Maytag officially recommends affresh Washing Machine Cleaner to clean and maintain their washers. It is specifically formulated to break down odor-causing residue, soap scum, and grime.
Affresh washing machine cleaner is the #1 recommended brand by Whirlpool, Maytag and Amana. ** It's also safe for all washing machine makes and models — including septic systems. So, for a deep down confident clean, trust affresh appliance care.
Use affresh® washing machine cleaner monthly or every 30 wash cycles for best results and a consistent clean. Staying on top of cleaning your washer with affresh® tablets means you don't give residues a chance to take up residence in your machine.
Deep cleaning your Maytag washer every 30 cycles or once a month removes built-up soil, detergent, and odors. Run an affresh® cycle with a cleaner tablet or 1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach. Manually wipe down the dispenser drawer and rubber seal, and always leave the door ajar between washes.
Top-rated washing machine cleaners generally fall into three categories: tablet, powder, or liquid. Based on recent home testing and user reviews, the most highly recommended options for deep cleaning, odor elimination, and residue removal are:
Start with an empty tub. For a front-load washer, put 2 tablespoons of borax or oxygen bleach and 2 tablespoons of washing soda in the tub of the washing machine. For a top-loading machine, put 1/2 cup of each of the powders into the wash tub. Run at the hottest temperature or use the “clean tub” setting on the washer.
Affresh is better than Active for deep cleaning. If your washer has serious buildup like that gummy fabric softener sludge, detergent crust, or sticky film in the drum, Affresh tends to outperform Active.
Yes, many Maytag washers have filters that need to be cleaned, though it depends on whether you have a front-load or top-load model. Keeping this filter clean prevents drainage issues, bad odors, and machine damage.
Most Common Maytag Washing Machine Repair Problems
Borax is another great natural substitute if you don't want to use Affresh tablets. Just put about one-third cup of Borax in your washer and run a cleaning cycle. It's actually a natural mineral, so it's not as harsh on your machine as some chemical cleaners can be.
Vinegar should not be placed directly in the washing machine. However, it can be beneficial to use it to treat stains and odors prior to washing. Just make sure you thoroughly rinse the items before placing them in the washing machine.
Investing in a Maytag washer and dryer means you're getting machines that are built to stand the test of time. On average, the Maytag washer has a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years, while dryers typically last between 10 and 15 years.
Signs That Your Washer Needs Cleaning: If you notice a foul odor from your machine, your clothes do not smell fresh after washing, or you see visible mildew, it's time to clean your washing machine. For the best results, use affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner.
To remove dirt and buildup from a front-load washing machine, run a hot cleaning cycle using white vinegar and baking soda. Next, manually clean the rubber door gasket, soak and scrub the detergent drawer, and empty the lower drain pump filter to eliminate all trapped grime and musty odors.
Maytag explicitly recommends HE (High-Efficiency) detergent, with an emphasis on Swash Laundry Detergent. Because Maytag washers use precise low-water wash cycles, they require low-sudsing HE formulas to prevent oversudsing, poor rinsing, and longer cycle times.
10 Most Reliable Top Load Washing Machines
To clean your Maytag top-load washer, run the "Clean Washer" cycle with an Affresh tablet. Remove all clothing, place one tablet in the bottom of the empty tub, and start the cycle. Wipe down the dispensers and lid afterward, and always leave the lid ajar when not in use to prevent mildew.
There's a common myth that the lifespan of a front load washer is longer-lasting than its top-load counterparts. However, when comparing front load vs top load washers, both styles average around 10 years of use and up to 15 years of service when well-cared for.
The best cleaners for a front-load washer are either commercial tablets like Affresh Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner or a simple DIY mix of white vinegar and baking soda Affresh Knowledge Hub. These machines are prone to mildew and soap scum, so a monthly deep cleaning cycle and wiping the rubber gasket are essential.
Use both—but not at the exact same time. Baking soda and vinegar tackle different problems. The most effective method is to run two separate hot cycles: one with vinegar to dissolve soap scum, kill mold, and remove odors, and one with baking soda to scrub away remaining residue and freshen the drum.
In Maytag top-load washers, filters are typically located either inside the center agitator or along the top rim of the wash tub. Many modern Maytag models use self-cleaning pump filters or do not have traditional user-serviceable lint filters, though they may have a hidden drain filter near the pump.
What happens if you don't clean your washing machine? Dirt, detergent, and bacteria can build up in your washer instead of being flushed away through the pipes, making your laundry come out looking (and smelling) a little questionable.
One of the most common causes for a washer that leaks from the bottom is a leak in the fill and drain hoses. These hoses can become blocked, kinked, damaged or disconnected, resulting in a leak while your washing machine is in use.