Removing Odors from the Interior of a Washer
How to Remove Odors from the Interior of your Maytag Washer
This Washer Maintenance Procedure should be performed at least once per month or every 30 wash cycles, whichever occurs sooner, to control the rate at which soils and detergent may otherwise accumulate in your washer.
Run a monthly "Clean Washer Cycle"
- Run the Clean Washer cycle every month to maintain washer freshness. This procedure helps keep odors from developing in your washer. The Clean Washer cycle uses higher water volumes in combination with affresh® washer cleaner or liquid chlorine bleach to thoroughly clean the inside of the appliance.
- Unload the washer as soon as the cycle is complete.
affresh® Washer Cleaner Cycle Procedure (Recommended for Best Performance):
- Open the washer lid or door and remove any clothing or items.
- Place an affresh® Washer Cleaner tablet at the bottom of the washer basket.
- Do not place an affresh® Washer Cleaner tablet in the detergent dispenser.
- Do not add any detergent or other chemicals to the washer when following this procedure.
- Close the washer lid or door.
- Select the CLEAN WASHER cycle.
- Touch and hold the START/PAUSE button for 3 seconds to begin the cycle.
- After this cycle is complete, leave the lid or door open to allow for better ventilation and drying of the washer interior.
NOTE: For best results, do not interrupt the cycle. If the cycle must be interrupted, touch POWER. After the Clean Washer cycle has stopped, run a Rinse & Spin cycle to rinse the cleaner from the washer.
Cleans even where you can't see
affresh® cleans deep inside your appliances reaching components such as the tub, racks, pump, valves, drain, and recirculation hoses.
Cleaners are available at many retailers or can be purchased here.
Chlorine Bleach Procedure (Alternative):
- Open the washer lid or door and remove any clothing or items.
- Add 1 cup (236 mL) of liquid chlorine bleach to the compartment. NOTE: Using more liquid chlorine bleach than recommended above could cause washer damage over time.
- Close the washer lid or door.
- Do not add detergent or other chemicals to the washer when following this procedure.
- Select the CLEAN WASHER cycle.
- Touch and hold the START/PAUSE button for 3 seconds to begin the cycle.
- After this cycle, leave the lid or door open to allow for better ventilation and drying of the washer interior.
Recommendations to Help Keep Your Washer Clean and Performing at Its Best
- Always use high-efficiency (HE) detergents and follow the HE detergent manufacturer’s instructions regarding the amount of HE detergent to use. Never use more than the recommended amount because that may increase the rate at which detergent and soil residue accumulate inside your washer, which may result in undesirable odor.
- Use warm and hot wash water settings sometimes (not exclusively cold water washes) because they better control the rate at which soils and detergent accumulate.
- Always leave the washer lid or door open between uses to help dry out the washer and prevent the buildup of odor-causing residue.