Whirlpool 3406874 Selecting water temperatures, Checking hot water temperature, Water hardness

LAUNDRY TIPS

Selecting water temperatures

WASH WATER
TEMPERATURE*	SUGGESTED FABRICS	COMMENTS
HOT	• Work clothes	• Best cleaning for heavily soiled items
130°F (54°C)	• Sturdy whites/colorfast	• Removes oils, perspiration, greasy
or above	pastels	soils, and stains
	• Diapers	• Prevents graying or yellowing
WARM	• Dark/noncolorfast colors	• Best for lightly soiled to moderately
90-110°F	• Permanent press items	soiled items
(32-44°C)	• Nylon, polyester, acrylics,	• Safe for most fabric finishes
	silks, woolens	• Less fading and dye bleeding
	• Knits/delicate fabrics	• Reduces wrinkling
COLD	• Extra-sensitive colors	• Best for very lightly soiled items
70-90°F	• Noncolorfast items	• Saves hot water
(21-32°C)	• Hand washables	• Best rinse water temperature

*The washer features cold rinses for all wash temperatures.

Checking hot water temperature

Your hot water should be 130°F (54°C) 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 70°F (21°C), 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:

•City water – ask the city water company.

•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 137 parts/ million, you should consider:

•Installing a water softener.

•Using more detergent.

•Using a packaged water conditioner.

•Not using soap.

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