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The Whirlpool Thin Twin, an appliance that washes and dries clothes, requires extra care and attention to keep it in good condition. This comprehensive care guide is packed full of useful advice and step-by-step instructions to help you do just that!
The first thing that I’m going to discuss in this guide is the washing machine component of the Thin Twin. Then, I’ll explain how to use it and how to clean it and discuss some common problems and how to fix them. I’ll also offer a few maintenance tips that will extend the life of your machine.
Next, I’ll cover the drying component, discussing the same topics as in the first half of the guide. Because the Thin Twin is a washer-drier, the drum of the drier is slightly smaller than you’d expect to find in a normal standalone tumble dryer; when you use it, you need to be mindful of that.
But before we get into the nitty-gritty of caring for your Whirlpool Thin Twin, let’s remind ourselves of this washer dryer’s unique specifications.
Whirlpool Thin Twin: An Overview
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of your kitchen appliances so that you can care for them correctly; this applies whether you’re talking about refrigerators, washing machines, stoves, or anything else.
Being aware of how your Thin Twin works will help you to extend its life span by using it in such a way as to prevent any damage or premature wear and tear.
Here’s a quick reminder about the Whirlpool Thin Twin’s features and specifications:
- 1.5 cu. ft. washer capacity
- 5 wash cycles
- 3.4 cu. ft. dryer capacity
- 12 dry cycles
- Easy to clean the lint filter
- Gentle wash system
- ToughTop II lid and filter
- 3 water level selections
- Automatic Dry-Miser control
- End-of-cycle signal
How to Use the Whirlpool Thin Twin Washer
The Whirlpool Thin Twin is a large capacity washer-dryer, also known as a laundry center, which features a top load washer. While front load washers typically have a central agitator with paddles to move the load up and down, top load washers have an impeller on the drum base.
As such, there are specific approaches to using a top load washing machine like this that allow it to function optimally. Below, you can find my top useful tips for the Thin Twin washing machine.
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Before throwing everything into your washing machine in a heap (we’ve all done it!), I’d recommend spending five minutes sorting out the different items in your load.
Here are a few things to check:
- Remove loose change from pockets
- Remove tissue and any other objects from pockets
- Close zippers and fasten hooks/buttons
- Separate heavily soiled items from lightly soiled ones
- Turn knits inside out
Bigger and heavier items should always go in first; this ensures they interact properly with the agitator. Avoid cramming items in if you can avoid it – instead, place them in loose heaps that are evenly spaced.
I’d recommend finding a good quality washer pan as this is an excellent way to prevent water damage.
Adding Detergent
There are lots of different types of detergent on the market, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you can pick whichever one you like irrespective of its individual qualities. However, this isn’t the case. Choosing the right detergent for your machine is essential.
For the Whirlpool Thin Twin, you should opt for a high-efficiency (HE) detergent. Unlike regular detergent, HE detergent is quick dispersing and low sudsing, making it ideal for top load washers that often run low-water wash cycles.
In the event that you opt for detergent pods, these should always be added before the load.
Selecting a Washer Cycle
You’ve sorted the items you need to wash, you’ve appropriately loaded them, and you’ve added the correct type/amount of detergent. Now it’s time to select the proper washer cycle.
| Linens, cotton, and mixed garment loads | Normal cycle; medium wash time; high spin speed |
| Machine wash silks and hand washed fabrics | Delicate cycle; short wash time; high spin speed |
| Sturdy fabrics, towels, jeans, colorfast items | Heavy-duty cycle; long wash time; high spin speed |
| Swimsuits/items to be rinsed without detergent | Rinse; high spin speed |
| Hand washed garments and soaking wet items | Spin; high speed |
Familiarize Yourself with Machine Noises
Washing machines make all sorts of strange and sometimes concerning noises, most of which are normal.
However, occasionally they indicate a problem. By familiarizing yourself with the noises your washer regularly makes, you’ll be able to tell when something actually does go wrong.
Whirring/Humming
Whirring or humming noises often happen when the agitator comes into contact with clothes or when the machine is slowing down after a fast spin.
Clicking
This noise happens at the beginning of a cycle when the washer lid clicks into place. Sometimes clicking also happens when loose items such as coins have been left in the pockets of garments and are now being thrown around the machine.
Silence
Silence is perfectly normal; your clothes are probably soaking, or your machine might be working out the appropriate water level for the load.
How to Clean the Whirlpool Thin Twin Washer
It’s no surprise that washing machines are often neglected when it comes to cleaning household appliances since many people assume that they naturally keep themselves clean.
However, just because your washing machine cleans your clothes doesn’t mean that it never gets dirty itself! On the contrary, it actually requires regular cleaning, which, if carried out in a thorough manner, can extend its life.
So, without further ado, here’s how to clean the washer component of your Whirlpool Thin Twin.
Use the Clean Washer Cycle
The most basic step you can take to keep your washing machine clean is to use the “clean washer” cycle roughly once every thirty washes.
This kind of cycle uses water at a higher level to keep the inside of your machine clean and fresh. You should never place clothes or any items inside the machine when set to this cycle. To get the best result, it’s a good idea to use a washer cleaner tablet, such as those by afresh.
Clean the Lint Filter
This is one of those tasks that nobody wants to do, but it’s vital that you don’t neglect the lint filter. In fact, for the best results, you should clean it manually after every wash. Here’s how:
- Lift the agitator barrel
- Wash or wipe the filter clean with a cloth (it isn’t removable)
- Replace the agitator barrel. It should snap into place
Clean the Dispenser
To do this, simply pull the dispenser drawer out as far as it will go and use a clean damp cloth to wipe it down. Since detergent can get pretty sticky, you might want to use an all-purpose cleaner to get your dispenser looking good as new.
Clean the Exterior
The final step is to grab another clean damp cloth and wipe down the exterior of your machine. Again, you can use an all-purpose cleaner if you feel that it’s necessary.
Ensure that the machine is completely empty before opening the door and cleaning both the front and back. Try to clean around the edge to remove any stubborn dirt from the seal as well, because if the seal breaks, this spells real trouble.
How to Use the Whirlpool Thin Twin Dryer
Before you put your freshly washed clothes in the dryer, take the time to sort them according to garment type so that you can choose the correct cycle. If you’re not sure how to do this, check out the table below.
| Items | Cycle | Available Options | Cycle Details |
| Corduroys, work clothes | Normal | None | Medium to large loads of mixed fabrics |
| Lingerie, blouses, washable knit fabrics | Delicate | None | To gently dry delicate garments |
| Rubber, plastic, heat-sensitive fabrics | Air-only – no heat | Time adjustment | To freshen/air out the laundry |
| Heavy or bulky items | Timed dry – high heat | Time adjustment | Finishes drying if items are damp |
Clean the Lint Filter
Whereas with the washer component of the Whirlpool Thin Twin, you should clean the lint filter after a load. With the dryer, you should clean the filter beforehand.
To do this, reach inside the machine (ensuring it’s switched off!) and pull out the filter/screen and cover. Then, squeeze the filter and pull to remove the cover. Pull or roll the lint off the filter using your hands, then place it back in the machine with its cover on.
Load the Dryer
Add your garments to the dryer once the filter is clean and back in its proper place. Always ensure that they are damp rather than dripping wet; otherwise, they will take a long time to dry.
Select the appropriate cycle for your load with the desired dryness level, then press “start.”
How to Clean Your Whirlpool Thin Twin Dryer
Cleaning the dryer component of your Whirlpool Thin Twin is just as essential as cleaning the washer. Plus, it’s actually a little easier to do.
Clean the Filter
As I mentioned earlier, the filter should be cleaned before every use. However, if you find that you’re too busy to carry out this step regularly, you should do it thoroughly once every few weeks when you clean the rest of the machine.
Clean the Drum
There’s a handy hack I like to use to clean the drum of my tumble dryer, which I’m going to share with you.
If you don’t have a generic household cleaner around, you can make a paste using powdered laundry detergent and hot water. Then, apply this paste to a cloth and clean the inside of the drum – it’s easy!
Clean the Exterior
This step’s pretty easy and can be done at the same time you clean the washing machine’s exterior. Use a multi-use household cleaner and a damp cloth, ensuring you also remove any dirt from around and inside the door.
Common Whirlpool Thin Twin Problems & How to Solve Them
Here are some troubleshooting tips for common Whirlpool Thin Twin problems.
My Washer Won’t Fill, Rinse or Agitate
- Check the power cord is plugged into a grounded outlet
- Check if the water inlet valve screens are clogged
- Check both hot and cold faucets are turned on
- Check the water level
My Washer Stops
- Check the washer is plugged in and that the socket has power
- Check whether a fuse has blown
- Do not use an extension cord
- Check the load size is appropriate
My Washer Won’t Drain or Spin
- Check the lid is closed properly
- Check the amount of detergent and suds
- Check the voltage level is correct
- Check the drain hose for blockages
My Washer Continues to Fill or Drain/the Cycle Seems Stuck
- Check the top of the drain hose is higher than the water level
- Check the drain hose fits correctly
My Dryer Will not Run
- Check the power cord is plugged in
- Check whether a fuse has blown
- Check the door is closed
- Check you have selected a cycle
My Clothes are Shrinking in the Dryer
- Check you have not overdried your clothes – consult garment labels
- Check your loads are small enough for clothes to tumble freely
My Clothes are Covered in Lint
- Check the filter is clean and unblocked
- Check the load is appropriately sorted
- Check the load is the correct size
Ten Whirlpool Thin Twin Care Tips
Avoid Overloading Your Washer-Dryer
By ensuring each load is the right size and weight for your machine, you can avoid unnecessary stress, thus prolonging its life.
Consult your Thin Twin manual if you’re unsure what an appropriate load size is.
Empty Your Washer-Dryer Promptly
Whether you’re washing clothes or drying them in your Whirlpool Thin Twin, it’s important to promptly remove them from the machine when the cycle has finished.
Wet clothes left in the washer will quickly start to smell and lead to mold growing in the machine. On the other hand, clothes that have just been dried will crease if you do not take them out of the dryer quickly.
Keep the Exterior Clean
Regularly wiping down the outside of your Thin Twin will ensure that it adds to the overall appearance of your kitchen and doesn’t show signs of age.
Deep Clean Regularly
You don’t have to do this every week, but once every couple of months, you should aim to do a deep clean of your Thin Twin, particularly the washer component, since limescale can quickly build up.
Check the Hoses
Hoses tend to be hidden, so when they start to show signs of wear and tear, it might take a long time for you to notice. However, you can identify issues before they cause severe problems for your machine by checking them regularly.
Empty the Dryer’s Water Tank
As with cleaning the lint filter before every use, it’s a good idea also to empty the water tank after every use.
Clean the Dryer’s Seals
The dryer component of your Thin Twin is often warm and damp, so the hard-to-reach seals are a breeding ground for unpleasant germs and bacteria. That’s why you must clean them regularly with a cloth and some antibacterial spray.
Always Use the Right Detergent
As previously mentioned, the best detergent for your Thin Twin washer is any kind of high-efficiency detergent, whether that comes in powder or liquid form. This will allow the machine to function efficiently and will add years to its life.
Leave the Door Open
After you’ve used the washing machine, leave the door open for half an hour to allow the water to evaporate, thus preventing mold and bacteria from building up.
Clean the Rubber Gasket
The rubber gasket is designed to prevent your garments from becoming damaged by rough metal edges, but it’s also the perfect place for bacteria and dirt to build up because they get trapped under the seal. Clean regularly with a damp cloth.
Recommended reads:
- How to find the best washer for your home space
- Whirlpool washer model guide
- How to bypass washing machine water level sensor
- Whirlpool dryer door switch replacement guide
Whirlpool Thin Twin Care Guide: FAQs
Question: Which Clothes Can Be Put in a Tumble Dryer?
Answer: As a general rule, you should avoid putting delicate fabrics in the tumble dryer unless it has a specific setting for this type of garment. You should also avoid tumble-drying leather and faux leather, latex, waterproof fabrics, nylon tights, and fur or faux-fur items.
Most clothes come with a care label that will instruct you on whether or not they can be machine washed and dried. To be sure, always check the label.
Question: Where is the Lint Filter on my Whirlpool Thin Twin?
Answer: The lint filter in the washer component is located under the agitator.
Question: How Often Should I Clean My Whirlpool Thin Twin?
Answer: The recommended interval between cleans is about 30 washes, but this will depend on the type of items you regularly wash and how dirty they tend to be.
Question: What Happens if I Don’t Use High-efficiency Detergent in My Whirlpool Thin Twin?
Answer: This will lead to the detergent creating too many suds, resulting in a lengthy wash cycle that will use considerably more water. This could also impact how clean your clothes end up and even cause the machine to overflow.
Question: What Other Products Does Whirlpool Make?
Answer: Whirlpool is a well-known and much-loved manufacturer of many household appliances, including refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, washers, and dishwashers.