Amana is "breaking the mold" and taking a fresh approach with fabric care products. With the launch of its new fabric care collection, Amana offers two laundry series featuring antimicrobial component protection which resists mold, mildew and odor-causing bacteria on the component.

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The Enlighten Series, featuring a front load washer, and the Traditional Series, featuring a top load washer, comprise the first new product introductions for the Amana brand under the expanded Whirlpool Corporation portfolio. The product launches demonstrate Whirlpool's commitment to Amana's practice of producing common-sense products.

"Amana is a recognized consumer brand with a strong legacy. The new Enlighten Series and Traditional Series are testaments to that heritage and underscore our pledge to provide the practical-minded products that consumers expect from Amana," noted Eric Ramso, senior category manager for Amana laundry.

Practical Touches to Help "Lighten the Load" in the Laundry Room

Ranking high on the consumer's list are features that ensure antimicrobial protection and home cleanliness. According to research conducted for Amana, people want cleaner homes and are concerned about mold and bacteria. There are also other common-sense features that consumers will find attractive. For example, when trying to locate those hard to find white socks, each of the washers features a wash basket with a contrasting finish: in the Enlighten Series it is made of stainless steel, and in the Traditional Series it is made of natural gray porcelain.

A Laundry List of Common-Sense Features

Amana's Enlighten and Traditional fabric care series offer a laundry list of smart, appealing-to-use features:

  Antimicrobial component protection - The washers' treated components
  resist mold, mildew and odor-causing bacteria.

  Gentle on clothes - The wash baskets feature smooth surfaces that are
  extremely gentle on clothes, from fine washables such as lingerie, to
  your grandmother's handmade quilt.

  Super capacity plus - Need to wash and dry a big load of laundry?  Both
  laundry pairs are big on space.  The Enlighten Series has a 3.34 cubic
  foot capacity front load washer and a 6.0 cubic foot capacity dryer.  The
  Traditional Series has a 3.2 cubic foot capacity top load washer and 7.0
  cubic foot capacity dryer.

  Easy-to-fill dispensers - Pouring laundry soap, bleach and fabric softener
  into the washers is simple with convenient, easy to fill dispensers and
  large, no-drip openings.

  Extra-wide door openings - Loading and unloading the washers and dryers is
  easy, thanks to extra-wide door openings.  The dryers' side swing doors
  are reversible as well.

  Automatic temperature control - The ideal temperature is ensured load
  after load, thanks to the automatic temperature control features.

  Quiet operation - There's no noisy clunking sound with the dryers'
  SofSound feature.

  End of cycle signal - Go about your other household activities and let the
  dryer do its work; the automatic end of cycle signal will let you know
  when your clothes are ready.

More information about Amana Enlighten Series and Traditional Series laundry pairs, and other Amana brand appliances, is available at www.amana.com.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $19 billion, more than 80,000 employees and more than 60 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. For more information about any Amana brand appliance, visit www.amana.com or call (800) 843-0304. Additional information about Whirlpool Corporation can be found at whirlpoolcorp.com.

FCMN Contact: cinda_s_noffke@whirlpool.com

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SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation