How to Clean a Maytag Washing Machine

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Identify the washer and read its cycle directions

Find the model number under the lid, around the door opening, or on the rear label. Confirm whether it has Clean Washer with affresh, a removable agitator, a front gasket, a drain-pump filter, or removable dispenser pieces. Do not copy a front-loader teardown onto a top-loader or open a service panel the manual does not designate for owners.

Step 2: Empty the washer completely

Remove clothes, coins, and foreign objects. Check the basket, door or lid edge, and dispenser openings. The Clean Washer cycle is designed for an empty machine. Wipe loose hair and sludge first so they are not redistributed. Do not run the cycle with laundry or add normal HE detergent.

Step 3: Add one approved cleaner in the correct place

Place one affresh tablet directly in the empty basket, not in a dispenser. If the exact manual permits liquid chlorine bleach instead, measure only its stated amount—Maytag guidance commonly specifies one cup, 236 milliliters, in the designated compartment. Never combine affresh, bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or detergent, and avoid thickened or splashless bleach unless approved.

Step 4: Run the uninterrupted Clean Washer cycle

Select Clean Washer and start. Let the full cycle finish; do not pause it to soak longer or add another chemical. Maytag notes that an interrupted cleaning cycle may require a Rinse & Spin to clear cleaner from the washer. Ventilate if using a model-approved bleach option and keep children away.

Step 5: Clean dispensers by their model-specific design

Remove a dispenser drawer or insert only if the manual shows how. Rinse approved removable parts with warm water, use a soft brush in channels, and wipe the cavity without flooding it. Maytag notes that some drawers are not dishwasher-safe. Never mix residues by pouring one cleaner into another product's compartment.

Step 6: Wipe the gasket, lid, and basket rim

On a front-load model, gently pull back accessible gasket folds and wipe lint and residue without removing the gasket. On a top-loader, clean the lid underside, hinge recesses, and basket ring. Use a damp cloth and dry afterward. Do not use an abrasive pad or probe holes with sharp tools.

Step 7: Service a drain-pump filter only when documented

Some front-load models provide an owner-accessible pump filter; others do not. Follow the exact manual, unplug first, allow water to cool, place towels and a shallow pan, and drain slowly. Never force a locked cap or open an undocumented panel. Reinstall the seal correctly and check for leaks.

Step 8: Clean the exterior and controls

Wipe the console and cabinet with a soft cloth lightly dampened with water, applying cleaner to the cloth rather than spraying the machine. Keep liquid out of buttons and seams. Dry the finish promptly. Avoid abrasive powder, solvent, and chlorine contact on stainless or painted exterior surfaces.

Step 9: Vent and prevent recurring odor

After the cycle, wipe remaining moisture and leave the lid or door open when safe so the interior can dry. Use HE detergent in the amount appropriate to load and water conditions; overdosing leaves residue. Remove wet loads promptly and run occasional warm or hot cycles when fabric care allows.

Step 10: Investigate persistent symptoms

Repeat cleaning only as Maytag directs. A sewer smell, standing water, leaking gasket, repeated drain error, grease, smoke odor, or debris returning after cleaning can indicate plumbing or mechanical trouble. Stop using a leaking or electrically abnormal washer and arrange service rather than adding more chemical.