Kenmore Elite Automatic Washer User Manual

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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
LEVELING THE WASHER
INSTALLATION OF NON-SKID PADS
(optional)
The drum of your new washer spins at very high speeds.
To minimize vibration, noise, and unwanted movement,
the floor must be a level, solid surface.
NOTE: Adjust the leveling feet only as far as necessary to 
level the washer. Extending the leveling feet more than  
necessary can cause the washer to vibrate.
NOTE: Before installing the washer, make
sure that the floor is clean, dry and free of  
dust, dirt, water and oils so the washer feet  
cannot slide easily. Leveling feet that  
move or slide on the floor can contribute  
to excess vibration and noise due to 
poor contact with the floor. See 
INSTALLATION OF NON-SKID PADS 
for more information.
NOTE: If a drip pan must be used, make sure to follow the 
instructions provided with the drip pan and make sure the 
leveling feet are adjusted for firm and even contact with 
the pan. Use of drip pans and failure to properly level the 
machine may result in increased vibration and noise  
during operation.
All four leveling feet must rest solidly on the floor. Rock 
the washer from corner to corner to make sure that all 
four leveling feet are in firm and even contact with the floor.
3. Once the washer is level from side to side and front to
    back, use the adjusting wrench to tighten all four lock 
    nuts securely to prevent the legs from getting out of
    adjustment during operation. Make sure that all four  
    leveling feet are in firm contact with the floor.
NOTE: To make sure that the washer is properly level, run
the washer with a test load: place a medium-sized load 
of laundry in the machine. Then, press POWER, select
RINSE & SPIN, and press the START/PAUSE button.
See the following sections for additional information on 
cycle selection and operation. Verify that the washer does 
not rock or vibrate excessively during the spin cycle. If the
washer vibrates or shakes, adjust the leveling feet, while 
the washer is spinning, until the vibrations are reduced.
Some floor surfaces are too slippery to prevent the 
washer from moving on the floor during heavily 
unbalanced loads. While it is normal for an occasional 
load to be out of balance, excess noise and vibration can 
result from the washer moving out of position. If these 
conditions are encountered, follow the instructions below 
for installation of the non-skid pads. These pads will help 
prevent the washer from moving during heavy, out of  
balance conditions, thereby reducing noise and vibration.
NOTE: The non-skid pads are included in the installation 
packet 1. Position the washer in its final location, taking special 
   care not to pinch, strain, or crush the water and drain 
   lines. Place a level across the top of the washer.
2. Loosen the locknuts on all four leveling feet with 
the wrench until you can adjust the feet (wrench 
appearance may vary). Use the wrench to turn the feet 
clockwise to raise the washer, and counterclockwise 
to lower the washer. Using a level, adjust the feet until 
the washer is level from side to side and front to back. 
Make sure that all four feet are in firm contact with the 
floor.
NOTE: If you are installing the washer on the optional 
pedestal, the washer leveling feet should be fully retracted. 
Use the leveling feet on the pedestal to level the washer.
Tighten all 4 lock nuts
securely using the wrench.
Level
Leveling Feet
Leveling
Feet
Non-skid pads
Place the pads under both front feet.
This side up
Stick adhesive side to floor
Remove backing 
						

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HOW TO USE
POWER (ON/OFF) BUTTON
Press to turn the washer ON or OFF.
NOTE: Pressing the POWER button during a 
cycle will cancel that cycle and any load 
settings will be lost. The door will unlock after a 
brief pause, unless the water level or  
temperature is too high.
SPECIAL CYCLE AND OPTION BUTTONS
These buttons are used to activate special cycles
or options.
DETERGENT AMOUNT INDICATOR (Dtg Amt)
The detergent amount indicator bars light up to 
indicate the size of dry load sensed by washer 
control. Follow the detergent manufacturer’s 
recommendations for amount of detergent to use 
based on load size. Indicator will not be accurate 
if any wet clothes are placed in the washer.
NOTE: The detergent amount indicator icon does 
not represent an actual detergent measuring cup 
or cap. This feature is not available on all cycles.
TIME AND STATUS DISPLAY
The display shows the cycle status, door lock  
status and estimated time remaining.
STEAM TREAT BUTTON
Select the STEAM TREAT button to add steam to 
the selected cycle for added cleaning power.
NOTE: The steam option is not available on all 
cycles. 
DISPENSER DRAWER
This drawer contains the compartments for 
detergent and additives.
CYCLE SELECTOR KNOB
Turn this knob to select the desired cycle. Once the  
desired cycle has been selected, the standard presets 
will appear in the display. These settings can be  
adjusted using the cycle setting buttons anytime  
before starting the cycle. 
START/PAUSE BUTTON
Press this button to start the selected cycle.
If the washer is running, use this button to pause 
the cycle without losing the current settings.
NOTE: If you do not press the START/PAUSE 
button within four minutes of selecting a cycle, 
the washer automatically turns OFF.
CYCLE MODIFIER BUTTONS
Use these buttons to adjust the settings for the 
selected cycle. The settings light up above the 
buttons to show the current selection.
CONTROL PANEL FEATURES
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WARNING:           To	reduce	the	risk	of	fire,	electric	shock,	or	injury	to	persons,	read	and	follow	this
   entire Use & Care Guide, including the Important Safety Instructions, before operating this washer.
NOTE: To protect your clothing, not all settings are available on all cycle selections.
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SORT LAUNDRY AND LOAD WASHER
Sort laundry by fabric type, soil level, color and load size, as needed.  
Open the door and load selected items into the washer.
TURN ON THE WASHER
Press the POWER button to turn ON the washer. The lights around the 
cycle selector knob will illuminate and a chime will sound.
SELECT A CYCLE
Turn the cycle selector knob in either direction to select the desired cycle. 
The preset Wash Temperature, Spin Speed, Soil Level,  
and Option settings for that cycle will be shown.
SELECT CYCLE MODIFIERS & OPTIONS
Default settings for the selected cycle can now be changed if desired. 
Use the cycle modifier buttons.
NOTE: To protect your fabrics, not all modifiers are available on all 
cycles. Cycle options can also be added by using the option buttons.
NOTE: Not all options are available on all cycles. A different chime will 
sound and the LED will not come on if the selection is not allowed.
BEGIN CYCLE
Press the START/PAUSE button to begin the cycle. The door will lock, 
and the washer will briefly tumble the load without water to measure its 
weight. Washer will stop tumbling and the detergent amount  
indicator bar(s) will light up indicating the size of the load. One bar 
indicates a small load, two bars medium, three bars large, and four bars 
an extra-large load.
PAUSE CYCLE
When the detergent amount indicator lights up, press the
START/PAUSE button to pause the cycle.
ADD DETERGENT
Add High-Efficiency (HE) detergent to the detergent dispenser drawer 
based on the number of illuminated bars in the detergent amount 
indicator.
RESUME CYCLE
Press the START/PAUSE button to resume the wash cycle.
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HOW TO USE
OPERATING THE WASHER USING DETERGENT AMOUNT INDICATOR
IMPORTANT: DO NOT add detergent before beginning the wash cycle (step 5 below) when using detergent 
amount indicator.
NOTE: If you choose not to use the detergent amount indicator feature, add detergent before Step 5 (BEGIN CYCLE).
  
						

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NOTE: 
• To protect your garments, not every wash temperature, spin speed, soil level, or option is available with every                
cycle. A chime will sound and the LED will not light if the selection is not allowed.
• The washer automatically adjusts the wash time for the amount of laundry, water pressure, water heating time and other     
operating conditions.
• These cycles use various wash motions to enhance cleaning and/or fabric care performance. The wash motions may sound      
different at different stages of the wash cycle. This is normal.
• The recommended load size for the Sanitize cycle is 10 lbs.
• When the Accela-wash option is selected, the drum spins to rinse the clothes. To use the No Spin option, you must 
deselect the Accela-wash option.
HOW TO USE
  CYCLE GUIDE
The cycle guide below shows the default settings, available options and recommended fabric types for each cycle. Allowable modifier adjustments are shown below the default setting for each cycle.= Default Setting
CycleFabric or  Load Type
Display  Time (Min.)
Load SensingWash MotionWash  TemperatureSpin SpeedSoil LevelAccela-WashSteam Tr e a tExtra RinseAuto SoakSave  Energy Pre- Wash
Normal
Cotton, linen, towels, shirts, sheets, jeans, mixed loads
32-50Ye sYe s
WarmHighNormal
HotTap ColdCold
Extra HighNo SpinLowMedium
HeavyLight
Bulky/Bedding
Large items such as blankets and comforters
56NoYe s
WarmMediumNormal
HotTap ColdCold
No SpinLowHeavyLight
Kids  We a r
Specifically 
designed to clean and thoroughly rinse kids wear
86-96Ye sYe s
HotHighHeavy
Tap ColdColdWarm
Extra HighNo SpinLowMedium
LightNormal
Heavy Duty
Heavily soiled  cotton fabrics80-98Ye sYe s
WarmExtra HighHeavy
HotTap ColdCold
No SpinLowMediumHigh
LightNormal
Sanitize
Heavily soiled items, such as work clothes, diapers, etc.
98-107Ye sYe s
Extra HotHighNormal
Extra HighNo SpinLowMedium
HeavyLight
Whitest Whites
Heavily to normally soiled white cottons
66-76Ye sYe s
HotHighNormal
Tap ColdColdWarm
Extra HighNo SpinLowMedium
HeavyLight
= Available Option 
						

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CycleFabric or Load Type
Display  Time  (Min.)
Load SensingWash MotionWash TemperatureSpin SpeedSoil LevelAccela-WashSteam  Tr e a tExtra  RinseAuto  SoakSave  Energy Pre-Wash
Casual
Dress shirts/pants,wrinkle-free clothing,poly/cotton blendclothing, tablecloths
35-44Ye sYe s
WarmMediumNormal
HotTap ColdCold
HighNo SpinLow
HeavyLight
Express Wash 
Lightly soiled clothing and small loads15NoYe s
HotExtra HighLight
Tap ColdColdWarm
No SpinLowMediumHigh
NormalHeavy
Cold Clean
Small loads of cotton, linen, towels, shirts, sheets, jeans, mixed loads
73-82Ye sYe s
ColdHighNormal
Tap Cold
Extra HighNo SpinLowMedium
Light
Delicates
Dress shirts/blouses, nylons, sheer or  lacy garments
41NoYe s
ColdMediumNormal
WarmTap ColdNo SpinLowHeavyLight
Workout We a r
Permanent press, synthetic items
57NoYe s
WarmMediumNormal
Tap ColdColdNo SpinLowHeavyLight
Rinse and Spin
Loads that only need to be rinsed 18NoNo
ColdHigh
Extra HighNo SpinLowMedium
  CYCLE GUIDE (continued)
The cycle guide below shows the default settings, available options and recommended fabric types for each cycle. Allowable modifier adjustments are shown below the default setting for each cycle.= Default Setting
= Available Option
HOW TO USE
NOTE: 
• To protect your garments, not every wash temperature, spin speed, soil level, or option is available with every                
cycle. A chime will sound and the LED will not light if the selection is not allowed.
• The washer automatically adjusts the wash time for the amount of laundry, water pressure, water heating time and other    
operating conditions.
• These cycles use various wash motions to enhance cleaning and/or fabric care performance. The wash motions may sound       
different at different stages of the wash cycle. This is normal.
• The recommended load size for the Sanitize cycle is 10 lbs.
• When the Accela-wash option is selected, the drum spins to rinse the clothes. To use the No Spin option, you must deselect 
the Accela-wash option. 
						

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HOW TO USE
SORTING WASH LOADS
Fabric Care Labels
Many articles of clothing include a fabric care label. 
Using the chart below, adjust the cycle and option 
selections to care for your clothing according to the 
manufacturer’s recommendations.  
Grouping	Similar	Items
For the best washing results, and to reduce the possibility of
damage to clothing, care should be taken to sort the
clothing into loads that are made up of similar items. 
Mixing different fabric types and/or soil levels can result 
in poor wash performance, color transfer or discoloration, 
fabric damage or linting. Fabrics should be sorted into 
groups as described below.
Colors
Sort articles by color. Wash dark clothes together in a
separate load from light colors or whites. Mixing dark 
clothes with light clothes can result in dye transfer or 
discoloration of the lighter clothes.
Soil Level
Wash heavily soiled clothing together. Washing lightly 
soiled clothing in the same load with heavily soiled  
clothing could result in poor wash performance for the 
lightly soiled clothing.
Fabric Type
Delicate articles should not be mixed with heavier or 
sturdier fabric types. Washing delicates in a load with 
heavy fabrics can result in damage to the more delicate 
fabrics. Washing heavier fabrics in a delicate load can 
result in poor wash performance for the heavier fabrics 
and possible damage to the delicates.
Lint Type
Some fabrics attract and bind lint to them while others 
give off lint in the laundry process. Avoid mixing these 
lint collectors and lint producers in the same load. Mixing 
these fabrics will result in pilling and linting on the lint 
collectors. (For example, lint collector – knit sweater; lint 
producer – terrycloth towels.)
Loading	the	Washer
• Check all pockets to make sure that they are empty. 
Items such as clips, matches, pens, coins, and keys can 
damage both your washer and your clothes.
• Close zippers, hooks, and drawstrings to prevent these 
items from snagging or tangling on other clothes.
• Pretreat heavily stained areas for best results.
• Combine large and small items in a load. Load large  
items first.
• Large items should not be more than half of the total  
wash load.
• The drum should not be tightly packed with items. The 
door of the washer should close easily.
• To prevent an out-of-balance load, do not wash 
single items. Add one or two similar items to the load. 
Large, bulky items, such as a blanket, comforter, or 
bedspread, should be washed individually.
• Do not wash or spin waterproof items, such as rain 
coats, sleeping bags, etc.
• When unloading the washer, check under the door seal 
for small items.
NOTE: Make sure that the door seal area is clear when 
closing the door. Overloading the washer can cause items 
to get caught between the door and the seal. This can 
damage both the items and the seal.
•	DO	NOT	OVERLOAD	THE	DRUM
•	MAKE	SURE	CLOTHING	IS	NOT
  CAUGHT IN THE DOOR GASKET
Sort Laundry...by Color s
Whites
Light s
Darks by Soi
l
Heav y
Normal
Light by Fabric
Delicates
Easy Care
Sturdy by Lin
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Lint Producer
Lint Collector 
						

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ABOUT THE DISPENSER DRAWER
The automatic dispenser consists of four compartments
which hold:
• Liquid chlorine bleach.
• Liquid fabric softener.
• Liquid or powdered detergent for prewash.
• Liquid or powdered detergent and color-safe bleach  
for main wash.
Pre-Wash Detergent Compartment
Add liquid or powdered detergent to this compartment 
when using the Pre-Wash option. Always use High-
Efficiency (HE) detergent with your washing machine.
The amount of detergent added for the Pre-Wash 
option should be ½ the amount recommended for the 
main wash cycle. For example, if the main wash cycle 
requires ½ measure of detergent, add ¼ measure to the  
Pre-Wash compartment.
NOTE: If using liquid detergent for the main wash when 
using the Pre-Wash option, the liquid detergent cup
accessory must be used in the main wash dispenser. This 
will prevent the main wash liquid detergent from being 
dispensed immediately.
Main Wash Detergent Compartment
This compartment holds laundry detergent for the main 
wash cycle. The detergent is added to the load at the 
beginning of the cycle. Always use High-Efficiency (HE) 
detergent with your washing machine. Either powdered 
or liquid detergent may be used.
Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations 
when adding detergent. Using too much detergent can 
result in detergent buildup in clothing and the washer.
NOTE: Liquid or powdered color-safe bleach may be 
added to the main wash compartment with detergent of 
the same type. DO NOT add liquid or powdered 
color-safe bleach to the bleach dispenser. DO NOT mix 
liquid and powdered cleaning agents within the same 
compartment.
Liquid Bleach Compartment
This compartment holds liquid chlorine bleach, which is 
dispensed automatically at the proper time during the 
wash cycle.
• Do not add powdered or liquid color-safe bleach to 
this compartment. The bleach compartment is designed 
to dispense liquid chlorine bleach only. Powdered or 
liquid color-safe bleach will not dispense properly.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations 
when adding bleach. Do not exceed the maximum fill 
line since this can cause the bleach to be dispensed 
immediately, causing damage to fabrics. Using too much 
bleach can damage fabrics.
• Never pour undiluted liquid chlorine bleach directly 
onto the load or into the drum. Fabric damage can occur.
Fabric Softener Compartment
This compartment holds liquid fabric softener, which is 
automatically dispensed during the final rinse cycle.
Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations when
adding softener. Using too much fabric softener can result 
in buildup in clothing and the washer. Either powdered or 
liquid fabric softener may be used.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations 
when adding fabric softener. Do not exceed the 
maximum fill line. Using too much fabric softener may 
stain clothes.
• Dilute concentrated fabric softeners with warm water. 
Do not exceed the maximum fill line.
• Never pour fabric softener directly onto the load or 
into the drum.
HOW TO USE
Liquid Chlorine 
Bleach 
Compartment Liquid 
Fabric 
Softener   
Compartment
Prewash 
Deter gent   
Compartment
Main  Wash  Deter gent 
Compartment Liquid 
Deter
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Cup 
						

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DETERGENT AND DISPENSER USE
A	Word	About	Detergents
High-Efficiency (HE) detergents produce fewer suds, 
dissolve more efficiently to improve washing and rinsing 
performance, and help to keep the interior of your 
washer clean. Using detergent that is not HE may cause 
oversudsing and unsatisfactory performance which 
could result in error codes, cycle failure, and  
machine damage.
For proper wash performance, always measure the
detergent using the measurements provided by the 
detergent manufacturer.
The normal amount of HE detergent needed, for average 
loads, is less than ½ of the recommended maximum. 
Use less detergent for soft water, light soil or smaller 
loads. Never use more than the maximum amount 
recommended by the detergent manufacturer.
IMPORTANT: Not all detergents are the same. Pay 
careful attention to the amount of detergent used to 
avoid oversudsing, poor rinsing and detergent buildup in 
clothing, and residue buildup that can contribute to odors 
in the machine. NEVER use a cup or scoop other than the 
one supplied by the manufacturer of the detergent you 
are using. Never use more than the maximum amount of 
detergent recommended by the manufacturer.
Always measure the detergent amount. While HE 
detergents are designed for this type of washing 
machine, be careful when measuring the detergent. For 
most normal loads, no more than ¼ to ½  of cap or 
scoop of HE detergent should be used.
NOTE: Extra care must be exercised when using 2X and 
3X concentrated detergents because even a little bit extra 
can contribute to the problems mentioned above.
NOTE: Detergents designated as HE compatible may not
provide optimal results.
IMPORTANT: Your washing machine is designed for use
with only High-Efficiency (HE) detergents. HE detergents 
are formulated specifically for front-load washers and 
contain suds-reducing agents. Always look for the HE 
symbol when purchasing detergent.
Designed to use only
High-Efficiency	(HE)	detergent
Filling	the	Dispenser
To add detergent, bleach, and fabric softener to the
automatic dispenser:
        Open the dispenser drawer.
        Load the laundry products into the  
        appropriate compartments.
        Close the drawer before starting the cycle.
NOTE: It is normal for a small amount of water to 
remain in the bleach and softener compartments at the 
end of the cycle.
IMPORTANT: Do not place or store laundry products, 
such as detergent, bleach, or liquid fabric softener, on top 
of your washer or dryer. Wipe up any spills immediately. 
These products can damage the finish and controls.
Detergent	Amount
Use the detergent amount indicator to help
determine the correct amount of detergent to use.
Bars light up to indicate the size of the dry load sensed 
by the washer control. Follow the detergent manufacturer’s 
recommendations for the amount of detergent based on 
load size. The indicator will not be accurate if any wet 
clothes are placed in the washer.
NOTE: The detergent amount indicator icon does not
represent an actual detergent measuring cup or cap.
1 bar = small load
2 bars = medium load
3 bars = large load
4 bars = extra-large load
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HOW TO USE
Maximum
Normal Load Amount
Liquid DetergentPowdered Detergent 
						

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TIME AND STATUS DISPLAY
The time and status display shows the estimated time remaining, cycle progress, and door lock status.
ESTIMATED TIME REMAINING
When the START/PAUSE button is pressed, the 
washer will automatically detect the load size for 
cycles that use load sensing. The control will then 
optimize the wash and rinse times, based on the se-
lected cycle, modifiers and options. When the load 
size has been determined, the display will change 
from dashes (- - -) to the estimated time for that 
cycle. For non-load sensing cycles, the estimated 
time will display  when the cycle is selected.
NOTE:
• The time shown is only an estimate. For example, 
the time displayed may pause for a period of time 
while the machine is heating the water or balancing 
the load. Under certain conditions, the machine can 
pause for extended periods of time.
• Estimated time is based on normal operating 
conditions. Several external factors (load size, room 
temperature, incoming water temperature, etc.) also   
affect the length of estimated time vs. actual time.
LOAD-SENSING INDICATOR
At the beginning of cycles that use the load sensing 
feature, the LOAD SENSING light will blink while the 
load size is being measured. Once the size has been 
determined, the control adjusts the cycle for  
optimum performance. Estimated time remaining will 
not display until the load size has been determined, 
and may be different for each load.
CYCLE STATUS INDICATOR
These status LEDs illuminate to indicate which 
stage of the cycle is currently running. A blinking 
light indicates the active stage of the cycle. When 
that stage is complete, the light will remain steady.
DOOR LOCK INDICATOR
Indicates that the door is locked. The washer door 
will lock while the washer is operating. The door can 
be unlocked by pressing START/PAUSE to pause  
the washer.
NOTE:
• If the temperature in the washer is too high, the 
door cannot be unlocked until the washer  
has cooled.
• If the water level is too high, the door will not 
unlock. To drain the water, press POWER, then press 
the SPIN SPEED button without selecting a cycle. 
Press START/PAUSE and the water will drain and 
the clothes will spin out. Do not try to force the door 
open, as it will damage the door.
DETERGENT AMOUNT INDICATOR 
The detergent amount indicator displays the 
suggested amount of detergent for the load. Fewer 
lit bars indicate a smaller load; therefore, less 
detergent should be used.
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HOW TO USE
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WASH TEMP
Wash Temp selects the wash and rinse temperature 
combination for the selected cycle. Press the Wash 
Temp button until the indicator light for the desired 
setting is lit.
• Your washer features a heating element to boost  
the hot water temperature for Extra Hot settings. 
This provides improved wash performance at 
normal water heater settings.
• Select the water temperature suitable for the type 
of load you are washing. Follow the garment fabric 
care labels for best results.
• Cold rinses use less energy. The actual rinse 
temperature depends on the temperature of the 
cold water at the faucet.
• Cold water is used for all rise cycles. 
SPIN SPEED
Higher spin speeds extract more water from clothes, 
reducing drying time and saving energy.
Press the SPIN SPEED button until the desired speed 
is selected. Some fabrics, such as delicates, require 
a slower spin speed. To protect your clothing, not all 
spin speeds are available for all cycles.
The Drain & Spin cycle:
1. Press the POWER button to turn ON the washer.
2. Press the SPIN SPEED button to select the desired
    spin speed. For drain only, select the  
    NO SPIN option.
3. Press the START/PAUSE button. The water will
    drain and the clothes will tumble before 
    the spin routine begins.
SOIL LEVEL
Adjusting the soil level setting will modify the cycle 
to allow more time for heavily soiled clothes or less 
time for lightly soiled clothes. Press the SOIL LEVEL 
button until the desired soil level is selected.
CHIME
Press repeatedly to adjust the volume of the chime 
and keypad tones. You may turn the end-of-cycle 
chime and keypad tones ON or OFF with the CHIME 
button.
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CYCLE MODIFIER BUTTONS
Each cycle has default settings that are selected
automatically. You may also customize these settings 
using the cycle modifier buttons. Press the button for the 
desired modifier until the indicator light for the desired 
value is lit. The washer automatically adjusts the water 
level for the type and size of wash load for best results 
and maximum efficiency. Due to the high-efficiency 
nature of this product, water levels may be much lower 
than expected. This is normal operation and cleaning/
rinsing performance will not be compromised.
NOTE: To protect your garments, not every wash
temperature, spin speed, soil level, or option is available 
with every cycle. A chime will sound and the LED will not 
light if a selection is not allowed.
 
HOW TO USE
 
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