background image

Before you can decide what to do about hard

If your water is SOFT, you have no problem. You

water, you need to know if you have it and, if so,

can use soap or detergent as you prefer and forget all

how hard it is.

about hard water. If you have HARD water—less than

● 

If you 1 ive in a municipal area, contact your

10 grains—and you use phosphate detergent, you also

water company.

have no problem.

● 

 you 1 ive in a rural area, or in some suburban areas,

But, if you have more than 10 grains, you will need

contact your county agent.

to soften your water with either...

The answer will be “you have ‘so many grains’ per

1. An installed water softener in your home, 

gallon (3.8 liters)” and means this:

2. The use of a packaged water softener.

O to 3 grains per gallon (3.8 

For information on water softeners, see the

to   grains—HARD

guide below.

 to 19 grains—VERY HARD

20 grains and over—EXTREMELY HARD

Add This Much Water Softener with a Full Water Level

Grains 
hardness

When using
with detergent

When using
with soap

I

I

I

I

I

o-1o

15-20

20-25

25–30

over 30

I

I

I

I

I

()

l/4 cup

 cup

 cup

 cup

 cup plus   tablespoon for every 5 grains above

(60 ml)

(   20 ml)

 ml)

(240 ml)

 (240 ml plus 15 ml 

 

 extra 5 grains)

I

I

I

I

 cup

 cup

 cup

 cup

1   cups

I   cups plus I tablespoon 

 every 5 grains

(80 ml)

(   

 nil)

 ml)

(240 ml)

(360 ml)

above 

 (300 ml plus 15 ml for each extra 5 grains)

17

Summary of Contents for WA8600R

Page 1: ...5 25 Storage and Vacation Tips 25 User Maintenance instructions 25 m Problem Solver 2 l 25 More questions call GE Answer Center 800 626 2000 wPreparation Detergents Other Additives 14 18 Hard Water 17 Loading the Washer 5 13 Pretreating 9 12 18 Sorting Clothes 5 12 Stains 19 Stain Removal Guide 2O w Consumer Services 27 Appliance Registration 2 Model and Serial Numbers 2 Repair Service 2 Warranty ...

Page 2: ...e the risk of fire or explosion or to prevent property damage personal injury or loss of life J Do not store or use gasoline or other Immediately call your gas supplier from a flammable vapors and liquids in the neighbor s phone Follow the gas supplier s vicinity of this or any other appliance instructions W T TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS If you cannot reach your gas supplier Do not try to light any app...

Page 3: ...o not mix chlorine bleach with a monia or acids such as vinegar andor rust remover Mixing can produce a toxic gas which may cause death 4 4 h Do not wash or dry articles that I 4 have been cleaned in washed in soaked in or spotted with combustible or explosive substances such as wax paint gasoline degreasers dry cleaning solvenfi kerosene etc which may ignite or explode Do not add these substances...

Page 4: ...lint filter NOTE Turning the Cycle Selector knob to an 0 position does NOT disconnect the appliance from the power supply s Do not hmper tith controls Do not operate this appliance if it is damaged malfunctioning partially disassembled or has missing or broken parts including a damaged cord or plug Never climb on or stand on the washer top Do not wash fiberglass articles in your washer Skin irrita...

Page 5: ...w to Use the Filter Flo Pun section See Hc w to Use Bleach Dispenser section for information on the Bleach Dispenser Othe Additives secfion for information on detergents and other laundry additives For information on bleaches and fabric softeners see Other Laundry Products section Close the 1 id Washer wi I I fi I I but not agitate or spin with the lid open Setting the Controls Use the Controls Se...

Page 6: ...ress Cycle For loads of synthetic and or delicate fabrics A cold water cooldown helps prevent set in wrinkles in permanent press shirts blouses dresses and similar apparel with normal soil I OFF s 1 1 Extra Cleaning Cycle For modern fabrics with heavy or oily soil Agitation with extra detergent loosens stubborn soils and an automatic extra tinse and spin help remove any detergent left after the fi...

Page 7: ...k without agitation followed by agitati n and spin Washer nlust he reset for desired wash cycle Pe ma en P e OFF Erf aciean g Soak Cycle Clothes activate in d soaking agent t or a short tinle then the water spins out Washer turns oft at end CJ1 Soak Cyc e nlus be reset for desired wash cycle 7 ...

Page 8: ...s Cycle Permanent Press Cycle Set at Start Set at Start Baby Clothes Sturdy such as Diapers Nightgowns Shirts Pads Sheets Receiving Blankets Coveralls Hot Regular Cycles Normal or Light Soil Setting depending on amount of soil Baby Clothes Delicate Warm Permanent Press Cycle Set at Start Blankets Wool Part Wool Cotton Blankets Synthetic Electric Warm Warm Regular Cycles 5 min soak then Light Soil ...

Page 9: ...to balance GARMENT MUST BE TUMBLE DRIED You may prefer to use a mild type detergent D baby clothes separately Pretreat spots Rinse diapers nightgowns pads and sheets after use Keep diapers in a covered pail of cold water and conditioning agent like Borateem brand You may refer to use a mild ty e deter ent Do hand knit garments by hand Fill washer add detergent allow o dissolve before ad ng blanket...

Page 10: ...each directly into bleach dispenser not pour powdered bleach Do not overfill or allow dispenser to overflow Avoid splashing Undiluted bleach can cause into the bleach dispenser fabric damage Never pour undiluted liquid bleach directly onto clothes or into the wash basket How to Use the Soak Cycle SOAK CYCLE temperature will automatically be cold For a hot or warm soak set the Wash Rinse Temp contr...

Page 11: ...nd play clothes Under normal soil conditions wash in water above 80 F 27 C This generally means using the Warm Wash temperature setting on your washer temperatures approximately 90 F l 10 F 32 C 380C or hand comfortable If you notice that soil has accumulated after several consecutive washings use Hot Wash occasionally if safe for fabrics Try to wash less often Save articles of the same type of fa...

Page 12: ... pockets brush out cuffs zip zippers snap snaps hooks and buttons Do any necessary mending rips hems tears Check all items for areas of heavy soil or stain Remove stains See Stain Removal Guide Turn poly knits inside out to minimize fabric surface damage EXTRA CLEANING Special Modern Fabric Cycle for removable heavy and oily soils See Tips to Help You Select Settings section for instructions See S...

Page 13: ...ets Do not wrap around the agitator Small Items like washcloths To Add Items After the Washer Has Started Turn off the washer NOTE When washing stockings Carefully remove the panty hose and other easily tangled Filter Flo pan items always handle separately To minimize tangling we recommend Add any additional articles by the use of a net laundry bag submerging them next to the agitator Replace the ...

Page 14: ...bric blends well Are excellent as concentrates for removing spots Completely dissolve even in cold water Perform well in soft water Disadvantages Are not available in some areas Generally do not clean well in hard water May be difficult to dissolve especially in cold water Should not be used in cold water Those containing sodium carbonate as an ingredient may cause harmful limestone deposits on cl...

Page 15: ...ergent or a liquid detergent if these are available in your area Install a home water softener This will significantly reduce limestone buildup Use a packaged non precipitating water softener such as Calgon brand with phosphate Good Washing Practices May Delay Limestone Damage to Clothes The following recommendations will temportily delay Increase amount of detergent See guide on opposite the effe...

Page 16: ...llow instructions on package Using too little detergent is a common cause of laundry problems Always measure detergent v in a standard measuring cup Recommended Amount of Detergent for Average Soil Load Water Level Setting Water Hardness Large Medium Small High Sudsing Powder pe VERY HARD 2 cups 1 E cups I x cups 10 20 Grains 480 ml 420 ml 300 ml HARD 1 cups I x cups 314 cup 4 10 Grains 420 ml 360...

Page 17: ...n installed water softener in your home or gallon 3 8 liters and means this 2 The use of a packaged water softener O to 3 grains per gallon 3 8 liters SOFT For information on water softeners see the 4 to 10 grains HARD guide below 11 to 19 grains VERY HARD 20 grains and over EXTREMELY HARD Add This Much Water Softener with a Full Water Level Grains of hardness When using with detergent When using ...

Page 18: ... today s washable fabrics should not be chlorine bleached such as 100 cotton flame retardant children s sleepwear silk wool mohair spandex leather or non fast colors Dilute bleach before using on any fabric 3 Check Manufacturers Care Labels for special instructions 1 May be used on all kinds of fabrics 2 Is most effective in hot water 1 Helps make clothes fluffy and soft 2 Reduces static electrici...

Page 19: ... liters of cool water approximately 80 F 27 C in a sink or pan Soak stained area for 5 minutes and launder in washer The Case of the Invisible Stain Food or cooking oils on your synthetic garments If these stains are not completely removed in the wash may cause stains which are virtually invisible and the oily spots may pick up dirt from the wash water which you may not notice as you put your clot...

Page 20: ...each remaining stain with non chlorine bleach Fresh Fruit Fruit Juices Wine Vegetables or Food Coloring Grass Foliage Flowers Mildew Scorch Apply undiluted liquid detergent Launder Treat mildew spots while they are fresh before mold has a chance to weaken fabric If either type stain remains bleach according to the Stain Removal Hint on previous page launder Severe scorch cannot be removed Sponge w...

Page 21: ...ndry Products section Pilling usually on polyester cotton blends is caused by normal wear and may look like lint Turning clothes inside out may provide some help Static electricity caused by overdying will cause attraction Use fabric softener in rinse cycle These are sometimes called Invisible Stains because you may not notice them before washing clothes However if oily soils are not completely re...

Page 22: ...se of insufficient detergent Check hem of T shirt or pillow case If they are white and center is yellow it contains body oil Restore whiteness following procedures in Grayed Clothes above Chlorine bleach may yellow some fabrics with resin finishes Use oxygen bleach such as Clorox 2 brand Refer to Garment Manufacturer s Care Instructions Restore color using color remover such as Rit or Tlntex brand...

Page 23: ...ler than regular loads no more than medium loads to give clothes room to move freely Incorrect wash and dry cycles Use Permanent Press Wash cycle which provides a cooldown rinse to minimize wrinkling Also use Permanent Press Dry cycle Incorrect water level Use Large Water Level for Medium Load Medium Level for Small Load Repeated washing in too hot water Wash in cold or warm water with plenty of d...

Page 24: ...cle Refer to Garment Manufacturer s Care Labels Garments weakened by age sun or atmosphere This is inevitable and is not caused by washer Too large loads or too little water Load washer only with number of items that will move freely Select correct water level Pretreat with liquid detergent Use Extra Cleaning cycle see Tips to Help You Select Settings section Make sure cord is plugged into outlet ...

Page 25: ...id To Store Washer Ask service technician to remove open after washing to allow moisture to evaporate water from drain pump and hoses to prevent freezing Do not use harsh or gritty cleansers Do not store the washer where it will be exposed The Exterior Wipe off any spills of washing to the weather compounds Wipe or dust with damp cloth Try For Long Vacations Be sure water supply is shut off not to...

Page 26: ...NOTES 26 ...

Page 27: ... appliances can have needed parts or accessories sent directly to their home The GE parts system pro vides access to over 47 000 parts and all GE Genuine Renewal Parts are fully warranted VISA Master lard and Discover cards are accepted User maintenance instructions contined in this boo et cover proce dures intended to be performed by any user Other servicing genertiy shodd be referred to qufiflle...

Page 28: ...king hours Should your appliance need service during warranty period or beyond call 800 GE CARES 800 432 2737 WHAT IS NOT COVERED Service trips to your home to teach you how to use the product Read your Use and Care material If you then have any questions about operating the product please contact your dealer or our Consumer Affairs office at the address below or call toll free GE Answer Center 80...

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