Yes, most top load Maytag washers do have a filter. The filter is an important part of the washer and needs to be cleaned regularly to keep the machine running properly.
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Where is the filter located on a top load Maytag washer?
The filter on a top load Maytag washer is located in the bottom of the wash tub. To access it, you need to remove the agitator from the center of the wash tub. The agitator usually just lifts straight up and out. Once the agitator is removed, you’ll see the filter in the bottom of the wash tub.
Why do top load Maytag washers have a filter?
Top load Maytag washers have a filter for a couple of important reasons:
- To trap lint, dirt, and other debris – The filter catches all the dirt, lint, and debris that comes off the clothes during the wash cycle. This keeps the debris from getting pumped out and clogging your drain pipe.
- To protect the wash pump – Lint and debris could clog or damage the washer pump if they were not filtered out. The filter screens out all this material to keep the pump running smoothly.
Without the filter, dirt and lint would freely circulate in the wash water and repeatedly get redeposited on clothes. The filter helps trap debris and prevent it from recontaminating clothes.
How often should the filter be cleaned?
Maytag recommends cleaning the filter on top load washers every 6 months. However, if you wash large loads or bulky items like blankets frequently, you may need to clean it more often than that.
Some signs that the filter needs to be cleaned include:
- Reduced water flow
- Noise during the drain cycle
- Wet clothes after the spin cycle
- Musty smells coming from the washer
As soon as you notice any of these issues, check and clean the filter. With heavy use, cleaning every 2-3 months may be necessary.
How to clean the filter on a top load Maytag washer:
Cleaning the filter on a Maytag top load washer is a quick and simple process:
- Remove the agitator from the center of the wash tub.
- Reach into the empty wash tub and pull out the filter. It may take some maneuvering to get it out.
- Rinse the filter under running water and use a small brush to remove lint and debris caught in it.
- If needed, soak the filter in white vinegar and water to dissolve detergent buildup.
- Rinse thoroughly and replace the cleaned filter back in the wash tub.
- Replace the agitator.
Be sure to give the area around the filter and wash tub a quick wipe down when you have the agitator removed.
Conclusion
Top load Maytag washers contain a filter primarily to trap lint, dirt, and debris during the wash cycle. This protects clothes from redepositing dirt and keeps debris from clogging pumps and pipes. The filter on a Maytag top loader is located under the agitator in the wash tub. For optimal performance, it should be cleaned every 6 months or more often if used heavily. Proper filter cleaning only takes a few minutes and keeps a Maytag top load washer running smoothly for many years.