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jenna_gold19

Whirlpool Duet washing machine issue

4 years ago

My Whirlpool duet washing machine doesnt let me wash with the water as hot as my water heater setting. It always mixes cold water in. Any suggestions on how to trick the automatic temperature control? Is there a way to reprogram the control panel?

Comments (17)

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    You didn't cite the model number to investigate the details. There are many Duet models since their introduction in the early 2000s that differ in mechanical design, available cycle options, and features (such as whether there's an onboard water heater).

    In short, the temperatures are coded into the control board's firmware which cannot be modified. A given temperature choice may vary from one cycle to another. The designated Normal cycle is the most frugal on temperature, being the basis for EnergyStar ratings. Choosing a more aggressive cycle such as Heavy, or Sanitize or Allergen or a Steam function if the machine is so-equipped, provides higher temperatures. The selected soil level is also a factor on temperature, with increasing soil levels garnering increasing temperature points along with longer wash times.

  • 4 years ago

    I apologize. I’m new at this. Thanks for your advice and here’s the model number GHW9250ML1

  • 4 years ago

    Your model is one of the early Duets. M in the model number indicates 2003 model-year. Is the machine new to you, or functioning differently than in the past?

    It does have a water heater and Super Hot water temp choice, for whichever cycles allow the selection. The heater functions on the Sanitary, Whitest Whites, and Heavy Duty cycles. The user manual references 122°F+ for Hot, 104°F for Warm and 77°F for Cold. Those are nominal temperatures ... may not be maintained through the entire wash period, and the actual temps reached may be lower or higher, and may also vary depending on the selected cycle. As explained above, the Normal cycle is the most restricted on temperature.

    Heavy Duty with a medium to maximum Soil Level may fill initially with a lower temperature (such as cool for selected Warm or warm for selected Hot) and heat the water toward a higher temp as the wash period progresses, which is known as a profile wash or stain treat process.

  • 4 years ago

    Dadoes, Where did you find the temperature specifications for the Duet models? Inquiring minds want to know!

  • 4 years ago

    No I bought the set new. They’ve actually been great. I guess I just noticed that on the hot water setting it runs hot for a while but then adds cold and that irritates me. Thank you so much for the info. 😊

  • 4 years ago

    fillmoe, the user manual for the specific model of question references those temperatures, as I stated in the reply. Documentation nowadays (for all brands/models) rarely references abt temperature targets other than perhaps for a Sanitize or Allergen cycle. I believe a reason for that is so control board programming can be varied on successive engineering revisions of a given model or on later replacement boards without the liability of "but the user manual says." Servicer documentation also typically doesn't reference temperature points other than perhaps that warm in the tub should be between X°F and Y°F after fill is complete.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Sanitary would give you the hottest hot water. Your Duet model was produced in Germany by Wirlpool for the Dut series.

  • 4 years ago

    Thanks I was just wanting hotter water without using the 2 hour sanitary cycle

  • 4 years ago

    Well, that's one of the reasons why I prefer front loaders because they can heat water vs. dumbed down water temperatures in top loaders. I"m willing to put in the time for extra hot water temperatures to be used. Sometimes I will use the delay wash option at night so that the load is ready to put in the dryer when I wake up the following morning.

  • 4 years ago

    Thanks, Dadoes, for the information. The "warm" on my model is barely lukewarm. I'll have to check the manual.

  • 4 years ago

    fillmoe, temperature points on newer models are reduced due to increased restrictions in energy requirements. Warm may be between 75°F and 85°F on the Normal cycle. Remember that programming in the electronics can provide a different temperature point for a given temperature selection across the various cycles (and soil levels) and Normal is always the most restricted.

  • 4 years ago

    Fillmoe, your comment above regarding the warm water temperature, what cycle are you using that's resulting in this? Please also be aware the lighter the soil level you select for the cycle, ressults in the heater having a shorter amount of time to raise water temperature for the cycles that do engage the onboard heater during the wash cycle. And, not every cycle engages the onboard heater durnig the wash cycle.

  • 4 years ago

    fillmoe hasn't stated the model of his/her washer so no way thus far to determine if it does or does not have a water heater.

  • 4 years ago

    Okay, I finally took a minute to find the model: WFW95HEDW0 (zero or O, not sure). Our water is of medium hardness. I usually add a 20 minute soak at the beginning of all cycles. The warm seems okay for darker things, but I'd like to get the whites a little less gray so usually use the heavy duty cycle. I use Borax and Costco unscented liquid detergent with vinegar instead of fabric softener.


    Does my model have an on-board heater? I tried to do an internet search but couldn't get many specifics.


    Thanks, all; I love this stuff.



  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Filmoe, yes your washer has an onboard heater. Do you ever use Whites, heaviest soil rather than Heavy Duty? Heavy Duty has a stepped water heating to deal with various types of stains. I found it didn't always get as hot as I wanted. Also, have you used Allergen and heaviest soil? I used to have the 2011 version of yyour washer until it died last November. I absolutely loved that washer. First of all, select Whites, Allergen, or Heavy Duty and the heaviest soi level. That will give you the longest amount of time for wash water heating. I VERY RARELY ueed Normal as it used the least amount of water and also had dumbed down temperatures. the cycles I used the most were Whites, Sanitize, and I had a Sheets/Linens special cycle I used for things I wanted warm wash. I also used the steam option for extra hot temperatures. Rule of thumb, use heaviest soil level for best amounnt of time for water heating.

  • 4 years ago

    fillmoe,

    Deciphering Whirlpool's model number coding on your WFW95HEDW0:

    W = Whirlpool (they manufacture several brands)

    F = frontload

    W = washer

    95HE = feature-set / position in the line-up

    D = 2014 marketing model-year

    W = white

    0 (number zero) = engineering revision

    A good way to confirm for sure that a given model has a heater is via parts diagrams. Several online parts sources have diagrams. Whirlpool has diagrams (although not for every model), searchable on their webiste under the Service & Support \ Manuals & Downloads function.

    The heater is the U-shaped piece I've indicated with a red arrow. It mounts into the tub from the back. #36 is a temperature sensor. #37 is the heater with the sensor also included.


  • 4 years ago

    Thanks boba1 and Dadoes! I'll change my routine a bit for the items I'd like to think are really clean after washing - sheets and towels especially.