How to Find and Use Your Kenmore Washer or Dryer Manual

Kenmore washers and dryers come with manuals, but finding yours depends on your model year and where you bought it

Kenmore is a Sears house brand that has been sold for decades, which means your manual might be in a printed booklet in your machine's box, on Sears' website, on the manufacturer's site (Kenmore is now owned by Emerson Radio), or nowhere online at all if your model is older. The fastest route is to locate your model number—usually on a sticker inside the door frame or on the back panel—and search that number directly on the Kenmore website or through a search engine. If that returns nothing, try the Sears Parts and Repair site, which still hosts many older manuals.

Kenmore washers and dryers sold before 2020 are often harder to track down because Sears went through bankruptcy and reorganization. If you own one of these machines, your printed manual (if you still have it) is usually your most reliable source. For newer models purchased at Lowe's, Best Buy, or directly from Kenmore, the manual is more likely to be available online or through the retailer's support page.

Key Takeaways

• Your model number is printed on a sticker inside the door frame or on the back of the machine and is the fastest way to find your manual online.
• Kenmore manuals for machines made before 2020 may only exist in printed form, so check your original box or contact Sears Parts and Repair.
• The official Kenmore website and Lowe's support pages host manuals for newer models, and both sites have search functions for your specific model.
• If you cannot find a manual online, the model number and serial number together can help a Kenmore customer service representative locate documentation or walk you through a repair.

Where to search for your Kenmore manual online

Start with the Kenmore website (kenmore.com) and use their manual search tool. Enter your model number exactly as it appears on your machine—spaces and hyphens matter. If the search returns your model, you can usually view the manual as a PDF or download it to your computer. This works best for machines made in 2015 or later.

If Kenmore's site does not have your manual, try the Sears Parts and Repair website (searspartsdirect.com). Sears still maintains a library of manuals for washers and dryers they sold, even though the company no longer operates retail stores. Search by model number there as well. If you bought your Kenmore at Lowe's or Best Buy, check those retailers' support pages—they sometimes host manuals for the brands they carry.

For very old Kenmore machines (pre-2010), you may need to search ManualsLib.com or similar manual archive sites. These are user-uploaded collections and are not official, but they often have scans of older printed manuals. Always verify the model number matches your machine before following any instructions from these sources.

How to locate your model and serial number

Your model number is the key to finding the right manual. On most Kenmore washers, it is printed on a white or silver sticker inside the door frame—open the door and look at the left or right edge. On dryers, check inside the door frame or on the back panel near the bottom. The sticker will also show a serial number, which is different from the model number and is useful if you need to contact customer service.

Write down both numbers and keep them somewhere safe, like a photo on your phone or a note in a drawer. The model number is usually a string of digits (sometimes with letters), like "KENMORE 41072" or "KENMORE WEC7120HW". Do not confuse it with the capacity (like "4.7 cu. ft.") or the color code printed on the sticker.

What to do if your manual is not online

If you have searched the Kenmore website, Sears, and major retailers and found nothing, contact Kenmore customer service directly. You can reach them through the Kenmore website's contact form or by phone. Have your model number and serial number ready. A representative may be able to email you a PDF, mail you a printed copy, or walk you through your specific question over the phone.

If your machine is very old and Kenmore cannot help, try calling a local appliance repair shop. Many repair technicians have physical manuals on file or can access manual databases that are not public. They may charge a small fee to consult the manual or email you a copy, but this is often faster than searching online for hours.

Common sections in Kenmore washer and dryer manuals

Most Kenmore manuals follow a similar structure, so knowing what to look for saves time. The first section is usually setup and installation, which you may not need if your machine is already running. Next comes the control panel guide—this shows what each button and dial does and is the most useful section for daily use. After that, you will find cycle descriptions (like "heavy duty," "delicate," or "quick wash"), temperature settings, and load size recommendations.

Troubleshooting sections appear near the back and list common problems like "machine won't start," "clothes are still wet," or "loud noise during spin." These sections match symptoms to possible causes and often suggest fixes you can try yourself before calling a repair person. The very last pages usually cover cleaning and maintenance—how to clean the drum, what to do about odors, and when to replace parts like hoses or seals.

How to use your manual for cleaning and maintenance

Your Kenmore manual contains specific cleaning steps for your model, and following them keeps your machine running longer and prevents odors. For washers, the manual will tell you whether your model has a self-clean cycle (many newer ones do) and how often to run it—usually monthly. It will also explain how to clean the rubber gasket around the door, where mold and mildew hide, and whether you should use bleach or a commercial cleaner.

For dryers, the manual explains how to access and clean the lint trap and ductwork. It will specify whether your model's vent hose can be cleaned with a brush or needs professional cleaning, and how often. Some Kenmore dryers have a moisture sensor that can be cleaned with a soft cloth; the manual will show you where it is and how to reach it safely. Following these steps prevents fires, improves drying performance, and extends the life of your machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a manual from a different Kenmore model if mine is not available?

Not safely. Even if two Kenmore washers look similar, their cycles, water levels, and controls may be different. Using the wrong manual could damage your clothes or the machine. Always search for your exact model number first. If it truly does not exist online, contact Kenmore support rather than guessing.

Where is the model number on a Kenmore washer or dryer?

Open the door and look at the frame on the left or right side for a white or silver sticker. On some dryers, it is on the back panel near the bottom. The sticker shows both the model number and serial number. Take a photo of it so you have it handy for future searches or service calls.

What if my Kenmore machine is from Sears and Sears is closed?

Sears Parts and Repair still operates online and maintains manuals for machines Sears sold, even though retail stores have closed. Search searspartsdirect.com by model number. You can also contact Kenmore directly—they own the brand now and may have the manual even if Sears does not.

Can I get a printed manual mailed to me?

Yes, but it depends on your model's age and availability. Contact Kenmore customer service with your model and serial number. They may send a printed copy for a fee, or they may only offer a PDF download. Ask about both options when you call.

Is it safe to follow repair steps in an old Kenmore manual?

Basic maintenance like cleaning the lint trap or gasket is safe if the manual is for your exact model. For repairs involving electrical parts, water lines, or gas connections, follow the manual only if you are comfortable with the work. If you are unsure, contact a repair technician—the cost of a service call is usually less than the cost of a mistake.