Abstract: This invention relates a control for an automatic washer incorporating a spray pretreatment or stain care cycle. In order to manage the occurrence of the condition of suds lock, the state of the washing machine related to the suds lock condition during spray pretreatment is determined by one or more of a number of methods. With this information concerning the state of the spray pretreatment process, the occurrence of suds lock can be ascertained and the cycle can be controlled accordingly to minimize negative effects resulting from a prolonged suds lock condition. Additionally, with certain information related to the occurrence of suds lock, steps can be taken during the spray pretreatment portion of the cycle to avoid the condition of suds lock altogether. Using the same primary process for measuring suds lock, load size can also be ascertained. Information about load size can be used to control the wash cycle.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes an outer cabinet, a water tub mounted in the outer cabinet and having a rear wall, a generally drum-like rotating tub rotatably mounted in the water tub and having a rear wall, and a turbidity sensor sensing a turbidity of wash liquid in the water tub and disposed on a lower inside face of the rear wall of the water tub, the turbidity sensor including a light emitting element and a light detecting element.