Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a wash basket that is rotatably mounted within a wash tub and that defines a wash chamber for receiving a load of clothes. A motor assembly is mechanically coupled to the wash basket for selectively rotating the wash basket and a turbidity sensor is positioned within the wash fluid. A controller is configured to perform a wash cycle, obtain a turbidity of the wash fluid following the wash cycle using the turbidity sensor, determine rinse parameters of a rinse cycle based at least in part on the turbidity of the wash fluid, and perform the rinse cycle in accordance with the rinse parameters.

Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a cabinet, a tub, and a basket. The washing machine appliance further includes a valve manifold. The valve manifold includes a first inlet port configured to fluidly connect to a first water source, a second inlet port configured to fluidly connect to a second water source, and an auxiliary inlet port configured to fluidly connect to an auxiliary fluid source. The valve manifold also includes an auxiliary outlet port downstream of the auxiliary inlet port and an auxiliary valve downstream of the first inlet port and the second inlet port and upstream of the auxiliary inlet. The auxiliary valve is configured to selectively provide fluid communication from the auxiliary inlet and at least one of the first inlet port and the second inlet port to the auxiliary outlet port.

Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a cabinet, a tub, and a basket. The washing machine appliance further includes a valve manifold. The valve manifold includes a first inlet port configured to fluidly connect to a first water source, a second inlet port configured to fluidly connect to a second water source, and an auxiliary inlet port configured to fluidly connect to an auxiliary fluid source. The valve manifold also includes an auxiliary outlet port downstream of the auxiliary inlet port and an auxiliary valve downstream of the first inlet port and the second inlet port and upstream of the auxiliary inlet. The auxiliary valve is configured to selectively provide fluid communication from the auxiliary inlet and at least one of the first inlet port and the second inlet port to the auxiliary outlet port.

Abstract: A lint cleaning assembly for a dryer appliance includes a vacuum aperture defined in a cabinet of the dryer appliance to allow a robotic vacuum cleaner to drive into the cabinet. A lint filter collects lint within a trap duct during operation and a lint collection duct extends from the trap duct to a vacuum docking station. The vacuum docking station is positioned within the cabinet for docking the robotic vacuum cleaner, fluidly coupling the robotic vacuum cleaner to the lint collection duct for lint removal, and/or charging the batteries of the robotic vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A lint cleaning assembly for a dryer appliance includes a vacuum aperture defined in a cabinet of the dryer appliance to allow a robotic vacuum cleaner to drive into the cabinet. A lint filter collects lint within a trap duct during operation and a lint collection duct extends from the trap duct to a vacuum docking station. The vacuum docking station is positioned within the cabinet for docking the robotic vacuum cleaner, fluidly coupling the robotic vacuum cleaner to the lint collection duct for lint removal, and/or charging the batteries of the robotic vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An appliance having one or more scented packaging materials is provided. The scented packaging materials removably attach to or support the appliance, e.g., during shipping. A preselected scent emanates from the scented packaging materials. Thus, when the appliance is delivered to a consumer, the preselected scent emanating from the scented packaging materials provides the appliance with an attractive smell.

Abstract: A docking station for a beverage dispenser having a reservoir is provided. A spout configured for selectively directing a flow of water into the reservoir of the beverage dispenser. A water level sensor is configured for assessing a level of water within the reservoir of the beverage dispenser. The flow of water from the spout may automatically fill the reservoir of the beverage dispenser based at least in part upon signals from the water level sensor.

Abstract: A docking station for a beverage dispenser having a reservoir is provided. A spout configured for selectively directing a flow of water into the reservoir of the beverage dispenser. A water level sensor is configured for assessing a level of water within the reservoir of the beverage dispenser. The flow of water from the spout may automatically fill the reservoir of the beverage dispenser based at least in part upon signals from the water level sensor.