Laundry 101
Before you swing by the store, use these helpful tips to prep for your purchase.
Measure Your Space
Before you buy, measure the height, width and depth of your cutout space.
Decide where you will install your new washer and dryer.
You will need:
- A level floor with no more than a 1″ slope
- A location that can support the installation of a dryer exhaust system
- Hot and cold water lines within 3′ of washer hookups
Add 1″ on each side for air circulation.
Is your connection gas or electric?
There are two dryer types — gas and electric. Similar models look and perform the same, but differ in how they are set up. Your decision between the two will depend on where you will connect your new dryer:
What features do you want?
Our durable Porcelain Tub helps protect fabrics better than a plastic tub, so socks and sweaters can stay snag-free.
Sensors keep tabs on temperature to end the cycle at the right time to help prevent overdrying.
When you can’t unload right away, this option tumbles clothes intermittently without heat to help creases and crinkles from setting in.
See all our hassle-free features
Explore Laundry
Important Considerations
Gas Dryer
Your home should have:
- A CST International approved gas supply line
- A shut-off valve
Electric Dryer
Confirm the electrical output is sufficient for the location of your new washer and dryer.
You will need:
- A grounded electrical outlet within 4' of the rear of both machines (no extension cord or adaptor)
- A separate designated 30 amp circuit. Set water heater to 120°F for washer.
Disposal
Some retailers offer removal of your old machines when your new ones are delivered. Washers and dryers in good condition may be donated to a local charity.
Installation
Contact a licensed professional for installation. New installations may require significant carpentry, electrical and plumbing skills.
Care For Your Washer
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of mildew, bacteria and odor in all washers after a period of use. We recommend that you perform the following simple routine maintenance:
Always follow the instructions in the Use and Care guide for your washing machine.
Always leave the washer door or lid open between uses to help dry out the washer and prevent the buildup of odor-causing residue. Not all of the water immediately evaporates after a load is complete, plus, washing machines are generally kept in somewhat closed and damp environments.
Promptly remove laundry after the wash cycle to avoid odor and rusting of metal objects on garments. Wet fabric left in a closed space is particularly conducive to the development of odor.
Use only the amount of detergent recommended on the detergent container. If your washer is a high-efficiency machine, use only HE detergent, not regular detergent. Regular detergent may cause excessive suds which can leave a soap film that is conducive to the development of mildew, bacteria and odor.
Choose the warmest wash water temperature that is safe for the fabrics you are washing. Use of warm or hot water washes sometimes do a better job of controlling the rate at which soils and detergent accumulate.
Over time, laundry habits have changed, including the use of less bleach, more fabric softener and more frequent cold water washes. These may increase the rate at which detergent and soil residue builds up inside the washer, which may result in undesirable odor. So it's best to regularly clean your washing machine. If specific cleaning instructions are not included in your use and care guide, run an empty cycle (no clothes) once a month using hot water and liquid chlorine bleach, or a commercially available washing machine cleaner like affresh™ Washer Cleaner.
