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How to Find a Washer or Dryer Manual

Manufacturer's Guide Is Handy for Maintenance or Repair

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Updated on 02/14/20

Man looking through a manual — Ron Koeberer / Getty Images

If you have a question about how to operate your washer or dryer or why it isn't working correctly, the first place to look for answers is by reading the operating manual or checking the manufacturer's website. You'll find the instructions on how to use the washing machine or dryer, correct maintenance information, and some solutions for troubleshooting problems.

There are two types of manuals—operating and repair. Most retailers and manufacturers only include the operating manual with the sale of the appliance. If you are handy with tools, you can purchase the repair manual that will guide you through wiring and mechanical systems. It should also offer diagnostic symbols and tools to determine what is wrong with internal computers.

To find the correct manual, you must know the manufacturer and model number of your washer or dryer. The information can be found on a sticker on the back of the machine or just inside the appliance door. You can use the same guidelines to find a manual for any type of large or small household appliance.

How to Find a Clothes Washer or Dryer Operating Manual

If you have tossed or misplaced your operating manual, visit Manualsonline.com, ManualMania.com or Manual Owl to get a replacement. Most offer free PDFs of the manual you can download or replacement manuals for a small fee.

You can also visit the manufacturer's site directly for downloadable or online manuals. The sites will also offer you information on recalls on appliance models and most provide answers to frequently asked questions.

When You Need a Technical Manual

Some of the washer and dryer manufacturers and same sites that offer operating manuals also offer repair manuals if you are a do-it-yourselfer tackling a washer or dryer repair. There are repair manuals available for many brands for a small fee. If you have basic mechanical skills, these are less costly than calling a professional. Replacing fuses, damaged power cords or repairing leaks can be quite simple.

The repair or technical manual includes diagrams of the electrical systems, lists of replacement parts and diagnostic testing schedules. These are the same manuals that professional repair technicians use for new laundry appliances. The Repair Clinic and Appliance Repair websites are an excellent resource for the manual or replacement parts if you plan to do the repairs yourself. You can also purchase replacement parts directly from some manufacturers, home hardware stores and online from Amazon.

You'll also be amazed at what you can learn by watching appliance repair videos on YouTube. Both professional repair technicians and do-it-yourselfers have created videos to walk you through step-by-step repairs.