Getting optimal results from a top load washer starts with understanding how to use it correctly. This guide covers the essentials, from how to properly load your machine to recognizing some common washer noises. Whether your appliance uses an agitator or an impeller, you’ll find practical steps and tips to help you get the most out of every cycle. Here’s what you need to know before you get started.
Taking the correct steps to prep clothes and learn your top load washer’s settings will help you tackle everything from lightly soiled delicates to T-shirts caked in mud. Gather the laundry supplies below, then walk through the six steps to help you sort clothes, prepare laundry additives, load the washer and select the right settings.
Ensure all feet on the appliance are firmly on the floor and locked.
Make sure the washer and dryer are far enough apart that they don't touch when in use.
Follow this guide to installing a top load washer to make sure your washer is installed properly.
Sorting is a key step in learning how to do laundry properly and helping prevent fabric damage and color transfer. Separating laundry by color, fabric type and weight can help keep clothes looking newer for longer. To sort clothing:
Separate whites from colors.
Divide colors into pastels and darker hues, then separate out darker reds, oranges and yellows from dark greens, blues and purples.
Wash new, bright items separately for the first several washes.
Create groupings of fabrics with similar weights to avoid damaging clothing fibers.
Fasten hooks, tie strings and close zippers
Throw items in loose heaps evenly around the agitator or impeller so they have room to move. If your top load washer has an agitator, avoid wrapping long items tightly around it, as this can lead to tangling.
When washing bulky single items like a rug, winter jacket or a heavy denim jacket add a few extra items around the tub to help balance the weight. If unbalanced, it can cause your washer to walk or shake .
Using the right amount of fabric softener helps prevent buildup in your clothes and your washer while still softening your clothing's fibers. Add fabric softener by first locating your washer’s designated fabric softener dispenser—typically on the top of the agitator—then measuring out and adding the amount of softener instructed on the fabric softener packaging. Note that not all washer models include a fabric softener dispenser, and its location may vary by machine design. Check your owner’s manual for details specific to your model and to identify where the dispenser is located.
Follow the instructions on your stain remover or booster to determine the right amount. In most cases, you can add stain fighters directly to the bottom of the wash basket or into a designated dispenser before loading clothes.
Factors like fabric type, clothing dyes and item weight can all influence which cycle you choose, so it’s best to reference your clothing’s care tag for specific instructions. Check out common top load washer cycles below to learn more about which cycle to choose .
Normal: Ideal for normally soiled linens , sheets, cottons and mixed garment loads
Heavy: Use for heavily soiled loads of sturdy items
Whites: Best for heavily soiled white fabrics
Delicates: Also known as a “gentle” cycle and best for lightly soiled sheer fabrics, lingerie, blouses and more
Quick wash: Ideal for small, lightly soiled loads that need quick cleaning
Rinse/Spin: Best for rinsing clothes that don’t need detergent
Maytag ® washers with the Power ™ Impeller use vigorous wash motions and triple action spray to keep clothes thoroughly soaked with water and detergent
Select Maytag ® washers feature additional options like the Extra Power Button and Deep Fill Option. The Extra Power Button uses a dual-temperature wash to boost stain-fighting performance while the Deep Fill Option gives you more water when you want it to give heavily soiled loads a thorough soak.
At different stages of the wash cycle, you might hear noises that sound different from your previous washer.
Rely on Maytag ® top load washers to tackle tough messes and large loads. Select models feature the Maytag ® Pet Pro System , which helps you conquer pet hair like a pro. The built-in Pet Pro Filter in the washer visibly removes pet hair, while the lint trap in the dryer traps and removes pet hair, load after load. Other Maytag ® washers offer a Power™ Impeller to help dissolve stains and soils. Vigorous wash motions and triple-action spray keep clothes thoroughly soaked with water and detergent.
Find the features that fit your family’s needs when you shop top load washers in various finishes, with agitator or impeller options, from Maytag brand.
1. Swash and the recommended brands are owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation. 2. Vs. a traditional 2x detergent.
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