Whirlpool WGD4950HW Electric Or Gas Dryer User Guide

Whirlpool WGD4950HW Electric Or Gas Dryer User Guide

Dryer Safety

Your safety and the safety of others are very important.

We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on your appliance. Always read and obey all safety messages.

This is the safety alert symbol. This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others. All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word

DANGER
You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t immediately follow instructions.

Warning

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don’t follow instructions.

All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, tell you how to reduce the chance of injury, and tell you what can happen if the instructions are not followed.

WARNING – “Risk of Fire”

• Clothes dryer installation must be performed by a qualified installer.
• Install the clothes dryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local codes.
• Do not install a clothes dryer with flexible plastic venting materials or flexible metal (foil type) duct. If flexible metal duct is installed, it must be of a specific type identified by the appliance manufacturer as suitable for use with clothes dryers. Flexible venting materials are known to collapse, be easily crushed, and trap lint. These conditions will obstruct clothes dryer airflow and increase the risk of fire.
• To reduce the risk of severe injury or death, follow all installation instructions.
• Save these instructions.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTION

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons when using the dryer, follow basic precautions, including the following:

• Read all instructions before using the dryer.
• Do not place items exposed to cooking oils in your dryer. Items contaminated with cooking oils may contribute to a chemical reaction that could cause a load to catch fire. To reduce the risk of fire due to contaminated loads, the final part of a tumble dryer cycle occurs without heat (cool down period). Avoid stopping a tumble dryer before the end of the drying cycle unless all items are quickly removed and spread out so that the heat is dissipated.
• Do not dry articles that have been previously cleaned in, washed in, soaked in, or spotted with gasoline, dry cleaning solvents, or other flammable or explosive substances as they give off vapors that could ignite or explode.
• Do not allow children to play on or in the dryer. Close supervision of children is necessary when the dryer is used near children.
• Before the dryer is removed from service or discarded, remove the door to the drying compartment.
• Do not reach into the dryer if the drum is moving.
• Do not install or store the dryer where it will be exposed to the weather.
• Do not tamper with controls.
• Do not repair or replace any part of the dryer or attempt any servicing unless specifically recommended in this Use and Care Guide or in published user-repair instructions that you understand and have the skills to carry out.
• Do not use fabric softeners or products to eliminate static unless recommended by the manufacturer of the fabric softener or product.
• Do not use heat to dry articles containing foam rubber or similarly textured rubber-like materials.
• Clean lint screen before or after each load.
• Keep area around the exhaust opening and adjacent surrounding areas free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and dirt.
• The interior of the dryer and exhaust vent should be cleaned periodically by qualified service personnel.
• See “Electrical Requirements” located in the installation instructions for grounding instructions.

WARNING

FIRE OR EXPLOSION HAZARD 

Failure to follow safety warnings exactly could result in serious injury, death or property damage.

• Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
• WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS:
  • Do not try to light any appliance.
  • Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your building.
  • Clear the room, building, or area of all occupants.
  • Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions.
  • If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.
• Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency, or the gas supplier.

WARNING: Gas leaks cannot always be detected by smell. Gas suppliers recommend that you use a gas detector approved by UL or CSA. For more information. contact your gas supplier. If a gas leak is detected. follow the “What to do H you smell gas” instructions.

State of California Proposibon 65 Warnings: WARNING: This proluct contemns one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer. WARNING: This producl oantalis one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other rehrOdUetive harm.

Check Your Vent System for Good Air Flow

WARNING

Fire Hazard

Use a heavy metal vent.
Do not use a plastic vent.
Do not use a metal foil vent.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or fire.

Good air flow

Along with heat, dryers require good air flow to efficiently dry laundry. Proper venting will reduce your drying times and improve your energy savings. See Installation Instructions.

The venting system attached to the dryer plays a big role in good air flow.

Service calls caused by improper venting are not covered by the warranty and will be paid by the customer, regardless of who installed the dryer.

Maintain good air flow:

• Clean your lint screen before each load.
• Replace plastic or foil vent material with 4″ (102 mm) diameter heavy, rigid vent material.
  
• Use the shortest length of vent possible.
• Use no more than four 90° elbows in a vent system; each bend and curve reduces air flow.
  
• Remove lint and debris from the exhaust hood.
• Remove lint from the entire length of the vent system at least every 2 years. When cleaning is complete, be sure to follow the Installation Instructions supplied with your dryer for final product check.
• Clear away items from the front of the dryer.

Use ACCUDRY™/Automatic Dry Cycles for Better Fabric Care and Energy Savings

Use the ACCUDRY™/Automatic Dry cycles to provide the most energy savings and enhanced fabric care from the dryer. During ACCUDRY™/Automatic Dry cycles, drying air temperature or moisture level are sensed in the load. This sensing occurs throughout the drying cycle and the dryer shuts off when the load reaches the selected dryness. With Timed Dry, the dryer runs the amount of time set and sometimes results in shrinkage, wrinkling, and static due to overdrying.

Use Timed Dry for the occasional damp load that needs a little more drying time or when using the drying rack.

Control Panel & Features

Not all features and options are available on all models. Appearance may vary

1. WRINKLE SHIELD™ Feature (on some models) When you are unable to remove a load of clothes from the dryer as soon as it stops, wrinkles can form. The Wrinkle Shield™ feature periodically tumbles, rearranges, and fluffs the load to help keep wrinkles from forming.
   ■ Get 90 minutes of heat-free, periodic tumbling at the end of a cycle. Turn the Wrinkle Shield™ knob to On or Off at any time before the cycle has ended.
2. DRYER CYCLE KNOB
   Use your Dryer Cycle knob to select available cycles on your dryer. Turn the knob to select a cycle for your laundry load. See “Cycle Guide” for detailed descriptions of cycles.
   TIMED DRY
   Will run the dryer for the specified time on the control. On models with a selectable temperature knob, you may choose a setting based on the fabrics in your load. Drying time and temperature will depend on your dryer model.
   ACCUDRY™/AUTOMATIC DRY
   Senses moisture in the load or air temperature and shuts off when the load reaches the selected dryness level. Gives the best drying in the shortest time. Drying time will vary based on fabric type, load size, and dryness setting
3. TEMPERATURE
   Select a drying temperature based on the fabrics in your load. If you are unsure of the temperature to select for a load, select the lower setting rather than the higher setting.
   NOTE: The No Heat temperature setting (on some models)is not available on ACCUDRY™ cycles.
4. CYCLE SIGNAL/PUSH TO START
   The Cycle Signal produces an audible sound when the drying cycle is finished. Promptly removing clothes at the end of the cycle reduces wrinkling.
   Turn the Cycle Signal knob to select the desired setting (On or Off). Press the PUSH to START knob to start the dryer.
   NOTE: When the Wrinkle Shield™ setting is selected and the Cycle Signal is on, the tone will sound every 5 minutes until the clothes are removed or the Wrinkle Shield™ setting ends.

Cycle Guide – ACCUDRY™/Automatic Dry Cycles

Not all cycles and settings are available on all models.

ACCUDRY™ – Senses moisture in the load or air temperature and shuts off when the load reaches the selected dryness level.
NOTE: Government energy certifications for the Whirlpool® Gas and Electric  models were based on the Timed Dry cycle with the Maximum drying temperature setting. The as-shipped defaults of Auto Dry, Normal cycle, Low heat, Wrinkle shield were not used.

Cycle Guide – Timed Dry Cycles

Not all cycles and settings are available on all models.
TIMED DRY – Will run the dryer for the specified time on the control.

Setting the Drying Temperature

If your dryer has multiple heat settings:
A High temperature setting may be used for drying heavyweight items such as towels and work clothes.

A Low to Medium temperature setting may be used for drying medium-weight items such as sheets, blouses, dresses, underwear, permanent press fabrics, and some knits.

Use the No Heat setting for foam, rubber, plastic, or heatsensitive fabrics. Line dry bonded or laminated fabrics.
NOTE: If you have questions about drying temperatures for various loads, refer to the care label directions.

Using Your Dryer

WARNING

Explosion Hazard

Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from dryer.
Do not dry anything that has ever had anything flammable on it (even after washing).

Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, explosion, or fire.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, read the IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS before operating this dryer.
Before using your dryer, wipe the dryer drum with a damp cloth to remove dust from storing and shipping.

WARNING

Fire Hazard 

No washer can completely remove oil. Do not dry anything that has ever had any type of oil on it (including cooking oils). Items containing foam, rubber, or plastic must be dried on a clothesline or by using an Air Cycle.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or fire.

1. Clean the lint screen
   
   Clean the lint screen before each load. Pull the lint screen out of its holder. Roll lint off the screen with your fingers. Do not rinse or wash screen to remove lint. Push the lint screen firmly back into place. For additional cleaning information, see “Dryer Care”.
2. Load the dryer
   
   Place laundry in the dryer. Close the door.
   NOTE: Your model may have a different door than the one shown. Some models have drop down doors. Do not tightly pack the dryer; clothes should be able to tumble freely. Control panel and cycles may vary, depending on model.
3. Select the desired cycle
   
   Select the desired cycle for your load. See the “Cycle Guide” for more information about each cycle.
   ACCUDRY™/Automatic Dry Cycles
   You can select a different dryness level, depending on your load, by turning the knob to dryness level.
   Selecting More or Very Dry, Normal, ENERGY PREFERRED or Less Dry automatically adjusts the dryness level at which the dryer will shut off. Once a dry level is set, it cannot be changed without stopping the cycle.
   ACCUDRY™/AUTOMATIC DRY cycles give the best drying in the shortest time. Drying time varies based on fabric type, load size, and dryness setting.
   NOTE: More or Very Dry removes more load moisture. ENERGY PREFERRED or Normal is used for a starting point for ACCUDRY™ cycles. Less Dry removes less moisture and is used for loads you may want to put on a hanger to complete drying.
4. . Set cycle settings and options
   
   Select cycle settings and options by turning the knob to the desired position.
   NOTE: Not all options and settings are available with all cycles.
   Temperature
   Turn the Temperature knob to change the drying temperature setting. See “Setting the Drying Temperature”. Wrinkle Shield™ feature (on some models)
   • Get 90 minutes of heat-free, periodic tumbling at the end of a cycle. Turn the Wrinkle Shield™ knob to select on or off at any time before the cycle has ended.
   • Some models with a Wrinkle Shield™ cycle will automatically get 40 minutes of heat-free, periodic tumbling at the end of a cycle.
5. Select Cycle Signal (if desired)
   
   Turn the Cycle Signal knob to select the desired setting (On or Off). The Cycle Signal produces an audible sound when the drying cycle is finished. Promptly removing clothes at the end of the cycle reduces wrinkling.
   NOTE: When the Wrinkle Shield™ setting is selected and the Cycle Signal is On, the tone will sound every 5 minutes until the clothes are removed, or the Wrinkle Shield™ setting ends.
6. . Press PUSH to START to begin cycle

   

   Push and hold the PUSH to START knob to begin the cycle. Promptly remove garments after cycle has completed to reduce wrinkling. Use the Wrinkle Shield™ feature to avoid wrinkling when you are unable to remove a load from the dryer as soon as it stops.

Dryer Care

Cleaning the dryer location

Keep dryer area clear and free from items that would block the air flow for proper dryer operation. This includes clearing piles of laundry in front of the dryer.

  WARNING

EXPLOSION HAZARD

Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from dryer.

Place dryer at least 18 inches (460 mm) above the floor for a garage installation.

Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

Cleaning the dryer interior

To clean dryer drum 

1. Apply a liquid, nonflammable household cleaner to the stained area of the drum and rub with a soft cloth until stain is removed.
2. Wipe drum thoroughly with a damp cloth.
3. Tumble a load of clean cloths or towels to dry the drum.
   NOTE: Garments that contain loose dyes, such as denim blue jeans or brightly colored cotton items, may discolor the dryer interior. These stains are not harmful to your dryer and will not stain future loads of clothes. Dry these items inside out to avoid drum staining.

Removing accumulated lint

From Inside the Dryer Cabinet 

Lint should be removed every 2 years, or more often, depending on dryer usage. Cleaning should be done by a qualified servicer.

From the Exhaust Vent 

Lint should be removed every 2 years, or more often, depending on dryer usage.

Cleaning the lint screen

Every load cleaning 

The lint screen is located in the dryer. A screen blocked by lint can increase drying time

To clean: 

1. Pull the lint screen out of its holder. Roll lint off the screen with your fingers. Do not rinse or wash screen to remove lint. Wet lint is hard to remove.
   
2. Push the lint screen firmly back into place.

IMPORTANT: 

• Do not run the dryer with the lint screen loose,damaged, blocked, or missing. Doing so can cause overheating and damage to both the dryer and fabrics.
• If lint falls off the screen into the dryer during removal, check the exhaust hood and remove the lint. See “Venting Requirements.”

As needed cleaning 

Laundry detergent and fabric softener residue can build up on the lint screen. This buildup can cause longer drying times for your clothes, or cause the dryer to stop before your load is completely dry. The screen is probably clogged if lint falls off while the screen is in the dryer.

Clean the lint screen with a nylon brush every 6 months, or more frequently, if it becomes clogged due to a residue buildup.

To wash: 

1. Roll lint off the screen with your fingers.
2. Wet both sides of lint screen with hot water.
3. Wet a nylon brush with hot water and liquid detergent. Scrub lint screen with the brush to remove residue buildup.
   
4. Rinse screen with hot water.
5. Thoroughly dry lint screen with a clean towel. Reinstall screen in dryer.

Vacation, storage, and moving care

Non-Use or Storage Care 

Operate your dryer only when you are at home. If you will be on vacation or not using your dryer for an extended period of time, you should:

1. Unplug dryer or disconnect power.
2. (For gas dryers only): Close shut-off valve to gas supply line.
3. Clean lint screen. See “Cleaning the Lint Screen.”
   Moving Care
   For power supply cord-connected dryers:
4. Unplug the power supply cord.
5. Make sure leveling legs are secure in dryer base.
6. Use tape to secure dryer door.

WARNING

Electrical Shock Hazard 

Disconnect power before servicing.
Replace all parts and panels before operating.
Failure to do so can result in death or electrical shock.

For direct-wired dryers: 

1. Turn off power at fuse or breaker box.
2. Disconnect wiring.
3. Make sure leveling legs are secure in dryer base.
4. Use tape to secure dryer door.

For gas dryers:

1. Unplug or disconnect power to dryer.
2. Close shut-off valve in gas supply line.
3. Disconnect gas supply line pipe and remove fittings attached to dryer pipe.
4. Cap the open fuel supply line.
5. Make sure leveling legs are secure in dryer base.
6. Use tape to secure dryer door.

Reinstalling the Dryer 

Follow the “Installation Instructions” to locate, level, and connect the dryer.

Changing the drum light (on some models)

1. Unplug dryer or disconnect power.
2. Open the dryer door. Locate the light bulb cover on the back wall of the dryer. Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, remove the screw located in the lower right-hand corner of the cover. Remove the cover.
   
3. Turn bulb counterclockwise. Replace the bulb with a 10 watt appliance bulb only. Replace the cover and secure with the screw.
4. Plug into a grounded outlet or reconnect power.

Troubleshooting

First try the solutions suggested here or visit our website at www.whirlpool.com/product_help – In Canada www.whirlpool.ca for assistance and to possibly avoid a service call.

 

WHIRLPOOL® LAUNDRY LIMITED WARRANTY

ATTACH YOUR RECEIPT HERE. PROOF OF PURCHASE IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE. Please have the following information available when you call the Customer eXperience Center:

• Name, address, and telephone number
• Model number and serial number
• A clear, detailed description of the problem
• Proof of purchase including dealer or retailer name and address

IF YOU NEED SERVICE: 

1. Before contacting us to arrange service, please determine whether your  product requires repair. Some questions can be addressed without service. Please take a few minutes to review the Troubleshooting section of the Use and Care Guide or visit the “HOW-TOS & FAQS” section of https://www.whirlpool.com/owners.html.
2. All warranty service is provided exclusively by our authorized Whirlpool Service Providers. In the U.S. and Canada, direct all requests for warranty service to:
   Whirlpool Customer eXperience Center
   In the U.S.A. call 1-866-698-2538.
   In Canada call 1-800-807-6777.
   If outside the 50 United States and Canada, contact your authorized Whirlpool dealer to determine if another warranty applies.

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY 

WHAT IS COVERED 

For one year from the date of purchase, when this major appliance is installed, operated, and maintained according to instructions attached to or furnished with the product, Whirlpool Corporation or Whirlpool Canada LP (hereafter “Whirlpool”) will pay for Factory Specified Replacement Parts and repair labor to correct defects in materials or workmanship that existed when this major appliance was purchased, or at its sole discretion replace the product. In the event of product replacement, your appliance will be warranted by the remaining term of the original unit’s warranty period.

YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE PRODUCT REPAIR AS PROVIDED HEREIN. Service must be provided by a Whirlpool designated service company. This limited warranty is valid only in the United States or Canada and applies only when the major appliance is used in the country in which it was purchased. This limited warranty is effective from the date of original consumer purchase. Proof of original purchase date is required to obtain service under this limited warranty.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED 

1. Commercial, non-residential, multiple-family use, or use inconsistent with published user, operator, or installation instructions.
2. In-home instruction on how to use your product.
3. Service to correct improper product maintenance or installation, installation not in accordance with electrical or plumbing codes, or correction of household electrical or plumbing (e.g., house wiring, fuses, or water inlet hoses).
4. Consumable parts (e.g., light bulbs, batteries, air or water filters, preservation solutions).
5. Defects or damage caused by the use of non-genuine Whirlpool parts or accessories.
6. Conversion of your product from natural gas or propane gas or reversal of appliance doors.
7. Damage from accident, misuse, abuse, fire, floods, acts of God, or use with products not approved by Whirlpool.
8. Repairs to parts or systems to correct product damage or defects caused by unauthorized service, alteration, or modification of the appliance.
9. Cosmetic damage including scratches, dents, chips, and other damage to appliance finishes unless such damage results from defects in materials and workmanship and is reported to Whirlpool within 30 days.
10. Discoloration, rust, or oxidation of surfaces resulting from caustic or corrosive environments, including but not limited to, high salt concentrations, high moisture or humidity, or exposure to chemicals.
11. Pick-up or delivery. This product is intended for in-home repair.
12. Travel or transportation expenses for service in remote locations where an authorized Whirlpool servicer is not available.
13. Removal or reinstallation of inaccessible appliances or built-in fixtures (e.g., trim, decorative panels, flooring, cabinetry, islands, countertops, drywall) that  interfere with servicing, removal, or replacement of the product.
14. Service or parts for appliances with original model/serial numbers removed, altered, or not easily determined.

The cost of repair or replacement under these excluded circumstances shall be borne by the customer.

DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES 

IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO ONE YEAR OR THE SHORTEST PERIOD ALLOWED BY LAW. Some states and provinces do not allow limitations on the duration of implied warranties of merchantability or fitness, so this limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state or province to province.

DISCLAIMER OF REPRESENTATIONS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY 

Whirlpool makes no representations about the quality, durability, or need for service or repair of this major appliance other than the representations contained in this Warranty. If you want a longer or more comprehensive warranty than the limited warranty that comes with this major appliance, you should ask Whirlpool or your retailer about buying an extended warranty.

LIMITATION OF REMEDIES; EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES 

YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE PRODUCT REPAIR AS PROVIDED HEREIN. WHIRLPOOL SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so these limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you also may have other rights that vary from state to state or province to province.