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HOW TO USE A TOP LOAD WASHER: STEPS & TIPS
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.
HOW TO LOAD A TOP LOAD WASHING MACHINE
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.
Supplies
- Laundry detergent
- Stainfighters (optional)
- Stain remover (optional)
- Fabric softener (optional)
- Dryer sheets (optional)
Step 1: Check Installation Before Starting Your Laundry
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.
- Confirm that both hot and cold water hoses are connected to the appropriate inlet valves.
Follow this guide to installing a top load washer to make sure your washer is installed properly.
Step 2: Sort Laundry
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
Step 3: Add Detergent
- Pour detergent in the dispenser or, if there isn’t one, directly into the tub before adding clothes. Some detergent dispensers are housed in pull-out drawers at the top of the washer, while others are built into the rim of the tub. Always follow the instructions on the packaging when measuring.
- Using the correct amount of laundry detergent helps protect your clothes and also helps you get the most out of your washer’s performance. If you’re wondering how much laundry detergent to use in a top load washer, keep in mind that overusing detergent can leave residue behind, while too little may not provide a thorough clean. Refer to the detergent label to adjust the amount based on load size and soil level.
- If using detergent pods, detergent sheets or color-safe bleach, add them directly to the tub before loading clothes. Do not put them in the dispenser or on top of clothes.
- Learn more about HE detergent with this quick guide.
- Use designated dispensers when adding liquid chlorine bleach and fabric softener. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
- Find out how different types of laundry detergents compare.
Step 4: Load Top Load Washer
- Both agitator and impeller washing machines perform best when loads are balanced. Distribute clothes evenly around the center post or wash plate to help keep the basket stable, as an unbalanced load can impact cleaning performance.
- Load hard-to-move bulky items first for better interaction with the agitator or impeller.
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.
Step 5: Add Fabric Softener and Stainfighters (Optional)
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.
Step 6: Select Washer Cycle
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
- Bulky: Sometimes known as a “bedding” cycle and best used when washing items like jackets and small comforters
MAYTAG® POWER™ IMPELLER
HELP DISSOLVE STAINS AND SOILS
Maytag® washers with the Power™ Impeller use vigorous wash motions and triple action spray to keep clothes thoroughly soaked with water and detergent
SHOP MAYTAG® TOP LOAD WASHERS WITH EXTRA POWER
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.
Recognize Different Top Load Washer Cycle Noises
At different stages of the wash cycle, you might hear noises that sound different from your previous washer.
- Clicking at the beginning of the cycle often means the washer is locking the lid in place and testing that it’s secure.
- Humming and whirring sounds occur when the agitator is moving the load or the tub is slowing down.
- Silence may indicate that the washer is soaking clothes or determining the right water level for your load.
- A buzzing noise may sound at the end of the wash cycle to indicate that the washer is finished. Some models allow you to turn this alert off or adjust the volume.
TOP LOAD WASHING MACHINE TIPS AND FAQS
- Tip 1: If you haven’t done it in awhile, it may be time to clean your washing machine. Check out this step-by-step guide to learn how to clean your washer and help keep your laundry routine running smoothly.
- Tip 2: Avoid overpacking your washer, as tightly packed loads can prevent proper cleaning and rinsing. Instead, distribute clothes loosely and evenly around the tub so water and detergent can circulate effectively. If you frequently have large loads, consider a washer with a larger capacity rather than overloading your machine.
- Tip 3: The best water temperature for your laundry depends on the fabric type, color and level of soil. Always check your garments’ care labels before washing.
- Tip 4: If you prefer a familiar laundry setup, a top load washer offers a traditional design with either an agitator or impeller to help clean clothes effectively. Its lid design also makes it easy to clean and maintain the appliance.
FIND THE BEST WASHER FOR YOU
EXPLORE MAYTAG® TOP LOAD WASHERS
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.
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EXPLORE MORE FROM MAYTAG BRAND
1. Swash and the recommended brands are owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
2. Vs. a traditional 2x detergent.
