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Truth or myth?

25

Below is a list of truths and myths to help you better understand your frontload washer

Truth or Myth?

Answer

Explanation

There is not enough water 

to properly wash my clothes

MYTH

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load. Except for certain cycles like 

Handwash

 and 

Tub Clean

 that use more 

water, you will not see a visible water line on the door glass.

My frontload washer may 

add time or run longer than 

the original displayed time.

TRUE

Occasionally, the washer may need to add more time to the cycle. This is mainly 

due to automatic load redistributions to better balance the load and reduce 

vibration. It is normal operation for the washer to add time to the cycle to 

rebalance the load. Common causes of out-of-balance loads or longer cycle 

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Care and Cleaning

 section), un-level 

washer, or exceeding the recommended maximum load sizes.

I should see suds/foam 

during a wash cycle in the 

frontload washer.

MYTH

HE detergents, which should be the only detergents used in your  

GE Appliances frontload washer, have been formulated to clean effectively  

without causing a build-up of suds. If you add detergent until a  

visible suds/foam level is reached, you may be using too much  

detergent and negatively impacting washer performance.  

Remember, more suds/foam does not equal more cleaning  

power. Follow the manufacturer's directions for HE detergent.

It is best to wash full loads 

and like fabrics together.

TRUE

Wash multiple similar garments at one time for best results. Washing single 

items can cause an out-of-balance condition.

I need to keep the washer 

level for proper operation 

and to reduce vibration.

TRUE

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WKHÀRRUDQGWKHORFNQXWVDUHVHFXUHO\WLJKWHQHG7KLVLVHVSHFLDOO\LPSRUWDQW

if the washer is installed on a pedestal. Leveling the legs on the washer or the 

pedestal require the same steps.

It is impossible to overload 

a frontload washer.

MYTH

Although the capacity of the frontload washer allows for larger loads than a 

traditional topload washer, care must be taken to not overload the wash basket. 

See the 

Loading the Washer

 section for recommended maximum load sizes. 

Overloading the washer can lead to reduced wash performance and clothes 

becoming trapped between the door glass and the gasket, possibly causing 

damage to your gasket or your clothes.

If not periodically cleaned, 

my wash basket and gasket 

may not maintain a fresh 

smell.

TRUE

This is true for all washers, not just frontload. Regularly run a 

Tub Clean

 cycle 

and clean around the rubber door gasket. When not in use, you may leave the 

door slightly open for the inside of the washer to air dry. Close supervision is 

necessary if this appliance is used by or near children.

Frontload washers have a 

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be cleaned periodically.

TRUE

Due to the nature of the frontload washer, it is sometimes possible for small 

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so they do not damage the drain pump. To retrieve lost items, clean out the 

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Care and Cleaning

 section). Indicators of a clogged pump 

are long drain and cycle times, wet clothes at the end of a cycle, incomplete 

cycles or washer pausing in the middle of a cycle.

I cannot add items to a 

wash cycle once it has 

started.

MYTH

To add items after the washer has started, press 

Start/Pause

 or the 

Add 

Garment

 button and wait until the door is unlocked. The drain pump may run 

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locked. After the door unlocks, open gently. Add items, close the door and press 

Start/Pause

 to restart.

Items left in pockets can 

cause damage to the 

rubber door gasket

TRUE

This is true for all frontload washers. Remove all loose items from your clothes.

Summary of Contents for GFW480

Page 1: ...da 31 Consumer Support 32 GFW490 GFW480 GFWR4805 GFWR4800 GHWS3605 GHWS3600 GFWR2705 GFWR2700 GFWS2605 GFWS2600 OWNER S MANUAL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Write the model and serial numbers here Model _________________ Serial _________________ You can find them on a label on the side of the washer 49 90518 2 06 16 GEA ENGLISH FRANÇAIS ESPAÑOL GE is a trademark of the General Electric Company Manufac...

Page 2: ...very GE Appliances product and we think you will too Among other things registration of your appliance ensures that we can deliver important product information and warranty details when you need them Register your GE appliance now online Helpful websites and phone numbers are available in the Consumer Support section of this Owner s Manual You may also mail in the pre printed registration card in...

Page 3: ...is flammable DO NOT smoke or use an open flame during this time DO NOT allow children to play on or in this appliance Close supervision of children is necessary when this appliance is used near children Before the washer is removed from service or discarded remove the door or lid Failure to follow these instructions may result in death or injury to persons DO NOT reach into the appliance if the ba...

Page 4: ...Parts and Accessories Order on line at GEApplianceparts com today 24 hours a day or by phone at 800 626 2002 during normal business hours Part Number Accessory PM14X10002 4 ft Rubber Water Supply Hoses Or PM14X10005 4 ft Braided Metal Water Supply Hoses WX10X10011 Tide Washing Machine Cleaner PM7X1 Washer Floor Tray PM7X3 Low Profile Universal Washer Floor Tray for use with pedestal models GFP1328...

Page 5: ...ic shock or injury to persons read the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS before operating this appliance WARNING Wash Soil Temp Spin Delay Wash Tumble Add a Garment Steam Complete Wash Stain Removal Guide Add Steam Power Lock Control Light Tap Cold No Spin Normal Heavy Extra H eavy Cold Hot Warm Extra Hot Medium Low High Max Volume Start Pause Add Garment Allergen Sanitize Whites Quick Wash Towels She...

Page 6: ... Medium Low No Spin Stain Removal Guide Prewash or Presoak Add Steam Time Saver Extra Rinse Delay Wash Tumble Care Overnight Dry Cycle for normal regular or typical use for washing up to a full load of normally soiled cotton clothing Choose the Heavy or Extra Heavy soil level selection and Warm or Hot water temperature selection as appropriate for your clothes load for a higher degree of cleaning ...

Page 7: ...x Light Hot Warm Cold Tap Cold Extra High High Medium Low No Spin Stain Removal Guide Prewash or Presoak Add Steam Time Saver Extra Rinse Delay Wash Tumble Care Overnight Dry Cycle designed for care of medium to lightly soiled active wear athletic wear and technical fabrics Cycle for normal regular or typical use for washing up to a full load of normally soiled cotton clothing using only cold wate...

Page 8: ...inse Spin Extra High High Medium Low No Spin Extra Rinse Delay Wash Tumble Care To quickly rinse and spin out any items at any time Utilizes a high speed spin to extract water from wet items To achieve a drain and spin delselect the Extra Rinse option Wet load of items For items that need only to be spun out use this cycle Drain Spin Extra High High Medium Low No Spin Extra Rinse Delay Wash Utiliz...

Page 9: ...emperatures are available for certain wash cycles NOTE The first 10 seconds of the wash fill is always cold This feature assists in conditioning the fabric and preventing stains from setting on garments Spin Changing the Spin speed changes the final spin speed of the cycles Always follow the garment manufacturer s care label when changing the Spin speed To change the Spin speed press the Spin spee...

Page 10: ...able on the following cycles Active Wear Whites Normal and Single Item Overnight Dry is intended for smaller loads only This feature is intended for use when clothes need to be washed dried and ready to wear or finished the next morning This feature will tumble clothes and introduce a constant stream of air into the machine compartment upon completion of select wash cycles Clothes can be removed a...

Page 11: ...he desired volume There are four sound levels including OFF To turn the button sounds ON OFF press and hold the button for 3 seconds 18 Lock Control You can lock the controls to prevent any selections from being made Or you can lock or unlock the controls after you have started a cycle Children cannot accidentally start the washer by touching buttons with this option selected To lock the washer pr...

Page 12: ...until the end of the cycle NOTE The cycle time is affected by how long it takes the washer to fill This depends on the water pressure in your home The smart timer learns the amount of time it takes to fill your washer and adjusts the total time accordingly Cycle status is also displayed and certain features such as Delay Wash or Steam are shown indicating they have been selected If an out of balan...

Page 13: ...detergent residue being left on the clothes The Dispenser Drawer Slowly open the dispenser drawer by pulling it out until it stops After adding laundry products slowly close the dispenser drawer Closing the drawer too quickly could result in early dispensing of the bleach fabric softener or detergent NOTE You may see water in the detergent bleach and fabric softener compartments at the end of the ...

Page 14: ...enser The Detergent Compartment Only use high efficiency detergent in this washer DO NOT fill high efficiency detergent over the MAX line Use detergent manufacturer s recommended amount Powder Detergent Remove the Liquid Detergent cup and place it in a safe location outside of the washer Follow the detergent manufacturer s instructions when measuring the amount of powder to use Liquid Detergent Lo...

Page 15: ...6 T shirts 4 Pairs of Sweatpants 4 Sweatshirts 2 Hoodies 7 Pairs of Socks DELICATES 7 Bras 7 Panties 3 Slips 2 Camisoles 4 Nightgowns Using a nylon mesh bag for small items is recommended SPEED WASH 2 4 GARMENTS 2 Casual Wear Work Shirts 1 Pair Casual Wear Work Pants OR 3 Soccer Uniforms The wash drum may be fully loaded with loosely added items Loading Examples Fire Hazard WARNING DO NOT wash fab...

Page 16: ... in about 90 minutes Do not interrupt the cycle 5 After the cycle is complete leave the door open slightly for better ventilation If for any reason the cycle needs to be interrupted the door will not open immediately Forcing open the door at this stage may cause water to flood The door will open after the water is drained to a level where it would not flood the floor Tub Clean may be interrupted b...

Page 17: ... and towels on the floor in front of the washer to protect the floor It is normal to catch about a cup of water when the filter is removed 3 Pull down the pour spout 4 Turn the pump filter counterclockwise and remove the filter slowly controlling the flow of the draining water 5 Remove the filter and clean the debris from the filter 6 Replace the filter and turn clockwise Tighten securely 7 Flip u...

Page 18: ...urn inserts to the proper compartments Replace the dispenser drawer To reduce buildup in the Dispenser Drawer area Use only HE High Efficiency detergent Lock tab is visible only after drawer has been pulled out Cleaning the Door Gasket Open the washer door Using both hands press down the door gasket Remove any foreign objects if found trapped inside the gasket Make sure there is nothing blocking t...

Page 19: ...ical and electrical skills Completion time 1 3 hours Proper installation is the responsibility of the installer Product failure due to improper installation is not covered under the Warranty TOOLS REQUIRED FOR WASHER INSTALLATION 1 2s socket with ratchet Adjustable wrench or 14mm and 16mm open end wrenches Channel lock adjustable pliers Carpenter s level PARTS SUPPLIED Cable Tie PARTS REQUIRED Sol...

Page 20: ...ring NOTE With Legs 40 1 2 102 5 cm 3 4 1 9 cm adjustability With Built In Pedestal 46 117 cm 3 4 1 9 cm adjustability With Optional Pedestal GFXP1308 52 132 1 cm 3 4 1 9 cm adjustability Stacked 78 1 4 198 8 cm IMPORTANT Minimum Installation Clearances When installed in alcove Sides Rear Top 0s 0 cm When installed in closet Sides Rear Top 0s 0 cm Front 1s 2 54 cm Consideration must be given to pr...

Page 21: ...3 Remove the following from the back side of the washer 4 bolts 4 plastic spacers including rubber grommets 4 power cord retainers 4 Remove the shipping bolt Insert plug into shipping bolt hole NOTE Failure to remove the shipping bolts can cause the washer to become severely unbalanced Save all bolts for future use NOTE If you must transport the washer at a later date you must reinstall the shippi...

Page 22: ...nd wire not provided may be added Attach to washer cabinet with a 8 18 x sheet metal screw available at any hardware store to rear of washer Mobile Home Installation Installation must conform to Standard for Mobile Homes ANSI A119 1 and National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 PL93 383 Installation Instructions GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS This appliance must be grounded In the...

Page 23: ...elbow end of the HOT and COLD hoses Reinstall the rubber washer into the hose fitting if it has fallen out during shipment Carefully connect the inlet hose marked HOT to the outside H outlet of the water valve Tighten by hand then tighten another 2 3 turn with pliers Carefully connect the other inlet hose to the inside C outlet of the water valve Tighten by hand then tighten another 2 3 turn with ...

Page 24: ...wer is off at the circuit breaker fuse box before plugging the power cord into an outlet 10 Turn on the power at the circuit breaker fuse box 11 Read the rest of this Owner s Manual It contains valuable and helpful information that will save you time and money 12 Before starting the washer check to make sure Main power is turned on The washer is plugged in The water faucets are turned on The unit ...

Page 25: ...UPO WRXFKLQJ WKH ÀRRU DQG WKH ORFN QXWV DUH VHFXUHO WLJKWHQHG 7KLV LV HVSHFLDOO LPSRUWDQW if the washer is installed on a pedestal Leveling the legs on the washer or the pedestal require the same steps It is impossible to overload a frontload washer MYTH Although the capacity of the frontload washer allows for larger loads than a traditional topload washer care must be taken to not overload the wa...

Page 26: ... rubber door seal Sometimes dirt or clothing is left in this seal and can cause a small leak If this area is wet you have oversudsing condition Use less detergent Make sure hose connections are tight at washer and faucets and make sure end of drain hose is correctly inserted in and secured to drain facility Check household plumbing You may need to call a plumber Powder soap may cause clogs inside ...

Page 27: ...er is unplugged Water supply is turned off Circuit breaker fuse is tripped blown Automatic self system checks Make sure cord is plugged securely into a working outlet Turn both hot and cold faucets fully on Check house circuit breakers fuses Replace fuses or reset breaker Washer should have separate outlet First time the washer is plugged in automatic checks occur It may take up to 20 seconds befo...

Page 28: ...fe for fabric Use a water conditioner like Calgon brand or install a water softener Make sure water heater is delivering water at 120 140 F 48 60 C Try a liquid HE detergent Sort clothes by color If fabric label states wash separately unstable dyes may be indicated Colored spots Incorrect use of fabric softener Dye transfer Check fabric softener package for instructions and follow directions for u...

Page 29: ...onthly clean the dispenser drawer to remove buildup of chemicals Make sure to have the correct amount of softener or bleach Make sure softener and bleach cap for dispenser are seated or they will not work Dispenser drawer not dispensing properly Laundry detergent packet placed in dispenser drawer Laundry detergent packets should not be used in the dispenser They should only be added directly to th...

Page 30: ...aused by accident fire floods or acts of God Incidental or consequential damage caused by possible defects with this appliance Defects or damage due to operation in freezing temperatures Damage after delivery Product not accessible to provide required service What Is Not Covered in the United States Warrantor GE Appliances Staple your receipt here Proof of the original purchase date is needed to o...

Page 31: ...ay require the use of the onboard data port for diagnostics This gives a GE Appliances Factory Service technician the ability to quickly diagnose any issues with your appliance and helps GE Appliances improve its products by providing GE Appliances with information on your appliance If you do not want your appliance data to be sent to GE Appliances please advise your technician NOT to submit the d...

Page 32: ...discounts that are available while your warranty is still in effect You can purchase it on line anytime or call 800 626 2224 during normal business hours GE Appliances Consumer Home Services will still be there after your warranty expires Parts and Accessories GEAppliances com Individuals qualified to service their own appliances can have parts or accessories sent directly to their homes VISA Mast...

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