Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . .2, 3
Owner’s Manual
WHSE5240
WHRE5260
WSERE526
WZRE5260
Operating Instructions
Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Control Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 7
Loading and Using
the Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . .10–12
Consumer Support
Consumer Support . . . .Back Cover
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
As an ENERGY STAR® partner,
GE has determined that this
product meets the ENERGY STAR
®
guidelines for energy efficiency.
Write the model and serial
numbers here:
Model # ______________
Serial # ______________
You can find them in the
upper right corner on the
back of your washer.
175D1807P492 49-90223 02-05 JR
WHEN USING THE WASHER
I Never reach into washer while it is moving.
Wait until the machine has completely stopped
before opening the lid.
I The laundry process can reduce the flame
retardancy of fabrics. To avoid such a result,
carefully follow the garment manufacturer’s
wash and care instructions.
Use this
I Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or
acids such as vinegar and/or rust remover.
Mixing different chemicals can produce a
toxic gas which may cause death.
appliance
only for its
intended
I To minimize the possibility of electric shock,
unplug this appliance from the power supply
or disconnect the washer at the building’s
distribution panel by removing the fuse or
switching off the circuit breaker before
attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
NOTE: Turning the Cycle Selector Knob to an off position,
or pressing PAUSE does NOT disconnect the appliance
from the power supply.
purpose as
described in
this Owner’s
Manual.
I Do not wash or dry articles that have been
cleaned in, washed in, soaked in or spotted with
combustible or explosive substances (such as
wax, oil, paint, gasoline, degreasers, dry-cleaning
solvents, kerosene, etc.) These substances give off
vapors that may ignite or explode. Do not add
these substances to the wash water. Do not use or
place these substances around your washer or
dryer during operation.
I Never attempt to operate this appliance if it is
damaged, malfunctioning, partially disassembled,
or has missing or broken parts, including a
damaged cord or plug.
WHEN NOT IN USE
I Turn off water faucets to relieve pressure on
hoses and valves and to minimize leakage if
a break or rupture should occur. Check the
condition of the fill hoses; they should be
replaced every 5 years.
I Do not attempt to repair or replace any part of
this appliance unless specifically recommended
in this Owner’s Manual, or in published user-
repair instructions that you understand and
have the skills to carry out.
I Before discarding a washer, or removing it
from service, remove the washer lid to prevent
children from hiding inside.
I Do not tamper with controls.
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
3
About the control panel.
• Select load size and
other wash options
• Add clothes
• Add detergent
• Select wash cycle
• Close lid
• Pull knob
• Add diluted fabric
softener (on models
with a fabric
Quick Start Guide
softener dispenser)
NOTE: When making a selection with any knob, simply point the knob anywhere within the shaded range for that setting.
Model WHSE5240
Model WHRE5260
Model WSERE526
Model WZRE5260
4
About the control settings.
Color Logic
Select the correct TEMPERATURE setting. Match the particular color below the words with the same color on
the Cycle Selector knob.
Example: Washing a load of medium soiled cotton towels and sheets.
Choose the LOAD SIZE.
1
Choose the TEMPERATURE setting—for this load it would be the HOT wash temperature (which is a
particular color).
2
Turn the Cycle Selector knob to the area that has the same color as the TEMPERATURE setting you have
chosen—for this load it would be the COTTONS area. Turn the knob to the MEDIUM setting.
3
Load Size
Loosely load clothes no higher than the top row of holes in the washer basket. The water level should just
cover the clothes. Adjust the load size accordingly.
Temperature
Select the water temperature for the wash and rinse cycles. Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label or
instructions when laundering.
Wash Cycle
The wash cycle controls the length of the washing process. The knob can be turned in either direction.
Turning the Cycle Selector knob after starting a cycle will stop the washer and reset the cycle to the new
selection. Press START to begin the new cycle selection.
REMEMBER: When choosing the cycle, the Cycle
Selector knob can be pointed anywhere within
the shaded range for the cycle setting.
The Cycle Indicator Lights show what stage the washer is in. The wash time is the length of the wash
agitation. The 6 MIN light will remain lit during drain and spin. When the Selector knob is set to a new cycle
the Indicator Lights will flash momentarily, showing what stages the cycle will go through. On models without
an AUTO SOAK option, the SOAK light will not light up.
The chart below will help you match the wash cycle setting with your clothing.
COTTONS For heavy to lightly soiled cottons, household linens, work and play clothes.
NORMAL/FAST
EASY CARE For wrinkle-free and permanent press items, and knits.
GENTLE/FAST
CASUALS For wrinkle-free and permanent press items, and knits. The HEAVY cycle has 3 agitate/pause
PULSED/SLOW cycles to clean your heavily soiled items. The MEDIUM cycle has 2 agitate/pause cycles.
DELICATES For lingerie and special-care fabrics with light to normal soil.
GENTLE/SLOW
PREWASH For removing surface dirt from heavily soiled clothes. Make sure to follow with a regular
NORMAL/SLOW wash cycle.
QUICK RINSE For quickly rinsing chlorine, perspiration, stains, etc., out of clothes.
15 MIN. For very soiled clothes. Begins with a brief agitation, soaks for a specified period of time, then moves through
AUTO SOAK the rest of the cycle automatically.
START
Press START to begin the cycle. Pressing START again or raising the lid will PAUSE the cycle and the Cycle
indicator light will blink.
5
About washer features.
Autosoak Option (on some models)
This option begins with a brief agitation, soaks for a specified period of time, then moves
through the rest of the cycle automatically. On some models, this option is located on the
Cycle Selector knob.
2nd Rinse Option (on some models)
When you use extra detergent or bleach to clean heavily soiled clothes, you may want to
use the 2nd Rinse option. It provides a second deep cold rinse.
Extended Spin Option (on some models)
(Appearance and features may vary)
Use this option to extract more water from your clothes. Clothes will be drier when this
option is selected, and will dry more quickly in your dryer.
PerfecTemp (on some models)
PerfecTemp senses the incoming water temperature and adjusts the fill water to obtain a more
precise temperature range for all three wash temperatures. You may select cold, warm or hot.
For example, in a Cold Wash selection, some warm water may be added to reach a
temperature needed to better dissolve detergents. Often, detergents are not completely
dissolved in very cold water, especially in cooler climates.
PerfecTemp
NOTE: PerfecTemp will not adjust the fill on WARM WASH unless the washer lid is closed.
Be sure to start the washer after the lid is closed.
The Agitator Cap or Fabric Softener Dispenser (depending on model)
Add water to dispenser until it reaches
the maximum fill line.
The agitator cap fits into the top of the
agitator. If it accidentally comes off,
simply put it back on.
3
The fabric softener dispenser automatically
releases liquid fabric softener at the proper
time during the cycle.
Do not stop the washer during the first spin.
This will cause the dispenser to empty
too soon.
To use, follow these steps:
Do not pour anything into the agitator if
the agitator cap or dispenser is removed.
Make sure dispenser is securely attached
to agitator.
1
Use only liquid fabric softener.
2
Pour into dispenser, using amount
recommended on package.
Never pour fabric softener directly on clothes.
It may stain them.
6
Cleaning the Fabric Softener Dispenser (on some models)
Remove the dispenser from the top of the agitator.
1
Separate the dispenser cup from the cover by grasping the top and pushing down on
the inside of the cup with your fingers. Dispenser cup will pop free from the cover.
2
3
To clean the dispenser, soak both the dispenser cup and the dispenser cover in the
following solution:
I 1 US gallon (3.8 liters) warm water
I 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy-duty liquid detergent
I 1 cup (240 ml) bleach
Separate for cleaning
If necessary, loosen buildup with a clean, soft cloth after soaking. Do not use a stiff
brush; you may roughen the surface of the dispenser.
4
5
Rinse and reassemble dispenser. Place dispenser back on the agitator.
Liquid Bleach Dispenser
The dispenser dilutes liquid chlorine bleach before it reaches into your wash load.
Check clothing care labels for special instructions.
1
Measure liquid bleach carefully, following instructions on the bottle.
2
I Never pour undiluted liquid chlorine bleach directly onto clothes or into the wash basket.
I Do not pour powdered bleach into bleach dispenser.
Before starting the washer, pour measured amount of bleach directly into bleach
dispenser. Avoid splashing or over-filling dispenser. If you prefer to use powdered
bleach, add it into the wash basket with your detergent.
3
I Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or acids such as vinegar and/or rust remover. Mixing can
produce a toxic gas which may cause death.
7
Loading and using the washer.
Always follow fabric manufacturer’s care label when laundering.
Sorting Wash Loads
Sort by color (whites, lights, colors), soil level,
fabric type (sturdy cottons, easy care, delicates)
and whether the fabric produces lint (terry cloth,
chenille) or collects lint (velveteen, corduroy).
Proper Use of Detergent
Add detergent and start the washer before adding
clothes so that the detergent can work effectively.
Using too little or too much detergent is a common
cause of laundry problems.
You can use less detergent if you have soft water,
a smaller load or a lightly soiled load.
Loading the Washer
Load dry items loosely, no higher than the top row
of holes in the washer basket. When loading wet
items make sure you set the load/water level high
enough to allow the items to move freely. Water
level should just cover the clothes. To add items
after washer has started, lift the lid and submerge
additional items next to the agitator.
I Do not wrap long items like sheets or pants around
the agitator.
I Do not wash fabrics containing flammable materials
(waxes, cleaning fluids, etc.).
I Agitation will not start with the lid up.
8
Care and Cleaning of the Washer
Wash Basket: Leave the lid open after washing to
allow moisture to evaporate. If you want to clean
the basket, use a clean soft cloth dampened with
liquid detergent, then rinse. (Do not use harsh or
gritty cleaners.)
Moving and Storage: Ask the service technician to
remove water from drain pump and hoses. See the
Installation Instructions packed with product for
information on how to reinstall the shipping rod
to keep the tub stationary when moving the washer.
or call 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737). Do not store
the washer where it will be exposed to the weather.
Fill Hoses: Hoses connecting washer to faucet
should be replaced every 5 years.
Exterior: Immediately wipe off any spills. Wipe
with damp cloth. Try not to hit surface with
sharp objects.
Long Vacations: Be sure water supply is shut off at
faucets. Drain all water from hoses if weather will
be below freezing.
Fabric Care Labels
Below are fabric care label “symbols” that affect the clothing you will be laundering.
WASH LABELS
Machine
wash
cycle
Normal
Permanent Press/
wrinkle resistant
Do not wash
Do not wring
Gentle/
delicate
Hand wash
Water
temperature
Hot
(50°C/120°F)
Warm
(40°C/105°F)
Cold/cool
(30°C/85°F)
DRY LABELS
Tumble
dry
Do not dry
(used with
do not wash)
Dry
Normal
Permanent Press/
wrinkle resistant
Gentle/
delicate
Do not tumble dry
Heat
setting
High
Medium
Low
No heat/air
Special
instructions
Dry flat
Line dry/
hang to dry
In the shade
Drip dry
BLEACH LABELS
Bleach
symbols
Any bleach
(when needed)
Do not bleach
Only non-chlorine bleach
(when needed)
9
Before you call for service…
Troubleshooting Tips
Save time and money! Review the charts on the following pages, or
PERFECTEMP
Possible Causes
What To Do
PerfecTemp
wash temperature
is incorrect
The washer is in a cold
rinse cycle
• This normal. The PerfecTemp feature is designed not to
activate during a cold rinse cycle to improve the energy
efficiency of your washer.
(Review PerfecTemp
in the “About washer
features” section)
All the water in your
household water heater
has been used
• Wait until the water in the water heater is heated to the
correct temperature.
WATER
Possible Causes
What To Do
Too many suds
Type of detergent
• Switch to a lower sudsing detergent brand and follow
instructions on package.
Very soft water
• Try less detergent.
Too much detergent
• Measure your detergent carefully. Use less soap if you have
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