Whirlpool Washer RL Code: How to Clear the Remove Load Error

Quick Answer

The RL code means your washer detected laundry during a self-cleaning cycle which must be run empty. To fix it, simply open the door, remove all items from the drum, and restart the Clean Washer cycle. This is a safety feature to ensure the cleaning agents do not damage your clothes.

Look, when I get called out for an RL code, I already know what I'm gonna find before I even open the lid. Nine times out of ten it's a forgotten sock. But here's what happens if you keep trying to force the cycle: Whirlpool's cleaning cycle runs hotter and uses way more water than a normal wash, so if there's laundry in there, you're risking bleached-out clothes and unnecessary strain on the motor over time. Just clear the drum and you're done.

WhirlpoolWasherSeverity: low99% DIY Success

Time to Fix

1–5 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

—

Tools Needed

Bubble level, Phillips #2 screwdriver (if removing front panel to access trapped items)

What Does the RL Code Mean?

OK so here's the deal. RL isn't a broken sensor or a failed motor. It's the washer saying it won't clean itself with your laundry still sitting inside. The Clean Washer cycle is basically a self-maintenance routine, and Whirlpool hard-coded it to bail out if the drum isn't completely empty. Costs nothing to fix, takes about two minutes, and doesn't require any tools in most cases.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Laundry left in drum90%

Mechanical friction or leveling issues7%

Control board logic error3%

Symptoms You May Notice

The washer stops dead somewhere in the first 30 to 60 seconds of the Clean Washer cycle and throws RL or rL on the display.
You hear the machine try to spin up, it hesitates, then it just cuts out and beeps a few times before going quiet.
The drum flat-out won't move when you try to restart the cycle, even though the door's closed and locked properly.
The washer drains normally but won't advance past the initial detection phase of the self-clean routine, just sits there with RL blinking.
All the control panel buttons stop responding until you press Cancel or Power to acknowledge the error.

Can you reset a Whirlpool washer to clear the RL code?

Press Cancel or Pause twice to stop the cycle. Display should go blank or show 0:00. If RL is still showing after that, unplug the washer from the wall outlet for a full 60 seconds. Don't just flip the breaker, actually unplug it so the board fully discharges. Plug it back in, wait for it to power up, then select Clean Washer with an empty drum and press Start. You should hear a quick test spin before it begins filling.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Bubble levelPhillips #2 screwdriver (if removing front panel to access trapped items)Flashlight or phone light for inspecting door gasket foldsNeedle-nose pliers for fishing small items out of tight spaces

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash a small load of clothes on the Clean Washer cycle?

Nope, don't do it. The Clean Washer cycle runs hotter water, higher spin speeds, and way more aggressive agitation than any normal wash setting. It's designed to flush out detergent buildup and mold from the drum itself, not to clean clothes. If you throw a load in there, the RL code stops the machine to protect your stuff, but if you somehow bypassed that, you'd probably end up with bleach-damaged or over-agitated clothes. Just run a regular cycle for laundry.

Why does my Whirlpool washer say RL when it's empty?

If the drum looks totally empty but RL keeps coming back, you've got one of three things going on. Either something small is trapped in the gap between the inner and outer tub creating drag, the washer's not sitting level and the tub is rubbing slightly against the housing, or the control board lost its calibration reference for what 'empty' feels like after a power interruption. Spin the drum by hand and check for any resistance that feels more like a catch than just normal bearing friction. That'll tell you which direction to go.

How do I reset the RL code on my Whirlpool washer?

Press Pause or Cancel twice. If that doesn't clear it, unplug the machine for 60 full seconds, then plug it back in and try again with an empty drum. The 60-second unplug is important because it forces the control board to fully discharge and reboot rather than just restarting from a cached state. After it powers back up you should be able to run Clean Washer normally. If RL comes back within the first minute of the cycle, there's still something physically causing drag in the drum and you need to find it.

Does the RL code mean my washer is broken?

Almost certainly not. In 15 years of repair, I've replaced maybe two or three parts because of an RL code, and both times it was a coincidence where something else was already failing. RL is a status notification, not a fault code. The machine's not telling you something broke, it's telling you it found laundry where laundry shouldn't be. Clear the drum, reset the cycle, and you're done. If it keeps throwing RL on a verified empty drum, then you've got a sensor or leveling issue, but that's still usually a cheap fix.

How often should I run the Clean Washer cycle on my Whirlpool?

Whirlpool recommends about once a month, and honestly that's pretty solid advice. If you wash a lot of towels, workout gear, or anything that traps body oils, maybe bump it to every three weeks. The RL code is basically your reminder that you haven't done it in a while and also accidentally left something inside. Use an Affresh tablet or a cup of white vinegar in the drum. Don't use both at the same time. Run it with the drum completely empty and you'll get through the cycle without any codes.

Models Known to Experience RL Errors

This repair applies to most Whirlpool washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

WFW9290FW, WFW94HEAW, WFW97HEXW, WFW9051YW, WFW8540FW, WFW86HEBW, WFW95HEXW, WFW9290FGW

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 17, 2026