Low Water Level - Knob Control - Top Load Washer (2024)

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Possible Solutions

Selecting Cycles and Options (on some models)

Select the cycle and options most appropriate for the load being laundered.

CLICK HEREfor more information on how to use the cycles and options.

Does your washer have a Water Level option?

If your model has the option to choose a water level, you can choose to have a deep water wash or auto-sensing.

If you would like the machine to automatically sense theappropriate water level for the load size and type, turn theWater Level knob to the Auto Sensing setting.

If you would like to add the maximum amount of water toyour wash cycle, turn the Water Level knob to the DeepWater Wash setting.

NOTE: Expect longer cycle times due to extended fill timeswhen using the Deep Water Wash option.

Cleaning with Less Water

The most striking difference in this washer is the low-water wash platewash system. The washer automatically adjusts the water level to the load size; no water level selector is needed.For best performance, it is recommended to load items in looseheaps evenly around the wash plate. Leave the center of the wash plateuncovered for the best results.

As the washer dampens and moves the load, the level of the items will settle in the basket. This is normal and does not indicate that more items should be added.

IMPORTANT: Do not add more water - it is important that there is the engagement of the impeller and the clothes. If there is too much water, the clothes will float and the cleaning action will be lessened due to the design of the cycles.

Automatic Load Size Sensing

Once you start the cycle, the lid will lock, and the washer will begin the sensing process to determine the correct water level for the load.Initially, the basket will start to spin before adding water. This is part of the sensing process and is normal. This low-water wash method uses less water and energy compared to a traditional agitator-style washer.

Choosing the Right Detergent

Use only High-Efficiency detergents. The package will be marked “HE” or “High Efficiency.” Low-water washing creates excessive sudsing with regular non-HE detergent. Using regular detergent will likely result in longer cycle times and reduced rinsing performance. It may also result in component failures or the buildup of residue in the washing machine. HE detergents are made to produce the right amount of suds for the best performance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the amount of detergent to use, and do not fill the detergent cap over the "max" line when adding detergent.

Which detergent should you use?

Whirlpool recommends usingSwash^™Laundry Detergent. It is designed to work in both high-efficiency (HE) and non-HE washing machines. With an 8x concentrated formula, you’ll use about a quarter of the detergent you’d need with a traditional 2x concentration detergent. It may look like a small amount, but you’ll be amazed at its effectiveness.

The Smart Way to Wash

From our Precision Pour Cap to our ultra-concentrated formula, Swash^®delivers the results you want in a compact, intelligent bottle design.

Improved Cleaning

Low-water cleaning means concentrated cleaning. Ratherthan diluting detergent as done in an agitator-style washer,this washer delivers the detergent directly to the soil. This low water wash also allows the clothing to move more effectively to remove soil.

Were you using the Bulky Cycle (available on some models)?

Cycle timemay be longer during water fill when using the Bulky Cycle, depending on theload size. The Bulky Cycle uses a series of fills while agitating.Itmay appear thatthere is not enough water to wash a bulky load, but the washerwill continue to add water while itssensors monitor the load. It could take up to 10-12 minutes to completely fill.

This process also increases the cleaningperformance.The benefit of agitating while filling resultsin improved mechanical action for a wide variety of loads. The Bulky Cycle is recommendedfor a lot of different types of items (jackets, rugs, comforters, etc.), all of which have different optimal water levels for load motion, depending on load size. Executing agitation during fill improves the washer's ability to reachthe optimal wash water level. During theBulky Cycle, the fill will occasionallypausefor the washerto provide additional mechanical action at a variety of water levels.

Clean Washer Cycle

If you feel that the washer level is lower than when you first started using this washer, try running a Clean Washer cycle. This cycle re-calibrates the control and resets it back to the factory-set water levels. This cycle should be run approximately 1 time per month (using the affresh^® Washer cleaner).