Let’s face it:

Laundry can be a warzone, riddled with mishaps and rebellious washing machines. But fret not. I’ve been there and know a secret weapon – the reset feature.

So, imagine this:

Your Whirlpool washer decides to throw a tantrum and stops cooperating. What do you do? You hit reset.

This guide is your roadmap. It will walk you through resetting any Whirlpool washing machine like a seasoned expert, resolving a range of common problems along the way.

Ready? Let’s dive in.

How Do I Reset My Whirlpool Washing Machine?

The specific way to reset your Whirlpool washer will depend on the model and the issue you are dealing with. The common reset techniques include unplugging and plugging the washer, pressing the reset button, using the dial knob, or pressing a combination of buttons.

Below, I am going to discuss each of these techniques in detail, so keep reading. 

To gain insights into how to determine the most suitable reset technique, I consulted our go-to washing machine repair expert, Alex Hardman.

With his expert guidance, I compiled the easiest-to-follow resetting guide that applies to almost every Whirlpool washer model.

When to Reset Your Whirlpool Washer

You see:

As with any device, there are times when your Whirlpool washer will send out distress signals, a clear indication that a reset is in order.

Based on my years of dealing with these machines, here are the typical situations when you should consider hitting that reset button:

• After welcoming home a brand-new washer.
• When your washer seems lost and stuck in a cycle.
• If the controls have frozen or become unresponsive.
• Post a part replacement or component installation.
• When your washer starts communicating in a language of error codes.
• If you’ve recently relocated the washer to a new spot.
• In the event of the washer stubbornly refusing to start.
• When the door seems to have developed a mind of its own and won’t unlock.
• If a power outage leaves your washer in a state of limbo.
• When your washer starts tossing out random error codes like confetti.

8 Techniques To Reset Your Whirlpool Washing Machine

Reset Method	Procedure	Compatible Whirlpool Model
Power Reset or Hard Reset	Unplug the washer and let it sit for up to 5 minutes then plug it back in.	Every Whirlpool washing machine
The Error Reset	Press the Pause or Cancel button twice and the Power button once	Most Whirlpool washers
The Master Reset	Open and close the door 6 times in 12 seconds.	Most Whirlpool top load washers
The Door Reset	Unplug the washer and let it sit for at least 2 minutes. Run a drain and spin cycle.	Most Whirlpool washers
The Calibration Reset	When the dial is set to normal move the dial in the following order Left -Right -Right-Right -Left -Right Each turn should be one click	Most Whirlpool washers that have 6 or 7 led lights below the dial
Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Reset	Unplug the washer for at least 2 minutes.  Press the Temperature, Soil, and Spin buttons in that order three times consecutively. Finally, press and hold the Spin Speed button	Whirlpool Cabrio washers
Whirlpool 2-in-1 With Removable Agitator Washer Reset	Unplug the washer and let it sit for 2 minutes. Press the Temperature and Rinse Options in that order twice. Turn the cycle selector clockwise one click. Then press the buttons Temp, Rinse Options, Faucet, Hold to Start, and the Power Button in that order.	Whirlpool 2-in-1 With Removable Agitator Washer
Using the Start / Pause Button	Unplug the washer and wait for at least 30 seconds Press the Start/Pause button 10 times, repeatedly.	Most Whirlpool top load washers

1. The Power Reset or Hard Reset

Method	The Power Reset
Time	Less than 5 minutes
Ease of doing	Very easy
Success rate	80 %
Procedure	Unplug the washer and let it sit for up to 5 minutes then plug it back in.
When to use it	Recommended as the first reset method when facing any issue.
Compatible models	Every Whirlpool washer model

Now, here’s an inside tip:

The Power Reset is not just for your Whirlpool washer, it’s a useful tool for almost any electrical appliance in your home.

Regardless of what’s plaguing your Whirlpool washer, begin by unplugging it, wait for 5 minutes, and then plug it back in.

Alex put it perfectly: “Washers have a computerized control system. Unplugging and plugging back in is like a forced reboot.”

But why the 5-minute wait?

Well, some internal components like memory store electrical charge. Unplugging lets these components dissipate this charge, triggering a fresh restart and resetting the washer.

The Hard Reset in Action:

• Step 1: Turn the washing machine off.
• Step 2: Unplug it from the wall or flip the circuit breaker.
• Step 3: Wait for 5 minutes.
• Step 4: Plug it back in or flip the breaker back on.
• Step 5: Test it. Has the problem vanished? If not…
• Step 6: Repeat the process, but be patient. Let it sit a bit longer.

A good example:

A member of our Facebook community found success with her WTW5000DW1 Whirlpool washer only after leaving it unplugged overnight.

The Power Reset can often resolve:

• Non-responsive controls
• Persistent error codes
• Hiccups following a power outage
• Unusually long cycle durations
• Unfinished cycles

2. The Error Reset

Method	Error Reset
Time	Less than 2 minutes
Ease of doing	Very easy
Success rate	100 %
Procedure	Press the Pause or Cancel button twice and the Power button once
When to use it	To reset error codes
Compatible models	Most Whirlpool washers

Picture this:

Your Whirlpool washing machine flashes an error code, signaling a cry for help. It could be struggling with drainage, water flow, control board issues, or even a tricky touchscreen.

Let’s take a step back:

Once you’ve tackled the root of the problem, the next move is to reset the error. Each error carries a unique reset method, tailoring the solution to the problem at hand.

But how do you decode these mysterious error codes?

Your owner’s manual holds the key. Dive into its pages to understand what each code represents and how to set things right.

Here’s a primer on some of the common Whirlpool washer error codes and their reset instructions:

Error	Meaning	How to reset the error
Int	The cycle has been canceled or paused	Press the pause or cancel button twice and the power button once Unplug or disconnect the power for one minute
F5 E2	Door not locking properly	Press the Pause or Cancel button twice and the Power button once
F7 E1	Motor speed sensing error	Press the Pause or Cancel button twice and the Power button once
F8 E1 or LO FL	Low flow of water	Press the Pause or Cancel button twice and the Power button once
F# E# F## code	System error	Unplug or disconnect the power for one minute

3. The Master Reset

Method	Master reset
Time	12 seconds
Ease of doing	Very easy
Success rate	50 %
Procedure	Open and close the door 6 times in 12 seconds.
When to use it	When the washer is stuck Drain issues
Compatible models	Most Whirlpool top load washers

Alex, a seasoned repair technician, once shared an industry secret with me. “The door reset technique isn’t something you’ll find in your owner’s manual,” he said, “but it’s a regular in our playbook.”

Curiously, this method is widely used to rectify drain and spin problems in both top and front load washers. The trick? Open and close the washer’s door six times in twelve seconds.

Here’s the step-by-step guide to the Master Reset:

• Step 1: Disconnect the washer from the power source. You can unplug it from the wall outlet or switch off the circuit breaker.
• Step 2: Let your machine take a breather for at least 2 minutes.
• Step 3: Plug the washer back into the outlet.
• Step 4: Get your phone and set a timer for 12 seconds.
• Step 5: This is where the magic happens. Open and close the door or lid six times within those 12 seconds.
• Step 6: Power your washer back on and see if your issue’s been resolved.

Remember:

If the problem persists, don’t lose hope. Just repeat the procedure a few more times. Persistence often pays off.

4. The Door Reset

Method	Door reset
Time	3 minutes
Ease of doing	Very easy
Success rate	90 %
Procedure	Unplug the washer and let it sit for at least 2 minutes. Run a drain and spin cycle.
When to use it	When the door won’t open
Compatible models	Most Whirlpool washers

You’ve just completed a cycle, but the door seems to have developed a will of its own – it just won’t open.

Been there? Here’s a handy method I’ve often used in such situations – the Door Reset.

Mastering the Door Reset:

• Step 1: Power down. Disconnect and let your washer rest for a good 2 minutes.
• Step 2: Time for a reunion. Reconnect the power cable.
• Step 3: Initiate a drain and spin cycle.
• Step 4: Patiently wait. The door should graciously unlock at the end of the cycle.

Remember this, though:

“If the control lock is active, the door won’t open, regardless of your reset efforts. Similarly, if you’re in the midst of the Fresh Hold cycle, the door will remain stubborn,” cautions my fellow expert, Alex.

5. The Calibration Reset

Method	Calibration reset
Time	10 minutes
Ease of doing	Hard
Success rate	90 %
Procedure	When the dial is set to normal move the dial in the following order Left -Right -Right-Right -Left -Right Each turn should be one click
When to use it	After replacing a component When the washer is stuck If the washer is loud When setting up a brand-new washer
Compatible models	Most Whirlpool washers that have 6 or 7 led lights below the dia

First things first:

As my colleague Alex once pointed out, the calibration reset is a common feature, available across all Whirlpool washers, though the execution process may vary.

Here’s when it might come in handy:

• After shifting your washing machine (to reset and calibrate weight sensors).
• Post a brand-new washer setup.
• When your washer is making loud noises and vibrations.
• After you’ve replaced a component.

Take it from me:

I’ve seen this user on Reddit, who recently replaced the agitator of their Whirlpool Cabrio W10286241 washer, successfully perform this reset method.

So, what does this entail?

The calibration reset involves maneuvering the cycle selector dial in a precise sequence.

Now, pay attention:

The steps below are applicable for any Whirlpool washer featuring 6 or 7 LED lights beneath the selector dial.

Ready?

Here’s how you can perform a Washer Reset and Recalibration:

• Step 1: Disconnect the washer from the power source for a solid 3 minutes before plugging it back in.
• Step 2: Align the cycle selector knob to ‘normal’.
• Step 3: Rotate the dial 360 degrees anti-clockwise a couple of times. Reset it to ‘normal’. Pause for 3-4 seconds.
• Step 4: Starting at ‘normal’, turn the dial to the left or anti-clockwise one click.
• Step 5: Now turn the dial to the right (clockwise) 3 clicks.
• Step 6: Then rotate the dial leftwards (anti-clockwise) by one click.
• Step 7: Lastly, spin the selector rightwards by one click.

To sum it up, the sequence will be:

• Left
• Right
• Right
• Right
• Left
• Right

If executed correctly, you’ll see five of the LED lights under the dial start blinking – your washer is now in diagnostic mode.

Remember:

Allow for a half-second pause after each click.

• Step 8: Next, rotate the cycle selector (right) clockwise 4 clicks until only the rinse LED light is lit.
• Step 9: Hit the start button.

You’re in recalibration mode now. Hit the start button and all the LED lights will begin to flash as your washer recalibrates. This step can take up to 3 minutes, and once the reset concludes, all lights will extinguish.

• Step 10: Finally, test your washer to ensure the issue you were battling has been resolved.

6. Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Reset

Method	Whirlpool Cabrio Washer Reset
Time	5 minutes
Ease of doing	Medium hard
Success rate	90 %
Procedure	Unplug the washer for at least 2 minutes. Press the Temperature, Soil, and Spin buttons in that order three times consecutively. Finally, press and hold the Spin Speed button
When to use it	After replacing a component When the washer is stuck If the washer is loud When setting up a brand-new washer
Compatible models	Whirlpool Cabrio washers

Here’s the thing:

Unlike its siblings, the Whirlpool Cabrio washer flaunts a fancy touchscreen interface. It’s a slick feature, but it does mean the reset method is a bit different from other Whirlpool models.

Still, this method is your key to unlocking diagnostic mode and clearing those pesky error codes.

“Always start with a power reset,” I’d say to my customers, sharing from my own experiences.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to resetting the Whirlpool Cabrio Washer:

• Step 1: Unplug it. Let it rest for 2 minutes. Plug it back in. No button pressing here. All lights and the display should be off.
• Step 2: Now, tap the Temperature, Soil, and Spin buttons in that precise order. Do it thrice, without a break.

The sequence goes like this:

1st round	Temperature	Soil	Spin Speed
2nd round	Temperature	Soil	Spin Speed
3rd round	Temperature	Soil	Spin Speed

Nailed it? All buttons will flash. The cycle selector starts spinning out randomly changing codes.

Hang tight. The error code will soon pop up on the screen.

Pull out your owner’s manual to decode the error and fix the issue.

• Step 3: Want to clear the errors? Press and hold the Spin Speed button. The washer will hum, signalling the error’s been wiped.
• Step 4: Power off, then on. Give it a whirl to see if you’ve tamed the beast.

So, are you ready to face that washing machine like a pro?

7. Whirlpool 2-in-1 With Removable Agitator Washer Reset

Method	Whirlpool 2-in-1 reset
Time	5 minutes
Ease of doing	Medium
Success rate	90 %
Procedure	Unplug the washer and let it sit for 2 minutes. Press the Temperature and Rinse Options in that order twice. Turn the cycle selector clockwise one click. Then press the buttons Temp, Rinse Options, Faucet, Hold to Start, and the Power Button in that order.
When to use it	After replacing a component or part When the washer is stuck If the washer is displaying errors Other problems with the washer
Compatible models	Whirlpool 2-in-1 With Removable Agitator Washer

Now:

Let’s tackle the 2-in-1 model, another unique character in the Whirlpool family with a removable agitator. Its distinct interface demands a slightly different approach, much like its cousin, the Cabrio model.

Here’s how to reset it:

First, give the power reset a try – it often solves the issue without further ado.

• Step 1: Unplug the washer. Let it rest, disconnected from the power for about 2 minutes. Reconnect it, but hold off on pressing any buttons.
• Step 2: We’re going to play a little tune – Temperature, Rinse Options, twice over. If performed correctly, you’ll hear the lid locking with a satisfying click, and all the display lights will engage.

• Step 3: Now, give the cycle selector a clockwise twist – one click, no matter its initial position. Following this, press Temp, Rinse Options, Faucet, Hold to Start, and the Power Button in succession. You’ll observe a flurry of blinking lights, and the door will unlock with a distinctive click.

• Step 4: Lift and lower the lid. You’ll hear the lid locking, and the blinking lights will kick into gear, signaling the washer is resetting. This part takes some patience – up to 5 minutes, with various noises emanating from the machine. When the display goes dark, the reset is complete.
• Step 5: Now comes the moment of truth – switch on the washer and see if your problem is a thing of the past.

Remember:

Each washer is unique, just like us. If your machine continues to act up, don’t despair – reach out to a professional who can guide you through the next steps.

8. Using the Start / Pause Button

Method	Start / Pause Button reset
Time	2 minutes
Ease of doing	Easy
Success rate	50 %
Procedure	Unplug the washer and wait for at least 30 seconds Press the Start/Pause button 10 times, repeatedly
When to use it	After replacing a component When the washer gets stuck and the door won’t open
Compatible models	Most Whirlpool top load washers

So, you’ve tried the simple reset and still no luck? It’s time for a hard restart.

This technique has served me well in my career as an appliance technician, especially when a stubborn Whirlpool washer door refuses to unlock.

Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Unplug your washer. Patience is key here – wait a good 30 seconds before the next step.
• Step 2: Get ready for a workout. Press the Start/Pause button ten times in quick succession. When done right, a satisfying click from the control panel will reward you, and voila – the door unlocks!

This method isn’t just a hit-or-miss trick; it’s a tried-and-tested routine that’s got the seal of approval from my fellow professionals at our Simply Swider Appliance Repair Community. We often resort to this hard reset after fitting a new part.

Trust me – it’s a lifesaver!

Whirlpool Washers That You Can Reset Using The Above Techniques

The reset technique we have covered above, can be used with almost every Whirlpool washing machine model, including

• WFW9050
• WFW9050XW00
• WTW4616
• WTW4850XQ1
• WTW4950XW3
• WTW5000DW0
• WTW8240YW0
• WTW8500DC
• W10240508E
• W10783951A
• WFW8300SW02
• WTW5000DW
• WTW5000DW2
• WTW5500XWO
• WTW5520SQ0
• WTW5640XWO
• WTW5700XW0
• WTW6200VW0
• WTW7040DW1
• WTW7040DW2
• W10656457A
• WTW4800BQ7
• WTW4800X00
• WTW4900BW0
• WTW5500XW2
• WTW5640XW0
• WTW8500DC0
• SM8525079
• WTW4950XW
• WTW500DW2
• WTW6800WW
• W1028054
• WTW4815EW1
• WTW5640XW2
• WTW6600SW2

Conclusion

The specific way to reset your Whirlpool washer largely depends on the model that you own and the issue you are facing.

That’s why it’s essential to consult your owner’s manual on how to reset your specific model.

Do you have the manual? If you don’t, open the back panel of your washer to access it.

Alternatively, you can search for the manual on the brand’s website.

Alex says…

“No matter your specific Whirlpool washer, start with a power reset, which is just unplugging and plugging back in the washer.”

If this does not work, try the door reset and recalibration reset techniques.

Finally:

Check out our ‘Ask the Expert’ page for free advice and assistance with your appliance.

Frequently Asked Questions