What do Prefixed Stickers In Washing Machine Indicate?
It must have taken a while for you to reach out to this article and there are chances that other results may have engaged you with the fancy ideas for simply wrapping up your washer.
This article is purely meant for the information related to the manufacturer’s prefixed stickers that are attached to your washing machine.
After you are done with this article I am sure you will definitely try to locate some of the informative stickers on your washer and then realize that it was unnoticed for so long.
Here’s what this post covers:
- What are the types of stickers used on a washing machine?
- Why do washing machines have prefixed stickers? AND How do they help?
- What messages or information do the washer stickers convey?
- How do you identify the right components of your washer?
- What are decorative stickers on a washing machine?
- What are care labels in a laundry?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
Without wasting time, let’s dive right into it.
What are the types of stickers used on a washing machine?
Stickers that the manufacturer’s prefix include important alerts and washer details such as operational instructions, cautions & Warnings, washer info such as power guide, warranty, serial & model numbers, parts identification numbers or codes prefixed on components, and special feature indicators, etc.
Other types of stickers such as the designer and informative stickers are up to the user’s choice. Informative stickers usually, contain laundry care tips or care label charts that act as a piece of handy information about different fabric materials and their laundry care tips.
Why do washing machines have prefixed stickers? AND How do they help?
Washing Machine manufacturers prefix the stickers for the user’s benefit in the form of safety precautions and functional guidance for the betterment of their washers and improved user experience.
These stickers are prefixed at easy-to-locate areas around your washer with safety instructions and crucial precautions.
Other stickers that display power ratings, warranty information, and some added features are placed with an intention to sell and showcase the product.
These types of stickers are usually seen in the retail markets so that buyers can have quick access to their choices and preferences.
What messages or information do the washer stickers convey?
These prefixed stickers carry loads of useful information and precaution related to your laundry, hence let us look at a few images below for a better understanding of the stickers fixed by manufacturers and optional sticker types along with their goals and intentions.
(I) The below image contains stickers pasted near the door of the front and top loaders.
The above images display stickers with a few instructions.
Here’s what this means…
Image 1 conveys the below message
- Read the user manual before operating: It is straightforward advice that you should refer to the user manual before operating your washer.
- Ensure pockets are empty: The message on the sticker reminds you to check if the pockets of your clothes are empty. Any foreign object such as coins, screws, pins, etc. can enter easily enter through your clothes pockets and cause wear and tear to the fabrics and the components of your washer.
- Ensure nothing is trapped between the door and seal: Anything trapped between the door and the seal may impact the following:
- Cause wear and tear to the Gasket rubber seal that is responsible to close the door airtight and a damaged gasket rubber seal may result in leakage from the door.
- Anything that gets trapped between the door and the frame may result in the washer’s door not closing properly. If the door is not closed properly then your washer may not resume with the wash cycles and send error codes on the display panel.
Image 2 displays the following messages
- Do not wash waterproof items: Recommends to avoid washing waterproof items in the washer in order to avoid any damage to the washer and the item used.
- Make sure all pockets are empty: (Similar to the 1st image)
- Clean water inlet filter: The Inlet water supply will stop if the filter is not cleaned hence simply open the inlet hose & clean the filter regularly once every 15 days.
(II) Let us look at the image below that displays 2 washers with stickers pasted at the font of the washing machine’s outer body.
- In the above image, the 1st washer is showcasing the warranty info, a special feature – Auto Restart, and the power rating or the power savings guide.
- The Second washer in the image contains the warranty information and an indicator that the washer is wi-fi enabled.
- The warranty stickers can be usually seen in the form of metallic plates stuck on the front of the washer’s outer body.
- The power rating or the power guide stickers are mostly available in the form of laminated paper stickers and are patched at the front of the outer body of a washer.
(III) The sticker in the below image displays information about the washer related to capacity, power, water, PCB control, other info, etc.
The above image displays the following information:
- Brand Name and the model number.
- The washer’s capacity is 6 KG.
- The rated voltage is 220-240V
- The required frequency is set to 50Hz
- Maximum consumable power 1950W
- The range of required water pressure is between 0.05 to 1Mpa
- A barcode with numbers at the bottom.
- A diagram of the PCB controller.
(IV) The below image is of the drain pump filter tray which is usually located at the bottom right corner on the front of the washer.
Let us look into the instructions available on the sticker:
- The above sticker advises the user about maintaining its drain pump.
- There are Error codes E18/E36 mentioned to notify you of a possible fault with the drain system.
- The drain pump cleaning process is explained using the specimen images with 6 easy steps.
- In the end, there is an advice to empty the clothes pocket before loading them into the washtub.
Make sure you use the most of this advice and suggestions in order to maintain your washer’s performance in the long run.
(V) Refer to the below images of front-load washers inside door panels that contain a few stickers.
The stickers in the above images portray the model & serial numbers, Brand information, contact details of the manufacturer’s helpline, and other information about the front load washer.
(VI) The below images are of a top load washer showcasing specific drawers located inside the door and above the washtub.
The above image contains the directions to guide you to the right dispenser or drawers for the detergents and fabric softeners.
You may find a sticker or a fine print on the designated detergent and fabric softener drawers. Likewise, it may appear in an embossed form that can be seen on the fabric softener dispenser.
Stickers including model numbers and serial numbers of the front loader are usually located inside the door that can be observed right in the above image, or they can also be located at the outer walls or at the back of the washer.
(VII) The sticker in the below image is usually found on the top of the front loader.
The above image advises you about the following pointers listed below:
- If you look at the image above, it suggests you simply care for your washer by running the tub clean cycle at regular intervals.
- The tub clean cycle is said to be a unique self-cleaning function in a washer.
- Running a tub clean cycle removes the accumulated dust/dirt/scale around and inside the drum.
- This cycle is preferred once every 2 weeks with anti-limescale.
It includes the steps on how to run the tub clean cycle effectively and it may differ depending on the washer type and models. You should always refer to the user manuals for detailed information.
- If your washer includes the tub clean option then simply run the cycle.
- For others press and hold the “Time Delay” and “Pre Wash1’ buttons for up to 3 seconds OR press the “Rinse+” and “Time Save” buttons.
- As soon as the tub clean function is selected you may notice “tcL” displayed on the LED screen.
(VIII) Below image warns you of the dangers of neglecting the safety instructions:
Let us check out the six warnings displayed in the above image:
- The danger of Burns: This is applicable for washers with the corresponding functions such as boiling washing, steam, wrinkle-free, dry course function, etc.
Do not open the door and touch the door glass or the metal parts inside the washer during or just after the execution of the above-mentioned functions.
- The dangers of Fire: It is highly recommended that one should not place inflammable substances such as gasoline or alcohol into the washtub or near the washer. Additionally, avoid washing any fabrics that are contaminated with such substances.
- Child Lock: This is a safety function that prevents children from operating or playing with the washer functions.
In order to activate or deactivate the child lock feature simply press and hold the child lock buttons for up to 3 seconds.
To ensure the child lock feature is activated try pressing other buttons except for Power On/Off and see if the other buttons respond. If nothing happens post-pressing the other buttons, it means the child lock feature is on.
- The danger of Electric shock, electric leakage & fire: It is not recommended to install the washer in a humid location such as the bathrooms or a location exposed to water or exposed to direct rain. You should make sure that the Washer’s electric supplies are properly grounded.
- The danger of Injury: Always remove the laundry after the washtub has come to a complete halt because even the slow rotations may lead to severe injuries.
Keep children away from the washer or they may tend to enter inside the washer especially if the frontloader has easy access and if you fail to do so, then it may result in causing severe injuries likely result in death. Additionally, one should never place their hands under the washer.
- Avoid Waterproof Clothing: The washing machine removes water from the laundry and leaves them damp. It becomes difficult for the washer to treat the waterproof clothes that cannot be dehydrated and resulting in causing abnormal vibrations. The waterproof category includes sleeping bags, diaper covers, ski wear, rubber mats, sauna clothes, etc.
How do you identify the right components of your washer?
Most parts and components of the washer are replaceable in an event of faults or damage and almost all washer parts have a unique code or a part number.
Most often the suitable parts can be identified using the washer’s model or serial numbers.
The stickers in the parts of the washer contain a code or a number that is used to identify a specific part for repair or replacement purposes. For e.g. The drain pump motor or the wash drum may contain a sticker with an identification bar code and or a part number.
The identification codes can also be found in an embossed form on the components.
Refer to the specimen image below that displays a water motor pump containing a sticker with a barcode and numbers.
Also Read: What Causes a Washing Machine Motor to Burn Out?
What are decorative stickers on a washing machine?
These stickers are meant to please the appearance of your washer and are usually preferred for the following scenarios.
- If you want to match your washer’s appearance with the theme of your laundry room.
- You have been attracted by an eye-catching design in the form of washing machine stickers.
- For someone who loves to decorate the household.
Here’s an example of a washer with decorative stickers pasted on the outer body.
What are care labels in a laundry?
Laundry care labels in the form of tags stickers or charts can be pasted on or around the washer that contains symbols with fabric care information on your clothes. These symbols indicate the fabric type and their caring tips.
The below image includes a few common laundry care symbols for your reference.
Final Thoughts
The prefixed stickers by the manufacturers are for safety and informational purpose.
It’s recommended to follow the instructions carefully for a better laundry experience.
Do not manipulate the critical information such as the model names or numbers, serial numbers, and the components or parts codes and numbers on the sticker.
Doing this can easily void the warranty OR you may have to go through a lot of hassles while claiming the warranty.
It’s always a wise idea to consult with your manufacturers before applying any other stickers to your washing machine.
Lastly, Avoid using low-quality fancy stickers that may affect the exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions on washing machine stickers that are placed by manufacturers.
Is it ok to remove the prefixed stickers from the washer?
Removing or altering critical information such as the serial number or the model number may result in voiding the warranty. You may consult your manufacturer before deciding to remove or attach a fancy sticker. Likewise, you should avoid removing any stickers from the components of your washer because they may include the part number required to identify and obtain a replacement.
How do I remove the stickers from my washer?
Use a heat gun or a hair dryer with low heat to avoid any damage to the finish of the washer surface. Blow the mild hot air on the stickers and their outline. Doing this will free the sticker from the surface and gently peel them off the washer.
Alternately you can remove the stickers using rubbing alcohol with the help of a soft cloth or by using cotton balls. Simply dip the soft cloth with the rubbing alcohol and apply it to the stickers leaving them wet for a minute or two. You may now remove the stickers that have left the surface of the washer.
In order to remove the sticky substance, you may use vegetable oil and apply it to the affected surface. Use a soft cloth and gently scrub the sticky surface and you are done.
What is a grounded washing machine?
To prevent electrical shocks during unwanted events such as malfunctioning of the electrical components of the washer or the power supplies, grounding the wires of the appliances plays a vital role. In situations when there is a power surge or if your non-grounded washer malfunctions then it may lead to severe electrical shocks or cause an electrical fire. Earthing or grounding your washer helps in enduring a path for the excess electricity to return to the ground and prevent electrical hazards.