Whirlpool LSC8244EQ0 User manual

A Note to You ......................... 2
Washer Safety ........................ 3
Parts and Features ................ 4
Operating Your Washer......... 5
Starting your washer .......... 5
Stopping/restarting
your washer........................ 7
Selecting a cycle and time ... 8
Using rinse and spin......... 10
Using drain and spin......... 10
Understanding normal
washer sounds ................. 10
Understanding what
happens in each cycle...... 11
MAGIC CLEAN® lint filter ... 11
Adding liquid chlorine
bleach............................... 12
Adding liquid fabric
softener ............................ 12
Caring for Your Washer ...... 13
Laundry Tips ........................ 14
Removing Stains.................. 19
Troubleshooting................... 22
Requesting Assistance
or Service ............................. 24
Warranty ............................... 28
1-800-253-1301
Call us with questions or comments.
Home Appliances
PART NO. 3363572
TWO SPEED AUTOMATIC WASHERS
WITH HAND WASHABLES CYCLE
UseAndCare
GUIDE

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, 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
Load SizeLoad Size
Heavy Duty • Large Capacity
Extra
Large
Medium Large
Pull StartPull Start
Push StopPush Stop
PermanentPermanent
PressPress
NormalNormal
Super WashSuper Wash
Hand WashablesHand Washables
Regular
Light
Normal
Light
Normal
Soft WashSoft Wash
Heavy
DelicatesDelicates
Spin
Spin
Spin
Spin
Spin
Spin
Off
Off
Off
Off
Off
Off
Off
Rinse
Rinse
Cool
Down
Rinse
Rinse
Extra
Rinse
Extra
Rinse
X-Rinse
Pause
Pause
9
9
12
15
18
6
66
6
3
3
Temperature Options
Hot Warm Cold Warm
Wash
ColdCold ColdCold ColdCold WarmWarm Cycle SignalCycle Signal Extra RinseExtra Rinse
Rinse
On Off
On Off
8 Cycle - 2 Speed8 Cycle - 2 Speed
Small
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)
Liquid chlorine
bleach dispenser
(p. 12)
Cycle control knob
(pp. 7-11)
* On some models.
Other models have rotary knobs.
MAGIC CLEAN®
lint filter
(bottom of washer basket)
(p. 11)
Extra rinse
selector
(p. 7)
Water temperature
selector
(p. 6)
Cycle signal
selector
(p. 7)
Liquid fabric
softener
dispenser
(p. 12)
CLEAN TOUCH™
panel*
(pp. 6-7)
Load size
selector
(p. 6)

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 14 and 15.
•If desired, you may also add color safe
bleach or extra detergent for the Super
Wash cycle.
2. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, pour
measured liquid chlorine bleach into
the liquid bleach dispenser.
See page 12.
•Use only liquid chlorine bleach in the
bleach dispenser.
3. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, pour
measured liquid fabric softener into
the fabric softener dispenser. See
page 12.
4. Close the washer lid.
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.
Liquid fabric
softener dispenser
Liquid chlorine
bleach despenser
wWARNING
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into a grounded three 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

6
Load Size
Small Large
Medium
Load Size
Small Extra
Large
Medium Large
5. Turn the Load Size Selector to the
setting that corresponds with the size
of your wash load and the type of
fabric being washed.
•The Load Size Selector is a rotary knob.
Depending on your model, your washer
has 3or 4load size settings:
–Small OR –Small
–Medium –Medium
–Large –Large
–Extra Large
•To change the load size setting after
the washer has started to fill, turn the
Selector to the desired new setting.
6. Select a wash-rinse temperature with
the Water Temperature Selector. Match
the water temperatures with the type of
fabric and soils being washed.
•See page 16 for water temperature
guidelines.
•Depending on your model, your washer
has one of the Water Temperature
Selectors shown:
–Rotary knob with 3 temperature
selections;
–CLEAN TOUCH™ Selector with
4temperature selections.
•For both Selectors, the top temperature
is the wash water, and the bottom tem-
perature is the rinse water.
NOTE: On CLEAN TOUCH models,
a colored indicator shows the setting
you select.
OR
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
Rotary Knob
OR
Temperature
Hot
Cold
Cold
Cold
Wash
Rinse
Warm
Cold
Temperature
Wash
Hot Warm Cold Warm
Rinse
Cold Cold Cold Warm
CLEAN TOUCH
Selector

7
7. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, on
models with the Extra Rinse option,
set the CLEAN TOUCH Extra Rinse
Selector to On to add a rinse and spin
to the end of the wash cycle.
•Use the Extra Rinse option when adding
extra detergent for the Super Wash
cycle, or any other cycle, depending on
your model.
8. (OPTIONAL STEP) If desired, on
models with the end-of-cycle signal
option, set the CLEAN TOUCH™
Cycle Signal to On if you want the
washer to alert you when the wash
cycle is complete.
•The signal is helpful when you are
washing items that should be removed
from the washer as soon as the
cycle ends.
9. Push in the Cycle Control Knob and
turn it clockwise to the wash cycle
you want. See pages 8 and 9.
10. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob to
start the washer.
Stopping/restarting your washer
•To stop the 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.
Extra Rinse
On Off
Options
CLEAN TOUCH
Selector
CLEAN TOUCH
Selector
Cycle Signal
On Off
Options
OPERATING YOUR WASHER

8
Selecting a cycle and time
This section illustrates and describes the
wash cycles you can select with the Cycle
Control Knob. Use this information 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.
Super Wash Cycle
The Super Wash cycle (18 minutes) features
an extended wash time for washing heavily
soiled loads that need maximum soil removal.
For improved cleaning, use twice the
amount of detergent recommended for a
wash cycle.
Normal Cycle
The Normal cycle features the Gentle Wash
system, and high agitation and spin speeds
to shorten drying time. Use this cycle for
cleaning cotton and linen fabrics. Select
9 (REGULAR) or 12 (HEAVY) minutes of
wash time, depending on whether your
load is moderately or heavily soiled.
For lightly soiled cotton and linen fabrics,
use 6 minutes of wash time. (On 8-cycle
models, this is labeled SOFTWASH.)
•Some washer models have an Extra Rinse
option in most wash cycles.
•Cycle descriptions are included below and
on the following pages for 7-cycle and
8-cycle models.
•Refer to page 10 to learn more about the
sounds you may hear during a wash cycle.
•Refer to page 11 to help you understand
what happens during a wash cycle.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER
Super Wash
18
8-Cycle Model
Normal
Spin
Rinse
6
9
12
Off
Regular
Heavy
Normal
Spin
Spin
Rinse
X-Rinse
6
9
12
Off
Off
Regular
Heavy
Softwash
7-Cycle Model
On All Models

9
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. Select 6 (LIGHT)
or 9 (REGULAR) minutes of wash time,
depending on whether your wash load is
lightly or moderately soiled.
Delicates Cycle
The Delicates cycle features a reduced
agitation speed for gentle soil removal.
Low spin speeds reduce wrinkling. Use
6 minutes of wash time for cleaning lightly
to moderately soiled delicate items and
washable knits.
Hand Washables Cycle
The Hand Washables cycle features brief,
low-speed agitation (2 seconds), and short
soaks (28 seconds) to gently clean special-
care items. Low spin speeds reduce wrin-
kling. Use 6 minutes of wash time to clean
lightly soiled hand washables.
Wash small loads. If items appear to be
floating (due to trapped air), stop the washer
by pushing in the Cycle Control Knob. Push
items down into the washer. Restart the
washer. Refer to “Hand washables” on page
17 for more information.
Permanent
Press
Spin
Spin
Extra
Rinse
6
9
Cool
Down
Pause
Off
Off
Rinse
Regular
Light
8-Cycle Model7-Cycle Model
Permanent
Press
Spin
9
Cool
Down
Pause
Off
Rinse
6
Regular
Light
Delicates
Spin
Rinse
6
Off
8-Cycle Model7-Cycle Model
Delicates
Spin
Rinse
Rinse
Extra
6
Off
Off
Spin
Rinse
6
Off
Hand WashablesHand Washables
Hand WashablesHand Washables
Spin
Spin
Rinse
Rinse
Extra
6
Off
Off
8-Cycle Model7-Cycle Model
OPERATING YOUR WASHER

10
Using rinse and spin
NOTE: On some models, an Extra Rinse
option is available in most cycles. (See
page 7.)
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 clockwise
to Rinse, as illustrated.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob. The
washer fills to selected load size,
agitates, drains, and spins.
Using 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 in the Cycle Control Knob and turn
clockwise to Spin, as illustrated.
2. Pull out the Cycle Control Knob. The
washer drains, then spins.
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 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.
6
18
Spin
Spin
Spin
Spin
Extra
Regular
Regular
Light
Heavy
Softwash
Spin
Spin
Spin
X-Rinse
Extra
Rinse
Rinse
Rinse
Extra
6
6
9
9
12
6
Cool
Down
Pause
Off
Off
Off
Off
Permanent
Press
Normal
Delicates
Super Wash
Hand Washables
Rinse
Rinse
Rinse
Off
Off
Off
Off
Rinse
Rinse
Rinse
Rinse
Rinse
6
18
Extra
Regular
Regular
Light
Heavy
Softwash
Spin
Spin
Spin
X-Rinse
Extra
Rinse
Rinse
Rinse
Extra
6
6
9
9
12
6
Cool
Down
Pause
Off
Off
Off
Off
Permanent
Press
Normal
Delicates
Super Wash
Hand Washables
Off
Off
Off
Off
Spin
Spin
Spin
Spin
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.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER

11
Understanding what happens in each cycle
When the Cycle Control Knob is set to a
number and pulled out, the washer fills (to
the selected load size) before agitation and
timing start. The washer begins agitating
immediately after filling; agitation occurs with
the washer lid up or down.
During agitation, the XTRA ROLL ACTION™
agitator creates
a continuous
rollover action
that provides a
thorough cleaning
of the wash load.
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.
•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
▼
*The Permanent Press cycle partially
drains, fills, agitates briefly, and drains.
WASH RINSE
MAGIC CLEAN®lint filter
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
Adding liquid chlorine bleach
Use your washer’s liquid chlorine bleach
dispenser to add bleach to the wash load.
Always measure liquid chlorine bleach. Do
not guess. Never use more than 1 cup
(250 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 the 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 wash part of cycle.
Adding liquid fabric softener
1. Add detergent and load clothes into the
basket.
2. Pour liquid fabric softener into the dis-
penser 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 cross bar in the opening.
4. Start the washer. Diluted fabric softener
will be added to the load during the
final rinse.
NOTE: Do not stop the washer before the
rinse part of the cycle begins. Staining
can occur.
5. Flush dispenser periodically with warm
water, as illustrated.
•To remove the dispenser, grasp the top
of the dispenser with both hands.
Squeeze and push upward with thumbs
to remove.
•Clean dispenser by holding under water
faucet. Replace after cleaning.
NOTE: Do not wash clothes with this
dispenser removed. Do not add detergent
or bleach to dispenser. The dispenser is
for liquid fabric softener use only.
NOTE: Do not use this dispenser to add
powdered chlorine or color safe bleach to
your wash load. The dispenser is for liquid
chlorine bleach use only.
OPERATING YOUR WASHER

13
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 page 10) 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.

14
Laundry Tips
This section reviews proper laundering techniques and gives you additional washing
information.
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, brush away lint and dirt.
•Turn synthetic knits inside out to avoid pilling.
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 (top row of
holes). Do not 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.
•Load washer properly and select correct
load size setting. Overloading or packing
the machine, and selecting a setting too
small for the wash load can:
– cause poor cleaning.
– increase wrinkling.
– create excessive lint.
– wear out items faster (because of 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 colors from light colors,
colorfast items from noncolorfast items.
•Sort by fabric and construction (sturdy
cottons, knits, delicate items).
•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
washer vibrate during spin.
•Use a large load size setting to reduce
wrinkling with permanent press clothes and
some synthetic knits. These items should
have more room to move in the water than
heavy items (towels, jeans).
•Reduce wash time when using a small
load size setting. Loads with only a few
small items need less wash time.

15
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
Permanent Press
2 double or
1 king size sheet(s)
1 tablecloth
1 dress
1 blouse
2 slacks
3 shirts
2 pillowcases
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
Loading suggestions
For these suggested full-sized loads, set the Load Size Selector to the highest load size
setting.
SUPER CAPACITY PLUS WASHERS
Saving energy
•Use warm or cold wash water for most
loads. Use hot water only when washing
heavy, greasy soils or whites.
•Use cold rinses.
•Wash full loads.
•Use lower water levels when washing
small 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.)
LAUNDRY TIPS

16
Water guidelines
Selecting water temperatures
LAUNDRY TIPS
SUGGESTED FABRICS
•Work clothes
•Sturdy whites/colorfast
pastels
•Diapers
•Dark/noncolorfast colors
•Permanent press items
•Nylon, polyester, acrylics,
silks, woolens
•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)
*The washer features cold rinses for all wash temperatures. In addition, on some models,
warm rinses are available with warm washes. Warm rinse water provides better water
extraction than cold rinse water and shortens drying times. However, warm rinse water may
increase wrinkling when line drying. In cold climates, warm rinse water also provides a more
comfortable temperature for handling the wash load.
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.

17
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Pretreat spots and stains. Select water temperature, cycle, and
time according to the type of blanket being washed. Two rinses
may be necessary. 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.
Garments are labeled “Hand Wash” because:
•The fiber or construction may be sensitive to agitation.
•The fabric contains sensitive dyes that may bleed.
Properly sort and then use your Hand Washables cycle for gentle
washing. Follow care label directions for drying. Items that may
shrink should be dried flat. Block these items by gently stretching to
original measurements. Woolens tend to shrink more the first time
they are washed.
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
Hand washables
continued on next page
LAUNDRY TIPS

18
ITEM
Knits, washable
Pillows, stuffed
toys
Plastic, rubber
items
Quilts, bedspreads
Scatter rugs
Snowsuits, jackets
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
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 knits 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
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.
REMOVING STAINS
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