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Exposed! secret technique to balance your maytag washing machine

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • Ensure that all four feet of the washing machine are firmly planted on the ground and that none of them are broken or loose.
  • Once the load is balanced, secure the washing machine by tightening the leveling bolts.
  • Run a test cycle with a small load to ensure that the machine is operating smoothly and without excessive vibrations.

Balancing your Maytag washing machine is crucial for ensuring its smooth operation, preventing excessive noise and vibrations, and extending its lifespan. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfect balance and maintain your machine’s optimal performance.

Identifying an Unbalanced Washing Machine

Before attempting to balance your washing machine, it’s important to identify if it’s indeed off-balance. Look for the following signs:

  • Excessive noise and vibrations during the spin cycle
  • The machine “walking” or moving across the floor
  • Clothes tangling excessively
  • Deterioration of the machine’s components

Step-by-Step Guide to Balancing Your Maytag Washing Machine

1. Check the Washing Machine’s Feet

Ensure that all four feet of the washing machine are firmly planted on the ground and that none of them are broken or loose. Adjust the feet as needed to level the machine.

2. Distribute the Load Evenly

Evenly distribute the laundry items inside the washer drum. Avoid overloading the machine or placing heavy items on one side only.

3. Run a Calibration Cycle

Most Maytag washing machines have a built-in calibration cycle that automatically adjusts the machine’s balance settings. Run this cycle with an empty drum to recalibrate the sensors.

4. Manually Adjust the Balance

If the calibration cycle does not resolve the issue, you may need to manually adjust the balance.

  • Front-Load Washers: Open the door and lift the basket. Place a few towels or heavy objects on the side opposite the unbalanced load.
  • Top-Load Washers: Open the lid and redistribute the laundry items evenly. Add towels or blankets to fill any empty spaces.

5. Secure the Machine

Once the load is balanced, secure the washing machine by tightening the leveling bolts. These bolts are typically located at the bottom of the machine.

6. Run a Test Cycle

Run a test cycle with a small load to ensure that the machine is operating smoothly and without excessive vibrations.

7. Maintain Proper Balance

To maintain proper balance over time:

  • Avoid overloading the machine.
  • Distribute heavy items evenly throughout the drum.
  • Clean the drain pump and filter regularly to prevent clogs.
  • Level the machine if it is moved or relocated.

Troubleshooting Common Balancing Issues

Machine Still Vibrating

  • Check if the machine is overloaded.
  • Redistribute the load evenly.
  • Inspect the leveling bolts and tighten them if necessary.
  • Call a qualified technician if the problem persists.

Machine Moving Across the Floor

  • Ensure that the feet are firmly planted on the ground.
  • Adjust the feet to level the machine.
  • Secure the machine by tightening the leveling bolts.

Excessive Noise During Spin Cycle

  • Check if the machine is overloaded.
  • Redistribute the load evenly.
  • Run a calibration cycle.
  • Inspect the drain pump and filter for clogs.

A Balanced Washing Machine: Key Benefits

  • Smooth and quiet operation
  • Reduced risk of damage to the machine
  • Enhanced performance and efficiency
  • Extended lifespan

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: How often should I balance my Maytag washing machine?
A: It’s recommended to balance your washing machine after every 5-10 washes or as needed if you notice excessive noise or vibrations.

Q: Can I use a load balancer for my Maytag washing machine?
A: Yes, using a load balancer can help distribute the load evenly and improve balance.

Q: What are the consequences of an unbalanced washing machine?
A: Unbalanced washing machines can lead to excessive noise, vibrations, damage to the machine, and reduced performance.

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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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