~ Take care to ensure that foreign
~ If the correct amount of detergent is
Warning and Safety instructions ~ Textiles which have been pre-treated in solvent based cleaning agents must be thoroughly rinsed in clean water before being washed in the machine. ~ Never use solvent based cleaning agents, e.g. those containing benzene, in this machine, as this may result in damage to component parts and create toxic fumes. Such agents also pose a fire and explosion hazard. ~ Never use solvent based cleaning agents, e.g. those containing benzene, to clean the outside surfaces of this machine. They can cause damage to plastic surfaces. ~ Only use dyes specified by the manufacturer as being suitable for use in a domestic washing machine. Always observe the manufacturer's instructions carefully. ~ Colour run and dye removers contain sulphur compounds which can cause damage such as corrosion. Do not use these products in this machine. ~ If liquid detergent comes into contact with the eyes, rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water immediately. If swallowed, seek medical assistance immediately and retain the packaging or label for reference. Those with skin problems or sensitive skin should avoid their skin coming into contact with liquid detergent. ~ Only remove laundry from the
washing machine once the drum has stopped turning. Reaching into a moving drum is extremely dangerous and could result in injury.

Accessories

~ Accessory parts may only be fitted
when expressly approved by Miele. If other parts are used, guarantee, performance and product liability claims will be invalidated.
Miele cannot be held liable for damage caused by non-compliance with these Warning and Safety instructions.
Operating the washing machine

Control panel

a Programme buttons For selecting a washing programme. b Display with Menu buttons See the next pages for more information. c PC / Optical interface This is used by service technicians to run diagnostic checks on your machine and can also be used to update programming data in the future. d Extra option buttons Various extra options can be added to the washing programmes. e Delay start button For delaying the start time of a programme.
f Start/Stop button For starting the programme once it is selected or calling up the Stopped: menu to cancel a programme. g Buzzer button An audible tone sounds at the end of the programme. h Automatic dispensing button Activates the automatic dispensing of liquid detergent. i I-On/0-Off button For switching the machine on or off. j Door button Opens the machine door.

Display

The display is used for the following: Selecting and displaying settings Temperature Spin speed Soak duration Delay start Cancelling a programme Safety lock Estimated programme duration Selecting programmes via the display By pressing the Further programmes button, you can select one of the following programmes: Denim Hygiene Dark garments Curtains Pillows Silks / Sportswear Outerwear First wash Proofing Drain / Spin Separate rinse Starch Selecting extra options via the display By pressing the Further extras button, you can select (depending on the programme) the following extra options: Soak Rinse hold Extra rinse

Liquid detergent dispensing
How automatic liquid detergent dispensing works
If you start a programme using automatic dispensing, the washing machine will calculate how much detergent to dispense according to the dosage level set, the amount of laundry in the drum and the degree of soiling specified. This means that the correct amount of detergent for the load will be dispensed automatically. If the Pre-wash extra option has been selected, the washing machine will automatically divide the amount of detergent to be dispensed into the correct proportions for the pre-wash and the main wash. 1/3 will be used for the pre-wash and 2/3 for the main wash. ^ Press both menu buttons at the same time until the following appears in the display:

Settings

Language ! Continue OK
You are now in the Settings menu. ^ Press the left hand Menu button under Continue until the Detergent dosage setting appears and confirm your selection of this by pressing the right hand Menu button under OK.

Dosage level

Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for normally soiled laundry given on the packaging. The water hardness level of the local water supply must also be taken into account. Setting the dosage level ^ Close the drum door. ^ Switch on the washing machine.
^ Now enter the dosage level required, e.g. for 90 ml, enter the numbers 090. ^ Enter the first number with the left hand Menu button under *. Confirm your selection of this number by pressing the right hand Menu button under OK. Now enter the other numbers. Your machine has now been set up for automatic detergent dispensing.

Useful tips

The correct liquid detergent You can fill the container with any brand of liquid detergent. However, it is advisable to fill it with the brand you tend to use most frequently. Make a note of the brand name of the liquid detergent below to remind you of the name when you need to buy some more. Brand name Do not mix brands of liquid detergent. This can give a poor wash result and cause the detergent to separate. ^ Clean the container as described in "Cleaning and care". ^ Make sure you alter the dosage level if a different dosage to the previous one set is recommended by the manufacturer. Degrees of soiling Light: No visible dirt or stains. Possibly slight body odour. Normal: Visibly dirty and/or just a few slight stains. Heavy: Stains and soiling clearly visible. Very heavy: Stains and soiling clearly visible which have been there for a while and dried on. Filling the container with a different brand
Refilling If you want to continue using the same brand of liquid detergent, you can simply refill the container, in which case it is not necessary to clean it out.

,Foreign objects (e.g. nails, coins, paper clips, etc.) can cause damage to garments and components in the machine.
^ Badly soiled areas, stains etc. should be cleaned as soon as possible, preferably whilst still fresh. Spillages should be carefully dabbed off using a soft colourfast cloth. Do not rub! Badly soiled areas can be pre-treated with liquid detergent, stain removers etc. first, following the manufacturer's instructions. With particularly stubborn stains ask your dry cleaner for advice.
B Switch on the washing machine The interior drum lighting will come on. C Load the drum ^ Press the Door button to open the drum door. ^ Unfold the laundry and load loosely in the drum. Mixing both large and small items gives better wash results and also helps distribute the load evenly during spinning. The most efficient use of energy and water is achieved when a full load is washed. However, do not overload as this causes creases and reduces cleaning efficiency. Make sure that no garments are caught between the drum door and seal. D Select a programme
^ The programmes are selected with the programme buttons. The relevant indicator light will come on to show which programme has been selected. The programme selected will also appear in the display.
^ Shut the door with a gentle swing.
You can now set the temperature and spin speed you want via the Menu buttons.
^ By pressing the left hand Menu button under 60C you can alter the temperature, and by pressing the right hand Menu button under 1600 rpm you can alter the spin speed. Pressing the Further programmes button calls up a list of additional programmes.
^ Select any extra options by pressing the appropriate button. The relevant indicator light will come on to show which extra option has been selected. ^ Press the Further extras button to select the following extra options (depending on the programme selected): Soak, Rinse hold and Extra rinse. Not all the extra options are suitable for use with every programme. You can only select extra options which are compatible with the basic programme being used.

Extra options Pre-wash, Soak, Short, Water plus, Rinse hold, Extra rinse Delicates 4321ac* Fabric For delicate garments made of synthetic fibres, mixed fibres, rayon and easy care cottons. cold to 40C Max. load 2.0 kg
Extra options Pre-wash, Soak, Short, Rinse hold Woollens /ac* Fabric Machine-washable or hand-washable wool or wool blend fabrics. If the care label does not specify a temperature, wash using the cold setting. Rinse hold cold to 40C Max. load 3.5 kg Mixed loads of garments suitable for the Cottons and Minimum iron programmes. Sort according to colour. The wash parameters (e.g. water level, wash rhythm and spin speed) are adjusted automatically in this programme to ensure the best possible care and wash result for each item. Rinse hold

Extra option Fabric Note

Automatic 7621*

Extra option

Shirts Notes cold to 60C Pre-treat collars and cuffs if necessary. Wash silk garments in the Silks programme. cold to 40C Max. load 3.0 kg Max. load 2.0 kg
Extra options Short, Water plus, Rinse hold Express 76* Fabric Small loads of items which require freshening up and which can be washed in a Cottons programme. cold to 60C Max. load 3.0 kg
Extra options Water plus, Rinse hold, Extra rinse Denim Notes Wash denim inside out. Denim often contains excess dye and will run during the first few washes. Wash light and dark coloured items separately. 60C Max. load 6.0 kg
Extra options Pre-wash, Soak, Short, Rinse hold Hygiene 8* Fabric Fabrics which will be in direct contact with the skin, e.g. underwear, nappies, towelling, bed linen, pillow and mattress covers. There is a longer temperature holding time in the main wash. cold to 40C Max. load 3.0 kg
Extra options Pre-wash, Soak, Water plus, Rinse hold, Extra rinse Dark garments Item Note Wash inside out. Dark garments made from cotton or mixed fibres.
Extra options Short, Rinse hold
Curtains Item cold to 40C Max. load 2.0 kg
Curtains, including net curtains, specified as machine-washable by the manufacturer. A pre-rinse without detergent is carried out automatically to remove dust. For curtains which crease easily, reduce the spin speed or deselect it. 40C to 60C 2 pillows (40 x 80 cm) or 1 pillow (80 x 80 cm)

Spinning Interim spin L L L L L L L L L
Final spin L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L
d = Low water level ( = Medium water level e = High water level
Intensive rhythm Normal rhythm Gentle rhythm Sensitive rhythm Handwash rhythm
See the following page for more information about the programme sequences.
This machine has fully electronic controls with automatic load recognition. It takes in the right amount of water required for the programme depending on the amount of laundry and its absorbency rate. This means that programme cycles and durations can vary. The programme sequences outlined in the chart are based on the basic programme with a full load. Extra options which can be selected have not been taken into account. The display shows the stage the programme has reached. Special features in the programme sequences: Anti-crease: At the end of every programme, with the exception of the Woollens programme, the drum continues to turn at intervals for up to 30 minutes to help prevent creasing. The door can be opened and laundry removed at any time during the anti-crease phase.
Pre-rinse: A pre-rinse without detergent is carried out automatically to remove dust. Run-up to spin: A run-up to spin is carried out before the wash process begins to deflate the pillows. Subsequent water intake for the main wash is through compartment j. A second rinse is carried out when a temperature of 60C to 95C has been selected. A third rinse is carried out when a temperature below 60C is selected. A third or fourth rinse is carried out if:
there is too much foam in the drum a spin speed lower than 700 rpm has been selected No u has been selected
A third rinse is carried out if:

No u has been selected

In the Outerwear programme, laundry is only spun after the main wash.
Garment care label symbols
Washing The figure quoted in the bucket is the maximum temperature the garment can be washed at. The number of bars under the symbol indicates the level of agitation permitted. c / No bar under the symbol: = normal agitation One bar under the symbol: = reduced agitation Two bars under the symbol: = much reduced agitation Hand wash (if no temperature is specified use the lowest temperature or cold) Do not wash Ironing The number of dots indicates the ironing temperature I H G Hot iron (max sole plate temp. approx. 200C) Medium hot iron (max sole plate temp. approx. 150C) Cool iron (max sole plate temp. approx. 110C). Do not steam iron garments carrying this symbol. Do not iron Professional cleaning f p w D Dry clean only. The letters indicate the type of cleaning agent required. Professional Wet Clean only Do not dry clean Bleaching x { Any oxidising bleaching agent can be used Only use an oxygen based bleach or a non-chlorine bleach Do not bleach

Drying The number of dots indicates the drying temperature q r s Normal temperature Low temperature Do not tumble dry
Changing the programme sequence

Cancelling a programme

You can cancel a programme at any time after it has started. ^ Press the Start/Stop button.
Cancel programme Continue OK

Interrupting a programme

^ Switch the machine off with the I-On/0-Off button. To continue with the same programme: ^ Switch the machine back on with the I-On/0-Off button.

Changing a programme

After the start of a programme it is no longer possible to select a different programme. Temperature It is possible to select a different temperature up to 5 minutes after the programme has started. Spin speed It is possible to change the spin speed up until the final spin begins. Extra options It is possible to select or deselect the Short and Water plus extra options up to 5 minutes after the programme has started. It is not possible to make any changes if the safety lock has been activated.
^ Press the right hand Menu button under OK. The suds will be pumped away. If you want to remove the laundry: ^ Press the Door button. If you want to select a different programme: ^ Switch the machine off with the I-On/0-Off button. ^ Switch the washing machine back on again. ^ Check that there is still detergent in the detergent drawer. Add detergent, if necessary. ^ Select and start a new programme.
Adding or removing laundry after a programme has started
^ Press the Door button to open the drum door. ^ Add or remove items. ^ Close the drum door. The programme will continue automatically. Please note: Once a programme has started the machine cannot recognise any adjustment to the load. For this reason, if laundry is added or removed after the start of a programme, the machine will always complete the programme cycle assuming a full load which can lead to an increase in the programme duration shown in the display. The door cannot be opened, if: the suds temperature is above 55C. the water is above a certain level. the programme has reached the Final spin stage. If you press the Door button when the above conditions are present, the following will appear in the display:

/ Door locked

Safety lock
The safety lock prevents the machine from being opened or the programme cancelled during a wash programme. To activate the safety lock ^ Press and hold in the Start/Stop button after the programme has started.
By pressing the left hand Menu button under Continue, the following will appear in the display:

Problem The laundry is not clean even though the dosage level is set correctly. Possible cause Liquid detergents usually contain no bleaching agents. They do not remove fruit, coffee and tea stains. Remedy Instead of liquid detergent, use a general purpose powder detergent containing a bleaching agent. or Add stain removers into compartment j of the detergent dispenser drawer. Clean the container, refill it with liquid detergent and close the lid securely.
The liquid detergent has dried out. The wrong cleaning agent e.g. powder detergent, bleaching agent or fabric conditioner, was added to the liquid detergent container by mistake.
The container has not been closed properly.
Empty out the agent and clean the container and the valve in the bottom of the container thoroughly. Check whether any of the wrong cleaning agent has made its way into the dispensing tube. If it has, the tube must be dismantled and cleaned thoroughly.
There are dark specks Mould has developed in the liquid detergent. in the detergent.
Pour the liquid detergent out of the container and then clean the container thoroughly.

General problems

Problem The machine shakes during the spin cycle. The laundry has not been spun properly and is still wet. Possible cause The machine feet are not level. The machine detected an imbalance during the final spin and reduced the spin speed automatically. Remedy Level the machine (see "Installation). Include both large and small items in the load as this will give better distribution. Select a higher spin speed next time.
The laundry has not The spin speed selected been spun satisfactorily. was too low. The pump makes strange noises. There is a lot of detergent residue in the detergent drawer.
This is not a fault! These noises occur at the end of a pump sequence as a normal part of the operation. The water pressure is too Clean the water inlet low. filter. Select Water plus. Powder detergent used with water softeners can be sticky. Add washing powder and then add the water softener. Clean the siphon, (see Cleaning and care" "Cleaning the detergent dispenser drawer).

Fabric conditioner is not The siphon tube is not completely dispensed or correctly positioned, or is too much water remains clogged up. in the compartment. The display is in a different language. When laundry is dry it feels hard to the touch.
A different language has Set the language you been selected in Settings want. The flag symbol Language J. will guide you. Too vigorous wash action. Not enough detergent used. No fabric conditioner used. Programme in gentle action and more water. Increase detergent dose to prevent limescale build up in laundry. Use fabric conditioner in last rinse.
An unsatisfactory wash result
Problem Grey, greasy particles cling to washed laundry. Possible cause Remedy Insufficient amounts of Use more detergent. detergent were used to Before washing the next load break down the particles run a Cottons 95C of grease in heavily programme with powder soiled laundry. detergent but without a load. The detergent contained Try and brush off the compounds (zeolites) to residues with a soft brush once the laundry is dry. aid water softening which are not soluble in Wash dark textiles using a water. They have ended detergent which contains no up on the laundry. zeolites. Liquid detergents usually contain no zeolites. Use the Dark laundry programme for dark coloured laundry. Low temperature washing. Before washing the next load run a Cottons 95C programme with powder detergent but without a load. Reduce the quantity of clothes in the drum. Check care labels and the programme chart. Use easy iron conditioners.
White residues which look like powder detergent are seen on dark textiles after washing.
A stale smell is in the drum and on the laundry.
Clothes are coming Programme was out creased. overloaded. The wrong programme was used.

The door will not open

Possible cause Remedy The machine is not Insert the plug in the socket and switch on and/or connected to the switch the machine on with the I-On/0-Off button. electricity supply and/or is not switched on. The safety lock has been activated. Access via a code has been activated. Power cut. Deactivate the safety lock as described in "Changing the programme sequence - Safety lock". Deactivate the code as described in "Settings menu". Open the drum door as described in the next section.
The door was not correctly Press hard against the lock side of the drum door engaged. and then press the Door button. There is still water in the drum and the machine is unable to drain. Clean the drain filter and drain pump as described in the next section.
For safety reasons the drum door cannot be opened if the suds temperature is higher than 55C.
Opening the drum door in the event of a blocked drain outlet and/or power failure

^ Use a spirit level to check the machine is standing level. ^ Hold foot 1 securely with a pipe wrench. Turn counter nut 2 again using the spanner supplied until it sits firmly up against the housing.
,All four counter nuts must sit
firmly up against the housing. Please also check this for the feet which did not need adjustment. Otherwise there is the danger of the machine moving about.
^ Using the spanner supplied, turn counter nut 2 in a clockwise direction. Then turn counter nut 2 together with foot 1 to unscrew.
This washing machine is not suitable for building under a worktop.
Washer-dryer stack A T 200, T 4000, T 7000 or T 8000 Miele tumble dryer can be stacked on this machine using a WTV stacking kit which can be purchased from your Dealer or the Miele Spare Parts Department. Washer-dryer stack using a T 7000 series dryer and WTV 417 stacking kit Washer-dryer stack using a T 200, T 4000 or T 8000 series dryer and WTV 412 stacking kit
a Safety distance to wall: at least 2 cm b Height: approx. 170 cm c Depth of the washer-dryer stack: approx. 69.5 cm a Safety distance to wall: at least 2 cm b Height: approx. 179 cm c Depth of the washer-dryer stack: approx. 67.5 cm

Dispensing unit

The dispensing unit (liquid detergent container, lid and base) are stored in the drum when the washing machine is delivered. ^ Open the door (the washing machine must be connected to the electricity supply). ^ Remove the dispensing unit. Positioning the container

,For safety reasons the

dispensing unit must not be positioned above sockets, switches, lights etc and must be at a distance of at least 60 cm away from them.
It must be easily accessible for refilling. The unit can be located in a variety of positions.
a Container (capacity: 5 litres) b Lid c Dispensing tube (length: 2 metres). This is located at the back of the washing machine. d Base Fixings supplied: Hose clip for securing the tube to the outlet underneath the container. 2 screws for securing the base in position. a On the lid of the washing machine b Beside the washing machine, e.g. on a shelf c In a unit next to the washing machine d Fixed to the wall.

Fitting the tube

,The tube must not be kinked, squashed or damaged in any way. Do not remove the stopper at the end of the tube until after it has been fitted. If dirt were to get into the tube, it could damage the pump.
^ Place the dispensing unit in the position you have chosen for it. ^ Take the end of the tube from the back of the washing machine and position it so that it reaches the base of the dispensing unit. ^ Take the container off its base and unscrew the base. ^ Remove the stopper from the end of the tube. ^ Attach the tube to the outlet underneath the base using the hose clip supplied. If the tube is too long, it can be looped behind the washing machine. Extension tube A 5 metre long extension tube is available from your Miele dealer or the Miele Spare Parts Department as an optional extra. If the 5 metre tube is used, an increased dosage level of 215 ml needs to be set when the liquid detergent dispensing system is primed - see "Before using for the first time".

,The connection point is subject
to mains water pressure. Turn on the stopcock slowly and check for leaks. Correct the position of the washer and union if appropriate.
Do not get wet. The washing machine is not suitable for connection to a hot water supply and connection to a household water softener is not recommended.
The protective sleeve of the hose must not be damaged or kinked.
Maintenance and care If you intend to unscrew the Miele Waterproof system hose from the stopcock it is essential to disconnect the machine from the electricity supply first. Only use a Miele Waterproof system hose should you need a replacement. In order to protect the water inlet valve, the dirt filter in the water inlet valve connection must not be removed. Extension hose A 1.5 metre long (metal) extension hose is available from your Miele dealer or the Miele Spare Parts Department as an optional extra. This hose is tested to withstand pressures of up to 14,000 kPa and can be used as a flexible extension to the water supply. N.B. Using this hose renders the Waterproof system safety valve on the inlet hose ineffective.
Connection to the drainage system
The machine drains via a drain pump with a delivery head of 1 metre*. The drain hose must not be kinked as this restricts drainage. The swivel elbow at the end of the hose can be turned in either direction, or can be detached if required, with a sharp twist and pull. If required, the drain hose can be extended to a length of 5 m. The necessary parts can purchased from the Miele Spare Parts Department or your Miele dealer. * For a delivery head of more than 1 m (up to a max. of 1.8 m) a replacement drain pump will need to be fitted. Please contact the Miele Spare Parts Department or your Miele Dealer. Drain hose connection: 1. Direct into a sink or basin: Please note the following: Hook the hose over the edge and secure. Make sure that the water can drain away freely without hindrance. Otherwise there is a risk of water overflowing or of some of the drained water being sucked back into the machine. 2. Connected securely to a plastic drain pipe with a rubber nipple. There is no need to use a non-return valve. 3. Connected securely to a standpipe. 4. Connected securely to a floor gully.

Please note:

a Adapter b Nut c Hose clip d End of the hose ^ Fit adapter a to the sink drain outlet using nut b. ^ Attach the end of the hose d to adapter a. ^ Use a screwdriver to tighten hose clip c up close to the nut.

Settings menu for changing default settings
The Settings menu can be used to alter the machine's electronics to suit changing requirements. Settings can be altered at any time.

Settings menu

To open the Settings menu ^ Connect the machine to the electricity supply. ^ Switch on the washing machine. ^ Press both menu buttons at the same time until the following appears in the display:

Time (of day)

First select either a 24 hour or 12 hour clock. You can then set the current time of day. Clock format ^ Select the clock format you want with the left hand Menu button under Continue, and confirm your selection with the right hand Menu button under OK. Set the time of day ^ Select the Set the time of day sub-menu and use the Menu buttons to set the time.
You are now in the Settings menu. ^ Select the setting you want with the left hand Menu button under Continue, and confirm your selection with the right hand Menu button under OK.

Language F

The display can be set to appear in one of several different languages. You can select the language you want via the Language sub-menu. The flag after the word Language acts as a guide to prevent a language which will not be understood from being set. A tick L will appear beside the language to show that it has been set.

Detergent dosage

If you change the brand of liquid detergent for the automatic dispensing system you will also need to alter the dosage level set for it. See "Liquid detergent dispensing Dosage level" for more information.

Longer pre-wash

The pre-wash for the Cottons programme can be extended by 6, 9 or 12 minutes. The default setting for the pre-wash is 25 minutes. If you require a longer pre-wash, this can be extended. A tick L will appear beside the option to show that it has been set.

Gentle action

Activating gentle action reduces the drum action and is suitable for washing slightly soiled items more gently. It should be activated for garments with a single bar under the care label and for articles which feel too hard after they have been dried. Gentle action can be activated for the Cottons and the Minimum iron programmes. The machine is delivered with the Gentle action setting deactivated. A tick L will appear beside the option to show that it has been set.

Suds cooling

When this is activated, additional water flows into the drum at the end of the main wash to cool the suds down. Hot suds can damage plastic drainage pipes. Suds cooling takes place when temperatures of 95C and 75C are selected. Suds cooling should be activated: to prevent the danger of scalding if the drain hose is hooked over the edge of a sink or basin. where the drainage pipes do not comply with DIN 1986. The machine is delivered with Suds cooling deactivated. A tick L will appear beside the option to show that it has been set.

Optional accessories

Miele washing machines offer perfect care for your laundry and feature a wide range of special programmes designed to suit the fabric being washed. And now Miele have developed a range of specialist CareCollection detergents and conditioning products to offer you a complete package for cleaning and caring for your laundry. The Miele CareCollection detergents and conditioning products are listed below. You can order these and many other useful products via the internet at:

CareCollection

Miele specialist detergents "Outdoor wear" This specialist detergent will clean your water-repellent outerwear with care. "Sportswear" The Miele Sportswear detergent is designed to clean sportswear whilst taking care of the special microfibres used in these garments. It will help to neutralise and remove odours whilst protecting the colour of the fabric and preventing static build-up. "Down Items"
All the products can also be ordered via the Miele Customer Contact Centre (see back cover for contact details).
This special-purpose detergent contains a mild tenside and has been specially formulated to keep down-filled items supple and to give them bounce. Miele proofing agent This special finishing agent reproofs garments against wind and water and provides a dirt-repellent finish whilst retaining elasticity and breathability.
"UltraWhite" detergent This multi-purpose powder detergent has excellent stain removal properties and is suitable for white and light coloured laundry as well as heavily soiled coloured items. "UltraColor" detergent for coloured garments This liquid detergent is particularly suitable for cleaning coloured and dark garments. The special formulation offers effective stain removal, even at low temperatures, while helping to prevent colours fading. Liquid detergent "For Delicates" This liquid detergent is ideal for the gentle treatment of delicate fabrics, such as wool and silk. Its special formulation cleans effectively at temperatures as low as 20C, while protecting the colour of your delicate garments. Fabric conditioner The Miele fabric conditioner will give your laundry a fresh, natural fragrance. It makes garments soft to handle and prevents static build-up during tumble drying.