Whirlpool LA6900XKW1 User manual

This book will help you keep your washer
looking new and doing its best. It also tells you
how to get help if something seems to be
wrong.
Keep this book in the LAUNDRY INFORMA-
TION CENTERfolder with the “laundry Guide,”
washer instructions and other information you
want handy.
The Model and Serial A
Number Plate will be in one
of these places.
Copy your Model and Serial
Numbers here Model Number
If you ever need service, parts or help,
the person you call will need your
washer’s complete model and serial
numbers.
These numbers are on a plate under
the washer lid. Copy them in these
spaces to keep them handy.
Serial Number
Purchase / lnsta llation Date
Service Company and Phone
Number

Contents
CARING FOR YOUR WASHER
covers the kinds of things you should and should not
do to keep your washer at its best. There is even a part
on winterizing the washer if it is ever exposed to
freezing cold.
BEFORE CALLING FOR SERVICE
will help you avoid unnecessary service
calls, including calls for WASHING PROBLEMS
that are not caused by the washer.
IF YOU NEED SERVICE OR HELP
tells you how to find a TECH-CARE’ Service Company. It
also tells you how to reach Whirlpool Corporation if you
need more help.
page4
page 6
page 8
page 11
TAKE GOOD CARE OF ANY APPLIANCE
and it will do its job better, last longer and stay looking newer. This
book will tell you how.
Before usbg your washer
Please read this booklet to be
l Is protected from the weather.
sure your washer is used and cared for
l Is not run by children or anyone
properly. It will help you get the best unable to operate it properly.
results and longest life your washer Remove the Consumer Buy
was designed to give. Guide label. It will be easier to remove
You are personally responsible
before the washer is used.
for making sure that your washer...
l Is installed according to installation
instructions.
l Is properly installed and leveled on a
floor that can support the weight.*
l Is connected to the right kind of outlet,
electric supply, water supply and
drain.*
l Is properly electrically grounded.-%
l Is used only for jobs normally
expected of home automatic washers.
l Is properly maintained.
Wipe out the basket with a damp
cloth before using to remove dust from
storing or shipping.
SPECIALINSTRUCTIONS: See the Laun-
dry Guide for tips on detergents, other
laundry aids and instructions for wash-
ing special Items.
*See the Installation Instructions for
complete information.
2

Carbg for your washer
These pages will show you how to care for your washer so it will
work for you as long as it possibly can.
WHEN NOT WASHING, keep both water
faucets turned off. This takes the pressure
off the water inlet valve and hoses.
REMOVE SHARP OBJECTS such as
pins, buckles, etc., before washing.
Close metal zippers.
After washing items with colors that
bleed, run the washer through a
RINSE and SPIN. After dyeing in
your washer, run through a com-
plete wash cycle (see Laundry
Guide page 13 ).
AFTER WASHING, use a soft dry cloth to
wipe the outside and inside dry. Leave
the lid up until the basket is dry. Wipe up
spills right away. They can dull or dam-
age the finish.
SHARP OR HEAVY OBJECTS should never
be put on or in the washer. Check pock-
ets for bolts, nuts, tools, etc.
SOME PRETREATMENT PRODUCTS can
damage washer and dryer dials, con-
soles and finishes. Do not use these
products on or near your washer or
dryer control panel. Your Warranty does
not cover damage to your appliance
caused by pretreatment products.

WINTERIZING
Install and store your washer where it won’t
freeze. Because some water stays in the washer,
freezing can cause a lot of damage If your washer
is stored or moved during cold weather, it’s o good
idea to winterize it by following these steps:
1. Shut off both water 2. Put a quart of
faucets. Disconnect automobile-type
and drain the water antifreeze in the
inlet hoses. basket.
--
3. Set the washer for a
DRAIN and SPIN. Let
it run for about 30
seconds, This mixes
the antifreeze with
the water left in the
washer.
To use the washer again,
1. flush the water pipes and hoses,
2. put the hoses on the washer,
3. turn on the water.
4. Put a cup of
detergent in the
washer basket.
Then run the
washer through a
complete cycle;
it will be ready
to use.

Before calling for semke
IS SOMETHING WRONG? You may be able to save yourself the
trouble of calling in a service technician. Before calling for service,
check these pages to see if you really need it.
WASHER DOES NOT FILL OR FILLS SLOWLY
l Is the power supply
l Are both water faucets
cord plugged in? open all the way?
l Is a fuse blown or circuit-breaker tripped?
WASHER DOES NOT SPIN
l Are the water supply
hoses kinked or
pinched?
.
l Is the Cycle Control Knob
set to a fill area and
pulled out?
6
l Is the lid closed completely?
l Is the power supply cord plugged in?
l Is a fuse blown or circuit-breaker tripped?

WASHER FILLS AND DRAINS: NO AGIIAIION
l Is the Cycle Control Knob pointing to a
fill and agitate area in a cycle? Is it
pulled out?
A. FILL;
AGITATE MINUTES SHOWN; DRAIN; SPIN.
B. FILL;
LITTLEOR NO AGITATION; DRAIN; SPIN.
C. RINSE FILL;
RINSE AGITATION; DRAIN; SPIN.
D. FILL;
LITTLEOR NO AGITATION; DRAIN; SPIN.
E. DRAIN; SPIN.
WASHER DRAINS AT THE WRONG TIMES
l is the drain hose at least 34 Inches above the
floor? It should be.
l Is the outlet end higher than the water level in
the washer? It should be.
l Does the drain hose fit
tightly in the standpipe?
It shouldn’t.
ABOUT %” SPACE.
WASHER STOPS AND STARTS
l Is the pause during the PERMANENT PRESSCycle? The washer
will stop for about 1% minutes during cool-down. (See user
instructions.)
l Is the pause during the SOAK Cycle? The washer will agitate,
stop to soak, agitate, etc., during this cycle.
l Short pauses are normal in all cycles. See your user
instructions WRIER SOMETIMES LEAKS
FROM WASHER
l Was a very low water level used? High
agitation speed, low water level and
very small load can splash water over
the top of the basket. These splashes may
be seen on the floor.
a Is the manual filter clean? A clogged
filter can cause some spillover.
l Was the washer filled before the load
was added? When the washer is full of
water, adding the load can rake the
water level enough to splash out during
agitation. 7

WASHING POSSIBLE
PROBLEMS CAUSES SOLUTIONS
MANUAL LINT FILTER NOT CLEAN
A clogged or over filled manual-clean filter may
not filter lint as well as a clean one. Clean the filter
after every wash.
LOAD NOT SORTED RIGHT
Lint givers (bath towels, etc.) should not be washed
with linttakers (synthetics, permanent press].
OVERLOADING Too many items in a load will not move freely in the
water. Lint can be trapped in the load instead of
flowing through the filter with the water.
Overloading can also cause items to rub together
too much. This can make lint as well as damage
fabrics.
PAPER OR TISSUE IN POCKETS
A small scrap of paper can make a lot of lint.
Clean pockets carefully.
STATIC ELECTRICITY
l Use fabric softener in the final deep rinse to help
eliminate static electricity.
l Use correct dryer settings for fabric type.
Overdying synthetics can create lint-attracting
static electricity.
NOT ENOUGH DETERGENT
Use enough detergent to hold the lint in the water
until the drain. The amount you use depends on
water hardness and the soil in the wash load.
MISUSE OF CHLORINE BLEACH
When chlorine bleach is not properly used
[poured on fabrics in full strength, using too much or
too often, used on the wrong fabrics, etc.), fabrics will
be weakened. The weakened fabric can rip several
washings later (see “Laundry Guide” page 11).Follow
package directions carefully.
SHARP ARTICLES NOT REMOVED
FASTENERS NOT FASTENED
l Hooks and eyes, zippers and snaps should be
fastened so they can’t catch and snag some
fabrics.
l Remove sharp objects (safety and straight pins,
paper clips, etc.) from clothes before washing.
l Turn synthetic knits inside out before washing.
8
DAMAGE NOT MENDED BEFORE WASHING
Mend rips, broken threads in seams and tears
before washing.

WASHING
PROBLEMS POSSIBLE
CAUSES SOLUTION
GRAY
WHITES,
DINGY
COLORS
POOR SORTING White and colored articles should be washed
separately. Non-colorfast items that may bleed
should also be in a separate load.
NOT ENOUGH DETERGENT
Use enough detergent to remove soil and hold it in
suspension until it drains.
WATER NOT HOT ENOUGH
Hot water should be at least 130°F (54°C) to clean
heavy or greasy soils.
WATER TOO HARD FOR SOAP OR DETERGENT USED
Hard water and soap or non-phosphate detergent
can form a residue or scum that deposits on fabrics.
In areas where ohosohate deteraents are not
allowed: ’ ’
l Use a liquid detergent in increased amounts for
water hardness and amount of soil.
l Use a water conditioner in the wash and deep
rinse.
l Install a mechanical water softener if water is very
hard and soap (not synthetic detergent) is used.
If you have the problem: For the next few times you wash, use an
increased amount of detergent. Use the correct cycle and water
temperature for the fa brie being washed.
GREASY
LOOKING
FABRIC SOFTENER IN THE WASH WATER
Liquid fabric softeners can combine with soap or
detergent to form a greasy looking stain or spot. Add
to deep rinse only.
Do not use any other laundry aid in combination
with fabric softener.
NOT ENOUGH DETERGENT
You need enough detergent to hold soil so it drains
away with the wash water. If soil doesn’t drain away,
it can stick to the outer tub. From there, it can wash
back into the load during the next wash.
l Treat such spots with a liquid all-purpose
detergent or soil and stain remover.
l Wash in warm or hot water with more detergent
than normal.
l Stubborn stains may require more than one
treatment. Do not machine dry between washings.
l To remove deposits from outer tub, ut the
unloaded washer through a camp ete cycle using
P
hot water, 2 cups (500 mL) of detergent and 1 cup
(250 mL) of chlorine bleach.

WASHING
PROBLEMS POSSIBLE
CAUSES SOLUTION
STIFF,
SPIN TOO SLOW OR TOO SHORT
HARSH
l Use cycle setting with longer spin, higher speed.
FABRICS
l Load carefully so an off-balance does not slow the
(USUALLY
spin.
COTTONS)
HARD WATER WITH SOAP OR TOO LITTLE DETERGENT
3
Soap will only work well in soft or softened water.
See the “Laundry Guide” for the amount of detergent
to use.
LINE DRYING Dry cottons in a dryer,
BUILD-UP OF BODY OILS
Usually noticed on the middle of pillowcases and
sheets, or underarms of cottons, this condition can
usually be corrected by
l Making sure the water is hot enough (at least 130°F
[WC] ;
l Using Ihe right amount of detergent [see your
“Laundry Guide”).
YELLOW
AREAS
OVEL
YELLOV
mmLAu,.
DML
CHLORINE STAINING
v; Washing with chlorine bleach can permanently
DKVWd OR
stain some fabrics. Read the manufacturers label to
YELLOW
avoid the problem. The stain can sometimes be
STAINS
removed with a color remover. Follow the package
directions.
LOAD TOO
WET AFTER
SPIN
Y
IRON IN WATER HEATER OR PIPES
Run the hot water a few minutes before washina to
clear the lines. Drain the water heater now and tt%en
IRON AND MANGANESE IN THE WATER
l Do not use chlorine bleach.
l Use a non-precipitating water conditioner in the
wash and rinse water.
0 Install an iron filter.
SLOW SPIN Use
high spin cycles for heavy cottons (towels, jeans,
etc.). Short slow spins do not remove enough water from
heavy cottons. Balance load.
COLD RINSES Cold rinses save energy and money and leave fewer
wrinkles, but do leave loads a little colder and wetter.
LID OPEN Washer will not spin if lid is left open. Load will be drip-
ping wet.
IO

If you need service or help, we
suggest you follow these three
steps:
BEFORE CALLING FOR
SERVICE * ...
Problems are sometimes caused by
little things you can correct without
tools. Check pages 6 and 7 before you
call for service.
IF YOU NEED
SERVICE*:
If your WHIRLPOOL” appliance ever
needs service anywhere in the United
States, help is just a phone call away...
to your nearest Whirlpool franchised
TECH-CARE” service representative.
Whirlpool maintains a nationwide
network of franchised TECH-CARE ser-
vice companies to fulfill your warranty
and provide after-warranty service
and maintenance to keep your
WHIRLPOOL appliance in peak
condition.
You’ll find your nearest TECH-CARE
service company listed in your local
telephone book Yellow Pages under
APPLIANCES - HOUSEHOLD - MAJOR -
SERVICE & REPAIR. Should you not
find a listing, dial free, the Whirlpool
COOL-LINE Rservice assistance
telephone number.
When calling from:
Michigan . . . . . . . . . [phone]
Alaska h
Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . . . [phone]
All other
states.. . . . . . . . . . . . [phone]
If you move...To make sure that your
appliance is correctly installed and to
insure its continued satisfactory opera-
tion, please telephone your nearest
TECH-CARE ’ service company for
installation or to get the name of a
qualified installer. (Installation cost will,
of course, be paid by you.]
Helpful hints...You can help your
TECH-CARE service representative give
you faster service if you include the
model and serial number of your
appliance when requesting service.
Also, retain your sales slip and war-
ranty to verify your warranty status.
Remember...Your TECH-CARE service
representative is specially trained in
the expert repairing and servicing
of your WHIRLPOOL appliances. He can
help you maintain the quality origi-
nally built into your WHIRLPOOL
appliance. So why not take the time,
now, to look up his telephone number
and jot it down in the space provided
on the cover.
IFYOUHAVEA
PROBLEM”:
Call Whirlpool Corporation in Benton
Harbor at the COOL-LINE service assis-
tance telephone number (see Step 2)
or write:
Mr. Guy Turner, Vice President
Whirlpool Corporation
Administrative Center
2000 U.S. 33 North
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022
“If you must call or write, please pro-
vide: your name, address, telephone
number, type of appliance, brand,
model, serial number, date of pur-
chase, the dealer’s name, and a
complete description of the problem.
This information is needed in order to
better respond to your request for
assistance.
11

Benton Harbor. Michigan. Automatic Washers. Clothes Dryers.
Freezers. Relrigerator-Freazers. Ice Makers, Dishwashers.
Suill-in Ovens and Surlace Units. Ranges, Mwowave Ovens.
Compaclors. Room Air Condllioners, Dehumidiliers. Central
Healing and Air Conditioning Systems.
Quality. Our way of life.
Part No. 359978 Rev B Printed in U.S.A.