How to Clean a Maytag Washing Machine?

There is no gainsaying that a washing machine needs to be kept clean at all times in order to avoid washing machine infections. The drum of a washer is a comfortable breeding space for mold and mildew if not constantly sanitized. Because washing machines in recent times scarcely use hot water, Bacterias find it extremely convenient to grow in a washer’s tub. Sometimes, the residence of germs in our washer is further aggravated by leaving food substances in our clothes. When food crumbs, mixed with excess detergent remain in the machine, mold, and mildew are inevitable. The presence of germs in our washing machine endangers our healthy living. They are so contagious that they spread amongst our loads. Most times, the sanitize cycle is useless against them, only a clean washer is potent enough to banish them into oblivion.

About Maytag

“Maytag” is a popular American appliance brand that has been catering to both homeowners and business proprietors since it was founded by Frederick Maytag in 1893. This company had always borne the ‘Maytag’ label till sometime in 1925 when it changed its name to Maytag Incorporations. Maytag Inc. just like any other company has faced quite a lot of obstacles and they have evidently scaled through, otherwise, they would not be considered the third largest Manufacturer of major Home Appliances in the United States, after GE Appliances and Whirlpool Corporations. A  major challenge the company had to conquer was the great depression of the 1930s, during this time, a lot of Maytag employees boycotted their duties because of a pay cut that was necessarily instituted by the company. Military intervention was inevitable to reinstall normalcy. Maytag Inc. originally started out as a manufacturer of farm implements. At this time, they were renowned in the manufacturing of machines like the threshing and band cutters but since 1925 they have shifted their production model to Household Appliances, notable amongst them, Mashing Machines.

Maytag is known to be an affordable and reliable manufacturer, their washer and dryer models offer incredible value at moderate retail prices. Apart from their mouth-watering discounts, Maytag washers are backed by a 10-year limited parts warranty, a guarantee that shows their dedication to building products that stand the test of time.  Maytag and the Whirlpool Cooperation at large are the companies that pioneered the invention of both the traditional agitator top-load washers and high-efficiency impeller washer technology. Hence, these technologies are a go-to for people who appreciate an effective and classic agitator wash. Maytag’s new front-load washers are not only a beautiful sight, but they are also adorned with innovative features designed to meet our ever-growing daily needs. The operation of some Maytag Front-loaders is now as convenient as a tap on the screen of your phone. There are other features like the auto-filling dispenser and drums that keep loads aerated perhaps you forget to unload the drum.

Features/ Cycles of Maytag Frontloaders explained

Before properly delving into some cleaning tips for your Maytag front-load and tup-load washers, it is only sensible to get you accustomed to the Maytag washers’ would by explaining some jargon as well cycles and features you may find on a Maytag washer. Hence, this section will be used to demystify some of Maytag’s unfamiliar terms.

Quickly, the EXTRA POWER BUTTON you’ll find on most Maytag washers is a really useful one when you an extra effort to eliminate some seemingly indelible stains. It does not only remove stains, but it also saves you the pain of separating loads saving you a whole lot of time. The EXTRA POWER BUTTON is a stain fighter that uses cold or hot water whenever necessary to remove tough stains.

As you advance, you will get the FRESH HOLD feature, which essentially allows for mild tumbling combined with ambient air within the wash-drum to prevent stagnant and musty laundry. Fresh Hold can be a very effective feature when you are too busy and unable to attend to your laundry. This mild tumbling will last for up to 12 hours after the quick wash cycle ends.

If what you want is a simple spin to your clothes without air injection, your best bet is a FRESH SPIN option. The OPTIMAL DOSE function, on the other hand, gives room for convenience. Once the detergent is loaded in the washing machine’s dispenser, there will be no need to refill for at least up to eight(8) subsequent washes. The Optimal Dose is an automatic refill system that gets soap ready for every set of your loads, up to eight different sets.

THE OVERNIGHT WASH AND DRY option is arguably the most commonly used feature of a Maytag front load washing machine. When you have a small load to wash, 2 pounds give or take, all you need to do is activate this feature, and your clothes will wash even while you are fast asleep. When the washing is done, it automatically switches your washing machine cycle, and clothes tumble, leaving no wrinkles or smell on them.

THE SANITIZE OPTION is an effective feature for the extra cleansing of your loads. Most times, your loads are still ridden with bacteria even after they have been washed. This problem is largely due to the use of cold water and shorter cycles for a wash. If you use the sanitize cycle on your Maytag Washer, it will get rid of 99.9% of some household bacteria on your clothes.

THE RAPID WASH OPTION is the ideal washing cycle for you if you are constantly faced with the need to quickly get your laundry done. Loads wash at a significantly faster rate with this option. The rapid wash option washes loads faster by cutting down on wash and spin time while boosting motion and temperature without compromising the cleanliness of your loads.

Top Load washer features explained

The PowerWash Agitator

The PowerWash agitator ‘confronts’ any load size with efficient and concentrated cleaning to fight the toughest stains. The PowerWash Agitator Cycle also has a robust wash action to break down soils. The PowerWash Agitator fights stains using a reverse wash motion and to keep clothes saturated with concentrated detergents, it employs its Tripple action spray mechanism. This option has similar functions to the Power Impeller device. The Power Impeller devices attack everyday tough stains in a single wash. By using a reverse wash motion and triple action spray, clothes are thoroughly saturated with concentrated detergent throughout the cycle. This offers a more intense and efficient clean to stains.

With the AUTO SENSING OPTION, you do not need to worry about adding the right amount of water to your washer because this option has got you covered. The auto sensor determines the right amount of water to add to your load for your washing by first assessing the extent of your load. Your washer has been programmed to start washing only after the water has been added to the tub and the auto sensor makes sure this is done so that there is zero chance of a failed washing experience.

Just like your front-load Maytag washer, every top-loader also has the following features; Deep Clean with Steam, Optimal Dispensers, and the Rapid Power Cycle.

THE DEEP CLEAN WITH STEAM option cleans better. It gets rid of tough stains using steam. As already discussed, the Optimal Dispensers dispenses just the right amount of soap needed to get your washing done. Lastly, the RAPID WASH feature has more aggressive agitation to clean in less time, acting more like a traditional washer. A great cycle when you need a wash done in a hurry.

Maytag Dryer feature explained

Rapid Dry Cycle

The Rapid Dry Cycle is a feature available on all Maytag Maxima Dryers. The Rapid Dry Cycle ensures that clothes are dried quickly so that they can be ready when needed.

Advanced Moisture Sensing

The Maytag Advanced Moisture Sensing technology’s triple sensor system knows when your load is completely dry. Hence, not a piece of your load will leave the dryer without being completely dry. 

PowerDry Cycle

Just like the PowerWash Cycle makes clothes wash faster, Clothes are completely dry faster too, when you use the PowerDry Cycle which muscles out moisture. It is pretty suitable for when the laundry is building up, this cycle runs hotter and works harder so you can get it all over and done with quicker than before.

Wrinkle Prevent Option

To help reduce wrinkling during drying, the Wrinkle prevents option adds periodic tumbling throughout the drying period. The no-wrinkle effect is even more effective with the Wrinkle Prevent with Steam model. It works by adding a short steam cycle to your load to help smooth out wrinkles. Some models will even allow the machine to finish the cycle and will start again every 5 minutes for 10-20 seconds while other dryers have a switch that helps activate this function. In a nutshell, Shirts, skirts and pants will be wrinkle-free and perfectly ready with no need to get the iron out.

Problems with Maytag Washers and possible repair tips

Faults are inevitable to mechanical objects. These faults are sometimes the effects of necessary wear and tear and other times they just occur as a result of improper management of our devices. The abuse of a machine will automatically result to damage, hence it is crucial to master some Maytag washer maintenance tips.

Fortunately, some faults aren’t very serious, hence they can be fixed without much pain, these kinds of faults are those that occur as a result of necessary wear and tear. The faults in this category may be handled without engaging some professional hands. All you may need are some repair tips which will be provided in this section. The solution to the problems of some washers may be as simple as switching up detergents, tightening a hose, or repositioning the base of your washer.

If you need authorities on simple repair hacks, do Check your Owner’s Manual for model-specific cleaning instructions or use Maytag Product Help. However, if your Maytag washer has given a hint through the display of error codes to a particular fault to be addressed. Essentially, If you have a Maytag washer and you’re seeing an error code on your console, you can conveniently diagnose the issue using this top load washer or front load washer error code 

The Washing Machine won’t drain

A washing machine that won’t drain is a big issue. When you experience this fault, it means your loads will not wring as they will come out dripping wet. Apart from the dissatisfaction, this fault brings to the owner of a washer, it can even lead to further damages. A non-draining washing machine is a result of one of the following problems; A kink or clog in the drain hose, a drain pipe too long, and a slow spin selected.

IF THE DRAIN HOSE IS KINKED OR CLOGGED, you should locate the drain hose at the back of your washer, close to the bottom. When you locate the drainpipe, ensure that it is not perforated in the slightest, a crushed or leaking drain pipe will definitely cause a washer not to drain effectively. A leaking pipe should be patched up immediately, however, if the pipe is dented or kinked, all you need to do is straighten the hose to allow seamless flow of water. If the drainpipe is clogged, you may need to disconnect the pipe from the machine. Your Maytag user Manual is handy here to figure out how to severe your drain pipe from a washer. Doing this and unclogging the pipe becomes significantly easier.

IT IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT THE END OF THE DRAIN HOSE IS THE RIGHT HEIGHT ABOVE THE FLOOR. Washers have minimum and maximum drain pipe height requirements. For most regular Maytag washers, For most the drainpipe should be installed at a maximum of 96″ and a minimum of 39″ from the bottom of the machine. Hence, when the height of a drainpipe is excessive, water will always flow back into the washer to obedience to gravity. To solve this problem, therefore, you need to adjust your drain pipe to the right amount or refer to your washer’s instructions for model-specific installation requirements.

HAVE YOU SELECTED A LOW SPIN SPEED CYCLE?, If the answer to this question is in the affirmative then you may need to go back to your washing machine settings. A delicate or low spin cycle is designed to keep fabrics from wrinkling. The implication of the minimal wrinkle is that your washer is forced to wring only a little, leaving some water on the load. Now you see this may not be a fault, all you need is to adjust your washing machine settings to higher spin speeds like the Normal cycle and you will see it drain.

My Washing Machine won’t spin

A Washing Machine spin is necessary for a proper washing machine drain and rinse. The spinning motion of a washer’s tub is largely responsible for effective washing, rinsing, and draining. A non-spinning washing machine is a consequence of anomalies such as Power failure, Unbalanced load, and Unlevel Overload.

WAS THERE A POWER FAILURE?. If the power failed during the spin cycle, it’s possible that the washer did not ramp-up to full spin speed. In this case, turn on a spin cycle or drain and spin cycle to get rid of the remaining water.

ENSURE THAT YOUR LOAD IS BALANCED AND NOT EXCESSIVE. An imbalanced load may load or a loosely packed load may lead to a slow spin. When the spin isn’t fast enough water is left on the fabrics. Hence, loads should be properly placed together in the washer drum.

Furthermore, an UNLEVEL WASHER may result in an ill-balanced load, causing the washer not to spin properly. This unlevel washer may cause grave damage to a Washing Machine. This will start from excessive noise and vibration during a spin cycle and further break parts of the washer. Hence, it is important to learn the right way to level a top-load and front-load washing machine.

The washing machine is leaking

Water is meant to stay in the Washing Machine especially if the machine is not running a drain Cycle. When water escapes, it is a fault that needs fixing otherwise, it may cause the metallic parts of the machine to rust or make a mess in the laundry room. If this problem is encountered, either the door seal, hose connections or drain pump filter needs tightening.

WHEN YOUR MAYTAG WASHING MACHINE IS DRIPPING WATER FROM THE DOOR, this is most likely due to a door seal problem, you need to wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any debt or debris. If the problem persists, it may be that something has lurked under the door seal. If in the process of your inspection, however, you discover tears on the door seal, it has to be replaced.

MAKE SURE THAT ALL THE HOSES ARE SECURELY ATTACHED. If the fill and drain hoses are securely connected to the washer, The chance of leaks will be significantly reduced. You may also want to check the rubber washers on the fill hoses to make sure they’re fully in place and not damaged or missing. Tighten anything that needs it.

My washer is noisier than expected

While some certain amount of noise and vibrations are inevitably associated with a Washing Machine, especially when it is running a cycle, excessive noise and vibration could be a symptom of fault needing urgent attention. A clicking metallic noise in the washer’s tup may be the zipper of your pants being tossed against the wall of the drum or a coin you accidentally left in your pocket, whatever it is, it is necessary first to pay attention to the kind of noise your washer is making. While Humming and gurgling are necessary for a washing machine running the drain cycle, an excessive gurgling could mean a clog in your drain pipe.

Excessive Vibrations and Noise may be a result of some loosened nuts, it may also be that your washer is not properly fastened to its base. When this is the case, some unpleasant sound is inevitable. In addition to this, you should inspect your washing machine and ensure that it is properly leveled, an uneven balance will not only cause excessive noise from your washer, but it may also even damage it.

Dangers of an unclean washing machine

It seems counterintuitive to conclude that a machine that has the sole function of getting fabrics clean with water and soap will itself need cleaning. Simple logic may argue that since water and soap continually pass through a washing machine, it cannot possibly retain dirt. If this was true, life would have been way easier for washing machine users but unfortunately, that logic is not valid. Excessive application of detergent or fabric softener has proven to be the major cause of mold and mildew build-up in most Washing Machines.

It is usually advised that, in order to facilitate an eco-friendly environment while using your Washing Machines, it is important to use less water, this is why new Maytag front-load technologies use a lot less water than their older counterparts but unfortunately, less water means more debris in your washer tub and more debris means mold and mildew and smell at the long run. Moreso, failure to use an HE detergent or using too much of the right detergent can also leave suds and residue behind. The rubber gasket of your washing machine also provides the perfect hold for dirt and residue where odor later emits from.

An untidy Washing Machine can be a perfect breeding ground for harmful household bacteria. Although a constantly running hot water cycle would have significantly threatened their existence in a washer’s tub washing machines of recent times produced to consume less and less energy, hence, even their hot water cycles are just mildly hot. Low temperature can also aid the breeding of bacteria in your washing machine. Bacteria is naturally deposited in the machine through your laundry. Underwear can have up to 100 Million E.coli bacteria attached to it, hence washing at  60º or less will only help them thrive.

Dr. Bruce Hirsch, attending infectious disease physician at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York, has this to say regarding the cause of bacteria

“For those of us who use cold or warm water wash and efficient short-drying cycles, some hardy germs will be left on our linens and clothes, [but] the possibility of dangerous, resistant bacteria in our washing machines causing disease is very remote,”.

In conclusion, research has shown that washing machines may contain as much as 100 million E. coli. E Coli is a very harmful bacteria that could potentially cause illness within and outside of the digestive tract. Hence, washing your clothes in an infected washing drum may result in serious illness to the wearer. Therefore, the cleaning of your washing machine is absolutely indispensable.

How to clean a Maytag Washing Machine

The process involved in cleaning all Maytag washing machines is identical. There may however be some slight differences, relative to the particular kind of Maytag washer in question. Nevertheless, you do not need to bother about how to clean the Maytag washer agitator or fret about Maytag bravos washer cleaning because their cleaning procedures are essentially the same.

Step 1: Clean the wash drum.

As you probably already know, the drum is part of the washer where you load your laundry. It can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and dirt caused by detergent residue. Very often, detergent residue produces suds, and if left to remain, it builds up the film on the drum and hoses over time. To significantly eradicate this problem of mold and bacteria, chlorine bleach has proved very useful. Chlorine bleach is a disinfectant, and it does a fine job in killing 99.9 percent of bacteria, mold, and mildew. It can also help remove tough stains in the drum.

To clean the drum, the first thing to be done is to empty the washer’s drum. Thereafter, add one-half to two whole cups of Chlorine bleach in the drum, shut the door of the washer, and run a wash cycle for the longest available time with hot water this ultimately satisfies your curiosity, if you bother about how to clean the Maytag washer without affresh. When the wash cycle ends, run a rinse and spin cycle and thereafter leave your washer drum open for the drum to dry.

Step 2: Deep Clean the rubber gasket

When the first stage of cleaning has been completed, tend to the rubber gasket around the door of the washer. The rubber Gasket is another part of the washer that can easily hold dirt and mold. The easy steps to keep clean the Gasket is to wipe the rubber clean damp towel, then spray the rubber gasket area with distilled white vinegar and wipe the surface again. This step is to be done thoroughly to ensure that there is no leftover mold or grime.

If the stains on your rubber gasket are too tough, wear rubber dishwashing gloves and steep an old rag in chlorine bleach. Tuck the bleach-soaked rag in the rubber gasket, leaving it in for about an hour before wiping the gasket out again, thoroughly.

Step 3: Take out the detergent dispenser(s) and wipe them out thoroughly

The detergent dispenser can be found only in a Maytag front-loader. It is used to dispense detergent as the name implies. To clean this washing machine compartment, you need to first take it out of the washer, if you do not know how to do this, you may need to consult your user manual which contains Maytag front load washer cleaning instructions, and find out how it may be done. When the dispenser is out, soak it in hot water and scrub it in with a brush, this will effectively clear out the gunk, lodging in the dispenser. After clearing out the gunk, leave it out to dry for a while and thereafter return them to their rightful place.

Step 4: Wipe out the exterior of the Washing Machine

Although washing is not done on the exterior of the washing machine, however, it is important to clean the exterior of your washer,  first, lightly dust the entire surface area of the washer and, then, spray the exterior with distilled white vinegar. Wipe down the appliance with a microfiber cloth until its shine is restored. Do not also forget to drain the pump filter of your washing machine regularly.

FAQs

How do I start my Maytag washing machine?

To get your Maytag Washer up and running, you need to first load it up with your laundry, after this, proceed to shut the door of the washer, especially if it is a front-load Maytag washer. Hit the start button and select the wash cycle.

Can I use Vinegar in my Maytag washer?

As suggested by reviewed.com, you can run a normal load with Vinegar and baking soda. In the drum of the machine, add two cups of white vinegar Run a normal load and allow the baking soda and vinegar to work their magic. This combo will remove any residues that are sticking to your machine, killing the offensive odors as a result.

How do I deep clean my Maytag top-load Washing Machine?

Get some Chlorine-bleach, pour one-quarter of it into your washer drum while it is filled with water,  let it agitate for 1 minute. Afterward, just let it sit for one hour so it can soak. Lastly, run the longest cycle you can from your washing machine settings without adding any detergent. An alternative procedure to this method would be, using the Affresh washing machine cleaner that cleans both front load and top load Maytag washers.