Whirlpool LMR5243A User manual

UseAndCare
A Note To You
Understanding
Washer Safety
Knowing Your
Washer’s Features
Operating Your
Washer
Other Features
Laundry Tips
If Yqu‘Need
~~sssttce Or
.
Warranty
1-800-253-1301
2
3
4
5
10
12
22
24
Call us with questions or comments.
TWO SPEED AUTOMATIC WASHER
MODELS LMR5243A
LMV5243A

A Note ToYou
Thank you for buying a Whirlpool appliance.
You have purchased a quality, world-class home appliance. Years of engineering experience have
gone into its manufacturing. To ensure many years of trouble-free operation, we have developed
this Use and Care Guide. It is full of valuable information on how to operate and maintain your
appliance properly and safely. Please read it carefully. Also, please complete and mail the Owner-
ship Registration Card provided with your appliance. This will help us notify you about any new
information on your appliance.
Your safety is important to us.
This guide contains safety symbols and statements. Please pay special attention to these symbols
and follow any instructions given. Here is a brief explanation of the use of each symbol.
This symbol will help alert you to such dangers
as personal injury, burns, fire and electrical
shock.
This symbol will help you avoid actions which
could cause product damage (scratches,
dents, etc.) and damage to your personal
property.
Our Consumer Assistance Center number, 1-800-253-1301, is
toll-free 24 hours a day.
If you have a question concerning your appliance’s operation, or if you need service, first see “If
You Need Assistance Or Service” on pages 22 and 23. If you need further help, call us. When
calling, you will need to know your appliance’s complete model number and serial number. You
can find this information on the model and serial number plate (see diagram on page 4). For your
convenience, we have included a handy place below for you to record these numbers, the pur-
chase date from the sales slip and your dealer’s name and telephone number. Keep this book and
the sales slip together in a safe place for future reference.
Model Number
Serial Number
Purchase Date
Dealer Name
Dealer Phone

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock or injury to persons
when using your washer, follow basic precautions, including the
l Read all instructions before using your
washer.
l Do not machine wash or machine dry
items cleaned, washed, soaked in, or
spotted with wax, paint, gasoline, oil, or
other flammable fluids. The fumes can
create a fire hazard or explosion. Always
hand wash and line dry items containing
these materials.
l Flammable fluids (dry-cleaning solvents,
kerosene, gasoline, etc.) should not be
used or stored in or near your washer. Do
not add flammable fluids to your wash
water. These substances give off vapors
that can create a fire hazard or explosion.
l Do not allow children to operate, play with,
or crawl on or inside your washer. Super-
vise children closely when your washer is
used near them.
l Before your washer is removed from
service or discarded, remove the lid to
prevent accidental entrapment.
*After starting a cycle, do not reach into the
basket unless the Cycle Control Knob is
pushed in and all motion stops.
. Do not tamper with the controls.
l If your hot water has not been used
recently (usually 2 weeks or longer),
hydrogen gases may build up in your
water heater and your hot water pipes.
HYDROGEN GAS IS EXPLOSIVE. To
prevent injury or damage, before using
your washer, turn on all hot water faucets
and allow water to run for several min-
utes. This will allow gases to escape. Do
not smoke or use any open flame near
your faucet while it is open.
Please
l Have only a qualified repairman install,
repair, or replace parts on washer.
l Maintain washer properly.
* Protect washer from the weather and
keep it where the temperature will not fall
below freezing.
l Install and level washer on a floor that
can support the weight.*
*Connect washer to the correct 3-prong
outlet, electrical supply, water supply,
and drain.*
l Ground washer properly.*
*See the Installation Instructions.
Understanding your responsibilities
l Store detergent, laundry aids and other
materials in a cool, dry place where
children cannot reach them (in a locked
cabinet if possible).
l Read and follow instructions on pack-
ages of detergent and laundry aids,
especially warnings and precautions.
l Do not wash or dry items that are soiled
with vegetable or cooking oil. These
items may contain some oil after launder-
ing. Due to the remaining oil, the fabric
may smoke or catch. fire by itself.
l Do not use chlorine bleach and ammonia
or acids (such as vinegar or rust re-
mover) in the same wash. Hazardous
fumes can form.
* Unplug power supply cord before
attempting to service your washer.
l Do not machine wash fiberglass materi-
als. Small particles can stick to the
fabrics washed in following loads and
cause skin irritation.
- SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS -

Knowing Your Washer’s
Features
The parts and features of your washer are illustrated below. Become familiar with all pat-k and
features before using your washer.
Temperature
selector
Load size
r--
Cycle control knob
selector
Bleach
dispenser
Agitator
I
Basket
Tub

Operating Your Washer
I- ~~
In This Section
Before starting your washer I5
.............................
Starting or stopping your washer ..................... 5
Selecting a load size ......................................... .5
Selecting wash-rinse temperatures ................ .6
Page
Selecting a cycle and time ............................. .6
Using rinse and spin ...................................... .8
Using drain and spin ...................................... .8
What happens in each cycle .......................... .9
Operating your washer properly assures maximum washing efficiency. This section gives you
important information to help you to select a cycle, time, and temperature for your wash load.
Before starting your washer
Add measured detergent. Then place a
sorted load in the washer before starting.
See page 12 for additional “Before you wash”
information.
NOTE: If your washer has a Consumer Buy
Guide, remove it and place it with your Use
and Care Guide.
Starting or stopping your washer
Starting your washer:
l To restart the washer, close the lid (if
necessary) and pull out the Cycle Control
Knob.
Selecting a load size
Position the Load Size Selector at the setting
that corresponds to the size load you want to
wash.
Select a load size based upon the size of
the load and the fabric you are washing. See
page 12 for additional loading information.
To change the load size setting after the
washer has started to fill, move the Selector to
the desired new setting.
5

Load size tips
l Items should move freely in the washer. Do
not overload the machine or select a load
size that is too small for the wash load.
l Use a large load size setting for best results
with permanent press clothes.
l Reduce wash time when using small load
size settings. Loads with only a few small
items need less wash time.
Selecting wash-rinse temperatures
Match the water temperature to the type of
fabric and soils being washed. The top
temperature is the wash water and the bottom
temperature is the rinse water.
Water temperature tips
l Use warm wash water with the Permanent
Press and Delicate cycles. For heavily soiled
permanent press items, use hot wash water.
l Alwavs use cold rinse water for permanent
press fabrics.
l For heavily soiled permanent press or knit
clothes, pre-wash or presoak in warm water
before washing.
See the “Water usage guide” on page 16 for
more information.
Selecting a cycle and time
You will find information you need to help yol
make correct cycle selections in this section.
l Pages 7-8: Use the information on these
pages to guide you when selecting a wash
cycle and time.
l Page 9: Use this page to help you under-
stand what happens during a wash cycle.
J
6

Regular cycles
The Regular cycles feature longer spins to
shorten drying time.
l Use 14 minutes of wash time to clean sturdily
constructed fabrics and heavily soiled loads.
l Use 10 minutes of wash time to clean regular
loads of fabrics that are lightly to moderately
soiled.
Regular cycle
Permanent Press cycles
The Permanent Press cycles feature a cool-
down rinse, pulsed spinning, and shorter spins
to reduce wrinkling.
l Use 10 minutes of wash time to clean
moderately soiled permanent press and
some synthetic fabrics.
l Use 6 minutes of wash time to clean lightly
soiled permanent press and some synthetics.
NOTE: The washer pauses briefly during the
wash cycle. This is normal for washer operation.
Delicate cycle
The Delicate cycle features a reduced agitation
speed for gentle soil removal. Pulsed spinning
reduces wrinkling.
l Use 8 minutes of wash time, to clean
moderately soiled delicate items and
washable knits.
l Use 4 minutes of wash time to clean lightly
soiled delicate items and washable knits.
Permanent press cycle
Delicate cycle

Using rinse and spin
When using extra detergent for heavily soiled
clothes, or washing special-care items, you
may want an extra rinse and spin.
1. Push Cycle Control Knob in and turn clock-
wise until the indicator points to RINSE, as
illustrated.
2. Pull Cycle Control Knob out. The washer
will fill to selected load size, agitate, drain,
and spin.

-.__I--- m-1 *P-s- I L---“-Y.
What happens in each cyc
When the Cycle Control Knob is set to a
number and pulled out, the washer fills before
agitation and timing start. The washer will
begin agitating immediately after filling; agita-
tion can occur with the washer lid up or down.
After agitation starts, the knob turns clockwise
until it points to OFF and the cycle ends.
The washer pauses briefly throughout
each cycle. These pauses are normal for
washer operation.
Regular and Delicate cycles
Fill to selected load size
Wash selected time
Drain-No agitation
Spin
w
4
Fill
Rinse
Drain-No agitation
Spin
Permanent Press cycle
Fill to selected load size
7
Wash selected time
v
I4
-+- Partial drain-No agitation
v
Fill to selected load size
v
Brief agitation
v
Drain-No agitation
Spin
Fill
1;
l2kl
II
Rinse
Drain-No agitation
LJ
&I
Spin
9

Other Features
In This Section
Page
Using the fabric softener dispenser ...............10
Using the chlorine bleach dispenser ..............10
Page
Manual clean lint filter ...................................11
Your washer has the following features. Understanding the use of the features on your machine
will help you efficiently use your washer.
Using the fabric softener dispenser
1. Add detergent and load the basket.
2. Add liquid fabric softener to the dispenser
using the amount recommended on the
package. Avoid dripping or spilling any
fabric softener on the load.
3. Dilute fabric softener with warm water. Fill
dispenser with warm water until liquid
reaches the opening.
4. Start the washer. Diluted fabric softener will
be added to the load during the rinse
portion of the cycle.
NOTE: Do not stop the washer before the
rinse part of the cycle begins. Staining can
occur.
5. Flush dispenser periodically with warm
water.
NOTE: Do not wash clothes with dispenser
removed. Do not add detergent or all-fabric
bleach to dispenser. The dispenser can clog.
Using the chlorine bleach dispenser
Always measure chlorine bleach. Do not guess.
For this washer, never use more than % cup
(125 mL) for a full load. Use less with lower
water level settings. Follow manufacturer’s
directions for safe use. Use a cup with a pouring
spout to avoid spilling.
1. Load the washer.
2. Pour measured chlorine bleach carefully into
dispenser. Do not let bleach splash, drip or
run down into washer basket. Undiluted
bleach will damage any fabric it touches.
3. Start the washer. Bleach will be diluted
automatically during the wash part of the
cycle.
NOTE: Do not add all-fabric bleach to the
dispenser. The dispenser can clog.
IO

Manual clean lint filter
Clean lint filter after every load.
1. To remove, grasp the top of the agitator
with both hands. Pull upward to remove
agitator cap. Lint filter is attached to the end
of the shaft.
2. Detach lint filter by pinching forked ends of
shaft together. Slide lint filter off shaft.
3. Wash or wipe the lint filter clean.
4. Slide filter back into place on shaft (open
end up). Snap into place.
5. Push lint filter and agitator cap firmly back
into agitator.
Fabric softener
dispenser
Lint filter ’

Laundry Tips
I
In This Section
Page I
Before you wash .............................................. .12
Removing stains ............................................... 13
Water usage guide.. .......................................... 16
Using laundry aids .......................................... .17
Washing special-care items ............................ 16
Solving laundering problems ...................... .20
Caring for your washer ................................ .21
Saving energy ............................................... .21
Winterizing your washer .............................. .21
This section reviews proper laundering techniques, gives you additional washing information and
discusses solutions to common laundering problems.
Before you wash
Preparing clothes for washing
l Empty pockets and turn them inside out.
l Turn down cuffs and brush away lint and dirt.
l Turn synthetic knits inside out to avoid pilling.
l Close zippers, snaps and hooks to avoid
snagging other items. Remove pins, buckles
and other hard objects to avoid scratching
the washer interior.
l Remove unwashable trim and ornaments.
l Tie strings and sashes so they will not
tangle.
l Mend tears, loose hems and seams.
l Treat spots and stains. (See page 13 for
pretreatment and stain removal information.)
l Stained or wet garments should be washed
promptly for best results.
Sorting
l Separate dark from light colors, colorfast
from non-colorfast.
l Sort by fabric and construction (sturdy
cottons, knits, delicate items).
l Separate heavily soiled items from lightly
soiled ones even if they would normally be
washed together.
l Separate lint givers (towels, chenille) from
lint takers (corduroy, synthetics, permanent
press). When possible, turn lint givers inside
out.
Loading
l Load washer properly. Overloading or
packing can:
-cause poor cleaning.
-increase wrinkling.
-create excessive lint.
-wear out items faster (because of pilling).
l Load by the amount of space items take up,
not by their weight.
l Drop items into washer loosely. Fill to the top
of the basket, but do not pack or wrap items
around the agitator.
l Items should move easily through wash
water for best cleaning and wrinkle-free
results. Watch for rollover. Items should sink
and reappear later.
l 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.
l To reduce wrinkling, permanent press and
synthetic knits should have more room to
move in the water than heavy items (towels,
jeans).
12

Loading suggestions
For these suggested full-size loads, use the LARGE load size setting.
Heavy Work Clothes Mixed Load Knits
1 pair pants 1 double sheet 1 pair slacks
2 shirts 2 pillowcases 2 shirts
2 pair jeans 6 T-shirts 3 tops
1 coverall 6 pair shorts 1 vest
Delicates
2 shins 2 sweaters
2 blouses
2 camisoles 6 handkerchiefs
Towels
4 slips 7 bath towels
4 panties 4 hand towels
2 bras 7 wash cloths
2 nighties
-
_
Permanent Press
1 tablecloth
1 skirt
2 blouses
2 shirts
1 pair slacks
Removing stains
Stained, heavily soiled or greasy items may
need to be pre-washed or soaked for best
results. Soaking helps remove protein-type
stains like blood, milk, or grass. Pre-washing
helps loosen soil before washing.
Pre-washing or soaking
Use warm water for soaking or pre-washing
stained laundry. Hot water can set stains.
Stain removal rules
l Most stains are easier to remove when they
are fresh. Old or set stains may not come out.
Follow package directions for pretreatment
products.
l Before treating any stain, find out ..
1. What kind of stain it is.
2. What kind of fabric it is and if it is
colorfast (check label).
3. How old the stain is (washing and drying
can set some stains).
l Start with cold or warm water. Hot water can
set some stains.
l When bleach is recommended, use a bleach
that is safe for the fabric. Dilute chlorine
bleach.
l Test stain removers on an inside seam or
hidden corner of the item to see if the color is
removed.
l Put the stained area face down on a paper
towel or white cloth. Apply the stain remover
to the back of the stain. This can force the
stain off the fabric instead of through it.
l Meat tenderizer or enzyme presoaks help
break down some protein stains so they are
easier to remove.
l Use non-flammable dry cleaning solvents in
a well-ventilated room.
13

Stain removal guide
STAIN
Alcoholic
beverage
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 and
rewash.
Blood 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.
Catsup or Sponge immediately with a non-flammable dry cleaning solvent or apply a
tomato
prewash soil and stain remover. Rinse. Wash. If stain remains, apply a liquid
products
detergent to stain or soak in warm water with an enzyme presoak. Rewash.
Chewing Use ice to make gum hard. Scrape off what you can. Sponge with a non-
gum flammable dry cleaning solvent. Let dry. Wash.
Chocolate or Sponge immediately with a non-flammable dry cleaning solvent or apply a
coffee prewash soil and stain remover. Rinse. Wash. If stain remains, apply a liquid
detergent to stain or soak in warm water with an enzyme presoak. Rewash.
Crayon and
Scrape off excess with a dull knife. Place fabric between two blotters or facial
candle wax
tissue. Press with warm iron. Remove color stain with non-flammable dry
cleaning solvent. Hand wash until stain is gone, then machine launder in the
hottest water safe for fabric. If full load is crayon stained, take to cleaners or
coin-op dry cleaning machine.
Cream, milk Sponge with a non-flammable dry cleaning solvent, or a prewash soil and stain
or ice cream
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.
Deodorants Light stain:
Treat with liquid detergent or your regular laundry detergent. Wash
and anti-
in hottest water safe for fabric.
perspirants Heavy stain:
Place face down on towel and treat with a paste of ammonia and
all-fabric bleach. Let stand for 30 minutes. Wash in hottest water safe for fabric.
Fat, grease
or oil
See Warning on page 3, then remove stains using one of the methods below.
Always hand wash before machine laundering.
l Use pretreatment stain remover. Follow label directions. Wash in hottest
water safe for fabric.
l Use talcum powder to absorb as much grease as possible. Sponge with a
non-flammable dry cleaning solvent. Rinse. Wash.
l Treat with liquid detergent or rub a detergent paste on the stain. Wash
using hottest water safe for fabric.
Fruit stains Fresh stains: Soak immediately in cool water. Wash. If stain remains, cover
area with a paste made of all-fabric 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.
Grass or
green
vegetables
Soak in warm or cold water with an enzyme presoak for at least 30 minutes, 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 non-flammable dry cleaning solvent. If stain remains,
bleach with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Rinse. Rewash.
14

STAIN TO REMOVE
Ink or
Spray stain with an aerosol hair spray or rubbing alcohol. Sponge stain continu-
ballpoint
ously until all bleeding stops. Let dry. Repeat if necessary. Wash. If stain
pen ink
remains, bleach if safe for fabric. (India and other indelible inks are almost
impossible to remove completely.)
Iron or rust Colored or non-colorfast 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.
Lipstick
Apply non-flammable dry cleaning solvent or prewash soil and stain remover.
Blot with absorbent material. Repeat if necessary. Rinse. If stain still remains,
rub with liquid detergent. Wash.
Meat juice,
egg Scrape off excess with a dull knife. Soak in cold or warm water with enzyme
presoak at least 30 minutes. Treat grease stains with a non-flammable dry
cleaning solvent. Wash.
Mildew
Mustard
Wash in hottest water safe for fabric. If stain remains, soak in warm water and
an all-fabric bleach for 15 to 30 minutes. Rewash. (Old mildew stains are
almost impossible to remove. Mildew fungus destroys or weakens fabrics.) An
alternative to bleach is to treat with salt and lemon juice and dry in direct
sunlight. Rinse and rewash. Mildew may form if wet or damp laundry remains in
your washer for extended periods of time. To prevent mildew, promptly dry
laundry after washing.
Treat immediately. Scrape off excess mustard. Sponge with a non-flammable
dry cleaning solvent or a prewash soil and stain remover. Rinse. Work liquid
detergent and a few drops of vinegar into stain. Rinse. If stain remains, apply
3% hydrogen peroxide. Rinse and wash.
Paint
Always hand wash before machine laundering.
Water base: Treat stains while still wet. These paints cannot be removed after
they have dried. Rinse in warm water to flush out paint, sponge with a non-
flammable dry cleaning solvent. Rinse. Wash.
Oil base: Scrape off fresh paint. Sponge with a non-flammable dry cleaning
solvent or treat stain with recommended thinner. While stain is still wet with
solvent, rub liquid detergent into it. Wash with hottest water safe for fabric.
Perspiration
Remove stains before ironing. Perspiration stains may weaken fabric. Wash or
sponge stain thoroughly with detergent and warm water. If perspiration has
changed the color of the fabric, use one of the following treatments:
Fresh stains: Apply ammonia to stain. Rinse. Launder to remove ammonia
odor.
Old stains: Apply white vinegar to stain. Rinse. Launder to remove vinegar
odor.
Scorch
Severe scorch cannot be removed. Wet stain with 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Cover with a dry cloth and press with an iron as hot as is safe for fabric. Rinse
well. Wash.
OR
Wet with lemon juice and spread in the sun to dry. Wash.
Soft drinks
Sponge immediately with cold water and alcohol. Heat and detergent may set
stain.
continued on next page
15

Water usage guide
Water temperature
_.
WASH RINSE USE FOR COMMENTS
HOT COLD
l Heavy soils l Gives best cleaning for heavy
13O"F(54"C)
l Work clothes soils.
or above l Sturdy whites and l Removes oils, perspiration, greasy
colorfast pastels soils and stains.
l Diapers l Prevents graying and yellowing.
WARM COLD
l Light and moderate soils l Safe for most fabric finishes.
90"-110°F
(32"-44°C)
l Dark or non-colorfast l Less fading and dye bleeding.
colors l Reduces wrinkling.
l Moderately soiled perma-
nent press
l Nylons, polyesters,
acrylics, silks, woolens
l Knits and delicate fabrics
l Prewash, soak
COLD
70”-90°F
(21”-32°C)
COLD
l Very lightly soiled items l Saves hot water.
l Moderately soiled items if l Less effective cleaning than hot or
extra detergent is added warm water.
l Extra sensitive colors l Use longest wash time in cycle
(non-colorfast) selected.
l Rinsing, for all fabrics l Use liquid detergent, or dissolve
powdered detergent in warm water
before adding to cold wash water.
l Pretreat spots, stains and heavy or
greasy soils.
To check your hot water temperature with a
candy or cooking thermometer:
1. Fill a pan with the hottest water available
from the faucet that will fill your washer.
2. Place a candy or cooking thermometer in
water to check the temperature.
Water hardness
Many poor washing results can be traced to
wash water hardness. To check your water
hardness:
l City water-ask your city water company.
l Well water-call your Cooperative Extension
If you do not have a faucet at your wash site,
.. - - Service.
collect water trom the taucet closest to your
washer.
NOTE: In wash water temperatures colder
than 70°F (21“C):
Ask for the mineral content in grains-per-gallon
or parts-per-million. If your water is 9 or more
grains-per-gallon or more than 153 parts-per-
million:
l Detergents do not dissolve well. l Consider installing a water softener.
l Soils are difficult to remove. l Use more detergent.
l Some fabrics will retain wear wrinkles and l Use a packaged water conditioner.
may have increased pilling. l Do not use soap.
16

Using laundry aids
Follow package instructions when using laundry
aids. (See “Removing Stains” on page 13, for
more information.)
Chlorine bleach
l Use bleach dispenser.
l Follow directions on care labels. Do not use
chlorine bleach on wool, silk, spandex,
acetates, or some flame-retardant fabrics.
l Measure bleach. Do not guess. For this
machine, never use more than % cup (125mL)
for a full load. Add bleach to wash cycle so
it can be removed in the rinse cycle.
l 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.
All-fabric bleach
l Powdered or liquid all-fabric bleach may be
used on all types of fabrics.
9 Do not use all-fabric bleach in the bleach
dispenser because it may clog.
Detergent
l Using too little detergent is a common cause
of laundry problems. Follow manufacturer’s
directions. Measure accurately, especially
when using ultra detergents. Package
directions are usually based on:
-moderate water hardness (4-6 grains)
-lightly soiled items
-normal mix loads.
l Use more detergent for:
-hard water
-cooler wash water
-full loads
-heavily soiled items.
l Do not judge the amount of detergent to use
by the amount of suds in the machine. Low
sudsing detergents do not create as many
suds as normal sudsing detergents.
l If the recommended amount of normal
sudsing detergent creates too many suds or
suds are present in the rinse water, try a low
sudsing detergent.
Fabric softeners
l Use fabric softener dispenser.
l Always dilute fabric softeners with I/Zto 1 cup
(125 to 250 mL) warm water. Undiluted fabric
softener can stain fabrics.
l Fabric softeners 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.
l Too much fabric softener can make some
items (diapers and towels) non-absorbent. If
this happens, use less fabric softener or do
not use it every time. /
Fire or Explosion Hazard
l Store flammable solvents or liquids away
from your washer.
l Dry cleaning solvents or fluids should not
be put directly into your washer.
l Items treated with solvents should be
rinsed and air dried before washing in
your washer.
The fumes from these substances can
create a fire hazard or explosion.
Personal Injury Hazard
l Never use chlorine bleach with ammonia
or acids. Hazardous fumes can form.
l Keep stain removal products out of the
reach of children preferably in a locked
cabinet.

Washing special-care items
Most garments and household textiles have care labels with laundering instructions. Always follow
label directions when they are available. General washing instructions for some special washables
are included in this section.
Blankets
Pretreat spots and stains. Select water temperature, cycle, and time
according to the type of blanket being washed. Two rinses may be
necessary.
If manufacturer recommends machine washing:
1. Measure blanket before washing.
2. Add mild detergent to washer. Fill and agitate briefly to dissolve
detergent.
3. Stop washer. Load blanket evenly around agitator. Soak 10 to
15 minutes.
4. Set Cycle Control Knob to Drain and Spin. Start washer. Spin
1 to 2 minutes.
5. Fill washer for final rinse. Stop washer. Allow to soak.
6. Set Cycle Control Knob to Drain and Spin. Start washer. Allow
washer to finish cycle.
7. Lay blanket on flat surface and block by gently stretching to
original measurement. Woolens tend to shrink more the first time
they are washed. This is normal.
Curtains, drapes,
slipcovers
Wash small loads. Crowding will cause wrinkling.
1. Shake or vacuum to remove loose dirt.
2. Wash following manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE:
l Sun-damaged curtains and draperies will tear whether hand or
machine washed.
l Replace slipcovers while still slightly damp. They will dry to fit tightly.
Diapers
When using chlorine bleach for soaking, add detergent to load.
Avoid overuse of fabric softeners. Absorbency will be reduced.
1. Rinse immediately. Soak in a solution of lukewarm water and
a small amount of detergent until you are ready to wash them.
You may wish to use bleach or a special soaking product
when soaking.
2. Spin excess water from diapers before washing.
3. Wash diapers as you would wash white cottons and linens.
Elastic, spandex
Elastic picks up oil from the body. Oil can damage elastic. Wash
often to help reduce the damage. Use warm water and sufficient
detergent to remove oils.
Flame-retardant
Items will be clearly labeled as flame-retardant. Follow
clothing
manufacturer’s instructions to retain flame retardant qualities.
18

Fiberglass
materials
Knits
Do not wash fiberglass materials in your washer. Glass particles
could stick to the next load and cause skin irritation.
Knits are comfortable to wear because they stretch. However,
this means that knits are more likely to be stretched and
damaged 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.
1. Close zippers, fasten hooks and eyes to prevent snagging.
2. Wash small loads to reduce pilling and lint.
Pillows, stuffed
toys
Washing feather pillows is not recommended unless they are
dryer dried.
1. Add detergent, then partially fill washer with water; agitate
until detergent is dissolved.
2. Place two pillows on opposite sides of the agitator to balance
the load.
3. Allow washer to fill completely and continue through the
cycle.
4. Stop the washer occasionally to press air from item(s) being
washed.
Plastic, rubber
items
Quilts, bedspreads
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.
Scatter rugs 1.
Shake or vacuum to remove loose dirt.
2. Wash more than one small rug at a time. If you wash only
one rug, add bath towels to balance the load. A larger rug
should be distributed around the agitator to balance the load.
Snowsuits, jackets,
etc. 1.
Wash only one or two items at a time. Load evenly around
the agitator.
2. Stop the washer occasionally to press air from item(s) being
washed.
3. Two rinses may be necessary.
19

Solving laundering problems
Most laundering problems are easily solved if you understand the cause. Check the following list
for problems you may have and possible causes. If you need additional help, check the “Assis-
tance or Service” section of this book.
PROBLEM
Brown, yellow
stains
CAUSE
l Chlorine staining
l Iron in water heater or pipes
l Iron and manganese in water
Dye transfer l Improper sorting
l Load not immediately removed from washer after end of cycle
Gray whites,
dingy colors
l Improper sorting
. Water temperature too low
l Not enough detergent
l Using soap in very hard water (use detergent if you have hard water)
Greasy looking
spots
. Undiluted fabric softener or fabric softener poured directly on load
. Fabric softener in wash water
l Not enough detergent
Lint
l Improper sorting
9 Paper or tissue in pockets
l Pilling being mistaken for lint
l Overloading
l Not enough detergent
9 Clogged lint filter
Load too wet
after spin
Shrinking
l Cold rinses
l Lid is opened before spinning is completed
l Fabric type (some knits stretch during manufacturing-laundering return:
fabric to original size)
l Care label directions not followed
Snags, rips, holes 9 Items damaged before washing
l Misuse of chlorine bleach
l Sharp articles not removed from pockets
l Overloading
. Fasteners not fastened
Stiff, rough fabrics
l Using soap in very hard water (use detergent if you have hard water)
(usually cottons) l Not enough detergent
l Line drying
Twisting, tangling
l Overloading
l Improper loading (do not wrap large items around agitator)
Wrinkling
l Overloading
l Load not immediately removed from washer after end of cycle
l Improper rinse temperature
l Cycle selection is incorrect (based on fabric type)
Yellow areas
9 Water temperature too low
(from body oils)
l Not enough detergent
20