Question 1

Hints and Advice: What should the temperatures be inside my refrigerator and freezer?

Accepted Answer

A temperature of 3 to 4&deg;C on average is preferred, with upper and lower limits of 0 to 7&deg;C. At 7&deg;C food will deteriorate more quickly

Question 2

Hints and Advice: What cooker hoods can be vented from the rear?

Accepted Answer

Only wall-mounted cooker hoods can be vented from the rear.

Question 3

Hints and Advice: There are different levels of energy consumption. Which one should I use?

Accepted Answer

A and A+ offer the lowest energy consumption. This means they are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Question 4

Hints and Advice, Accessories: Why do some clothing dealers suggest washing clothes inside out?

Accepted Answer

Turning clothes inside out doesn&rsquo;t affect the washing performance, but can help to prolong the life of your garments (especially coloured ones). It can also help prevent fluff balls forming on woolen garments.

Question 5

Hints and Advice: What causes those fuzzy balls on some clothing?

Accepted Answer

Many synthetic clothes shed small fibres that ball up and cling to the clothes. Remove these with a fuzz-removing device, available from most department stores. Overloading your washing machine may also cause fuzzy balls to form.

Question 6

Hints and Advice: Why is the freezer over-freezing?

Accepted Answer

If large amounts of ice form in a short time, do the following: make sure the Fast Freeze switch is not on. The thermostat should not be on its maximum setting. Ensure that the door/lid is not being held open by the contents of the freezer. Check that the door gasket is in good condition and that it is in contact with the cabinet at all points.

Question 7

Appliance Care: What cleaning products should I avoid using when cleaning my refrigerator?

Accepted Answer

Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners such as window sprays, scouring cleansers, flammable fluids, cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents, bleaches or cleansers containing petroleum products on plastic parts interior and door liners or gaskets. Do not use paper towels, scouring pads, or other harsh cleaning tools. These can scratch or damage your refrigerator.

Question 8

Hints and Advice: What is the minimal distance required between the cooktop and the hood?

Accepted Answer

For a Whirlpool gas hob of less than 7500W power the minimum distance is 65cm. For hobs over 7500W the minimum distance is 75cm. Electric hobs should be 65cm apart.

Question 9

Hints and Advice: When is a pre-wash program necessary when using my washing machine?

Accepted Answer

Only when your laundry is very dirty.

Question 10

Appliance Care: What type of cookware can I use in my microwave?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to manufacturer's recommendations when using: aluminum foil, metal, plastic wrap, bags, covers, dinnerware, containers, pottery, clay, china, earthenware, melamine paper towels, paper dinnerware, napkins. It is safe to use wax paper, ceramic glass and glass.

Question 11

Appliance Care: What products should I avoid using when cleaning my stainless steel surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Avoid soap-filled scouring pads, abrasive cleaners, cooktop polishing cream, steel-wool pads, gritty wash cloths, and some paper towels, as they might damage the surface.

Question 12

Hints and Advice: Will a freezer work properly if it is very cold or hot in my garage?

Accepted Answer

It will, but you must ensure the temperature is set properly. Temperatures should not go below 40&deg;F or hotter than 100&deg;F for the freezer to work efficiently. If temperatures are lower than 40&deg;F your thermostat may not allow the appliance to turn on. The warmer the ambient temperature is (above 100&deg;F), the more the appliance will run, and will be less efficient.

Question 13

Appliance Care: The temperature inside the appliance is too cold/warm. What are the correct temperature settings?

Accepted Answer

The optimum normal air temperatures in the centre of cabinets should be as follows; Refrigerator +3.5&deg;C Chiller 0&deg;C Freezer *** -18&deg;C Freezer * -6&deg;C Freezer ** -12&deg;C Freezer **** -24&deg;C (Using Fast Freeze switch, not at normal running temperature.)

Question 14

Hints and Advice: What size vent hose is required for an Island Hood?

Accepted Answer

Ideally a 150mm diameter hose, but 120mm reduction kits are available. These may be obtained from Customer Service.

Question 15

Hints and Advice: What kind of odours does Pret a Porter remove?

Accepted Answer

It will remove even the strongest odours, including smoke, sweat and fried food.

Question 16

Hints and Advice: What height above a hob does a cooker hood need to be?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to the user manual for your particular model. Generally speaking, we advise a distance of 750mm above a Gas Hob and 650mm above an Electric Hob. If your cooker hood was packed with an additional note on height use, please refer to this advised distance.

Question 17

Hints and Advice: What does the Pret a Porter do?

Accepted Answer

Pret a Porter de-wrinkles, de-odourises and gently dries your clothes. It's the ideal solution for when your clothes aren't dirty, but look less than perfect. It&rsquo;s a fast, easy and practical way to revitalise clothes, leaving you ready to go out and looking your best at the touch of a button.

Question 18

Hints and Advice: What is the difference between a condenser dryer and a vented dryer?

Accepted Answer

Air vented dryers are supplied with a venting kit which ducts air outside. Condenser dryers are ideal for flats and apartments, as they convert the steam to water and collect it in a container, so that they don't need venting and you can position them anywhere in a room.

Question 19

Hints and Advice: What water can be used in the Pret a Porter?

Accepted Answer

Only use distilled water. This does not include boiled water.

Question 20

Hints and Advice: What is the maximum length of venting I can have on my cooker hood?

Accepted Answer

Ideally no more than 3 meters.

Question 21

Accessories: What cleaning products should I avoid using, when cleaning my stainless steel surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Please avoid soap-filled scouring pads, abrasive cleaners, cooktop polishing cream, steel-wool pads, gritty wash cloths, and some paper towels, as they might damage the surface

Question 22

Hints and Advice: If I have a 68cm Hob. Do I need a 90cm wide Cooker Hood?

Accepted Answer

No, just follow the instructions and place the hood the correct distance from the hob.

Question 23

Hints and Advice: Is Pret a Porter noisy?

Accepted Answer

The noise level is comparable to a boiling pot during steaming. It&rsquo;s a bit noisier during the drying cycle.

Question 24

Hints and Advice: What are the best temperatures for the Whirlpool Wine Cellar?

Accepted Answer

The Whirlpool wine cellar will work perfectly in temperatures between 6 and 32 degrees.

Question 25

Hints and Advice: How much energy does Pret a Porter Use?

Accepted Answer

For a complete cycle, the average energy consumption is 0.49 kW. For gentle drying, the average energy consumption is 0.43 kW. The maximum power is 1275 watts.

Question 26

Buying from Us, Accessories: How do I buy accessories on this website?

Accepted Answer

You can buy any of our wide range of accessories simply by visiting the Buy Accessories tab. Here, you can browse through our products, and once you&rsquo;ve found what you are looking for, simply click Add to Cart. When you've finished shopping, just click My Cart and proceed to checkout.

Question 27

Hints and Advice: How long is a Pret a Porter cycle?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the garment, the cycle will run for an average of 30 minutes, a little less for delicates and a little more for heavy duty items such as cotton shirts.

Question 28

Hints and Advice: What do the lights on the freezer mean?

Accepted Answer

The GREEN light indicates that the appliance has an electrical supply. The AMBER light indicates that the Fast Freeze option is on. The light is combined with a switch. The RED light is warning that there is a high temperature inside the cabinet.

Question 29

Hints and Advice: How many garments will fit Pret a Porter?

Accepted Answer

Pret a Porter holds two items of clothing per cycle for optimum performance. Clothing items can be hung on a hanger - wood, wire or high quality plain plastic.

Question 30

Appliance Care, Accessories: What is the best way to clean my refrigerator?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning both the refrigerator and freezer compartments about once a month and wiping up spills immediately helps to prevent odours from building up. To clean safely and effectively: Unplug refrigerator or disconnect power; Remove all removable parts from inside. Hand wash, rinse, and dry removable parts and interior surfaces, using a clean sponge or soft cloth and mild detergent in warm water.

Question 31

Buying from Us: How can I purchase an item that isn't currently in stock or temporarily unavailable?

Accepted Answer

You may call our customer care team to find out when the product will be back in stock or if we have a similar product for you.

Question 32

Hints and Advice: How do you start the cycle on the Pret a Porter?

Accepted Answer

It&rsquo;s a simple three step process: Fill the cup with water to the appropriate line (delicate, normal or heavy duty). Place the cup in the machine, then push the Start button. That's it.

Question 33

Hints and Advice: Does Pret a Porter get hot?

Accepted Answer

During the normal cycle the base is hot, but after steaming and drying a cooling cycle will allow the bag to cool down.

Question 34

Hints and Advice: Can the doors be reversed on the Slimline (45.8cm) Undercounter Fridge Freezers?

Accepted Answer

Doors can't be reversed on these types of appliances. The matching fridge and freezers have their doors positioned so they open up in the middle.

Question 35

Appliance Care: The hob burners are stained and discoloured. How can they be cleaned?

Accepted Answer

They are best cleaned with a chrome cleaner (Solvol Autosol). Care should be taken not to block the burner holes and grooves.

Question 36

Appliance Care, Accessories: How can I remove unpleasant odours in my refrigerator?

Accepted Answer

Clean the inside with a mild cleaning detergent. Get the best results using the proper detergents.

Question 37

Buying from Us: How do I buy an appliance on Whirlpool.co.uk?

Accepted Answer

It's simple: all you need to do is visit our Buy Appliances tab. Here, you can browse our appliances for sale, and find all the information you need to choose one. Once you have selected your appliance, simply click Add to Cart. When you've finished shopping, just click My Cart and proceed to checkout.

Question 38

Appliance Care: Can I place a dryer on top of my washing machine?

Accepted Answer

The washing machine should be placed on the floor, as it is the heaviest. Most appliances from the same brand can be stacked. You will have to use an attachment accessory to prevent the dryer from falling off the washing machine when in use. If you want to stack two machines from different brands ask your retailer or dealer if this is possible.

Question 39

Hints and Advice: Can I use different colours in one Pret a Porter cycle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can mix colours.

Question 40

Buying from Us: Do I need to open an account, in order to purchase from Whirlpool.co.uk?

Accepted Answer

No, you don't need to open an account with us, if you prefer not to. If you already have, you can access it before purchasing your Whirlpool appliance

Question 41

Buying from Us: A product I want is not on the website or 'Temporary Unavailable'. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you can't find the product you want on Whirlpool.co.uk, you may be able to find it on one of our retailers websites. To find a list of our retail partners, please visit our Where to Buy page. If one of our products is labeled as &lsquo;temporarily unavailable&rsquo;, unfortunately it isn&rsquo;t currently in stock.

Question 42

Hints and Advice, Accessories: The Red Filter Light on the dispenser is ON. How should the light work?

Accepted Answer

Your water filter will last you 6 months. The indicator changes from green to orange at 90% of its life and to red at the end of its life. When the filter is changed the 'Reset' button must be pressed for more than 3 seconds, it will then turn green.

Question 43

Hints and Advice, Accessories: When using my washing machine, how much detergent should I use?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the hardness of your water and the soil in your clothing. Softened water requires quite a bit less detergent than hard water&mdash;yet the more soiled the clothes, the more detergent you need to clean them. See the instructions on the detergent package for specific guidelines. If soap suds remain at the end of the cycle, you are probably using too much detergent.

Question 44

Hints and Advice: Can I add fragrance to my clothing before I run Pret a Porter

Accepted Answer

Pret a Porter is designed to remove odours, so scent or perfume will be removed.

Question 45

Buying from Us: Do I need to open an account, in order to purchase accessories from Whirlpool.co.uk?

Accepted Answer

No, you don't need to open an account with us, if you prefer not to. If you already have, you can access it before purchasing your Whirlpool accessory

Question 46

Hints and Advice: Do I have to use weights every time I run Pret a Proter?

Accepted Answer

No, weights can further enhance performance, but you can have good results without them, depending on the type of fabric you are using.

Question 47

Accessories, Hints and Advice: Do I need special filters for a circulation hood?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you need a special fat and odour filter. This is usually a cartridge filled with odour-absorbing grains of carbon. It is important that the filter is replaced regularly. See your user manual for instructions.

Question 48

Hints and Advice: How quickly will the refrigerator make ice?

Accepted Answer

The ice maker will not make ice until the freezer temperature is down to -12&deg;C. It will take a day to fill the ice bucket

Question 49

Hints and Advice: Can I use ordinary cooking salt in my dishwasher?

Accepted Answer

Cooking salt generally contains ingredients that could damage your dishwasher.

Question 50

Hints and Advice: Are there any safety devices within Pret a Porter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are IR sensors that shut off the cycle if a garment drops on the exhaust grill. And if the Pret a Porter accidentally tips over, it will automatically shut down.

Question 51

Accessories: What is the difference between Crisp microwaves and other microwaves?

Accepted Answer

The Crisp function uses three heat sources at the same time. This allows you to use the special crisp plate that maintains a temperature of 210 degrees C, the ideal temperature for crisping! You can brown sausages, crisp bacon, cook perfect pizzas and even fry eggs.

Question 52

Hints and Advice: I cannot install external ducting for my cooker hood. Is recirculation a good idea?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Whirlpool hoods can be used in ducted or recirculation modes.   Recirculation removes unpleasant odours and fat from the air that passes through the hood, and blows the air back into the kitchen. It does not reduce the humidity of the air, so humidity levels in your kitchen might increase. Do not connect a motorless hood to a central ventilation system.

Question 53

Product Registration: What are the advantages of registering my Whirlpool appliance?

Accepted Answer

You can register your Whirlpool appliance with us regardless of whether you've bought it online or from one of our retail partners.  Product Registration enables us to contact you, if necessary,and it helps us provide a quick and efficient service, should you require our assistance

Question 54

Hints and Advice: How much detergent should I use in my dishwasher?

Accepted Answer

The amount of detergent to use depends on the hardness of your water and the type of detergent. If you use too little, dishes may not be perfectly clean. If you use too much, in soft water, glassware could be scratched or damaged. If you do not know your water hardness, contact your local water department.

Question 55

Hints and Advice: How much free space should I leave open around a refrigerator?

Accepted Answer

For freestanding refrigerators you should leave 5 cm on top and 10 cm behind the appliance. This will allow heat to be dispatched easily and reduces energy consumption. For built-in appliances the space needed is included in the specifications.

Question 56

Hints and Advice: I prepared a fish dish in my microwave. How can I remove the unpleasant odour?

Accepted Answer

Warm up a cup of water containing a few drops of lemon juice for about one minute. This will remove any unpleasant odours from your microwave.

Question 57

Appliance Care, Accessories: How do I clean the glass on my oven?

Accepted Answer

Use glass cleaner and soft cloth or sponge,do not spray directly. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, steel-wool pads, gritty wash cloths and some paper towels, as damage may occur. If using paper towels, check on the packaging that they are suitable first, some may cause damage.

Question 58

Hints and Advice: Do induction hobs require a specific type of pan?

Accepted Answer

You can tell if your pans are suitable by using a fridge magnet. If it sticks to the base, it's OK for induction hobs.

Question 59

Product Registration: How do I register my Whirlpool appliance?

Accepted Answer

You can register your Whirlpool appliance/s on our website via this link. Alternatively, you can call our Customer Services Team on 0344 815 8989. You will need the appliance model name and serial number (as shown on the product registration card). We will also need the  purchase date and approximate cost.

Question 60

Appliance Care: There is water in the bottom of the self-defrosting refrigerator. Why is that?

Accepted Answer

The drain tube from the gully at the back of the fridge is likely to be blocked. This means that defrosted water is flowing into the cabinet.

Question 61

Hints and Advice: When do I need to add rinse aid to the dishwasher's dispenser?

Accepted Answer

The LED indicator will illuminate when rinse aid is necessary. Rinse aid helps the drying process and also prevents glassware looking cloudy.

Question 62

Accessories: Why am I asked to provide my contact information when buying accessories from Whirlpool.co.uk?

Accepted Answer

We will need your contact information in order to process your order. This is so that we can deliver your accessories and contact you, if necessary.

Question 63

Hints and Advice: What can I do to preserve my food during a power interruption?

Accepted Answer

If the electricity in your house goes off, the amount of time that the freezer will stay cold varies. A full freezer stays colder for longer than a partially filled one, and a freezer of meat will stay colder for longer than a freezer of ready cooked meals. To preserve low temperatures for as long as possible, keep the freezer door shut. If the freezer isn't full, you can use newspaper around a product to insulate it.

Question 64

Hints and Advice: The drinking water from the refrigerator's water dispenser is tainted with a chemical taste. How can I avoid that?

Accepted Answer

Drinking water should be used regularly to prevent it lying in the appliance for long periods.

Frequently Asked Questions