Checking hot water
temperature
Your hot water should be 54°C (130°F) or
above. If you do not know your hot water
temperature, you can check it easily. You
may need to raise the temperature of your
water heater. To check your hot water:
1, Fill a pan with the hottest water available
from the faucet that fills your washer.
NOTE: If you do not have a faucet at your
washer site, collect the water from the
faucet closest to your washer.
2. Place a candy thermometer or cooking
thermometer in the water to check the
temperature.
NOTE: In wash water temperatures colder
than 21 “C (70°F) detergents do not dissolve
well. Also, soils may be difficult to remove,
and some fabrics may retain wear wrinkles
and may have increased pilling.
Water hardness
Many poor washing results can be traced to
the hardness of the wash water. To check
your water hardness:
l City water - ask the city water company.
l Well water - ask the local water authority.
Ask for the mineral content in grains/gallon
or parts/million. If your water is more than
8 grains/gallon or more than 153 parts/
million, you should consider:
l Installing a water softener.
l Using more detergent.
l Using a packaged water conditioner.
l Not using soap.
Saving energy l Use warm or cold wash water for most
loads. Use hot water only when washing
heavy, greasy soils or whites.
l Use cold rinses.
l Wash full loads.
l Use lower water levels when washing
small loads.
l Avoid rewashing. Use enough detergent
and pretreat stains or heavy soils. Use the
cycles and wash times recommended for
the fabric and soil.
l Use your washer during off-peak hours -
. usually early morning and late evening.
(Ask your power company.)
14