some models offer high heat and low heat
Automatic cycles (see page 9).
NOTES:
l Some Automatic cycles use an electronic
DRY-MISER@ control that senses the
amount of moisture in the bad.
l Other Automatic cycles use an automatic
DRY-MISER control that senses the
exhaust temperature and determines the
dryness of the load.
Timed Cycle(s)
Use a Timed cycle to
complete drying if some
items are damp after
Automatic drying. Timed
drying is also useful for:
l Delicate items and
small loads that need
a short drying time.
l Bulky items and large loads that require a
long drying time.
NOTE: Some models offer high heat and low
heat Timed cycles (see page 9).
7

Fluff Air Cycle
(on some models)
The Fluff Air cycle has
no heat. Use this un-
heated cycle to fluff or
air dry bedding, plastic
tablecloths, foam pil-
lows, sneakers, etc.
See the Warning and
the chart on page 10 for more information
about the Fluff Air cycle.
NOTE: If your model does not have the
Flufl Air cycle, line dry heat-sensitive items.
Heavy Dry Cycle
(on some models)
Use Heavy Dry and a
high heat setting to dry
large items or items that
are thicker or heavier
than a regular load
(such as heavy cotton
bath sheets or robes).
Damp Dry Cycle
(on some models)
Use Damp Dry to dry
items to damp level or to
dry items that do not re-
quire an entire drying
cycle. Two examples
are heavy cottons, such
as jeans, which you do .~
not want to become stiff, or cotton clothes
which are easier to press when damp.
TUMBLE PRESS’
Cycle
(on some models)
The TUMBLE PRESS
cycle removes wrinkles
from clothes that have
been packed in a suit-
case or closet, or from
items not removed from
the dryer at the end of a cycle. As soon as the
dryer stops, fold or put the items on hangers.
FINISH GUARD@
Feature
(on some models)
When you are unable to
remove a load from the
dryer as soon as it stops,
wrinkles can form. The
FINISH GUARD feature
tumbles the load without
heat every few minutes up to 45 minutes after
the cycle ends. This tumbling rearranges and
fluffs the load to avoid wrinkles.
You do not have to set the Cycle Control
Knob for the FINISH GUARD feature. If you
do not open the dryer door within a few
minutes after the cycle stops, the FINISH
GUARD feature takes over to protect the
load.
A signal sounds every few minutes when
FINISH GUARD is running. The signal and
cycle stop when you open the dryer door.
NOTE: See page 11 if your model has a
FINISH GUARD ON/OFF selector.
Rack Dry Fea-
ture
(on some models)
You may want to dry some
items without tumbling
(such as wool sweaters,
stuffed toys, or pillows).
Use the drying rack (see
page 12) and the Rack
Dry feature for these items. Be sure to use a
bw temperature setting.
During the drying cycle, the drum turns,
but the rack does not move. Drying time
depends on the amount of moisture in the
items.
NOTES:
l Be sure to follow the instructions on page
12 for installing the drying rack in your
dryer and placing items on the rack.
l Use the chart on page 12 to determine
temperatures and drying times.
l You may use either the Timed cycle or
Fluff Air cycle for rack drying.
6

Drying cycles chart
Use the chart below to guide you when
making drying selections. The chart sug-
gests heat settings and drying times for
various loads.
NOTES:
l Use an Automatic cycle to dry most loads.
l Use a Timed cycle only if the recom-
l If some types of loads in the chart have
more than one suggested temperature
setting, choose the lowest setting avail-
able on your dryer.
l Always follow care label directions when
they are available.
mended Automatic cycle is not available.
TYPE OF LOAD AUTOMATIC CYCLE* TIMED CYCLE
(heat settings) (minutes)
High Medium** Low Ly$f, High
Low
COlTONS AND LINENS
Extra Heavy
Bedspreads, mattress pads, quilts J 70-80
Heavyweight
Towels, jeans, corduroys, work clothes /
m-60
Mediumweight
Sheets, cotton underwear, diapers
J /
40-50
Lightweight
Batistes, organdies, lingerie /
20-30
PERMANENT PRESS,
SYNTHETICS AND BLENDS
Heavyweight
Work clothes, jackets, raincoats / 40-50
Mediumweight
Shirts, play clothes, sheets, slacks J J 30-40
Lightweight
Lingerie, blouses, dresses J 20-30
KNITS
Heavyweight
Cottons, rayons, blends, T-shirts, J 40-50
slacks, shirts
Mediumweight
Synthetics (polyester, acrylic, etc.), /
30-40
dress slacks, skirts, sweaters
Lightweight
Synthetics (polyester, acrylic, etc.) and J J
20-30
blends, lingerie, blouses, dresses
DELICATES-
Sheer curtains (2 or 3 panels),
gauze, lace, etc. J J 15-20
L
*Check mark J denotes recommended heat setting. Select the setting available on
**Settings available only on dryer models with separate Temperature Selector.
+*+Fluff Air cycle (if available) or line drying is also recommended for delicate fabriis.
(See page 10.)
your dryer.
9

Fluff Air cycle or line drying
The chart below includes examples of items
that require drying without heat. Use the
Fluff Air cycle (if available on your dryer
model), or place the items on a line or rack
to air dry.
NOTES:
l Heat-sensitive fabrics should not be dried
in the dryer.
l Line dry bonded or laminated fabrics.
l Always follow care label directions when
they are available.
Fire Hazard
Do not dry heat-sensitive fabrics,
plastic, rubber, or some stuffed items
with heat. Use the Fluff Air cycle, if
available, or line dry these items on a
line or rack.
Failure to do so could result in fire or
damaged items.
TYPE OF LOAD
DELICATE FABRICS
Sheer curtains (2 or 3 panels), gauze, lace, etc.
(Use Fluff Air cycle if bw heat is not available. See page 9.)
RUBBER, PLASTIC, HEAT-SENSITIVE FABRICS
Foam Rubber-Pillows, padded bras, stuffed toys
l Make sure coverings are securely stitched.
l Shake and fluff pillows by hand several times during the
Fluff Air cycle.
l Make sure pillows are completely dry. Foam rubber pillows
take a long time to dry.
PlasticShower curtains, tablecloths
Rubber-backed rugs
Olefin, Polypropylene, Sheer nylon
COTTON AND CANVAS SHOES
l Place several bath towels in the dryer to act as a buffer, or
place shoes on a drying rack if your dryer has one.
l Remove shoes from dryer while still damp.
l Stretch shoes and allow to air dry.
‘Reset cycle as needed to complete drying.
FLUFF AIR CYCLE l
(minutes)
20-30
20-30
20-30
40-50
1O-20
30-40
10

End-of-Cycle signal
(on some models)
The dryer sounds a signal to
let you know when the cycle is
finished. The signal is helpful A
.\
when you are drying perma-
nent press, synthetics, and l!iJ
other items that should be removed from the
dryer as soon as it stops.
l On some dryers, the end-of-cycle signal is
not adjustable.
l On other dryers, the end-of-cycle signal
can be turned On or Off by a selector. The
end-of-cycle On/Off selector is part of the
Start Button on some models, and part of
the FINISH GUARD@ selector on other
models. The variius types of selectors are
described in the chart below.
Using End-of-Cycle signal and
FINISH GUARD feature
(on some models)
Your model may have any of the following:
If your dryer has the end-of-cycle signal
l Separate knob selectors for end-of-cycle
and/or FINISH GUARD feature, they may be signal and FINISH GUARD feature.
turned On or Off as shown below.
l A combination knob for both features.
NOTE: Unless you turn Off the FINISH
l CLEAN TOUCHTY pushbutton pad for
GUARD feature, it operates at the end of both features.
the cycle.

Using the drying rack
(on some models)
The drying rack lets you dry items that you
may not want to tumble. The rack does not
move, but the drum turns.
5. Select the Timed drying cycle (and
temperature if needed) or the Fluff Air
cycle (see pages 7-8).
1. Fit rear legs of the rack into
indentations in the back wall
of the dryer.
6. Press the Start Button.
2. Lower the front so the legs rest on the
dryer opening.
3. Put wet items on top of the
rack. Leave space between
the items so air can reach all
surfaces.
NOTE: Make sure nothing
hangs over the edge of the rack.
4. Close the door.
q
NOTES:
l See the chart below for suggested cycles
and settings for the different types of items
that might best be rack dried.
l The rack must be removed for normal
tumbling.
l Drying time will depend on how much
moisture the items hold. The following
chart suggests drying times.
I
RACK DRY I CYCLE
Wool sweaters Timed
(Block to shape and lay flat on the rack)
I
Stuffed toys or pillows
(Cotton or polyester fiber filled) I Timed
*Reset cycle as needed to complete drying.
LOW or EX LOW I 60
None; cycle is unheated. 90
30-40
12

Caring for Your Dryer
Proper care of your dryer can extend its life. This section explains how to care for your dryer
properly and safely.
Cleaning the lint screen
Every load cleaning
The lint screen is located under a lid on top
of the dryer. Clean it before each load. A
screen blocked by lint can increase drying
time.
To clean:
1.
2.
3.
Open the lid and pull the lint
screen straight out.
As needed cleaning
Laundry detergents and fabric softeners can
cause a residue buildup on the lint screen.
Clean the lint screen with a nylon brush
every six months or more frequently if it
becomes clogged due to a residue buildup.
Use the following method:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Roll lint off the screen with
your fingers. Do not rinse or
wash screen to remove lint.
Wet lint is hard to remove.
Push the lint screen firmly back into place
and close the lid.
IMPORTANT:
l Do not run the dryer with the lint screen
loose, damaged, blocked or missing.
Doing so can cause overheating and
damage to both the dryer and fabrics.
l Some towels made of synthetic fibers and
natural fibers (polyester and cotton blends)
may shed more lint than other towels,
causing your dryers lint screen to fill up
faster. Be sure to remove lint from the lint
screen before and after drying new towels.
Wet both sides of lint screen with hot
water.
Wet a nylon brush with hot
water and liquid detergent;
scrub lint screen with the
brush to remove residue
buildup.
Rinse screen with hot water.
Thoroughly dry lint screen with a clean
towel; replace in dryer.
Lint signal
(on some models)
The lint signal (a whistle tone)
indicates excessive lint is
present on your lint screen. A
full lint screen restricts airflow
and reduces drying efficiency.
When you hear the signal, stop the dryer
and clean the lint screen.
NOTE: Clean your lint screen before each
load. Do not wait for the lint signal.
13

Cleaning the dryer interior
Garments which contain unstable dyes,
such as denim blue jeans or brightly colored
cotton items, may discolor the dryer interior.
To clean dryer drum:
1. Make a paste with detergent and very
warm water.
2. Apply paste to a soft cloth
and scrub area until all
excess dye is removed.
li22l
3. Wipe thoroughly with a damp cloth.
4. Tumble a load of rags to dry.
Explosion Hazard
l Turn off the electrical power before
cleaning the dryer interior.
l Make sure the dryer is cool.
l Use nonflammable cleaner.
Failure to do so could result in electrical
shock or injury, fire or explosion.
Changing the drum light
(on some models)
The dryer light automatically turns on inside
the dryer drum when you open the door.
To change drum light:
1. Unplug the dryer or disconnect the
electricity leading to the dryer at the main
power supply.
2. Open the dryer door. Re-
move the light bulb cover
from the back wall of the
dryer by turning the cover
clockwise.
3. Remove the light bulb by tur
clockwise.
4. Replace the bulb with a 40-watt appliance
bulb only.
5. Replace the light bulb cover
and lock in place by turning
counterclockwise.
6. Reconnect power supply.
Electrlcal Shock and Flre Hazard
@Before removing light bulb, either
unplug the dryer or disconnect the
dryer at the main power supply.
.The bulb cover must be in place during
dryer operation to prevent overheating
and possible damage to fabrics.
Operating the dryer with the bulb
cover removed can cause the dryer to
fail or create a fire hazard.
Vacation care
1. Unplug power supply cord or turn off
electrical power supply.
2. Clean lint screen.
14

-
Removing accumulated lint
Lint can gather inside the dryer and be a fuel
for fire. Lint should be removed every 2 to 3
years, or more often, depending on dryer
usage. Cleaning should be done by a
qualified person. If you have any questions
or comments, please call our Consumer
Assistance Center at 1-800-253-l 301.
Electrical Shock Hazard
l Unplug the power supply cord or turn
off the electriial power before remov-
ing dryer panels.
For all electric dryers, or gas dryers
which have a lower front access panel
NOTE: See page 16 if your dryer is gas and
has a full front panel.
1. Unplug the power supply cord or turn off
the electrical power.
2. Remove back panel (electric) or lower
front access panel (gas). See the Installa-
tion Instructions.
3. Remove lint from shaded area in illustra-
tion with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.
Avoid damaging wires, thermostats
(electric), funnel (gas) or ignitor (gas).
4. Replace panel.
5. Reconnect and level dryer again, if
necessary.
l Make sure the dryer is cool.
l Dryer parts can have sharp edges.
Use care when handling.
l When replacing front panel after lint
removal, the wire clips holding the
door switch wires must be anchored
to top of front and side panels. Wires
MUST NOT touch rotating drum. (See
page 16, Step 7.)
Failure to do so could result in
electriil shock or personal injury.
Thermostats Heater Heat element
Electric dryer with back panel removed
I
Gas dryer with lower front access panel
removed
15

If your dryer Is gas and has a full front
panel, remove front panel as follows:
1. Unplug the power supply cord or turn off
the electrical power.
2. Open lint screen lid. Remove two screws
from lint screen area.
3. Open top by pulling forward and up at
each front corner (see View A). Rest
raised top against wall behind dryer (top
is hinged at rear).
4. Remove two internal screws from front
panel flanges (near top front corners). Lift
front panel slightly, lifting off lower clips
(see lower clip inset of View B). Slowly
pull front panel forward, disengaging
panel from drum. (Drum will drop slightly.)
5. Move front panel aside and rest edge
against side of dryer. Avoid disconnecting
wire clips (see wire clips inset of View B)
or damaging wires.
6. Remove lint from area shown in “gas
dryer” illustration on page 15 with soft
brush or vacuum cleaner. Avoid damag-
ing wires, funnel or ignitor.
7. Reassemble in reverse order. Before
closing the top, check the following:
-Drum seal must be flared out (see
drum seal insets of View B) and prop-
erly positioned against panel at back of
drum. Rotate drum counterclockwise
one full turn to check drum seal.
-Belt should be centered and tight on
dryer drum.
-Wire clips which hold the door switch
wires must be anchored in slot in top
of front panel (see wire clips inset of
View B) and along top edge of side
panel. Door wires must not touch drum
when dryer is operating. See Warning,
page 15.
8. Replace top panel and lint screen screws.
Top and front panels must be securely in
place before operating dryer.
9. Reconnect power and level dryer again
(if necessary).
Remove screws
before opening top
” View A
View B
For more information, call our
Consumer Assistance Center
24 hours a day.
1-800-253-1301
16

Laundry Tips
This section provides information on preparing clothes for drying, drying guidelines, and
instructions for drying special-care items.
NOTES:
l Refer to your washer Use and Care Guide for proper washing techniques and additional
laundry tips.
l See pages 3 and 4 of this book for Important Safety Information.
Sorting clothes
l Separate dark from light a
ltci
l Separate lint givers (towels, chenille) from
colors; colorfast from non- lint takers (corduroy, synthetics, perma-
colorfast. Items properly nent press). When possible, turn lint takers
sorted for washing are inside out.
usually properly sorted for
drying.
l Separate heavy fabrics (denim, towels)
from light fabrics (synthetics, permanent
press).
Choosing load sizes
l Mix large items with smaller
items. Load the dryer by the
amount of space items take
up, not by their weight. Do
not overload the dryer. Over-
l For better tumbling action, when drying
only a few small items, add one or two
lint-free towels. This also prevents small,
lightweight items from blocking airflow.
crowding causes uneven drying and
wrinkling, and can cause items to wear out
faster (because of pilling).
l You may need to rearrange large items
(sheets, blankets, tablecloths) during a
cycle to reduce balling or rolling up.
Drying tips
l Close zippers, snaps, and
hooks to avoid snagging
other items. Remove heat-
sensitive trim that can be
damaged by drying. Tie
strings and sashes so they will not tangle.
l Check garments to make sure all spots
and stains were removed during the wash.
Do not tumble dry soiled or stained items.
Heat may permanently set stains.
l Sharp or metal objects can
damage your dryer. Check
pockets for pins, clips,
money, bolts, nuts, etc. Do
not lay these objects on
your dryer after emptying
pockets. Turn pockets inside out.
l Place small items such as baby socks or
hankies in a mesh bag for easier removal.
l Articles to be ironed should be removed
from the dryer while still damp.
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Using dryer fabric softeners
Dryer fabric softeners are recommended for
reducing static cling and for softening
fabrics. Always follow package instructions
carefully.
l Put one fabric softener sheet
on top of the load before start-
ing the dryer. Do not add a
fabric softener sheet after the
cycle has started. Instant heat
can cause the fabric softener to
spot fabrics.
l Remove fabric softener stains by wetting
the stains and rubbing them with liquid
detergent or bar soap and rewash.
l Some fabric softeners can clog the lint
screen and slow drying. Use fabric soften-
ers labeled as dryer safe.
Saving energy
l Use an Automatic cycle to dry most loads.
l Dry only full loads without overdrying.
l Avoid overloading dryer, adding wet items
to a partly dried load, or opening the door
unnecessarily.
l Plan your laundry to dry one load after
another. A warm dryer shortens drying
time.
l Shorten drying times by exhausting dryer
properly and cleaning exhaust duct and
outside exhaust hood as needed.
-Keep the lint screen clean.
-Use your dryer in a room where room air
temperature is above 45°F (7°C).
-Sort loads by fabric weight and type.
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Drying special-care items
Most garments and household textiles have manufacturer’s care labels with laundering
instructions. Always follow care label directions when they are available. Pages 9 and 10
include drying instructions for most types of washables. The chart below provides drying
instructions for special-care washables.
ITEMS DRYING INSTRUCTIONS
Blankets and
Machine drying knitted woolens is not recommended. Block to shape
woolens
when wet and allow to air dry. Line dry blankets in shade on a
breezy day over two lines. Pin edges together and straighten them.
When partly dry, turn the blanket over, repin and restraighten. When
dry, brush nap.
l Cotton, rayon, Dry as recommended for permanent press fabrics on page 9.
synthetic blankets
l Electric blankets, If manufacturer recommends machine drying:
electric sheets,
woolen blankets, 1. Place one or two dry towels in the dryer and preheat 3-5 minutes
washable woolen on a high setting. This will dry blankets faster and help avoid
garments pilling.
2. Put blanket in dryer with warm towels. Set control for 20 minutes.
3. Check after 10 minutes. Remove when still damp. Overdrying and
long tumbling can cause shrinking and pilling.
4. Place blanket on flat surface or over two lines to finish drying.
Gently stretch to original size and shape.
5. When completely dry, brush gently to raise nap. Press binding
with cool iron if needed.
Curtains,
slipcovers
l Draperies,
slipcovers
Remove drapery weights and hooks before laundering.
For slipcovers, replace while still slightly damp. They will dry to fii
tightly.
Dry only a few minutes.
1. Leave room in dryer for load to fluff.
2. Remove from dryer while slightly damp. Do not overdry.
Diapers, baby
clothes
Wash and dry small items in a mesh bag or pillowcase for
convenient handling.
Remove diapers and cotton knit items while still slightly damp. They
will feel softer, shrink less, and be easier to fold.
Elastic items
Flame-retardant
finishes
Remove from dryer while still slightly damp.
Some items have been treated with a flame-retardant finish to
improve their resistance to burning. Such items are clearly labeled.
To retain flame-retardant qualities through continuous use and
washing, clean and dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
continued on next page
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ITEMS
Napped items
l Corduroy,
velveteen
Quilted, down-
filled items
DRYING INSTRUCTIONS
Dry separately or with similar colors to avoid lint transfer. Follow care
label instructions.
1. Remove from dryer while there is still a trace of moisture.
2. Smooth, reshape and air dry before putting away.
Follow care label instructions.
1. Dry one at a time.
2. Remove from dryer and shake or fluff the item during the drying
cycle.
Snowsuits,
jackets
3. Smooth and reshape before putting away.
Check label for fiber content, then follow care label instructions.
l Nylon or
polyester
1. Dry garment for about 10 minutes. Remove and turn inside out.
Dry for 10 more minutes.
2. Remove from dryer immediately and hang on a nonrusting hanger
to finish drying. This will help eliminate wrinkles.
Tinted, dyed or
Dry according to fabric, weight and care label instructions. Wipe the
noncolorfast
dryer drum carefully to remove any dye or lint that can be transferred
items
to other loads. See “Cleaning the dryer interior” on page 14.
Washable knits Do not overdry knits. Cverdrying can cause shrinking and static cling.
1. Select cycle according to fabric and construction.
2. Turn synthetics and blends inside out when drying to avoid pilling.
3. Remove cotton and rayon knits while still slightly damp. Stretch into
shape and lay flat to finish drying.
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