Whirlpool ET12PC User manual

CYCLE DEFROST
REFRIGERATOR-
FREEZER
Model ET12PC
irs. freezers. Refrigerator-Freezers. Ice Makers. Dishwashers. Built-In Ovens and Surface Units. Ranges. Microwave Ovens. Trash Compactors, Room Air Conditioners. Oehumidlll

Please read this
Use and Care Guide
before you do anything else...
This booklet tells you how to start your refrig-
erator, clean it, move shelves and adjust con-
trols. It even tells you what new sounds to expect
from your refrigerator.
Treat your new refrigerator with care. Use it
only to do what home refrigerators are de-
signed to do.
Parts and features
Ice Cube
Trays
Control
Crisper v
Levelling I
i\\
Juice Can Rack
Egg Nest
- Butter Compartment
- Stationary Shelves
- Adjustable Shelves
Serial Number Plate
Copy your Model and Serial Numbers here.. .
When you need service or call with a question.
have this Information ready: Model Number
1. Complete Model and Serial Numbers (from the
plaie located as shown). Serial Number
2. Purchase date from sales slip, Purchase Date
Copy this information in these spaces. Keep this
book, your warranty and sales slip together in o
handy place, Service Company and Telephone Number

Contents
BEFORE YOU PLUG IT IN
Install Properly
Level Refrigerator-Freezer
Remove Sales Labels
Clean It
Plugltln .,..., ,., ..,,,, ,.
USING YOUR REFRIGERATOR
Setting the Controls
Power Saving Control
Adjusting the Shelves
Removing the Crisper and Crisper
Cover ..,.., .., ., ., ..,
Ice Cube Trays
Page
3
6
6
Page
Sounds You May Hear, 6
Energy Saving Tips 6
CLEANING YOUR REFRIGERATOR 7
Defrosting the Freezer, 7
Cleaning Chart 8
FOOD STORAGE GUIDE 9
Storing Fresh Food 9
Storing Frozen Food 10
VACATION AND MOVING CARE 10
IF YOU NEED SERVICE OR ASSISTANCE 11
I, Before Calling for Assistance 11
2. If You Need Assistance I?
3. If You Need Service 11
4. If You Have a Problem i 1
Before you plug it in
IMPORTANT
Before using your refrigerator, you are personally
responsible for making sure that it.,
l is installed and leveled on a floor that will hold
the weight, and in an area suitable for its size
and use.
l is connected only to the right kind of outlet, with
the right electric supply and grounding.
l is used only for jobs expected of home
refrigerators.
l is not near an oven, radiator cr other heat source.
l is properly maintained.
l is out of the weather.
l is used in an area where the room temperature
will not fall below 55” F (13” C).
l is not run where there are explosive fumes.
l is not used by children or others who may not
understand how it should be used.
l is not loaded with food before it has time to get
properly cold.
3

Install properly.. .
1. Allow 3 inches (7.5 cm] between overhead cab-1. Allow 3 inches (7.5 cm] between overhead cab-
inets and the refrigerator top.inets and the refrigerator top.
2.2. Allow at least an inch (2.5 cm) between the refrig-Allow at least an inch (2.5 cm) between the refrig-
erator condenser and the wall.erator condenser and the wall.
3. Allow l/2 inch (1.25 cm) on each side of the re-3. Allow l/2 inch (1.25 cm) on each side of the re-
frigerator for ease of installation.frigerator for ease of installation.
4.4. Ifthe refrigerator isto be against a wall, you mightIfthe refrigerator isto be against a wall, you might
want to leave enough space so the door can bewant to leave enough space so the door can be
opened wider.opened wider.
Level refrigerator-freezer...
I. Keep the 4 bolts that hold refrigerator and shipping
crate. They are the levelling legs.
2. Screw these bolts all the way into bolt holes at the
bottom corners of refrigerator.
3. Adjust each leg until the refrigerator won’t rock.
Slide refrigerator into place.
4. Adjust front legs to level the refrigerator
-To raise corners, turn legs clockwise.
-To lower corners, turn legs counterclockwise.
5. Check with level.
Remove sales labels.. .
Remove the Consumer Buy Guide label and other
insrde labels before using the refrigerator. Any glue
left can be taken off with rubbing alcohol.
NOTE: DO NOT REMOVE ANY PERMANENT IN-
STRUCTION LABELS INSIDE YOUR REFRIGERATOR.
Do not remove the Tech Sheet fastened under the
refrigerator at the front.
Clean it.. .
Clean your refrigerator before using it. See clean-
ing instructions on page 7.
Plug it in...
grounding type
wall receptacle
Refrigerator
Power Cord
RECOMMENDED GROUNDING METHOD
A 115 Volt, 60 Hz., AC only, 15 or 20 ampere fused
electrical supply is required. It is recommended that
a separate circuit serving only this appliance
be provided.
Do not use an extension cord. Use a receptacle
which cannot be turned off with a switch or pull
chain. See individual electrical requirements and
grounding instruction sheet in your literature
package.
4

Using your refrigerator
- Temperature Control
Power Saving Control Light Switch
Setting the control...
The Temperature Control for the refrigerator and
freezer isin the refrigerator in the top right hand corner. Glve the retrlgerator time to cool down com-
When the refrigerator is plugged in for the first time: pletely before addlng food. (This may take several
hours.)
l Set the TEMPERATURE
CONTROL to 3.
lhls sefflng should be about right for normal
household refrigerator usage.
The control will be set about right when milk or juice
is as cold as you like and when ice cream is firm.
Power Saving Control.. . 1. Use the “OFF” set-
ting when humidity
The Power Saving Control on the Control Cor-
sole operates electric heaters around the door
openings. These heaters help keep moisture from
forming on the outside of the refrigerator.
ISlow.
2. Use the “ON” setting
if moisture forms
on the outside of the
refrigerator.
Changing the light bulb.. .
Unplug the refrigerator first.
I. Reach behind control console to find bulb,
2. Remove bulb.
3. Replace with a 40-watt appliance bulb.
Adjusting the shelves.. .
1, First, remove food from shelf.
2. Slide shelf straight out to stop.
3. Lift front.
4. Slide the rest of the way out.
Replacing Shelf:
1. Fit back of shelf on top of guides with wire stops
on the bottom of guides.
2. Lift front, slide shelf in until it clears guide stops. Shelt Guide
5

Removing crisper and crisper
cover...
Removing Crisper:
l Slide crisper straight out.
Remove Cover: Lift the Back, \
1 Lift back, then slide to the rear Then Slide to the
until the front can be lifted. Rear and Lift Out.
2. Lift cover up and out.
Replacing Cover:
I. Slide the front cover tabs into
the back of the front supports on
the refrigerator wall.
2. Lower back into place.
Pull Straight Out.
Ice cube trays.. .
If cubes are not used, they may shrink. The moving
lo remove ice:
I. Hold tray at both ends.
2. Slightly twist.
cold air starts a slow evaporation. The longer cubes
are stored, the smaller they get.
Sounds you may hear...
Your new refrigerator may make sounds that your old one didn’t.
Because the sounds are new to you. you might be concerned about
them. Don’t be. Most of the new sounds are normal. Hard surfaces like
the floor, walls and cabinets can make the sounds seem louder.
The following chart describes the kinds of sounds that might be new
to you. and what may be making them.
-------.--. .__-._-_ I-..__- _- .- __._,i_._ “_
Possible Sounds: Probable Causes:
l Water Sounds: When the refrigerator stops running, you may hear gurgling in the tubing for a
few minutes after it stops. You may also hear defrost water running into the
defrost water pan.
-.y---c-Is-- .,- __-.11*_-1 I~--- -I ---- -,...--
l Running Sounds: Your refrigerator has a high-efficiency compressor and motor. It will run longer
than older designs. It may even seem to run most of the time.
--- ____~_I ._.-._ I_-*-.- -.. --...--__- -. IS ----
Energy saving tips.. .
You can help your refrigerator use less electricity.
l Check door gaskets for a tight seal. Level the cab-
inet to be sure of a good seal.
l Clean the condenser coil regularly.
l Open the door as few times as possible. Think
about what you need before you open the door.
Get everything out at one time. Keep foods orga-
nized so you won’t have to search for what you
want. Close door as soon as food is removed.
l Go ahead and fitI up the refrigerator, but don’t
overcrowd it so air movement is blocked.
l It is a waste of electricity to set the refrigerator and
freezer to temperatures colder than they need to
be. If ice cream is firm in the freezer and drinks are
as cold as your family likes them, that’s cold
enough.
l Keep the Power Saving Control on OFF unless
moisture forms on the refrigerator exterior.
l Make sure your refrigerator is not next to a heat
source such as a range, water heater, furnace,
radiator, or in direct sunlight.
6

Cleaning your refrigerator
There is a cold plate on the back wall at the top of
the refrigerator section. When the refrigerator motor
runs, frost collects on the cold plate. When the motor
turns off, the frost melts.
The refrigerator section defrosts automatically. The
freezer section needs defrosting from time to time.
Both sections should be cleaned about once a month
to help prevent odors from building up. Of course,
spills should be wiped up right away
To clean your refrigerator, turn the Temperature
Control to “OFF” unplug it, take out all removable
parts. and clean it according to the following direc-
tions and chart
Drain Cap Openings.
Water from this melt-
ed frost drips into a
drain trough just below
the cold plate. Then it
runs down the back
wall and through the
drain just above the
crisper. The drain leads
to a defrost water pan
on the top of the re-
frigerator motor. Heat
from the motor evapo-
rates the water
If the drain becomes
clogged, force warm
water mixed with bak-
ing soda through the
drain until the water
flows freely.
Defrosting the freezer...
The freezer section should be defrosted whenever
frost builds up to a l/d-inch (6 mm) thickness. DO NOT
USE ANY TYPE OF ELECTRIC DEFROSTER OR SHARP
UTENSILS(ICE PICK, KNIFE, ETC.) to speed defrosting.
These can cause damage.
,Defrost Drain
Put Pan ot Hoi
in Freezer to S
Melting.
‘Water
ipeed
Put pan in Refrigerator
to Catch Defrost Water.
I, Put empty pan in the refrigerator on the top shelf in
the center
2. Move frozen food and ice to the refrigerator
section.
3. Turn the Temperature Control to “OFF.”
4. Close the refrigerator door Leave the freezer door
open
5. Put a pan of hot water in the center of the freezer
This helps melt the frost. Don’t place pan over drain
hole in center of freezer.
6. Defrost water will drain through drain hole into the
pan you put in the refrigerator section. You may
have to melt frost from the drain hold by pouring a
little hot water around it.
7. Wash the inside of the freezer with a solution of 2
tablespoons (30 mg) of baking soda and one
quart (1L) warm water Rinse well and dry
8. Remove the pan of defrost water from the refrigera-
tor; put frozen food and ice back into freezer.
9. Reset the Temperature Control
7

Cleaning chart...
Part What to use
.-----m--x ~“_u -_lsl.- _-_._ -.-.._.-
Removable parts Mild detergent and
[shelves, crisper] warm water.
----...- .--I-C-_I_ ---,--, I
Outside Sponge, cloth or paper
towel; mild detergent;
appliance wax [or good
auto paste wax].
_ , __. II ,_
How to clean
-D.~YII--~--~ I- _-. --...11. ._ n
l Wash removable parts with warm water
and a mild detergent.
l Rinse and dry
-..Y_lei-- .I_-_II_a-v_-.-,ay..T ..
l Wash with warm water and a mild de-
tergent Do not use abrasive or harsh
cleansers.
l Rinse and dry
l Wax painted metal surfaces at least
twice a year with appliance wax or a
good auto paste wax. Apply wax with
a clean, soft cloth. Do not use wax
on plastic parts.
Waxing p alnted
,- metal surfaces provides rustprotection.
--. --- - ._-
Inside walls [Freezer Sponge, soft cloth or
l Wash with warm water and
should be allowed to paper towel, baking -mild detergent or
warm up so cloth won’t soda, warm water, mild -baking soda (2 tablespoons [26 g] to
stick.) detergent. 1quart [.95 I) warm water
l Rinse and dry
----- -~.)____ _--_ id_.__,.-.-.- -------..I-~ ..-PI
Door liners and gaskets Sponge, soft cloth or
l Wash with mild detergent and warm
paper towel; mild water
detergent, warm water.
l Rinse and dry
DO NOT USE Cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents,
bleaches or cleansers containing petroleum on plastic parts.
--, .,- II-.,-._-_I--,- -_. __,.
Dark plastics Mild detergent and
l Wash with a soft grit-free cloth or
(covers and panels] warm water; soft, clean sponge.
sponge and soft, clean
l Rinse and dry with a damp grit-free
cloth. cloth or chamois.
DO NOT USE paper towels, window sprays, scouring cleansers,
or flammable or toxic solvents like acetone, gasoline, carbon
tetrachlortde, etc. These can scratch or damage the material.
Defrost pan
[behind refrigerator
on top of the motor]
Sponge, cloth or
paper towel; warm
water and mild
detergent.
l Slide refrigerator out away from wall.
l Wash defrost pan with warm water
and mild detergent. Do not remove
defrost pan to clean.
l Rinse and dry
l Make sure defrost drain tube points
into pan.
l Slide refrigerator back into place.
Condenser coils Use vacuum cleaner
with brush attachment.
l Clean dust and lint from condenser
coils behind the refrigerator at least
every other month.
Floor under refrigerator Usual floor cleansers
l Slide refrigerator out away from wall.
l Wash floor
l Slide refrigerator back into place.
l Check to see if refrigerator is level.
8

There IS a right way to package and store refrlg-
erated or frozen foods To keep foods fresher, longer.
take the trme to study these recommended steps.
Leafy Vegetables
Remove store wrapping Trim
or tear off brursed and discolored areas Wash In
cool water, drain and store In crrsper Cold, most arr
helps keep leafy vegetables fresh and crisp
Vegetables with Skins (carrots, peppers) Store
In crisper. plastic bags or plastic contarner
Fruits .Wash, let dry and store In refrigerator in
plastic bags or crrsper Do not wash or hull berries
until they are ready to use Sort and keep berrres In
therr store contatner In o crisper, or store In a loosely
closed paper bag on o refrigerator shelf
Meat,
Meat is perrshable and expensrve
you won’t want to waste an ounce of It through care-
less handling. The following list and chart give you
packaging hints and time limits
Fresh, Prepackaged Meat. Store fresh meat In
the store wrapping Vacuum pockoged meat can
be frozen for as long as one month of the seal IS not
broken If you want to keep It frozen longer, you
should wrap It wtth spectal freezer wrapping material
Fresh Meat, Not Prepackaged. Remove the
market wrapping paper and re-wrop loosely rn
waxed paper or alumrnum foil for storing It unfrozen
Cooked Meat. Wrap or cover cooked meat with
waxed paper, plastrc wrap or aluminum foil Store
rmmediately
Cured or Smoked Meat and Cold Cuts. Ham
bacon, sousoge. cold cuts, etc keep best in orlgl
nol wrappings Once opened, trghtly re-wrap II
plastrc wrap or alumrnum forI
Canned Ham. Store In refrrgerator unless the lc
bel soys It’s okay to store on the shelf Do not freeze
Fresh Pouttry Loosely wrap rn waxed poper c
plastic wrap The plastic wrap on poultry, as pur
chased, may be used for storage
STORAGECHARTFORFRESHAND CUREDMEAT*
We Approximate Time
Wwl
Variety Meats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 to 2
Chicken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 to2
Ground Beef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 to 2
Steaks and Roasts . , . . . . . . ._.. . . . . . 3 to 5
Cured M&ats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 to 10
Bacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5to7
Cold Cuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 to 5
*If meat is to be stored longer than the times given,
follow the directions for freezing.
NOTE: Fresh fish and shellfish should be used tht
same day as purchased
Eggs Store without washing in the origlnc
carton or use the egg nest in the door of yoc
refrraerator.
Milk Wipe milk cartons For best storage. PfOC
milk on lnterlor shelf
Beverages Wipe bottles and cans Store on
door shelf or InsIde the refrigerator
Butter
Keep opened butter In covered dish or
the Butter Compartment When storrng an extra sul:
ply, wrap In freezer packaging and freeze
Cheese .Store in the orrginal wrapping un’
you are ready to use it. Once opened, re-wra
tightly In plastic wrap or alumrnum fori.
Condlments Store small jars and bottles (ca
sup, mustard, jelly, oltves] on the door shelves wher
they are in easy reach
leftovers Cover leftovers with plastrc wrap (
alumrnum fotl to keep food from drying out on
transferring food odors Plostrc contaners with tigt
IIds are fine. too

1
STORING FROZEN FOOD
The freezer section IS designed for storage of corn
merclclly frozen foods and for freezing foods at
home
Packaging -The secret of successful freezing IS
In the packaging The wrap you use must be olr.
moisture and vapor proof The way you close and
seal the package must not allow air, moisture or
vapors in or out
RIgId polyethylene (plastic) containers with tight-
flttlng lids, straight-sided cannrng freezing tars.
heavy-dutv alumrnum forI plostrc-coated paper and
non-permeable plastic wraps (such as saron) are
recommended Note Heat-sealed boiling bags are
easy to use and can be used by themselves or OS
carton liners
IMPORTANT: Do not expect your freezer to quick-
freeze any large quantity of food. leave enough
space for air to circulate around packages. Be
careful to leave enough room at the front so the
door can close tlghtiy.
ice Cream
Store In the freezer Once the pock-
age IS opened, place a prece of olumrnum fol or
waxed paper smoothly against the ice cream sur-
face This WIII prevent Ice crystois from forrrrng
Packaged Frozen Food
Store on freezer door
shelf or in the freezer. If you plan to store it for o long
time, re-wrap It with aluminum foil or plastic wrap
Frozen Meats The followlng hints will help
keep the quality in your frozen meats
1. Freeze meat while fresh and In top condltlon.
2. Use only recommendea wrapping materials
3. Prepare the meat for freezlng before wrap-
ping It Trim off excess fat and remove bones
when practical Meat should not be salted
because salt shortens freezer life
4. Wrap tightly. pressing out as much arr as
possrble
5. Label and date It
6. Refreezing tbowed meat 8snot recommended
Frozen Soups, Juices
Store on freezer door
shelf or in the freezer
STORAGECHARTFORFROZENFOOD
Storage times given in this chart are only a
guide. For best use of freezer space, keep fro-
zen foods for short times. Use, then replace as
needed.
Bread .......................... 2 months
Cooked Dishes ............... 2-3 months
Fish and Seafoods
Fresh ......................... 6months
Commercially Frozen ...... l-3 months
Fruits ........................... 6months
ice Cream ....................... 1 month
Concentrated Juice .......... 4-6 months
Meats
Bacon ................ Less than 1 month
Pork roasts, chops .......... 3-4 months
Sausage .................... 1-2 months
Beef, veal. iamb roasts ....... 6 months
Ground meat ................ 1-2 months
Poultry ..................... 3-4 months
Vegetables .................... 6months
-Courtesy of NotIona Live Stock and Meat Board
Courtesy of U S D A
Vacation and moving care
Short vacations...
Unplug the refrigerator and clean It rinse well
No need to shut off the refrrgerator rf you will be and dry. Tape rubber or wood blocks to both
away for less than four weeks. Use up perishables; doors ..keeping them open far enough for arr to get
freeze other Items in. This will keep odor and mold from building up
Long vacations... Tape the blocks out of a child’s reach...do not
Remove all the food ofyou are going for a month or
allow children near the refrigerator when the
more
doors are blocked open.
10