How Does a Washing Machine Work?

3 ELEMENTS DRIVE HOW A WASHER WORKS

How washers work with agitators vs. impellers.

Washing machines use a combination of water, detergent and wash action to deliver cleaning performance. Wash action is the movement of clothes provided by the washer during a cycle, and this can be different in front load vs. top load machines, as well as top load agitator vs. impeller models.

Most front load washers are considered high-efficiency because they use lifters to tumble clothes through lower water levels.
Top load agitator washers use a central post that twists, rubbing against clothes. Impeller washers use a low-profile cone or disc that spins, rubbing clothes against each other.
Most top load washers let you choose your water level or can do it for you with automatic, load-sensing technology.

How a washer works with cold and hot water.

Cold water is best for stains like blood and toothpaste. Exposing cold water stains to heat will essentially “cook” them into your clothes.
Stains like grass require warmer water temperatures to give detergent a boost.
Loads that contain multiple stain types or stains like red wine, mud and chocolate should be pretreated in cold water and washed in hot.
Cold water is also best for dark colors or any fabric prone to shrinkage. Warmer water is ideal for light colors and hotter for whites.

Learn more about choosing hot or cold water for stains with this guide. Or get the best of both with the Extra Power button by Maytag that boosts stain fighting on any wash cycle with a dual-temperature wash.

Pour detergent into the dedicated dispenser.

Laundry detergent creates suds to break apart stains, release soils and freshen clothes.

Concentrated, HE detergent should be used in high efficiency washers to provide a powerful clean with lower water levels.
Bleach can be used for loads with tough stains. Check the owner's manual for info on how your washer works with bleach.
Bulk detergent dispensers can handle some of the manual labor for you. The Optimal Dose Dispenser from Maytag adds the right amount when it's needed, holding enough for up to 8 loads of laundry.¹

Oxygen bleach is an alternative to traditional chlorine bleach that is generally safe on colors. It's colorless, fragrance-free and comes in either a liquid or powder form. Products often begin with “Oxy” and don’t call themselves “bleach” but “stain remover” instead.

Steam cycles on select front and top load washers permeate deep into fibers for potent cleaning action.
Some washers include a built-in water faucet to wash away loose soils as clothes go in or fill the tub for a soak before the cycle begins.
Select Maytag® front load washers include the Fresh Hold® option that keeps clean clothes smelling fresh for up to 24 hours.