The Whirlpool Duet is a front-loading washing machine with a self-cleaning cycle to make maintenance easy. This cycle should be performed once a month or anytime the interior of the washing machine appears dirty or begins to emit an unpleasant odor. The Whirlpool company warns against using abrasive cleaners on the exterior or interior of your washing machine, as they may scratch the finish of the appliance.
Door Seal and Exterior
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Step 1
Mix 3/4 cup liquid chlorine bleach with 1 gallon warm water.
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Step 2
Open the door of the Whirlpool Duet washer and look for stains on the gray seal located just inside the machine. Gently pull the seal back to look for stains underneath as well. Apply the diluted bleach solution to a clean rag and wipe away any stains. You can leave the solution on the seal for approximately five minutes.
Step 3
Wipe the seal with a clean, dry cloth and leave the door open until the seal is completely dry.
Step 4
Mix a small amount of dish soap in warm water.
Step 5
Dampen a clean sponge in the soapy water and wipe down the exterior of the washing machine.
Step 6
Dry the exterior of the washer with a clean, soft cloth.
Step 7
Remove the dispenser drawer from the Whirlpool Duet washing machine by pressing the release lever and sliding the drawer out.
Step 8
Remove the detergent, bleach and fabric softener compartments and rinse them under running water until they are clean.
Step 9
Place the components back in the dispenser drawer and slide it back into the washing machine.
Interior Surfaces
Step 1
Pour 2/3 cup liquid bleach into the bleach compartment inside the dispenser drawer and close the drawer. The dispenser drawer is where detergent, fabric softener and bleach are added to the machine, and the bleach compartment should be clearly marked.
Step 2
Set the washer to the "Clean Washer" setting, which is located on the far left side of the washing machine's setting dial. Press the "Start" button. The machine will run a three-minute cycle to determine if any clothing has been left inside the washer. The Clean Washer cycle will then begin and the door will unlock when it is complete.
Step 3
Open the door when the cycle is finished and leave it open until the inside of the machine has dried.