Kenmore 796.3151#21 Series, Use & Care Manual

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Cleaning the Exterior

Proper care of your washer can extend its life. The outside of

the machine can be cleaned with warm water and a mild, 

nonabrasive household detergent.
Immediately wipe off any spills with a soft, damp cloth.

IMPORTANT:

 Do not use solvents, cleaning alcohols, or

similar products. Never use steel wool or abrasive cleaners

because they can damage the surface.

Care and Cleaning of the Interior

Use a towel or soft cloth to wipe around the washer lid

opening and lid. 
Always remove items from the washer as soon as the cycle 

is complete. Leaving damp items in the washer can cause

wrinkling, color transfer, and odor. Run the CLEAN WASHER 

cycle once a month, or more often if needed, to remove 

detergent buildup and other residue.

Clean Washer Cycle

Remove any clothing in the tub.

Add liquid chlorine bleach or another tub 

        cleaner designed specifically for cleaning washers.

- If using liquid chlorine bleach

      Add liquid chlorine bleach to the bleach 

      compartment. 

NOTE

: Add one cup of liquid bleach. Do not exceed the 

maximum fill line and do not pour undiluted liquid bleach 

directly into the tub.

-  If using powdered cleaners

      Remove the liquid detergent cup and add powder  

      cleaner to the main wash compartment of the 

      dispenser drawer.

-  If using a tablet cleaner

      Put the tablet directly into the tub.

NOTE:

• Do not add tablet cleaner to the 

dispenser drawer.

• Do not add any laundry detergent or fabric softener to the 

dispenser drawer when using CLEAN WASHER.

       Close the lid and press the POWER button to turn the    

        washer ON. Press the CLEAN WASHER button, then    

        press the START/PAUSE button to begin the cycle. 

        Selecting any other cycle after CLEAN WASHER has   

        been selected will cause the CLEAN WASHER cycle to   

        be cancelled.
       After the cycle ends, open the lid and allow the            

      tub interior to dry completely.

NOTE:

 Run the CLEAN WASHER cycle once a month. If a 

mildewy or musty smell is present, run the clean washer 

cycle once a week for three consecutive weeks. 

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CARE AND CLEANING

REGULAR CLEANING

WARNING:

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, read and follow this

   entire Use & Care Guide, including the Important Safety Instructions, before operating this washer. 

• Unplug the washer before cleaning to avoid the risk of electric shock.

 Failure to follow this warning can     

  cause serious injury, fire, electric shock, or death.

• Never use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or solvents to clean the washer.

 They will damage the finish.

Storing the Washer

If the washer will not be used for an extended period of time 

and is in an area that could be exposed to freezing 

temperatures, perform the following steps to protect the 

washer from damage.

      Turn OFF the water supply.

Disconnect hoses from water supply and drain water  

       from hoses.

 Plug the power cord into a properly grounded 

       electrical outlet.

Add 1 gallon of nontoxic recreational vehicle (RV)

       antifreeze to the empty tub and close the lid. 

NEVER

 use    

       automotive antifreeze.
       Press the POWER button, then press the DRAIN & SPIN   

       button. Press the START/PAUSE button to activate    

      the drain pump. Allow the drain pump to run for one   

      minute, then press the POWER button to shut off         

      the washer. This will expel some of the antifreeze, 

      leaving enough to protect the washer from damage.

Unplug the power cord, dry the tub interior with a soft    

       cloth, and close the lid.

       Remove the inserts from the dispenser. Drain any water in    

       the compartments and let them dry.                      

Store the washer in an upright position.

To remove the antifreeze from the washer after 

      storage, run a complete EXPRESS WASH cycle using 

      detergent. Do not add laundry to this cycle.

Removing Mineral Buildup

If you live in an area with hard water, mineral scale can 

form on internal components of the washer. Use of a 

water softener is recommended in areas with hard water.
Use a descaler, such as Washer Magic

®

, to remove 

visible mineral buildup. After descaling, always run the 

CLEAN WASHER cycle before washing clothing. 
Mineral scale and other spots may be removed from the 

stainless steel tub using a stainless steel cleaner. Do NOT 

use steel wool or abrasive cleaners.

Leave the Lid Open

If the washer will not be used for several days, leave the 

lid open overnight to allow the tub to dry. 

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