Whirlpool LA6098XT User manual

Use&Care Guide
Extra rinse switch
Cycle control knob Model and serial
Fabric softener
Bleach dispenser
MAGIC CLEAN”
lint filter
(not shown)
SUPERCAPACITYVARIABLETHREESPEED
AUTOMATICWASHER
LA6098XT LA6888XT LA7088XT

Contents
Page
Important Safety Instructions _,_,_ 3
Operating Instructions .._..._......_
4
Starting your washer . ...._...,,,_,_, 4-5
What happens in each cycle ,.._... 5-9
Other Operating Instructions __.._. 10
Rinse and spin . . . . ..._......... 10
Extra rinse option __._...._..._._,,.._,_.IO
Drain and spin ._._._.._..._._,._._._,,,,_,
IO
Soak or pre-wash cycle .,,,,.,,,_,,,, 11
Liquid bleach dispenser .._,_,_,,,,_,_ 11
Liquid fabric softener
dispenser _.._..............._,,,_,_,,.._. 12
MAGIC CLEAN” lint filter ,_._._.__._.
12
If You Need Service Or
Assistance. .,.,_.._._...._.._._._,_...._._.. 13
Thank you for buying a Whirlpool
appliance. Please complete and mail
the Owner Registration Card provided
with this product. Then complete the
form below. Have this information ready
if you need service or call with a
question.
l Copy model and serial numbers from
plate (under lid near hinge) and the
purchase date from the sales slip.
. Keep this book, the Laundry Guide
and the sales slip together in a handy
place.
Whirlpool Automatic
Washer Warranty . . . .._.._._... 16
Model Number
01990 Whirlpool Corporation
Serial Number
Purchase Date
Service Company Phone Number
If your washer has a Consumer Buy
Guide label, remove it. It will be easier
to remove before the washer is used.
To remove any remaining glue:
l Rub briskly with thumb to make a ball,
then remove.
or
. Soak area with liquid hand dishwash-
ing detergent before removing glue as
described above.
Do not use sharp instruments, rubbing
alcohol, flammable fluids or abrasive
cleaners. These can damage the finish.
See “Important Safety Instructions” on
page 3.

ImportantSafetyInstructions
injury to persons when using your washer, follow
basic precautions, including the following:
l Read all instructions before give off vapors that can create a
using the washer. FIRE HAZARD or EXPLOSION.
l NEVER wash items cleaned, . If hot water has not been used
washed, soaked in or spotted with recently (usually 2 weeks or longer),
wax, paint, gasoline, or in flam- hydrogen gases may build up in the
mable fluids in the washer. The water heater and the hot water
fumes can create a FIRE HAZARD pipes. HYDROGEN GAS IS
or EXPLOSION. ALWAYS hand EXPLOSIVE. To prevent injury or
launder and air dry fabrics contain- damage, before using your washer,
ing these materials. turn on all hot water faucets and
l NEVER allow children to operate, allow water to run for several
play with, or crawl inside the minutes. This will allow gases to
washer. Close supervision of escape. DO NOT smoke or use any
children is necessary when the open flame near the faucet while it is
washer is used near children. open.
l When discarding an old washer,
l You are responsible for making
ALWAYS remove the lid to prevent sure that your washer:
accidental entrapment. -is installed, repaired, and has parts
l NEVER put your hands into the replaced by a qualified person.
washer until all motion stops. If the -is properly installed and leveled on
lid is opened while the basket is a floor that can support the weight.*
spinning, the basket will automati- -is connected to the right kind of
tally stop in a few seconds. outlet, electric supply, water supply
l DO NOT tamper with controls. and drain.*
l NEVER use or store flammable -is properly grounded.’
fluids (dry-cleaning solvents, -is properly maintained.’
kerosene) in or near your washer. -is protected from the weather and
DO NOT add flammable fluids to kept where the temperature will not
the wash water. These substances fall below freezing.
‘See the Installation Instructions.
-SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS-
Additional safety instructions and your responsibilities
l ALWAYS store detergent, laundry
aids and other materials in a cool, dry
place where children can’t reach
l ALWAYS unplug the power supply
cord before attempting to service the
washer.
them-in a locked cabinet if possible.
l ALWAYS read and follow instructions
on packages of detergents and
laundry aids-especially warnings and
precautions.
l DO NOT machine wash glass fiber ma-
terials. Small particles can stick to
fabrics washed in following loads and
cause skin irritation.
l HAZARDOUS FUMES can be formed
if chlorine bleach ISused in the same
wash as ammonia or acids such as
vinegar or rust remover.
l You are responsible for making sure
that your washer:
- is used only for jobs normally ex-
pected of home automatic washers.
- is not run by children or anyone
unable to operate it properly. 3

OperatingInstructions
The drawings in this book may vary slightly from your washer model. They are
designed to show the different features of all the models covered by this book.
NOTE: Your model may not include all the features shown.
Starting your washer
Be sure to measure and add detergent, then place a sorted load in the washer
before starting it.
1. Select a load size
l Position the Load Size Selector at the
setting that describes the size of load
you want to wash.
. The selector can be set anywhere on
or between EX SMALL (a few small
items) and EX LARGE (a full load).
l To change the water level after the
washer has started to fill, turn the
selector to RESET, then to the
desired water level.
NOTE: For best washing results, items
should move freely in the washer. Do
not overload the washer or choose a
water level that is too low for your wash
load.
For best results with permanent press
clothes, use the EX LARGE water level.
Reduce wash time when using EX
SMALL or SMALL water level settings.
Loads with only a few small items need
less wash time for best results.
2. Select water temperature
. Match the water temperalure to the
type of fabric and soils being washed.
l The top temperature is the wash
selection and the bottom temperature
is the rinse selection.
NOTE: Use warm wash water with the
PERMANENT PRESS or KNITS/
GENTLE Cycles.
For heavily soiled permanent press or
knit clothes, pre-wash or pre-soak
before washing in warm water.
ALWAYS use cold rinse water for
permanent press fabrics.

3. Select cycle and wash time
Start the washer
l Push in the Cycle Control Knob and
turn it to the right.
. Stop on the number in the wash cycle
you want. The numbers are minutes
of wash time.
. Start the washer by pulling out the
Cycle Control Knob. The washer will
fill to the selected water level with the
selected wash water temperature.
After filling, the washer will agitate for
the selected number of minutes.
. To stop the washer at any time, push
in the Cycle Control Knob. To restart
the washer, pull out the Cycle Control
Knob.
What happens in each cycle
Each cycle has different agitation and
spin speeds designed for different kinds
of fabrics.
Numbers on the dial in each cycle are
the minutes of wash agitation time.
When the Cycle Control Knob is set
to a number and pulled out, the washer
fills before agitation and timing starts.
After agitation starts, the knob turns
clockwise until it points to OFF and the
cycle ends.
Gentle Wash System
For better fabric care in the REGULAR
and PERMANENT PRESS Cycles, the
agitation speed is reduced during the
last few minutes of wash agitation time.
NOTE: You may hear the sound of
water spraying during the spin parts of
some cycles. In some cycles, water is
sprayed on the spinning load to help
with the rinsing.
The washer will pause briefly
throughout each cycle. These pauses
are normal. They allow for the reversing
of the motor, normal washer operation
and the cool-down portion of the
PERMANENT PRESS Cycle.
5

Operating Instructions
Continued
Regular/Heavy Cycle
A cycle for sturdily constructed fabrics
that are heavily soiled.
Regular/Normal Cycle
A cycle for regular loads of fabrics that
are moderately soiled.
FILL to Selected Level
WASH 6 Minutes High Speed
FILL to Selected Level
-
WASH 4 Minutes High Speed
WASH 6 Minutes Low Speed
DRAIN No Agitation
WASH 6 Minutes Low Speed
DRAIN No Agitation
SPIN High Speed
FILL for Deep Rinse
RINSE High Speed
I
SPIN High Speed
FILL for Deep Rinse
RINSE High Speed
DRAIN No Agitation DRAIN No Agitation
SPIN High Speed, Spray Rinse
SPIN High Speed, Spray Rinse
The washer will proceed to Extra
Rinse, if selected. See page 10.
The washer will proceed to Extra
Rinse, if selected. See page 10.

A cycle designed for moderately soiled
permanent press and some synthetic
fabrics. The cool-down rinse helps keep
wrinkles from setting into these items.
Permanent Press/Normal Cycle Permanent Press/Light Cycle
A cycle designed for lightly soiled per-
manent press and some synthetic fab-
rics. The cool-down rinse helps keep
wrinkles from setting into these items.
FILL to Selected Level
WASH 4 Minutes Low Speed
WASH 2 Minutes Ex Low Speed
PARTIAL DRAIN (Pause)
REFILL COOL-DOWN
WASH Low Speed
DRAIN No Agitation
SPIN Low Speed
FILL for Deep Rinse
RINSE High Speed
DRAIN No Agitation
SPIN Low Speed, Spray Rinse
7

Operating Instructions
Continued
Knits Gentle/Normal Cycle
A cycle that gently washes and spins
moderately soiled delicate items and
washable knits.
Knits Gentle/Light Cycle
A cycle that gently washes and spins
lightly soiled delicate items and
washable knits.
FILL to Selected Level
WASH 2 Minutes Low Speed I
WASH 6 Minutes Ex Low Speed
FILL to Selected Level
WASH 6 Minutes Ex Low Speed
DRAIN No Agitation
DRAIN No Agitation SPIN Low Speed
SPIN Low Speed -
FILL for Deep Rinse
RINSE Low Speed
FILL for Deep Rinse
RINSE Low Speed
DRAIN No Agitation
DRAIN No Agitation
SPIN Low Speed, Spray Rinse

Soak or Pre-Wash Cycles
Brief periods of agitation and soak time
help remove heavy soils and certain
stains that need extra pretreatment.
Use recommended amount of
detergent or pre-soak additive. The
SOAK Cycle should always be followed
by a wash cycle.
Super Wash Cycle
Use for washing heavily soiled loads
that require maximum soil removal.
Double the amount of detergent
recommended when using the SUPER
WASH Cycle.
FILL to Selected Level
WASH 2 Minutes High Speed
SOAK 8 Minutes No Agitation
DRAIN No Agitation
SPIN High Speed
WASHER STOPS Select Wash Cycle
FILL to Selected Level I
WASH 4 Minutes High Speed
PARTIAL DRAIN No Agitation
REFILL to Selected Level
After the partial drain, the washer
automatically refills and goes into the
REGULAR/HEAVY Cycle. Be sure to
use enough detergent for the double
wash.
NOTE: The pre-wash setting starts the
washer at the second wash period.
Special care is needed when soaking
or pre-washing laundry. See the Laundry
Guide for proper use of this cycle.

OtherOperatingInstructions
washer will fill to selected level,
agitate 2 minutes, drain and spin
Extrarinse option
You can automatically add an extra
rinse and spin to the REGULAR Cycle,
using the extra rinse option.
. Flip the Extra Rinse switch to the ON
position before the REGULAR Cycle
starts. The washer will automatically
go to an extra rinse and spin after the
REGULAR Cycle is completed.
9 If no extra rinse and spin is wanted in
the REGULAR Cycle, switch to the
OFF postron. The Cycle Control Knob
will then stop at the end of the REGU-
LAR Cycle, before reaching the dot on
the washer dial.
For an extra rinse in other cycles, see
“Rinse and spin.”
Drain and spin
A drain and spin may help shorten drying
times for some heavy fabrics or special-
care items by removing excess water.
1. Push Cycle Control Knob in.
2. Turn clockwise to any bar just before
an OFF area on the dial, as illustrated
3. Pull Cycle Control Knob out. The
washer will drain and spin.
10

Soak or pre-wash cycle
For best results, use warm water for
soaking or pre-washing stained laundry.
Hot water can set stains.
1. Use recommended amount of pre-
soak product or detergent.
2. Push Cycle Control Knob in.
3. Turn clockwise to point to a number
in the SOAK Cycle. Use the 4 minute
mark for the PRE-WASH Cycle.
4. Pull Cycle Control Knob out. The
washer will start.
5. When the cycle is over, add deter-
gent for the next selected wash
cycle. The SOAK Cycle should
always be followed by a wash cycle.
NOTE: See the Laundry Guide for
additional soaking information.
Liquid bleach dispenser
Always measure bleach. Do not guess.
Never use more than 1 cup (250 mL)
for a full load. Use less with lower water
level settings. Follow directions on
bottle for safe use. Use a cup with a
pouring spout to avoid spilling.
Load the washer first:
Pour measured bleach carefully into
dispenser. Do not let bleach splash,
drip or run down into washer basket.
Undiluted bleach will damage any
fabric it touches.
Start the washer. Bleach will be
diluted automatically during the wash
part of the cycle.

Other Operating Instructions
Continued
Liquid fabric softener
dispenser
1. Add detergent and load to the
basket.
2. Add liquid fabric softener to the
dispenser using the amount recom-
mended on the bottle.
3. Avoid dripping or spilling any fabric
sof-lener on the load.
4. Dilute fabric softener with hot water.
Add enough hot water to fill the
dispenser up to the opening.
5. Start the washer. Diluted fabric
softener will be added to the load
during the deep rinse portion of the
cycle.
NOTE: Do not stop the washer during
this time. If you do, the fabric softener
will mix with the remaining soapy wash
water. This will cause stains. Do not put
detergent in the liquid fabric softener
dispenser.
6. If the dispenser needs cleaning, flush
with hot water.
NOTE: Do not wash clothes with
dispenser removed.
MAGICCLEAN”lint filter
The lint filter at the bottom of the washer
basket cleans itself. During agitation,
wash and rinse water pass over the
filter, separating lint from water. The
collected particles of lint are then
continuously spun away from the filter
and washed out of the system at the
end of the wash cycle.
MAGIC CLEAN
lint filter Basket interior
If your washer drains into a tub,
remove any lint collected in the tub or
strainer.
12

IfYouNeedServiceOrAssistance
We suggest you follow
these steps:
1. Before calling for assistance...
Performance problems often result from
little things you can find and fix yourself
without tools of any kind.
If your washer does not fill:
l Is the power supply cord plugged into
a live circuit with the proper voltage?
9 Are both water faucets open?
l Have you checked your home’s main
fuses or circuit breaker box?
l Are the water supply hoses kinked?
l Is the Cycle Control Knob set and
pulled out?
If your washer does not spin:
l Is the lid closed?
9 Is the power supply cord plugged into
a live circuit with the proper voltage?
l Have you checked your home’s main
fuses or circuit breaker box?
If your washer stops during a cycle:
l Remember, the washer pauses briefly
at different times in each cycle. These
pauses are normal.
If your washer fills and drains
without running:
l Make sure that the Cycle Control
Knob is pointing to a number in the
cycle.
Make sure the drain hose is higher
than the water level in the washer.
If it isn’t:
l The washer may seem to be draining
during wash and rinse cycles,
l Water can siphon out.
(See Installation Instructions.)
2. If you need assistance*...
Call Whirlpool COOL-LINEa service
assistance telephone number. Dial
free from anywhere in the U.S.:
1-800-253-l 301
and talk with one of our trained consult-
ants. The consultant can instruct you in
how to obtain satisfactory operation
from your appliance or, if service is nec-
essary, recommend a qualified service
company in your area.
If you prefer, write to:
Mr. Donald Skinner
Director of Consumer Relations
Whirlpool Corporation
2000 M-63
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Please include a daytime phone num-
ber in your correspondence.
3. If you need service*...
-2
Whirlpool has a
nationwide network
whi$l 01~ of authorized
SERVICEWhirlpoolSM service
companies.
Whirlpool service technicians are
trained to fulfill the product warranty
and provide after-warranty service, any-
where in the United States. To locate
the authorized Whirlpool service com-
pany in your area, call our COOL-LINE*
service assistance telephone number
(see Step 2) or look in your telephone
directory Yellow Pages under:
SEXI ,CE CO,,PANIES
XYZ SER”lCE co
123 Maple 999-9999

If You Need Service Or Assistance
Continued
4. If you need FSP”
replacement parts*...
FSP is a registered trademark of
Whirlpool Corporation for quality parts.
Look for this symbol of quality whenever
you need a replacement part for your
Whirlpool appliance. FSP replacement
parts will fit right and work right,
because they are made to the same
exacting specifications used to build
every new Whirlpool appliance.
To locate FSP replacement parts in
your area, refer to Step 3 or call the
Whirlpool COOL-LINE service
assistance number in Step 2.
5. If vou are not satisfied with
hdw the problem was solved*...
Contact the Major Appliance Con-
sumer Action Panel (MACAP).
MACAP is a group of independent
consumer experts that voices con-
sumer views at the highest levels of
the major appliance industry.
Contact MACAP only when the
dealer, authorized servicer or
Whirlpool have failed to resolve your
problem.
Major Appliance Consumer
Action Panel
20 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
MACAP will in turn inform us of
your action.
*When requesting assistance, please
provide: model number, serial number,
date of purchase, and a complete
description of the problem. This infor-
mation is needed in order to better
respond to your request.
14

Notes

Whirlpool”AutomaticWasherWarranty
AWOO
LENGTH OF WARRANTY WHIRLPOOL WILL PAY FOR
FULL ONE-YEAR FSP’ replacement parts and repair labor to correct
WARRANTY defects in materials (including top and lid rust) or
From Date of Purchase workmanship. Service must be provided by an
authorized WhirlpoolSM service company.
LIMITED FIVE-YEAR
WARRANTY
From Date of Purchase
FSP replacement parts for any part of gearcase
assembly if defective in materials or workmanship.
The gearcase assembly is shown below.
FSP replacement parts for any top and lid rust.
LIMITED TEN-YEAR FSP replacement of outer tub should it crack, or fail
WARRANTY to contain water, due to defective materials or
From Date of Purchase workmanship.
WHIRLPOOL WILL NOT PAY FOR
A. Service calls to:
1. Correct the installation of the washer.
2. Instruct you how to use the washer.
3. Replace house fuses or correct house wiring or plumbing.
B. Repairs when washer is used in other than normal, single-family
household use.
C. Pick up and delivery. This product is designed to be repaired in the
home.
D. Damage to washer caused by accident, misuse, fire, flood, acts of God
or use of products not approved by Whirlpool.
E. Any labor costs during the limited warranties.
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages so this limitation or exclusion may not apply
to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.
Outside the United States, a different warranty may apply. For details, please contact
your franchised Whirlpool distributor or military exchange.
If you need service, first see the “Service and Assistance” section of this book. After
checking “Service and Assistance,” additional help can be found by calling our
COOL-LINE” service assistance telephone number, l-800-253-1301, from anywhere
in the U.S.
Gearcase assembly
covered by your
warranty PI
f-1
Part No. 3353290
cl 990 Whirlpool Corporation Printed in U.S.A.