This document serves as a comprehensive Use and Care Guide for Whirlpool front-loading automatic washers, covering models 8TWFW5620HW, 8TWFW6620HW, and 8TWFW8620HW. It provides detailed instructions on operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, emphasizing safety and optimal performance.
Function Description
The Whirlpool front-loading automatic washer is designed to efficiently clean various types of laundry. It features a control panel with touch-sensitive or physical buttons for selecting wash cycles and options. The washer includes a detergent dispenser system, which may feature a Load & Go bulk dispenser for automatic detergent dispensing over multiple loads or a single-load dispenser for manual addition of HE detergent, fabric softener, and liquid chlorine bleach for each wash. The machine senses load size and adjusts water levels and cycle times accordingly. Special cycles like "Clean Washer" are included for internal maintenance, ensuring the appliance remains fresh and clean. The washer is designed to use only HE (High Efficiency) detergents to prevent excessive sudsing and ensure optimal cleaning performance.
Important Technical Specifications
The manual provides specifications for three models: 8TWFW5620HW, 8TWFW6620HW, and 8TWFW8620HW.
All models operate on a power supply of 120 V / 60 Hz and have a maximum wash load capacity of 17.0 kg (dry clothes). The applicable water pressure for all models is 0.03~0.7 MPa.
- 8TWFW5620HW: Rated power of 500 W, maximum spin speed of 1,200 rpm, weight of 96 kg, and external dimensions of 982 x 686 x 802 (mm) (H x W x D).
- 8TWFW6620HW: Rated power of 1,000 W, maximum spin speed of 1,200 rpm, weight of 107 kg, and external dimensions of 982 x 686 x 802 (mm) (H x W x D).
- 8TWFW8620HW: Rated power of 1,050 W, maximum spin speed of 1,200 rpm, weight of 113 kg, and external dimensions of 982 x 686 x 844 (mm) (H x W x D).
All models are described as having a "White" product color (end digit W).
Usage Features
The washer offers a user-friendly interface with "What to Wash" and "How to Wash" selections.
- What to Wash: Options include Regular (cottons, linens, mixed garments), Delicates (no-iron fabrics, synthetics, sheer/lacy garments), Bulky Items (comforters, sleeping bags, jackets, washable rugs), Whites, Colors, and Towels.
- How to Wash: Options include Normal, Wrinkle Control, Heavy Duty, Sanitize (with Oxi on some models), Cold Wash, and Quick.
Cycle modifiers allow users to adjust settings such as:
- Temp: Recommended wash temperatures are preset for each cycle, but can be changed based on soil level and fabric type. All wash temperatures include a cold rinse.
- Spin: Preset spin speeds can be adjusted. Faster speeds reduce drying time but may increase wrinkling, while slower speeds reduce wrinkling but leave clothes damper.
- Soil: Preset soil levels can be changed. "Heavy" is for heavily soiled, sturdy fabrics, and "Light" is for lightly soiled, delicate fabrics.
Utility cycles include:
- Clean Washer: Recommended every 30 washes for internal cleaning using affresh Washer Cleaner tablets or liquid chlorine bleach.
- Drain & Spin: Removes excess water from loads or hand-washed items.
Cycle options (vary by model and cycle):
- Steam Clean: Adds soak and wash time for tough stains and a steam boost.
- Extra Rinse: Adds an additional rinse to most cycles.
- Load & Go: Automatically adds HE detergent at the proper time (on some models).
- PreSoak: Adds a user-selected presoak time.
The washer features a "Cycle Status Display" showing progress and an "Estimated Time Remaining." An "Add Garment" light indicates when items can be added during a cycle. The door locks during operation for safety.
Maintenance Features
The manual outlines several maintenance procedures to ensure the washer's longevity and performance:
- Water Inlet Hoses: Replace every five years and inspect regularly for bulges, kinks, cuts, wear, or leaks.
- General Washer Care:
- Always use HE detergents as per manufacturer instructions.
- Use warm or hot water washes occasionally to control soil and detergent accumulation.
- Leave the washer door slightly ajar between uses to allow drying and prevent odor buildup.
- Periodically clean residue from all interior surfaces of the window with a damp cloth.
- Cleaning the Door Seal: Inspect and wipe down the gray-colored seal between the door opening and the drum for stains, soil, or lint. This can be done using affresh Machine Cleaning Wipes or a dilute liquid chlorine bleach solution.
- Cleaning the Inside of the Washer: Use the "Clean Washer" cycle with affresh Washer Cleaner or liquid chlorine bleach. Steam models utilize steam for enhanced cleaning.
- Cleaning the Dispensers:
- Single Load Dispenser Drawer: Remove the drawer by pressing a release tab and pull it out. Lift off the cover panel for thorough cleaning. Wipe surfaces with an affresh Machine Cleaning Wipe or damp cloth.
- Load & Go Bulk Dispenser (on some models): Pull out the dispenser drawer, lift out the Load & Go containers, and flush the interior with warm water. Wipe outside surfaces with an affresh Machine Cleaning Wipe or damp cloth.
- Cleaning the Outside of the Washer: Wipe up spills with an affresh Machine Cleaning Wipe or mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive products.
- Clean Washer Cycle Reminder: On some models, an LED will flash after 30 wash cycles to remind users to run the "Clean Washer" cycle.
- Drain Pump Filter/Draining Residual Water (on some models): Periodically clean the drain pump filter. This involves opening the dispenser drawer, removing the filter, draining residual water into a container, removing lint, rinsing the filter, and reinserting it.
- Non-Use and Vacation Care: Unplug the washer, turn off water supply, and clean dispensers.
- Winter Storage Care: If storing or moving in freezing weather, winterize the washer by shutting off water faucets, draining hoses, and running a Normal cycle with 1 qt (1 L) of R.V.-type antifreeze in the drum.
- Reinstalling/Using Washer Again: After non-use, vacation, winter storage, or moving, flush water pipes, reconnect hoses, plug in power, and run a Heavy Duty cycle with half the recommended amount of HE detergent to clean the washer and remove antifreeze.
The manual also includes extensive troubleshooting guides for various issues such as error codes, noises, water leaks, improper washing/rinsing, and fabric damage, with suggested causes and solutions. It emphasizes the importance of using HE detergents and following manufacturer instructions for optimal performance and to prevent damage.
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