Share the frustration on lack of detailed documentation on this machine, but I'm just a dumb American who wouldn't know the difference anyways (at least in Miele's concept of the perfect American customer). Noticed the venting as well. I've only used that cycle with "sensitive" and not the other options. I believe it does an initial fill with tap cold water only, tumbles a bit and then does a pretty good spin. I thought the purpose of the "venting" part of the cycle was to get the comforter fully soaked with water without using a lot of water. Once it's saturated, it will more easily accept new water/detergent/etc that might be introduced. If that was their concept, it really works as the comforter (or bulky clothing) is water logged after "venting". The other plausible explanation for "venting" might in fact be that it's a way of venting out air. A comforter has a high fluff (air) content and as water displaces the air, the air has to go somewhere. Maybe it's a combination of both ideas, who knows?

I've noticed with pre-wash that it does a relatively quick wash using the detergent in the pre-wash compartment and then spins it out. Interestingly, the internal water heater will even kick on during this pre-wash phase (not sure this behavior happens in "comforter" cycle, but it does in others like "extra-white"). After that new water is introduced (and possibly heated depending on cycle) as the main detergent compartment gets dispensed. The LCD display is still showing "Pre-Wash" when this happens.

With your observation are you sure it's dispensing the pre-wash detergent during that first cold fill/tumble/spin venting part? If it really is doing that, it sounds like a bug in the firmware.

Of course if the machine had a proper rinse and spin cycle you could use that to saturate the comforter and then move on to the main wash. Often it takes more than one-wet-and-spin cycle to fully wet a down comforter. And until it's completely saturated it will not tumble enough to get the cloth covering clean. Down-proof fabric is tightly woven and often has coatings on it that make it unusually hard to wet.

Don't be shocked at how the item looks at the end of the wash cycle: it's perfectly OK if it looks like a drowned rat. You haven't ruined it.

Molly~

Thanks for your replies. I ran the comforters cycle again with another comforter for a closer observation. I agree the venting appears to function as gordonr described. Makes sense. I also noticed the pre-wash detergent was NOT dispensed during the venting phase. I was mistaken before. After drying the comforter, I was pleased with the wash results (using the Miele down detergent). To dry, I first used the delicates w/ gentle cycle on the dryer (9800 model), then had to run a 45 minute warm cycle for a thorough drying.

Molly,

The W4840 does have a quick rinse cycle. Believe it fills, drains, spins, fills, drains and final spin. My only gripe is that the final spin can't be set at max spin. Not needed all the time as high spin or lower is usually most useful, but max should still be an option.

Hi utgrad,
Don't be too alarmed by 'venting'. It is for comforters. It's just really a 'wetting' function since comforters tend to be all fluffy with air. This 'vents' the air out of the shell.

I agree that there is no reason for alarm, but wouldn't it have been nice if the folks working for Miele USA had of included this information in the manaul? Who in the world knows what venting is when they see it on the display? Venting what? The machine? Is the machine angry? WHAT?

There should be more information in the manual regarding what the machine does and how it does it.

You're all wrong! Obviously, it is The Ghost in the Machine...mankind is doomed.

I completely agree (jerrod6) about the lack of information on the various cycles/uses. Maybe the information in the manual is sufficient for the average user, but to me it's barely more than the "quick reference" guide. For those passionate about the topic, applicances and laundry, etc., there is so much I feel I'm in the dark about. Why leave all that information out of the manual? I'm still searching for a service manual or some other source of more detailed information on the various cycles. For example, what's really the difference between woolens, delicates, and hand-washing? How does normal compare with denim/jeans? And the table linens/napkins cycle? Are certain cycles different in just their preset and available temp and spin setting options, or do the other wash functions/action (speed of tumble, soak times, etc.) vary as well? I realize some of the functions include differences in the wash action, but exactly how are they different? Without the more detailed information, I find it hard to determine whether I'm making the same cycle selection decisions as Miele would for a particular piece of clothing or material. Ugh. So frustrating!!

In my case - I don't have a 4840 but I have a 6k 1986. I was able to find a user manual from Australia which did have all of the information about the various cycles and machine actions. My manual contained nothing about it. Same machine. So this is why I say that it is Miele USA that is leaving out the information because it was available for my machine sold in other countries but omitted from the USA manual. The 4840 is not sold in any other country so I guess you can't get any other manual.

Knowing more about each cycle helps folks select the best one for them. Plus just because a cycle is named table linens or jeans doesn't mean it would only be good for those items. You may find other uses if you knew what was going to happen in them.

re: The W4840 is sold in another country - Canada. But think they get the same sub-standard manuals as we get here in the USA.

Yes, the manual is labeled EN and CA for North America English and Canada. What about a service manual? Anyone know how I may be able to get my hands on one? Maybe this would fill in some of the blanks.

I think that the detailed cycles is a parent company question as I have tried Miele USA to no avail (at least no answer from the several people I was routed to). I have written Miele Germany for an answer.

"what's really the difference between woolens, delicates, and hand-washing? How does normal compare with denim/jeans? And the table linens/napkins cycle? Are certain cycles different in just their preset and available temp and spin setting options, or do the other wash functions/action (speed of tumble, soak times, etc.) vary as well?"

The best info I can find is from Miele UK (page 26-31), W4446 is not W4840 but it do have some programs very close to what we have here...

Here is a link that might be useful: Miele W4446

Interesting. Thanks for the reference. I wish our Miele USA model had this level of detailed information and the number of options available with each cycle. Of particular interest is the load%/detergent% button, load size indicator display, "further extras"/options such as soak (30 mins - 6 hrs) water plus, display in water temp (not warm, very warm, etc.) and RPMs (not high, max, etc.), many additional programs, more information on fabric specifications suggested for the multiple programs, and to me one of the most important things--the program sequence chart on p. 30. This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks! Now I'm wondering how much of the additional functionality of this GB machine can be programmed via firmware update or the programming mode in our US models?? Hmmm...

You're welcome!! :)

I don't think I need to change anything at all in programming mode......

If I got W4446 like software in my W4840!! >o{{!gwi}}

Curious...what have you changed in programming mode?

I just change the "Rinse Process" to ON..... :)

Somonica

When you set the "Rinse Process" to ON what change did you notice?

Hi jerrod6...

"Rinse Process" IS the way to get mid-level water (up to the rim of the tub) in Normal/custom cycle.

Finally, No sud with my expansive ($7.5/KG) Japaneses or super expensive ($15/kg) German detergents in our super soft water (Vancouver, BC)!! :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Expansive! Japaneses detergent!

Somonica
What German detergents do you use and where do you buy this Japanese detergent.

Hi jerrod6...

Here is what I got now:

{{!gwi}}

Yes, I think I'm becoming one of those Laundromaniac here! :)

I got that Japanese detergent in one of those Asian supermarket here. We also have another brand of Japanese detergent call Kao. But the Kao detergent sold here is made in Taiwan for Asia market. The Lion is the real Japaneses market detergent which made in Japan.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kao Japaneses market detergent

Thanks

I am familiar with PERSIL Megaperls and the rest of their products because I started using it in 2003 when I got my FL. One batch lasts a long time. It cleans very well, so does Tide He but in my water PERSIL rinses so much better and doesn't have the heavy perfume scent of Tide. I've been using Miele detergents for the past 3 months. They clean and rinse very well and are supposed to be Eco friendly. I will look in one of our Asian markets for KAO.

So you think the KAO works well in your 4840? How does it handle greasy dirt? What programs have you tried in your 4840 and does the change you made in the Rinse Process Parameter apply to all program cycles?

Hi jerrod6...

"So you think the KAO works well in your 4840? "

I'm using the Lion, and try to find the Japaneses made Kao.... sorry for the confusion. >oLion clean well on both color and white, no color fade like the Tide HE! So that make it real good for the color/black and white mix load, also work well on cold water (30C).

"How does it handle greasy dirt?"

Have not try anything real greasy yet. But the Lion able to remove those stay-there-forever gray stain at warm (40C) extended or very warm (50C) standard custom cycle.....

"What programs have you tried in your 4840 and does the change you made in the Rinse Process Parameter apply to all program cycles?"

I haven't try the dress shirts, table linens, and beach towels programs yet....

Rinse Process do NOT change the water level on handwash and woolens cycle (low water level) which I think is good. All other cycle I've try do have mid or high rinse water level anyway... :)

To Somonica regarding Rinse Process On

how do you do that? are the instructions in the manual. I am in So Cal. You helped me with the drawer decision. Now I am having the eternal suds problem with the washer. Also have complained to Miele about the lack of manual info and the fact that you can't get an additional 4th rinse without doing Quick Rinse separately which I find time wasting and a pain.

Thanks for your help

Workerbee

Do a search in this forum for "Miele 4840 programming"
This will give a list of all of the threads that discuss programming it.

Right there:

Here is a link that might be useful: One, two, three: Miele W4840 Programming

Um "... Miele W8440...."?

Hello
Many thanks for the thread Flyingkite. I went there and printed it out and just reprogrammed my machine for water plus and also water plus/extra rinse so I wonder what I will get. I would love to know what maximum water level means and rinse process since that is my complaint-I would really love to have 4 rinses like my old Maytag so I don't have to do Quick rinse. I wonder if I will get that now on Sensitive since I asked for extra rinse.
I had to press my start button 8 times because I just bought my machine last month (June). It reminds me of the old computers where we had to press control F1 very quickly to get your settings.
I have never "watched" my washer before. I also wonder why the Jeans setting is set for only High Spin. I use custom to get the max spin.
Is there a Miele conference we could attend?
Thanks again. Hope it works. If not I will just put in Water+.
I am now using the Miele Sensitive detergent for everything.
The suds problem is decreasing. I rinsed a bathroom rug 5 times today on Quick Rinse and got most of the old suds out.
Still don't have soft towels. I am going to look for a Fabric Softener thread. The Beverly Hills showroom staff sent me samples of the Persil and Miele detergents. I got the Miele because I didn't have to order it-local dealer. I didn't see the difference between the two, other than Persil has larger granuals, Miele is more like powder. I would be lost without you all. Thanks.

Remember to ignore the dosing instructions on the box. This is especially true of PERISL because the dosing is set for European hard water(unless you have this type of water). Instead I started of with the lowest dose I thought would get the job done(When I started I began with 1 teaspoon but I have a smaller unit than yours) and then looked at the results. If things don't look clean then I consider the following options:

Use a cycle with a higher water temp if possible, or use the extended option to increase the cycle time - if you have the time, or if this doesn't work then add a bit more detergent - increasing in 1/2 teaspoons until you get what you want.

Also adjust the amount of detergent to the soil level. If you can't see heavy visible dirt, or smell it, you don't need a lot of detergent - use less. After a bit you will be able to look at each load and it's soil level and know the least amount of detergent that will get the job done.

Miele vs PERSIL Megaperls - they are similar in my water conditions except that the Miele is slightly more concentrated so I can use less, and it is quite good with heavy soil using warm water(105F) washes, however I have never tried the sensitive formulation.

Watch your washer and let us know what you get from your changes. My older 6K unit is programmed for water+ extra rinse and when I use the sensitive button I get 3 rinses, and a higher fill for all of them - the rinse water is 1/4 way up the door glass. The current energy standards probably don't allow for water 1/4 up the door but check yours out and see if you get more.

Why Jeans defaults to high and not Max spin. If I remember correctly when I bought my machine I heard that Miele referred to some garment institute in the EU that publishes standards for how to clean garments and they used their standards to set the defaults and actions the washer takes to work with different types of material. I don't know if that is still the case with the 48XX models.