Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . .2, 3
Owner’s Manual
WHDRE526
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 49-90223-1 03-05 JR
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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
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• Select load size and
other wash options
• Add clothes
• Add detergent
• Select wash cycle
• Close lid
• Add diluted fabric
softener (on models
with a fabric
• Press START
softener dispenser)
4
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.
Choose the TEMPERATURE setting—for this load it would be the HOT wash temperature (which is a
particular color).
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.
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
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Separate for cleaning
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
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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
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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
soft water, a smaller load or a lightly soiled load.
Water leaks
Fill hoses or drain hose is
improperly connected
• Make sure hose connections are tight at faucets and
rubber washers are installed. Make sure end of drain hose
is correctly inserted in and secured to drain facility.
Household drain may
be clogged
• Check household plumbing. You may need to call
a plumber.
Constant water pressure
to the fill hoses at the
water source
• Tighten hoses at the faucets and turn the water off after
each use.
• Check condition of the fill hoses; they should be replaced
every 5 years.
Using too much detergent
in washer
• Use less detergent. Use less soap if you have soft water,
a smaller load or a lightly soiled load.
Water temperature
seems incorrect
Cooler water temperatures
provide improved energy
efficiency
• New laundry detergents have been formulated to work
with cooler water temperatures without affecting wash
performance.
Control is not set properly
• Check water temperature control and adjust.
Water supply is turned off
or improperly connected
• Turn both hot and cold faucets fully on and make sure
hoses are connected to correct faucets.
Water valve screens are
stopped up
• Turn off the water source and remove the water connection
hoses from the upper back of the washer. Use a brush or
toothpick to clean the screens in the machine. Reconnect
the hoses and turn the water back on.
House water heater is
not set properly
• Make sure house water heater is delivering water at
120°F–140°F(48°C–60°C).
Water pumped out before
cycle is complete
Lid lifted or cycle was put in • Reset cycle.
pause for over 24 hours
Water won’t drain
Drain hose is kinked or
improperly connected
• Straighten drain hose and make sure washer is not
sitting on it.
• Top of drain outlet should be less than 8 ft (2.5 m)
above floor.
Washer pauses during
wash cycle
The CASUALS cycle
was chosen
• This is normal. The washer alternates between agitate and
soak during the CASUALS cycles to get your clothes cleaner
with less wear.
Washer pauses during
spin cycle
This is normal
• The washer may pause during the spin cycle to remove
soapy water more efficiently.
10
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OPERATION
Possible Causes
What To Do
Washer won’t operate
Washer is unplugged
Water supply is turned off
• Make sure cord is plugged securely into a working outlet.
• Turn both hot and cold faucets fully on.
Controls are not set properly • Check controls.
Lid is open—safety feature
prevents agitation and
spinning when lid is up
• Close lid and reset cycle, to the beginning if necessary.
Circuit breaker/fuse is
tripped/blown
• Check house circuit breakers/fuses. Replace fuses or
reset breaker. Washer should have separate outlet.
Electronics need to be reset
• Unplug washer, wait 2 minutes, plug back in and
press START.
START was not pressed
• Press START.
PERFORMANCE
Clothes too wet
Possible Causes
What To Do
Incorrect spin cycle
selected
• Make sure the spin cycle selected matches the load you
are washing. Some fabrics will feel wetter when rinsed
with cold water.
Colored spots
Incorrect use of fabric
softener
• Check fabric softener package for instructions and follow
directions for using dispenser.
• Pretreat stain and rewash.
Dye transfer
• Sort whites or lightly colored items from dark colors.
Grayed or yellowed
clothes
Not enough detergent
• Use more detergent (especially with larger loads).
Be sure to follow detergent manufacturer’s directions.
Hard water
• Use a water conditioner like Calgon brand or install
a water softener.
Water is not hot enough
Washer is overloaded
• Make sure water heater is delivering water at
120°F–140°F (48°C–60°C).
• Select load size to match clothes load.
Detergent is not
dissolving
• Add detergent as wash basket fills with water before
you load clothes.
Dye transfer
• Sort clothes by color. If fabric label states wash separately,
unstable dyes may be indicated.
Lint or residue on
clothes
Clothes are air or line dried
• If you do not dry your clothes with a clothes dryer, your
clothes may retain more lint.
Incorrect sorting
• Separate lint producers from lint collectors.
Washing too long
• Wash small loads for a shorter time than larger loads.
Detergent not dissolving
• Add detergent as wash basket fills with water, before you
load clothes.
• Try a liquid detergent.
• Use warmer water temperature.
Overloading
• Load clothes no higher than the top row of holes in the
washer basket.
• Make sure load size selected matches clothes load size.
Incorrect use of fabric
softener
• Check fabric softener package for instructions
and follow directions for using dispenser.
11
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Before you call for service…
Troubleshooting Tips
PERFORMANCE (cont.)
Pilling
Possible Causes
What To Do
Result of normal wear on
poly-cotton blends and
fuzzy fabrics
• While this is not caused by the washer, you can slow the
pilling process by washing garments inside out.
Snags, holes, tears, rips
or excessive wear
Pins, snaps, hooks, sharp
buttons, belt buckles,
zippers and sharp objects
left in pockets
• Fasten snaps, hooks, buttons and zippers.
• Remove loose items like pins, objects in pockets and
sharp buttons.
• Turn knits (which snag easily) inside out.
Undiluted chlorine bleach
• Check bleach package instructions for proper amount.
• Never add undiluted bleach to wash or allow clothes to
come in contact with undiluted bleach.
Chemicals like hair bleach
or dye, permanent wave
solution
• Rinse items that may have chemicals on them before
washing.
Wrinkling
Improper sorting
• Avoid mixing heavy items (like work clothes) with
light items (like blouses).
• Try a fabric softener.
Overloading or incorrect
water level
• Load your washer so clothes have enough room to move
freely with water covering all of the clothes.
Incorrect wash and
dry cycles
• Match Cycle selection to the type of fabric you are washing
(especially for easy care loads).
Repeated washing in
water that is too hot
• Wash in warm or cold water.
NOISE
Possible Causes
What To Do
Washer is noisy
Washer is uneven
• To level the front of the washer, adjust the front leveling
legs by rotating the individual leg in the proper direction
for up or down. To level back of washer, lift back of
machine 4″ (11 cm) and set down.
Washer load is
unbalanced
• Press PAUSE to stop the washer, open the lid and
redistribute the load evenly. Close the lid and press START.
Shipping rod is still
assembled in unit
• To remove shipping rod from washer, pull yellow tag and
attached rod from the bottom right-hand side of washer.
Washer is sitting too close
to wall (causes knocking
during cycle)
• Pull washer away from the wall; about 4″ (11 cm)
is needed.
OTHER
Possible Causes
What To Do
Labels on the exterior
of the washer will not
peel off cleanly
Occasionally the adhesive
used on the labels does
not release cleanly
• Use a hair dryer set at the lowest heat setting, directing
the air at the label for a short amount of time. This will
release the adhesive easily, without damaging the surface
of the washer.
12
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Notes.
14
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GE Washer Warranty.
All warranty service provided by our Factory Service Centers,
Staple your receipt here.
Proof of the original purchase
date is needed to obtain service
under the warranty.
®
or an authorized Customer Care technician. To schedule service,
call 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737).
For The Period Of:
We Will Replace:
One Year
From the date of the
original purchase
Any part of the washer which fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During
this full one-year warranty, GE will also provide, free of charge, all labor and related
service to replace the defective part.
Second through Fifth Year
From the date of the
original purchase
The transmission, suspension rod and spring assembly, if any of these parts should fail due
to a defect in materials or workmanship. GE will also replace the washer lid or cover,
if they should rust under normal operating conditions. During this additional four-year
limited warranty, you will be responsible for any labor or related service costs.
Second through Tenth Year
From the date of the
original purchase
The washer tub, if it should fail due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During this
additional nine-year limited warranty, you will be responsible for any labor or related
service costs.
Second through Twentieth Year
From the date of the
original purchase
The washer basket, if it should fail due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During
this additional nineteen-year limited warranty, you will be responsible for any labor or
related service costs.
What Is Not Covered:
IService trips to your home to teach you how to use
the product.
IDamage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods
or acts of God.
IImproper installation, delivery or maintenance.
IIncidental or consequential damage caused by possible
defects with this appliance.
IFailure of the product if it is abused, misused, or used for
other than the intended purpose or used commercially.
IDefects or damage due to operation in freezing
temperatures.
IReplacement of house fuses or resetting of circuit
breakers.
IDamage caused after delivery.
IProducts which are not defective or broken, or which are
working as described in the Owner’s Manual.
This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased for home use within the USA. In Alaska, the
warranty excludes the cost of shipping or service calls to your home.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you
may also have other rights which vary from state to state. To know what your legal rights are, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or
your state’s Attorney General.
Warrantor: General Electric Company. Louisville, KY 40225
15
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Consumer Support.
GE Appliances Website
Have a question or need assistance with your appliance? Try the GE Appliances Website 24 hours a day,
any day of the year! For greater convenience and faster service, you can now download Owner’s Manuals,
order parts, catalogs, or even schedule service on-line. You can also “Ask Our Team of Experts™”
your questions, and so much more...
Schedule Service
Expert GE repair service is only one step away from your door. Get on-line and schedule your service at
your convenience 24 hours any day of the year! Or call 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737) during normal
business hours.
Real Life Design Studio
GE supports the Universal Design concept—products, services and environments that can be used by
people of all ages, sizes and capabilities. We recognize the need to design for a wide range of physical and
mental abilities and impairments. For details of GE’s Universal Design applications, including kitchen
design ideas for people with disabilities, check out our Website today. For the hearing impaired, please call
800.TDD.GEAC (800.833.4322).
Extended Warranties
Purchase a GE extended warranty and learn about special 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 Consumer Home Services will still be there after your warranty expires.
Parts and Accessories
Individuals qualified to service their own appliances can have parts or accessories sent directly to their
homes (VISA, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted). Order on-line today, 24 hours every day or
by phone at 800.626.2002 during normal business hours.
Instructions contained in this manual cover procedures to be performed by any user. Other servicing generally
should be referred to qualified service personnel. Caution must be exercised, since improper servicing may cause
unsafe operation.
Contact Us
If you are not satisfied with the service you receive from GE, contact us on our Website with all the details
including your phone number, or write to: General Manager, Customer Relations
GE Appliances, Appliance Park
Louisville, KY 40225
Register Your Appliance
Register your new appliance on-line—at your convenience! Timely product registration will allow for
enhanced communication and prompt service under the terms of your warranty, should the need arise.
You may also mail in the pre-printed registration card included in the packing material.
Printed in the United States
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