12.5 Water hardness
If the water hardness in your area is high or
moderate, we recommend that you use a
water softener for washing machines. In
areas where the water hardness is soft it is
not necessary to use a water softener.
To find out the water hardness in your area,
contact your local water authority.
Use the correct quantity of water softener.
Follow the instructions that you find on the
packaging of the product.
13. CARE AND CLEANING
WARNING!
Refer to Safety chapters.
13.1 Periodic cleaning schedule
Periodic cleaning helps to extend the life
of your appliance.
After each cycle, keep the door and the
detergent dispenser slightly ajar to get air
circulation and dry the humidity inside the
appliance: this will prevent mildew and
odours.
If the appliance is not used for a long time:
close the water tap and unplug the appliance.
Indicative periodic cleaning schedule:
Descaling Twice a year
Maintenance wash Once a month
Clean lid seal Every two months
Clean drum Every two months
Clean detergent dispens‐
er
Every two months
Clean drain pump filter Twice a year
Clean the inlet hose and
the valve filter
Twice a year
The following paragraphs explain how you
should clean each part.
13.2 Removing foreign objects
Make sure that pockets are empty and all
loose elements are tied up before
running your cycle. Refer to "The laundry
load" in "Hints and tips".
Remove any foreign objects (such as metal
clip, buttons, coins, etc) that you may find in
the filters and the drum. Refer to "Cleaning
the drum", "Cleaning the drain pump" and
"Cleaning the inlet hose and the valve filter"
paragraphs. If necessary, please contact the
Authorised Service Centre.
13.3 External cleaning
Clean the appliance with mild soap and warm
water only. Fully dry all the surfaces. Do not
use a scouring pads or any scratching
material.
CAUTION!
Do not use alcohol, solvents or chemical
products.
CAUTION!
Do not clean the metal surfaces with
chlorine-based detergent.
13.4 Descaling
If the water hardness in your area is high
or moderate, we recommend that you
use a water descaling product for
washing machines.
Regularly examine the drum to check for
limescale.
Regular detergents already contain water
softening agents, but we recommend to run a
cycle with an empty drum and a descaling
product occasionally.
Always follow the instructions that you
find on the packaging of the product.
ENGLISH 27