How Does a Whirlpool Washer Work?

Motor

The motor is at the heart of the Whirlpool washing machine. It spins clockwise to wash the clothing, then turns counter-clockwise to create turbulence to further remove dirt from clothing. In order for the motor to start working, the operator makes a selection and the electric current travels to the timer. When the presence of water isn't detected, the current flows to the temperature sensor. This sensor activates the water pump. The water travels through the water mixing valve, and the tub is filled with water (water volume depends on the cycle setting). When the water reaches the appropriate level in the tub, the motor spins the agitator in the center of the washer tub.

Cycles

There are four wash cycle settings (wash modes) from which the operator makes a selection: Heavy Duty, Normal, Quick Wash and Delicate. The operator presses the Cycle Selector button to set the cycle setting. The Start/Off button is pressed after making a selection. The Heavy Duty cycle removes the maximum amount of dirt from clothing by operating the washer at high-speed spin for about 16 minutes. This cycle employs enough turbulence to clean the heaviest clothing, or the largest load of clothing. Normal mode requires 12 minutes to operate. Cotton and linen materials are cleaned at medium speed, then finished at a high-speed spin to reduce the time needed to dry the clothing. This setting is ideal for cleaning clothes and hanging them to air-dry (driers tend to shrink clothing). The quick-wash setting runs for 6 minutes, with high-speed spin. The Quick Wash cycle is used for clothing that's the least dirty, or clothing that must be washed in a hurry (light loads only, with no more than two pairs of jeans and a few other garments). The Delicate cycle runs for 8 minutes on low-speed wash. After draining, the washer spins at a high speed to reduce drying time. This cycle is best applied to loose-knitted clothing such as lingerie.

Noises

Whirlpool washers make some noises that sound like grinding, clattering and sucking. These noises, though they can be startling, are nothing out of the ordinary. For instance, the washer makes noises when it reaches the end of the draining cycle. The sound is like rushing wind in the pump or pipes. This is an indication that the water has been drained very fast, but nothing is actually wrong with the unit. Following the drainage of water, the cycle will begin to spin the motor near the tub of the machine, which results in the sound of gears making contact with one another. These sounds are the result of the drive system changing cycles.