Whirlpool WTW8500DW-WW Owner's Manual

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 and do not go over the Max line. See “Using 

Laundry Product Dispensers” for more information.

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 slowing 

down to 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. This low 

water wash also allows the clothing to move in a more effective 

way to remove soils.

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. 
Initially the basket will start to spin prior to adding water, this is 

part of the sensing process and is normal. This low-water wash 

method uses less water and energy compared to a traditional 

agitator-style washer.

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. 

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

Low-water washer

Washplate

Washplate