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How to Clean Maytag Washing Machines

May 2, 2023

Maytag is a US-based home and commercial appliance company. Founded in 1893 by Frederick Maytag, it was one of the only companies to make a profit during the Great Depression. The company later participated in war production by making various military equipment.

Following the war, they resumed the production of washing machines. It wasn’t until 1949, however, that they started making automatic washers. They also began selling a separate line of refrigerators and oven ranges under the Maytag brand.

Fast forward to 2022 and they have become one of the biggest appliance companies in North America. They also have sales operations in the UK, Australia, Mexico, and Japan.

Not only do they offer washing machines, but they also sell cooktops, dryers, ranges, dishwashers, and refrigerators. At one point, they also sold small appliances such as blenders and mixers under the JennAir brand.

Currently, the company is owned by Whirlpool Corporation; they were acquired back in April 2006, which ended its 112-year history as an independent company. They also own the brands Admiral, Caloric, Magic Chef, Holiday, Litton, Sunday, Inglis, and Jade, among others.

Maytag Washer Model Series Over the Years

Maytag has produced numerous lines of washing machines over the years. Here are some of their most popular series.

Atlantis: A line of top-loading washing machines that were produced in the early 2000s. Unlike the other models at the time, they focused on heavy-duty laundering. They also came with TurboRinse and Super Wash features.

Bravos: A line of high-efficiency top-load washing machines. They feature an extra-large capacity design and come with more than 10 different wash cycles.

how to clean maytag washing machine

Centennial: A line of top-load washers that come with PowerWash and Deep Rinse options. Features Automatic Load Size Sensing Technology and Wrinkle Control.

Ensignia: A line of top-load washers with a large size capacity. Introduced in the early 2000s.

Neptune: A line of front load washer that were originally released in 1997. Featured four different wash cycles as well as LED touch pad controls.

Performa: A high-capacity top-load washing machine that’s designed for oversize laundry loads. Comes with bleach and fabric softener dispensers, four water temperature settings, and four water level options.


How to Clean Maytag Washing Machine – Front & Top Load Models

Washers might be the ones doing the cleaning most of the time but did you know that they need to be cleaned too – not just the tub but other parts such as the washer door as well?

Ideally, you want to do it once a week. That’ll keep soap scum, soil, and grime from getting trapped inside, which will prevent grime buildup.

Cleaning a Maytag Washer – Top Loading Models

Top-load Maytag washers have a lid at the top of the machine. Because of this, you don’t have to bend down to load and unload your clothes.

However, they’re less energy and water efficient. They also have an agitator, which can be tough on your clothes. The way they’re designed, however, they’re less likely to experience residue issues as the lid isn’t airtight.

Best Option – Use ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner

ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner tablets are great in that they’re specifically designed to clean washers.

They’re also affordable and super easy to use.

Step 1: Prepare the Washer

maytag washer empty top loader

Make sure the washing machine is empty before starting.

Step 2: Add an ACTIVE Tablet

active washing machine cleaner tablets

Add one ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner tablet directly to the drum. Do not put it in the detergent dispenser tray.

Step 3: Run a Wash Cycle

washing machine setting

Set the top-load washer to a normal cycle and run it on the hottest water setting. Depending on the washing machine that you have, you may also be able to run a “cleaning” wash cycle.

Step 4: Wipe the Washer

wipe dryer with damp cloth

Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the washer drum with a damp cloth. It’s important to get rid of any leftover residue. Don’t forget to wipe the agitator, detergent dispenser, and lid as well.

Supply:

  • ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner
  • Damp cloth

Avoid using cold water; the tablets won’t be as effective – you want to use warm or hot water.

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Using Liquid Chlorine Bleach and Vinegar

One way to clean your top-load washer is to use liquid chlorine bleach and vinegar. Not only will they sanitize the machine, but it’ll also get rid of any odors.

Supplies:

  • Chlorine bleach
  • White vinegar
  • Microfiber cloth

Step 1:

Empty the washing machine. Nothing should be inside the drum.

maytag washer empty top loader

Step 2:

Fill the washer with hot water and add 4 cups of liquid chlorine bleach. Then, run the longest wash cycle.

chlorine bleach

Step 3:

Once the cycle is finished, fill the washer again with hot water and add four cups of vinegar.

Run another wash and spin cycle on the hottest setting.

soak with vinegar

Maytag Front Load Washing Machines

Front load washers are different from top loaders in that the opening is at the front, which means that you must bend down to load and unload your laundry. They also work differently. Instead of using an agitator, they clean by moving clothes through the water.

maytag front loader

In fact, it’s not uncommon for some front-load washing machines to not have an agitator at all.

They might be more expensive than top-loaders, but they’re also more energy efficient as they use less water. That’s not all, they also tend to be gentler on your clothes, which is another bonus.

Maytag High-Efficiency Front Load Washers

High efficiency (HS) front-loaders are also a thing. If anything, they’ve become more popular in recent years. The main difference between an HS washing machine and a regular washing machine is that they’re specifically designed to use less water.

Because of this, they also require a specific type of detergent (regular detergents will produce too many soap suds).


Washing Front Loaders: Use ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner

ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner can also be used to clean front-load washers—both regular front loaders and HS front loaders.

Supplies:

  • ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner
  • Microfiber towel
washing machine empty

Step 1:

Make sure your front-load washing machine is empty.

active washing machine cleaner tablets

Step 2:

Add one ACTIVE tablet directly to the washbasin. Don’t put it in the detergent dispenser.

washing machine setting

Step 3:

Choose the hottest water setting and run a normal wash cycle (or a “clean washer” cycle if there is one).

clean gasket

Step 4:

When the cycle is finished, give the inside of the washing machine a quick wipe-down with a clean towel.

Be sure to wipe the gasket/seal area as well—it’s not common for moisture to accumulate there.


Washing Front-Load Washers With Vinegar and Baking Soda

One way that you can clean your front load washer is by using vinegar and baking soda.

Supplies:

  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda

Step 1:

Start by pouring two cups of vinegar into the dispenser. Next, add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the washer.

add baking soda 2

Step 2:

Run a hot-water cycle on the longest possible setting. You can also use a Clean Washer cycle if your machine has one.

running wash cycle

Remember to leave the washer door open after cleaning for ventilation purposes.


Other Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Washing Machine Clean

  • You can use bleach if mold or mildew is an issue. For example, you can scrub mold spots in your Maytag washer with an old toothbrush dipped in a bleach solution
  • Wipe down the gasket and washer door after each laundry session. It’s also recommended that you deep clean it on a monthly basis
  • Leave the front washer door open when you’re not using the machine so that moisture can evaporate easily
  • Don’t leave wet laundry in the washing machine after the cycle is finished— you want to limit the amount of moisture inside the machine

Best Washing Machine Cleaner for a Maytag Washer

ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner is formulated so that it’ll thoroughly clean the inside of your washer. How does it work? It contains enzymes that are capable of penetrating residue. Not only that but they’ll also break down any grime that’s left by detergents and dirt.

how to clean a samsung washing machine

In doing so, your Maytag washer will smell nice and clean. You won’t have to worry about there being any stubborn musty odors, which is a common problem with grimy washers That’s not all, it’ll also be better for your washing machine (dirty internal parts can affect its performance over time).

One pack also comes with 24 tablets, which will easily last you a year. The cleaning schedule is easy to remember as well. Plus, we’re based in the US.

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Picture of Ethan Clarke

Ethan Clarke

Ethan Clarke is a seasoned expert in appliances and household waste systems. Referencing his extensive experience as an appliance repairman, Ethan shares his invaluable knowledge through detailed maintenance & troubleshooting manuals. Ethan’s insights help homeowners understand and maintain their appliances efficiently, ensuring longevity and optimal performance. He’s here to provide practical, easy-to-follow advice for all your appliance needs.

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