How to Find and Use John Lewis Appliance Guides for Your Washer and Dryer

John Lewis publishes manuals and support guides for washers and dryers sold through their stores

John Lewis is a UK department store that sells home appliances under its own brand and carries other manufacturers' products. If you bought a washer or dryer from John Lewis, you can find the manual through their website, by contacting their customer service team, or by checking the paperwork that came with your machine. John Lewis manuals cover how to use cycles, load capacity, maintenance, and troubleshooting for common problems.

The store stocks both John Lewis-branded appliances and machines from manufacturers like Bosch, Hotpoint, Indesit, and Candy. The manual you need depends on which brand your machine actually is — the John Lewis label may be on the box, but the appliance itself was made by another company. Knowing the manufacturer and model number makes finding the right guide much faster.

Key Takeaways

• John Lewis manuals are available on their website by searching the product name or model number, or by calling their customer service line.
• The manufacturer name and model number are printed on a label inside your washer or dryer door or on the back of the machine.
• If you bought the machine recently, the manual may be in the box or available as a download link on your order confirmation email.
• John Lewis customer service can send you a replacement manual by post or email if you have lost the original.

Finding your washer or dryer model number

The model number is a combination of letters and numbers that identifies your exact machine. On a washing machine, look inside the door frame, on the side wall, or on the back panel. On a dryer, check inside the door, along the top edge, or on the rear. Take a photo of the label so you have the number handy when you search.

The label also shows the manufacturer — Bosch, Hotpoint, Indesit, Candy, or another brand. Write down both the manufacturer and the model number. This pair of details is what you need to locate the correct manual, because two machines with similar names may have different cycles and controls.

Searching the John Lewis website for your manual

Go to johnlewis.com and use the search bar at the top. Type the model number or the full product name (for example, "Bosch WAJ28002GB" or "John Lewis JLWM1412"). The product page should appear. Scroll down to find a "Downloads" or "Manuals" section, or look for a link that says "View manual" or "PDF guide".

If the manual is not on the product page, look for a "Help" or "Support" link at the bottom of the John Lewis website. Some manuals are filed under a support section rather than on the product listing itself. You can also try searching the manufacturer's website directly — for example, bosch-home.co.uk — because John Lewis often stocks machines that are sold under the manufacturer's own brand elsewhere.

Contacting John Lewis customer service for a manual

If you cannot find the manual online, call John Lewis customer service at 03448 823 823 (Monday to Sunday, 8 am to 10 pm). Have your order number and model number ready. They can email you a PDF or arrange to send a printed copy by post. Response time for email manuals is usually within one working day.

You can also use the live chat feature on johnlewis.com if you prefer not to call. Click the chat icon in the bottom right corner of the website. The team there can search their system for your manual and send it to you immediately, or escalate your request if the manual is not in their standard library.

Using your manual to solve common washer and dryer problems

Once you have the manual, use the contents page or index to find the section that matches your problem. Manuals typically include a troubleshooting table that lists symptoms (like "machine won't drain" or "clothes smell musty") and the steps to fix them. Start with the simplest solutions first — checking that the door is closed properly, that the filter is not blocked, or that the cycle is appropriate for your load.

If the troubleshooting section does not solve the problem, check the "Care and Maintenance" section. Many issues stem from buildup inside the drum or pump filter. Your manual will explain how often to clean these parts and how to do it safely. Regular maintenance — cleaning the filter monthly and running a hot empty cycle — prevents most common problems and keeps your machine working longer.

Storing your manual so you can find it again

Save the PDF to your phone, tablet, or computer in a folder labeled with the appliance name and model number. Take a screenshot of the model label on your machine and save it in the same folder. This way, if you need the manual in six months or two years, you have it without searching again.

You can also print the manual and keep it in a kitchen drawer or a home maintenance binder. Many people find a printed copy easier to use while standing at the machine, because you do not have to balance a phone or tablet. If you lose the printed copy, you already have the digital version saved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my machine is not a John Lewis brand but I bought it from John Lewis?

The manual you need is from the manufacturer, not John Lewis. Look at the label on your machine to find the brand name — Bosch, Hotpoint, Indesit, or another company. Search that manufacturer's website or contact their customer service. John Lewis customer service can also tell you which manufacturer made your machine and direct you to the right manual.

Can I get a manual if I do not have my order number?

Yes. Give John Lewis customer service the model number from your machine and the approximate date you bought it. They can look up your purchase in their system using your name and address. If you bought the machine more than a few years ago, they may not have the order on file, but they can still help you find the manual through the manufacturer.

Is there a manual for my machine if it is an older model?

Older machines may not have digital manuals available online. Contact John Lewis or the manufacturer directly with your model number — they sometimes have archived PDFs or can send a printed copy. If the manual is truly unavailable, the manufacturer's customer service team can often answer specific questions about how to use or maintain your machine over the phone.

What should I do if the manual does not explain my specific problem?

Contact the manufacturer's customer service line — the number is usually in the manual or on their website. Describe the problem and the model number. They can walk you through more detailed troubleshooting steps or let you know whether the machine needs a repair. John Lewis also offers a customer service line for machines still under warranty.