Is your water hard’? If it is, and if you use a carbonate type non-phosphate detergent, you will most probably notice limestone* deposits on your clothes and washer surfaces. The hardness of your water and your washing frequency will determine how rapidly the limestone will build up. If your water is VERY HARD (11 or more grains) and if you wash just a few loads a week, you may see limestone buildups in just a few months.

Effecti on Clothes

Although limestone buildup occurs more rapidly on cotton, it will eventually affect various fabrics in the following ways:

●Gives a stiff, harsh, rough feel to fabrics such as toweling.

“Causes colors to fade and become dull and dingy.

●Causes graying of fabrics.

“Leaves a white, powdery residue on dark-colored items.

●Causes spot-fading of bright colors as a result of direct contact with detergent.

●Reduces wrinkle-resistance of permanent press fabrics.

●Destroys effectiveness of flame-retardant finishes on cottons such as children’s sleepwear.

●Increases fabric wear because of the scrubbing action between limestone deposits on the fabrics during washer agitation.

Effecti on Washer

●Unsightly buildup on all washer surfaces exposed to the wash solution.

●Mat-1ike, crusty formations caused by lint adhering to the sticky limestone deposits.

●Increased service calls because of limestone deposits in the pump, recirculation water hoses, filters and other washer parts.

●Reduced useful life of washer.

Recommended Methods to Reduce Limestone Buildup

●Use a powdered phosphate detergent 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 the effects of limestone on your clothes. These are generally good washing practices and will give better soil removal whether or not you have hard water or use carbonate detergent.

●Use hotter wash water, for example up to 150°F. (65°C.) for cottons. This also improves oily-soil removal.

●If you wash in cooler water to save energy, use more detergent to promote better washing. Also be sure to use bleach on bleachable fabrics. Use hot water whenever possible.

●Add detergent and allow washer to fill and agitate for three or four minutes to dissolve detergent before adding clothes.

*LIMESTONE–technically called CALCIUM CARBONATE–is caused by the

reaction of the calcium in the hard water with the sodium carbonate in the detergent.

●Increase amount of detergent. See guide on opposite page for recommended detergent amounts in relation to water hardness.

●Increase use of bleaches, presoaks, packaged water conditioners, prewash soil and stain removers to help in removing stubborn soils and stains.

“Use greater care in sorting loads. Wash very dirty loads separately and increase detergent to help keep dirt from redepositing on less soiled items. Wash delicate items separately to prevent damage from heavy, sturdy clothes.

●Wash smaller loads to increase cleaning action of washer.

●Use fabric softener to counteract stiffness or harshness in clothes.

([onfinueci next page)

15

Page 14 Page 16
Page 15
Image 15
GE WA8600R, WA8616R Effecti on Clothes, Effecti on Washer, Recommended Methods to Reduce Limestone Buildup
Page 14 Page 16

WA8616R, WA8600R specifications

The GE WA8600R and WA8616R are advanced washing machine models that exemplify GE's commitment to innovation in home appliances. These units are designed to deliver robust performance and efficiency while ensuring clothes are cleaned thoroughly with care.

One of the standout features of the GE WA8600R and WA8616R is their large capacity, making them ideal for families or those with substantial laundry needs. With the ability to handle a significant load, users can save time and energy, minimizing the number of cycles needed for larger laundry days.

Both models are equipped with a variety of wash cycles, ranging from standard options for everyday items to specialized cycles that cater to delicate fabrics, heavy-duty garments, and more. This versatility ensures that users can select the most appropriate settings for their specific laundry requirements, helping to preserve the quality of their clothing over time.

The technology behind these washing machines incorporates Energy Star certification, symbolizing their efficiency in water and electricity consumption. This feature not only benefits the environment by reducing energy waste but also translates into lower utility bills for homeowners.

Additionally, GE's SmartDispense technology is an innovative feature found in these models. It automatically dispenses the optimal amount of detergent based on load size and soil level, ensuring optimal cleaning results every time while eliminating the guesswork for users.

The hydro rinse and Deep Fill options further contribute to the machines' effectiveness. Hydro rinse ensures that all detergent is rinsed away, while the Deep Fill option allows users to add extra water to their cycle when needed, catering to water-intensive cleaning requirements.

Furthermore, both models emphasize user convenience with their intuitive controls and easy-to-read displays. This user-friendly interface allows for quick selection of wash settings, making laundry tasks less tedious.

Durability is also a key characteristic. Constructed with high-quality materials and backed by GE’s reputation for reliability, these washing machines are designed to withstand regular use while maintaining optimal performance over the years.

In summary, the GE WA8600R and WA8616R are top-tier washing machines that combine capacity, versatility, and advanced technology. Their focus on efficiency, innovative features, and user-friendly design make them exceptional choices for anyone looking to upgrade their laundry experience.
Top Page Image Contents