Getting the Most Out of Your Maytag PowerWash Agitator

What Makes the PowerWash Agitator Different

The Maytag PowerWash agitator uses a dual-action design that moves clothes through the water more aggressively than a standard agitator. The bottom section rotates back and forth while the upper portion moves independently, creating a powerful scrubbing motion that attacks stains without damaging fabric.

Best Practices for Tough Loads

• Use the PowerWash cycle — this cycle combines extra wash action, a heated wash option, and an extended wash time for maximum cleaning power. Select it for heavily soiled work clothes, sports uniforms, and stained items.
• Deep Water Wash option — when you have a large, bulky load that needs full water coverage, the Deep Water Wash option fills the tub to the highest level. Use it for comforters, sleeping bags, and oversized items.
• Pre-treat stains — even with the aggressive PowerWash agitator, pre-treating set-in stains with a stain remover before loading gives the best results.
• Do not overload — the agitator needs room to move clothes through the water. Fill the tub loosely to three-quarters full for the best cleaning action.

Using Extra Power

The Extra Power button on Maytag washers boosts stain-fighting performance on any cycle by adding an extra rinse with more agitation. Press it once before starting any wash cycle to tackle stubborn stains without switching to a longer cycle.

Fresh Hold Option

If you cannot move clothes to the dryer right away, the Fresh Hold option keeps the drum tumbling intermittently and runs the fan to keep clothes fresh for up to 16 hours after the cycle ends. This prevents musty odors from developing in wet laundry.

Pet Pro for Pet Hair

Maytag Pet Pro washers include a built-in pet hair removal system. The XL lint trap and pet hair cycle use extra rinses and a longer spin to remove pet hair that standard cycles leave behind. For best results, remove loose pet hair with a lint roller before loading heavily covered items.

Maintaining the Agitator

The PowerWash agitator is designed for durability, but periodic maintenance keeps it performing at its best. Run a Clean Washer cycle with an affresh washer cleaner tablet monthly to prevent odor-causing residue buildup inside the tub and agitator base.

Why Professional Service May Be the Right Choice

While many Washer 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 Washer 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 Washer 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 Washer 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.