How to Use and Maintain Your Maytag Washer or Dryer

What Maytag washers and dryers do, and what to expect from yours

Maytag makes top-load and front-load washers, and both vented and ventless dryers. Most Maytag machines are built for standard household loads—jeans, towels, everyday clothes—and they tend to run longer wash cycles than budget brands but shorter than high-end models. Your machine will have either mechanical dials and buttons or a digital touchscreen, depending on the model year and price point. Knowing which type you own matters because the steps to start a load, adjust settings, and troubleshoot problems differ between them.

Maytag washers use either an agitator (a central post that moves back and forth) or an impeller (a low-profile disc that rotates). Agitator machines are louder and take up more tub space but handle heavily soiled fabrics well. Impeller machines are quieter and fit more clothes, but they work best with high-efficiency detergent and smaller loads. Dryers come with moisture sensors that stop the cycle when clothes are dry, which saves energy and prevents over-drying—though the sensor needs a clean lint trap to work correctly.

Key Takeaways

• Maytag washers use either an agitator or impeller; agitators handle heavy soil better, while impellers fit more clothes and run quieter.
• Clean the lint trap before every dryer load and the rubber seal on front-load washers monthly to prevent mold and odors.
• Use high-efficiency detergent in impeller washers and cold water for most loads to reduce wear and save money.
• If your machine won't start, check that the door is fully closed, the cycle is selected, and the water supply valves behind the washer are turned on.
• Maytag machines come with a one-year parts warranty; extended warranties are sold separately and cover labor and parts beyond the first year.

Starting a wash cycle on mechanical dial and button models

Mechanical Maytag washers have a large dial on the front that you turn to select the cycle, and separate buttons or smaller dials for water temperature and load size. Load your clothes, add detergent to the dispenser or directly into the tub (follow the detergent bottle for how much), and close the lid. Turn the cycle dial to the wash type you want—Normal, Delicate, Heavy Duty, or Sanitize are common options. Select your water temperature: hot water cleans heavily soiled loads but can fade colors and shrink some fabrics, cold water is gentler and saves energy, and warm is a middle ground.

Once you have set the cycle and temperature, turn the dial to the right until it clicks into place. The machine will fill with water, agitate or tumble, drain, and spin. Do not open the lid during the wash or spin cycle—the machine will stop and may not resume. When the cycle ends, the dial returns to the start position and the lid unlocks. Remove clothes promptly to prevent mildew smell, especially in humid climates.

Starting a wash cycle on digital touchscreen models

Digital Maytag washers have a screen and buttons instead of dials. Load your clothes and add detergent, then press the power button to wake the screen. The machine will show you cycle options: scroll through them using the arrow buttons and press the cycle name to select it. The screen will then prompt you to choose water temperature, soil level, and spin speed. Most models default to warm water and normal soil; adjust these if needed. Some models have a "Delay Start" option that lets you set the machine to run at a later time—useful if you want the load done by morning.

Once all settings are chosen, press the Start button. The screen will show the estimated cycle time and a countdown as the cycle runs. Like mechanical models, do not open the lid during wash or spin. If you need to add a forgotten item, pause the cycle using the Pause button, wait for the drum to stop, and open the lid. Press Start again to resume.

Cleaning and maintaining your Maytag washer

The rubber seal on front-load washers traps water and detergent residue, which creates mold and odors over time. Once a month, wipe the seal with a damp cloth and check for visible mold or debris. If you see black spots, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, soak a cloth in it, and wipe the seal thoroughly. Run an empty hot-water cycle with two cups of white vinegar once a month to clean the drum and remove buildup. Do not use bleach in a front-load washer—it can damage the seal and internal parts.

Top-load washers need less frequent deep cleaning, but you should still run a cleaning cycle monthly. Use the machine's built-in Cleaning Cycle if it has one, or run an empty hot-water wash with two cups of vinegar. Leave the lid open between uses so the tub can dry. If your water is hard (mineral-heavy), white vinegar cleaning becomes more important because mineral deposits build up faster and reduce water flow.

Check the inlet hoses—the tubes that bring water into the machine—every six months. Look for cracks, bulges, or leaks. If you see damage, turn off the water supply valves behind the washer and replace the hose. Hoses typically last five to seven years before they need replacement, even if they look fine.

Cleaning and maintaining your Maytag dryer

The lint trap is the most important part of dryer maintenance. Clean it before every load by pulling it out, removing the lint by hand or with a brush, and sliding it back in. A clogged lint trap makes the dryer work harder, run hotter, and take longer to dry clothes—and it is a fire hazard. If lint builds up inside the trap frame itself (you will see a thin layer of fuzz stuck to the screen), wash the trap in warm soapy water, dry it completely, and replace it.

Once a year, vacuum the lint vent duct—the tube that carries moist air from the dryer to the outside. Disconnect the duct from the back of the dryer, use a shop vacuum or dryer vent brush to remove lint, and reconnect it. If your dryer vents into the attic or crawl space instead of outside, lint accumulates faster and you should do this every three to six months. Lint buildup in the vent duct reduces drying speed and increases fire risk.

Wipe the interior drum with a damp cloth every few months to remove lint and detergent residue. If clothes smell musty after drying, run an empty dryer cycle with a bowl of white vinegar inside to freshen it. Check that the moisture sensor—a metal bar or strip inside the drum—is clean; if it is covered in lint or residue, the dryer will not sense when clothes are dry and will shut off early.

Troubleshooting common Maytag washer and dryer problems

If your washer will not start, first check that the lid is fully closed—the machine has a safety switch that prevents it from running with the lid open. Make sure you have selected a cycle and pressed Start. Check the water supply valves behind the washer (usually two valves, one for hot and one for cold); they should be turned all the way to the right. If the valves are off, the machine will not fill and the cycle will not begin. If the lid closes, the cycle is selected, and the water is on but the machine still will not start, the control board or lid switch may be faulty and you will need service.

If your dryer will not start, check that the door is fully closed—like washers, dryers have a door latch safety switch. Make sure the cycle is selected and the Start button is pressed. If the dryer hums but the drum does not turn, the belt may be broken and needs replacement. If the dryer runs but clothes are not drying, the lint trap is probably clogged or the vent duct is blocked; clean both before calling for service. If the dryer gets very hot but takes a long time to dry, the moisture sensor is likely dirty—clean it with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol.

If your washer leaks, check the inlet hoses for cracks or loose connections at the back of the machine. Tighten any loose fittings by hand or with a wrench. If a hose is cracked, turn off the water supply valves and replace it. Front-load washers sometimes leak from the door seal; if you see water pooling at the base of the door, the seal may need replacement.

Understanding Maytag warranties and when to call for service

Maytag washers and dryers come with a one-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor for defects in materials or workmanship. This means if a part fails during normal use within the first year, Maytag will replace it at no cost. The warranty does not cover damage from accidents, misuse, or normal wear. After one year, parts are no longer covered unless you purchased an extended warranty at the time of purchase.

Extended warranties vary by retailer and model but typically cover an additional two to five years of parts and labor. They are optional and cost extra, but they can save money if a major component like the drum, motor, or control board fails. Read the warranty document carefully to see what is and is not covered—some warranties exclude certain parts or require you to use authorized service centers.

If your machine needs service, contact Maytag customer service through their website or the phone number on your warranty card. Have your model number ready—it is on a sticker inside the washer tub or on the back of the dryer. The service representative will ask about the problem and may troubleshoot over the phone. If the machine needs repair, they will schedule a technician visit or direct you to an authorized service center.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much detergent should I use in my Maytag washer?

Follow the amount on the detergent bottle, which usually ranges from one to three tablespoons for a normal load. High-efficiency detergent (marked HE) is concentrated and uses less per load. Using too much detergent leaves residue on clothes and inside the machine, which causes odors and buildup. If your water is soft, use the lower end of the recommended amount; if it is hard, use the higher end.

Can I use regular detergent in an impeller washer?

Regular detergent produces too many suds in impeller washers and can interfere with the wash action. Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent instead. If you accidentally use regular detergent and see excessive suds, run an empty rinse cycle to clear them out before starting another load.

Why does my front-load washer smell bad?

Mold and mildew grow in the rubber seal when moisture and detergent residue are trapped there. Clean the seal monthly with a vinegar solution and run a monthly cleaning cycle with vinegar. Leave the door open between uses so the tub can dry completely. If the smell persists, the seal may need replacement.

Is it normal for my dryer to take a long time to dry clothes?

A long drying time usually means the lint trap is clogged, the vent duct is blocked, or the moisture sensor is dirty. Clean the lint trap before every load and the vent duct once a year. If drying time is still long after cleaning, the moisture sensor may need cleaning with rubbing alcohol or replacement.

What is the difference between a vented and ventless Maytag dryer?

A vented dryer pushes hot, moist air outside through a duct. It dries faster and costs less but requires a vent to the outside. A ventless dryer (heat pump or condensing) recycles the hot air and removes moisture by cooling it, then drains the water into a tank or directly into a drain. Ventless dryers are slower but do not need an outside vent and use less energy.