Using Maytag Extra Power and Steam-Enhanced Dryer Features

Extra Power Button

The Extra Power button on Maytag dryers boosts drying performance on any cycle. When pressed, it activates an additional step in the cycle that uses more heat and extended tumbling time to handle items that are still damp. This is especially useful for:

• Mixed loads with different fabric weights
• Heavy items like jeans, towels, and sweatshirts
• Loads transferred from a washer using a high-spin speed that wraps items tightly together

Press the Extra Power button once before starting any cycle. The indicator light confirms the feature is active.

Steam-Enhanced Option

Maytag dryers with the Steam-Enhanced feature inject steam into the drum during the cycle. This serves two purposes:

• Wrinkle removal — steam relaxes fabric fibers, reducing wrinkles without ironing. Select the Steam Refresh cycle to de-wrinkle a small load of lightly worn clothes in about 15 minutes.
• Stain treatment — the steam cycle can help loosen light stains that were missed before washing. It is not a substitute for washing, but it can reduce the appearance of water-based stains.

Steam Connection Requirements

Steam-equipped Maytag dryers require a water supply connection (a standard cold water line to the back of the dryer). If your dryer has steam capability but the water line is not connected, the steam features will not function. Use a braided stainless steel hose and ensure the water supply valve is open.

Wrinkle Prevent Option

The Wrinkle Prevent option tumbles clothes intermittently after the cycle ends — for up to 150 minutes on most Maytag models — to keep them from wrinkling while you are away. This does not use heat, so it will not over-dry your clothes. It simply keeps them moving until you can fold or hang them.

Advanced Moisture Sensing

Maytag dryers with Advanced Moisture Sensing monitor the moisture level in the load and adjust the cycle time automatically. This means the dryer stops when clothes are actually dry — not after a preset time. For this feature to work properly:

• Clean the moisture sensor bars inside the drum with rubbing alcohol monthly to remove residue from dryer sheets
• Do not overload the dryer — clothes must tumble freely to contact the sensors
• Sort loads by fabric weight when possible — a bath towel mixed with a silk blouse confuses the sensor

Why Professional Service May Be the Right Choice

While many Dryer issues can be addressed with the steps in this guide, there are situations where attempting a DIY repair can make the problem worse or void your warranty. If you've followed the steps above and the issue persists, or if you're not comfortable working with electrical components or water connections, calling a factory-certified technician is the safest and most cost-effective path forward.

Maytag Appliance Solutions technicians are trained directly to Maytag's service specifications. They arrive with the most common OEM replacement parts already on the vehicle, which means most repairs are completed in a single visit — no waiting for parts to be ordered.

Preventing the Problem from Recurring

Most Dryer issues that require repair are preventable with regular maintenance. Key habits that extend appliance life and reduce fault frequency:

• Clean filters regularly. Lint filters, drain pump filters, and water inlet screens accumulate debris over time. A clogged filter is one of the most common causes of performance issues and error codes.
• Don't overload. Consistently running your Dryer beyond its rated capacity puts extra stress on the motor, drum bearings, and suspension components.
• Use the correct detergent and amounts. Excess detergent — especially non-HE detergent in HE appliances — causes buildup, mold, and sensor errors over time.
• Check hoses and connections annually. Inspect inlet and drain hoses for cracks, kinks, or loose connections at least once a year, especially if your appliance is more than five years old.
• Level the appliance. An unlevel Dryer vibrates excessively during operation, accelerating wear on internal components and causing noise and balance errors.

Maytag Warranty and Service Coverage

Maytag offers a standard one-year parts and labor warranty on most appliances, with extended coverage on specific components. If your appliance is still within its manufacturer warranty period, contact Maytag directly before scheduling an independent repair, as unauthorized service may affect warranty coverage.

For appliances outside the warranty period, Maytag Appliance Solutions provides a 30 day parts and labor warranty on every repair we complete. All replacement parts are genuine Maytag OEM components sourced directly from Maytag's authorized parts network.