WHIRLPOOL · CLEAN WASHER CLUE
Whirlpool rL washer code: items were detected in the drum during Clean Washer.
IMMEDIATE ACTION
THE SHORT ANSWER
rL means the washer detected items in the drum during the Clean Washer cycle. Take everything out and restart the cycle. If the code returns, unplug the washer for 5 minutes, then plug it back in. Maytag publishes the same rL guidance.
Based on Whirlpool Product Help for front-load washers, checked October 10, 2026.
What rL means
Whirlpool’s help page says this code means items were detected in the washer during the Clean Washer cycle. A second Whirlpool page, titled “F0 E1 or rL”, says the code appears when you start Clean Washer and the washer detects a load in the drum. Whirlpool’s help library also has a separate F0 E7 page for clothing detected during Clean Washer, so check exactly what your display shows.
How it appears: rL or F-34 on the display; some Whirlpool pages call the same message F0 E1.
What to do
- Remove all clothing. Take out everything in the drum, including small items stuck in the door seal.
- Restart the Clean Washer cycle. Start it again with the drum empty. Whirlpool’s page recommends affresh for the tub, racks, pump, valves, drain and recirculation hoses but does not make it a troubleshooting step; see recommended tools if you want it.
- Reset the control. If the code remains, disconnect power for 5 minutes by unplugging the washer, then plug it back in and try again.
If rL comes back
Whirlpool’s page ends with its service links, so contact Whirlpool or schedule service if rL appears again with an empty drum. Tell them:
- The model number (where to find it) and that the display shows rL (or F-34 / F0 E1).
- That the drum was empty, and that you restarted Clean Washer and did the 5-minute reset.
- Whether the code appears as soon as Clean Washer starts or partway through.
Maytag front-load washers use the same rL message with the same two steps, according to Maytag’s rL page. If you saw CL instead, that is only a cleaning reminder.
OFFICIAL MANUFACTURER SOURCES
Where these steps come from.
The meaning, the two steps and the 5-minute reset come from Whirlpool’s own rL and F0 E1 or rL help pages. Checked October 10, 2026.
KEEP THE ROUTE SPECIFIC
Use the code, model, and matching symptom together.
Use the Whirlpool code hub for nearby codes, confirm the model number, or open the cleaning guide.