Whirlpool LBR5232EQ0 User manual

Home Appliances
UseAndCare
GUIDE
ONE AND TWO SPEED AUTOMATIC WASHERS
A Note to You ......................... 2
Washer Safety ........................ 3
Parts and Features................. 4
Operating Your Washer......... 5
Starting your washer .......... 5
Stopping/restarting
your washer........................ 6
Selecting a cycle, time,
and temperature ................. 6
MAGIC CLEAN®
lint filter ............................. 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
1-800-253-1301
Call us with questions or comments.
PART NO. 3363571

2
A Note to You
Thank you for buying a WHIRLPOOL®appliance.
Because your life is getting busier and more complicated, WHIRLPOOL washers 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 infor-
mation about how to operate and maintain your washer 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
your appliance, you need to know your
complete model number and serial number.
You can find this information on the model
and serial number plate (see diagram on
page 4 for location of 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.
Our Consumer Assistance Center
number is toll-free.
Model Number _________________________
Serial Number _________________________
Purchase Date _________________________
Dealer Name __________________________
Dealer Address ________________________
Dealer Phone __________________________
1-800-253-1301

3
– SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS –
•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, or other flammable or
explosive substances as they
give off vapors that could ignite
or explode.
•Do not add gasoline, dry-cleaning
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 a washing machine,
turn on all hot water faucets and
let the water flow from each for
several minutes. This will release
any accumulated hydrogen gas.
As the gas is flammable, do not
smoke or use an open flame
during this time.
•Do not allow children to play on
or in the washer. Close supervi-
sion of children is necessary
when the washer is used near
children.
•Before the washer is removed
from service or discarded, re-
move 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
recommended 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.
Washer 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 symbol.
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:
This symbol alerts you to
hazards such as fire, electrical
shock, or other injuries.

4
Extra RinseExtra Rinse
ExceptHand WashablesExceptHand Washables
OnOn
OffOff
Small Large
Load SizeLoad Size
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Normal
Knits / Gentle
Permanent
Press
Heavy
Regular
Pull Start
Push Stop
Light
Off
Off
Off
10
14
6
8
10
Cold
Rinse
Cold
Rinse
Cold
Rinse
Cool
Down
Spin
Spin
Spin
Pause
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.
NOTES:
•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.
•Page references are included next to some features. Refer to those pages for more
information about the features.
Basket
Tub
Model and serial
number plate
(under lid)
Cycle control knob
(includes temperature
selector) (pp. 6-11)
*On some models
Load size
selector*
(p. 5)

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.
Starting your washer
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 and 16. You may load clothes
to the top row of basket holes, as
shown.
•If desired, you may also add color safe
bleach.
2. Close the washer lid.
3. On washer models with a Load Size
Selector, select a setting that corre-
sponds with the size of your wash load
and the type of fabric being washed.
•You can select either a Small or Large
load size setting, as shown.
•To change the load size setting after the
washer has started to fill, turn the
Selector to the new setting.
wWARNING
Explosion Hazard
Never place items in the washer that
are dampened with gasoline or other
flammable fluids.
Do not wash or dry items soiled with
vegetable or cooking oils because
they may contain some oil after
laundering.
Doing so can result in death,
explosion, or fire.
wWARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
Do not remove ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in death, fire, or electrical
shock.
continued on next page
Small Large
Load Size

6
4. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and
turn it clockwise to the wash cycle you
want. Match the wash water tempera-
ture with the type of fabric and soils
being washed. See pages 7-10.
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 and diluted liquid fabric
softener to the final rinse cycle.
See page 13.
Stopping/restarting your washer
•To stop your 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.
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.
•The washer pauses briefly throughout
each cycle. These pauses are normal for
washer operation.
•Page 12 describes what happens during a
wash cycle.
•All rinses are cold.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER

7
NOTE: This book covers several washer models. The Cycle Control Knobs for these
models are shown on the following pages. Compare your washer’s Cycle Control Knob
with those shown. Once you find the Knob that looks like yours, use the cycle descrip-
tions for that Knob.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
Normal
Push Stop
Pull Start
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Off
Spin
Rinse
10
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1-Speed Models
Normal cycle
The Normal cycle features high-speed
agitation for maximum cleaning, and high-
speed spins to shorten drying time.
•Select 14 minutes of wash time, with Warm
water, to clean large loads of sturdily
constructed fabrics that are heavily soiled.
•Select 10 minutes of wash time, with Cold
water, to clean washable knits, cottons,
permanent press, and some synthetic
fabrics that are lightly to
moderately soiled.
Cycle options
You may select a different wash time by first
selecting the water temperature (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 Fill.
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 Warm Fill,
14 minutes of wash time.
4. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob.

8
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
Using rinse and spin
(on 1-speed models)
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
(on 1-speed models)
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.
Off
Rinse
Off
Spin

9
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Normal
Short/Knits
Permanent
Press
Heavy
Regular
Pull Start
Push Stop
Off
Off
Off
10
14
8
10
Cold
Rinse
Cold
Rinse
Cold
Rinse
Cool
Down
Spin
Spin
Spin
Pause
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
2-Speed, 4-Cycle Models
Normal cycle
The Normal cycle features the Gentle Wash
system for better fabric care, high agitation
speeds for maximum cleaning, and high spin
speeds to shorten drying time. Use this
cycle for cleaning cotton and linen fabrics.
•Select Regular, 10 minutes of wash time
with Cold water, to clean lightly soiled
loads.
•Select Heavy, 14 minutes of wash time
with Warm water, to clean moderately to
heavily soiled loads.
Permanent Press cycle
The Permanent Press cycle features the
Gentle Wash system, a cool-down rinse,
and low spin speeds to reduce wrinkling.
Use this cycle for cleaning permanent
press and some synthetic fabrics that are
lightly to moderately soiled. A cold wash
will provide 4 minutes of wash time. A
warm wash will provide 6 to 10 minutes
of wash time.
Short/Knits cycle
The Short/Knits cycle features a brief soak
and reduced agitation speed for gentle soil
removal. Low spin speeds reduce wrinkling.
Use this cycle for cleaning delicate items
and washable knits that are lightly to moder-
ately soiled. A cold wash will provide 4
minutes of wash time. A warm wash will
provide 6 to 8 minutes of wash time.
Cycle options
You may select different wash time and
water temperature combinations by first
selecting the water temperature (Warm or
Cold) and then turning to the new wash
time. For example, for 14 minutes of wash
time in the Normal cycle with Cold water:
1. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and turn
it clockwise to the Regular (Cold) setting.
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.

10
H
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W
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H
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W
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Normal
Knits / Gentle
Permanent
Press
Heavy
Regular
Pull Start
Push Stop
Light
Off
Off
Off
10
14
6
8
10
Cold
Rinse
Cold
Rinse
Cold
Rinse
Cool
Down
Spin
Spin
Spin
Pause
2-Speed, 5-Cycle Models
Normal cycle
The Normal cycle features the Gentle Wash
system for better fabric care, high agitation
speeds for maximum cleaning, and high spin
speeds to shorten drying time. Use this
cycle for cleaning cotton and linen fabrics.
•Select Light, 6 minutes of wash time with
Cold water, to clean lightly soiled loads.
•Select Regular, 10 minutes of wash time
with Warm water, to clean moderately
soiled loads.
•Select Heavy, 14 minutes of wash time
with Hot water, to clean heavily soiled
loads.
Permanent Press cycle
The Permanent Press cycle features the
Gentle Wash system, a cool-down rinse,
and low spin speeds to reduce wrinkling.
Use this cycle for cleaning permanent press
and some synthetic fabrics that are lightly,
moderately, or heavily soiled. A cold wash
will provide 4 minutes of wash time. A warm
wash will provide 6 to 8 minutes of wash
time. A hot wash will provide 10 minutes of
wash time.
Knits/Gentle cycle
The Knits/Gentle cycle features a brief soak
and reduced agitation speed for gentle soil
removal. Low spin speeds reduce wrinkling.
Use this cycle for cleaning delicate items
and washable knits that are lightly, moder-
ately, or heavily soiled. A cold wash will
provide 4 minutes of wash time. A warm
wash will provide 6 minutes of wash time.
A hot wash will provide 8 minutes of
wash time.
Cycle options
You may select different wash time and
water temperature combinations by first
selecting the water temperature (Cold,
Warm, or Hot) and then turning to the new
wash time. For example, for 14 minutes
of wash time in the Normal cycle with
Cold water:
1. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and turn
it clockwise to the Light (Cold) setting.
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.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER

11
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
Using rinse and spin
(on 2-speed models)
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 a
Cold Rinse setting, as shown.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob. The
washer fills, agitates, drains, and spins.
Using drain and spin
(on 2-speed models)
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 a Spin setting, as shown.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob. The
washer drains, then spins.
Normal
Permanent
Press
Off
Off
Off
Cold
Rinse
Cold
Rinse
Cold
Rinse
Normal
Permanent
Press
Off
Off
Off
Spin
Spin
Spin
MAGIC CLEAN®lint filter
(on some models)
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. MAGIC CLEAN
lint filter Basket
interior

12
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.
NOTES:
•The washer pauses briefly throughout
each cycle. These pauses are normal for
washer operation.
•On 2-speed models, a Gentle Wash
system helps protect your fabrics by
reducing wash agitation speed during the
last few minutes of wash agitation in the
Normal and Permanent Press cycles.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
Fill
▼
Rinse
▼
Drain-No agitation
▼
Spin-Spray rinse
▼
Spin
▼
Off
Fill
▼
Wash selected time
▼
Drain*
No agitation
▼
Spin
▼
*On 2-speed 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
(on some 2-speed models) 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.

13
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
Adding liquid chlorine bleach
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.
•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.
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.
•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
LAUNDRY TIPS
Loading suggestions
Following are suggested full-sized loads.
EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY WASHERS
Heavy Work
Clothes
2 pair pants
3 shirts
3 pair jeans
1 coverall
Knits
2 slacks
2 blouses
4 shirts
4 tops
2 dresses
Permanent Press
1 double sheet
1 tablecloth
1 dress
1 blouse
2 slacks
3 shirts
2 pillowcases
Towels
8 bath towels
8 hand towels
10 wash cloths
1 bath mat
Delicates
2 camisoles
4 slips
4 panties
2 bras
2 nighties
Mixed Load
2 double or
1 king size
sheet(s)
4 pillowcases
6 T-shirts
6 pair shorts
2 shirts
2 blouses
6 handkerchiefs
Heavy Work
Clothes
3 pair pants
3 shirts
4 pair jeans
1 coverall
1 overall
Knits
3 slacks
3 blouses
6 shirts
4 tops
4 dresses
SUPER CAPACITY PLUS WASHERS
Permanent Press
2 double or
1 king size sheet(s)
1 tablecloth
1 dress
1 blouse
2 slacks
3 shirts
2 pillowcases
Towels
10 bath towels
10 hand towels
14 wash cloths
1 bath mat
Delicates
3 camisoles
1 quilted robe
4 slips
4 panties
2 bras
2 nighties
1 baby’s dress
Mixed Load
3 double sheets
4 pillowcases
8 T-shirts
6 pair shorts
2 shirts
2 blouses
8 handkerchiefs

17
LAUNDRY TIPS
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)
*Hot wash water is available on some models. The washer features cold rinses for all wash
temperatures.
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.
Saving energy
•Wash full 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.)

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
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
REMOVING STAINS
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
Do not wash or dry items soiled with vegetable or cooking oils
because they may contain some oil after laundering.
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