Whirlpool WTW5000DW Owner's Manual

For best performance, it is recommended to load items in loose 

heaps evenly around the washplate.

As the washer dampens and moves the load, the level of the 

items will settle in the basket. This is normal, and does not 

indicate that more items should be added. 
IMPORTANT: You will not see a washer basket full of water 

as with your past agitator-style washer. It is normal for some  

of the load to be above the water line. 

What’s New Under the Lid?

Use only High Efficiency detergents. The package will be 

marked “HE” or “High Efficiency.” Low-water washing creates 

excessive sudsing with a regular non-HE detergent. Using 

regular detergent will likely result in longer cycle times and 

reduced rinsing performance. It may also result in component 

failures and noticeable mold or mildew. HE detergents are made 

to produce the right amount of suds for the best performance. 

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the amount 

of detergent to use. 

At different stages of the wash cycle, you may hear sounds and 

noises that are different from those of your previous washer. 

For example, you may hear a clicking and hum at the beginning 

of the cycle, as the lid lock goes through a self-test. There 

will be different kinds of humming and whirring sounds as the 

washplate moves the load and as basket is decelerating to 

a stop. And sometimes, you may hear nothing at all, as the 

washer determines the correct water level for your load or 

allows time for clothes to soak. 

Low-water cleaning means concentrated cleaning. Rather  

than diluting detergent as done in an agitator-style washer,  

this washer delivers the detergent directly to the soils.

The most striking difference in your new washer is the  

low-water washplate wash system. The washer automatically 

adjusts the water level to the load size—no water level selector  

is needed.

Traditional agitator-style 

washer

Washer with low-water 

washplate wash system

Washplate

Once you start the cycle, the lid will lock, and the washer will 

begin the sensing process to determine the correct water level 

for the load. This may take several minutes before water is 

added. You will find a step-by-step description in the “Cycle 

Status Lights” section.
You will hear the motor turn the basket in short pulses to 

thoroughly wet the load. This low-water wash method  

uses less water and energy compared to a traditional  

agitator-style washer.