How to Clean a Maytag Washer
The Maytag brand line of laundry appliances includes top- and front-loading washers.
As with any washing machine brand, the washer requires regular cleaning to help it to continue running efficiently and to stop odor-causing mold and bacteria growth, as well as to remove dust, dirt or marks that mar the washer's surfaces or that can cause staining. Cleaning your Maytag washer only requires you to regularly wipe the exterior, clean the dispenser and, at least once a month, wash the interior of the washer’s drum.
Things You Will Need
- Gloves
- Water
- Mild soap
- Microfiber cloths
- Sponge
- Toothbrush or other soft-bristle brush
- Laundry detergent
- Bleach (optional)
- Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
- Tea tree oil (optional)
Tip
If you have a front-load washer, check the seal on the door at least once a week to make certain it didn't trap mold and odor-promoting wet objects. Remove anything you find, and clean the seal with a bleach solution. Add 3/4 cup bleach to 1 gallon of warm tap water. Wipe the solution on the seal with a microfiber cloth or sponge. After approximately five minutes, wipe completely dry. If you’re sensitive to bleach, replace with an equal amount of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution. To make your washer smell fresh, add 2 drops of tea tree oil in Step 3.
Warning
Always crack open the lid or door of your washer after every laundry cycle to reduce the growth of mold and bacteria that can thrive inside of washers. Never use harsh abrasive cleaners. In addition, never use pure liquid bleach or more than the advised amounts as doing so can damage your washer over time.
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Put on your gloves, and wipe the outside of your Maytag washer to remove dirt, dust and lint. Wipe with a soft, soapy, lint-free microfiber cloth or sponge. Remove scuffmarks or tough stains with a toothbrush. Rinse with a damp cloth or sponge and wipe dry.
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Remove debris or detergent buildup from the dispenser opening or drawer. If your machine has a non-removable dispenser, wipe the opening with a soapy cloth, rinse and wipe dry. If your model has a removable dispenser drawer, press the release lever inside the drawer or pre-wash compartment, and slide the drawer from the washer. Disassemble the drawer to remove any inserts. Wash and rinse the parts with a cloth under warm tap water. Dry and re-assemble the parts and return to the washer.
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Wash the interior of your washer’s drum at least once a month using a normal wash cycle or a sanitize cycle if applicable to your model. Measure out half of the laundry detergent (powder or liquid) recommended for a medium load of laundry for your specific washer model. If you're uncertain of the exact amount, refer to your manual. Load the detergent in the dispenser, close the lid or door and run a medium load, hot water cycle without any laundry. If your model has a sanitize cycle feature, pour 1 cup of bleach into the bleach dispenser, and run this cycle as directed in your manual.
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Wipe the drum. Open your washer’s lid or door after the cycle. Wipe the drum dry thoroughly with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any remaining residues. Wipe the interior again with dry cloths to remove any water to protect against mold and bacteria growth. Crack the door open when finished.
The Drip Cap
- The Maytag brand line of laundry appliances includes top- and front-loading washers.
- Remove debris or detergent buildup from the dispenser opening or drawer.
- Load the detergent in the dispenser, close the lid or door and run a medium load, hot water cycle without any laundry.
- Open your washer’s lid or door after the cycle.
- Wipe the drum dry thoroughly with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any remaining residues.
References
Writer Bio
Based in Southern Pennsylvania, Irene A. Blake has been writing on a wide range of topics for over a decade. Her work has appeared in projects by The National Network for Artist Placement, the-phone-book Limited and GateHouse Media. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Shippensburg University.
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