Maytag MVWB855DC User Manual

Use & Care Guide
Guide d’utilisation et d’entretien

Top-Loading High Efficiency Low-Water Washer
Laveuse haute efficacité à faible consommation
d’eau avec chargement par le dessus

W10607442B
W10607443B-SP

Para obtener acceso

al Manual de uso y

cuidado en español, o para

obtener información adicional
acerca de su producto, visite:

www.maytag.com.

If you have any problems or questions, visit us at www.maytag.com

Pour tout problème ou tout question, consulter www.maytag.ca

Designed to use only
HE High Efficiency detergents.

Conçue pour l’utilisation d’un
détergent haute efficacité seulement.

Table of Contents

Table des matières

WASHER SAFETY .................................................................. 2

WHAT’S NEW UNDER THE LID? ........................................ 4

CONTROL PANEL AND FEATURES ................................... 5

CYCLE GUIDE ..........................................................................7

USING YOUR WASHER ........................................................ 9

WASHER MAINTENANCE .................................................. 12

TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................................... 14

WARRANTY ............................................................................19

ASSISTANCE OR SERVICE ......................... BACK COVER

WASHER SAFETY

SÉCURITÉ DE LA LAVEUSE .............................................. 20

QUOI DE NEUF SOUS LE COUVERCLE? ......................21

TABLEAU DE COMMANDE ET

CARACTÉRISTIQUES ..........................................................22

GUIDE DE PROGRAMMES ...............................................25

UTILISATION DE LA LAVEUSE ..........................................27

ENTRETIEN DE LA LAVEUSE ............................................ 30

DÉPANNAGE .......................................................................... 32

GARANTIE ............................................................................... 38

ASSISTANCE OU SERVICE ....COUVERTURE ARRIÈRE

2

3

WHAT’S NEW UNDER THE LID?

Cleaning with Less Water

Washplate

Washplate

Traditional agitator-style

washer

The most striking difference in your new washer is the low-water
washplate wash system. The washer automatically adjusts the
water level to the load size—no water level selector is needed.

Washer with low-water

washplate wash system

Automatic Load Size Sensing

Once you start the cycle, the lid will lock, and the washer will begin
the sensing process to determine the correct water level for the
load. This may take several minutes before water is added. You will
find a step-by-step description in the “Cycle Status Lights” section.

Initially the basket will start to spin prior to adding water, this is part
of the sensing process and is normal. This low-water wash method
uses less water and energy compared to a traditional agitator-style
washer.

Choosing the Right Detergent

Use only High Efficiency detergents. The package will be
marked “HE” or “High Efficiency.” Low-water washing creates
excessive sudsing with a regular non-HE detergent. Using regular
detergent will likely result in longer cycle times and reduced
rinsing performance. It may also result in component failures and
noticeable mold or mildew. HE detergents are made to produce
the right amount of suds for the best performance. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions to determine the amount of detergent
to use and do not go over the Max line on the dispenser. See
“Using Laundry Product Dispensers” for more information.

For best performance, it is recommended to load items in loose
heaps evenly around the washplate.

As the washer dampens and moves the load, the level of the
items will settle in the basket. This is normal, and does not
indicate that more items should be added.

IMPORTANT: You will not see a washer basket full of water as
with your past agitator-style washer. It is normal for some of the
load to be above the water line.

Use only High Efficiency (HE) detergent.

Improved Cleaning

Low-water cleaning means concentrated cleaning. Rather than
diluting detergent as done in an agitator-style washer, this washer
delivers the detergent directly to the soils. This low water wash also
allows the clothing to move in a more effective way to remove soils.

Normal Sounds You Can Expect

At different stages of the wash cycle, you may hear sounds and
noises that are different from those of your previous washer. For
example, you may hear a clicking and hum at the beginning of the
cycle as the lid lock goes through a self-test. There will be different
kinds of humming and whirring sounds as the washplate moves the
load and as basket is slowing down to stop. And sometimes, you
may hear nothing at all, as the washer determines the correct water
level for your load or allows time for clothes to soak.

4

CONTROL PANEL AND FEATURES

STEAM MODEL

1

NON-STEAM MODEL

1

2

2

3

5

3

4

6

4

7

8

5

NOTE: The control panel features a sensitive surface that responds to a light touch of your finger. To ensure your selections are registered,

touch the control panel with your finger tip, not your fingernail. When selecting a setting or option, simply touch its name until the desired
section is illuminated.

6

POWER

1

Touch to turn the washer on and off. Touch to stop/cancel a
cycle at any time.

2

WASH CYCLE KNOB

Use the Wash Cycle knob to select available cycles on your
washer. Turn the knob to select a cycle for your laundry load.
See “Cycle Guide” for detailed descriptions.

ESTIMATED CYCLE TIME

3

The Estimated Cycle Time display shows the time required for
the cycle to complete. Factors such as load size and water
pressure may affect the time shown in the display. Overloading,
unbalanced loads, or excessive suds may cause the washer to
adjust the cycle time, as well.

DELAY START

4

Use “+” and “–” to delay the start of the wash cycle by up to
12 hours. To turn off Delay Start, use “+” and “–” to set the
delay time to “0,” or touch POWER.

5

START/PAUSE BUTTON

Touch and hold START/PAUSE button for up to 3 seconds or
until the washer starts to begin the selected cycle; touch again
to pause a cycle.

NOTE: If the washer is spinning, it may take several minutes
to unlock the lid.

CYCLE MODIFIERS

The following options may be added to most cycles.

TEMPERATURE

Wash temperature senses and maintains uniform water
temperatures by regulating incoming hot and cold water.

Select a wash temperature based on the type of fabric
and soils being washed. For best results and following the
garment label instructions, use the warmest wash water safe
for your fabric.

• On some models and cycles, warm and hot water may be
cooler than your previous washer.

• Even in a cold and cool water wash, some warm water
may be added to the washer to maintain a minimum
temperature.

SOIL LEVEL

Select the most suitable setting for your load. For heavily
soiled items, select Extra Heavy Soil Level for more wash
time. For lightly soiled items, select Extra Light Soil Level
for less wash time.

Lighter soil level setting will help reduce tangling and
wrinkling.

SPIN SPEED

Select the most suitable setting for your load.

6

7

8

5

CYCLE OPTIONS

7

The following options may be added to most cycles.

OXI

This washer is designed to dispense laundry boosters such
as oxygenated stain treaters and color-safe bleach at the
right time in the cycle for best cleaning performance. Do not
use laundry boosters and chlorine bleach in the same cycle.

EXTRA RINSE

This option can be used to automatically add a second rinse
to most cycles.

NOTE: If you want to Drain and Spin only, select the Rinse &
Spin cycle; then touch to turn off the Extra Rinse option.

DEEP CLEAN w/Steam (depending on model)

This option adds additional soak and wash time to many
cycles to help remove tough stains, as well as a steam
boost for added cleaning power. Deep Clean w/Steam
uses a heater within the washer to maintain the selected
temperature setting throughout the wash period. Deep Clean
w/Steam may be selected as an option with other cycles.

DEEP CLEAN (depending on model)

This option provides enhanced cleaning action for tough
stains. It will add additional agitation and soak time to the
cycle.

AUDIO LEVEL

Use this option to adjust volume of the signal that sounds at
the end of cycle and key pad sounds. Touch once for low, a
second time for off, and a third time to loop back to high. A
higher signal is helpful in removing items as soon as cycle is
complete. Default setting is high.

CYCLE STATUS LIGHTS

8

The Cycle Status Lights show the progress of a cycle. At each
stage of the process, you may notice sounds or pauses that are
different from traditional washers.

SENSING

When the START/Pause button is touched, the washer will
first perform a self-test on the lid lock mechanism. You will
hear a click, the basket will make a slight turn, and the lid will
unlock briefly before locking again.

Once the lid has locked the second time, the washer will use
short, slow spins to estimate the load size. These sensing
spins may take 2 to 3 minutes before water is added to the
load and you may hear the hum of these spins. If the sensing
light is on, then washer is working properly. You will hear the
motor turn the basket in short pulses to thoroughly wet the
load. The washer will then move the load briefly, pause to
allow water to soak in to the load, and resume adding water.
This process may repeat until the correct amount of water
has been added for the load. You may also hear water flowing
through the dispenser, adding detergent to the load.

NOTE: Avoid opening lid during sensing. The sensing
process will start over when the washer is restarted. The
sensing light may also come on during the Wash portion of
the cycle. This is normal.

WASH

You will hear the motor and washplate moving the load.
Unlike traditional washers, the load is not covered with
water. Low water cleaning means concentrated cleaning.
Rather than diluting detergent as done in an agitator-style
washer, this washer delivers the detergent directly to the
soils. The motor sounds may change at different stages
in the cycle. The wash time is determined by the selected
soil level.

RINSE

You will hear sounds similar to the wash cycle as the
washer rinses and moves the load. Fabric softener will be
added if the Timed Dispensers Fabric Softener option was
selected.

SPIN

The washer spins the load at increasing speeds for proper
water removal, based on the selected cycle and spin
speed.

DONE

Once the cycle is complete, this light will come on.
Remove the load promptly for best results.

LID LOCKED

To allow for proper load sensing and spinning, the lid
will lock and the Lid Locked light will turn on. This light
indicates that the lid is locked and cannot be opened.

If you need to open the lid, touch START/Pause.
The lid will unlock once the washer movement
has stopped. This may take several minutes if
the load was spinning at high speed. Touch
and hold START/PAUSE button again for up
to 3 seconds to restart the cycle.

Avoid opening the lid during sensing. The sensing process
will start over when the washer is restarted.

6

Dispensers

Liquid fabric softener dispenser

A

Pour measured liquid fabric softener into the liquid fabric
softener dispenser if desired. It will dispense automatically
at the optimum time.

• Use only liquid fabric softener in this dispenser.

High Efficiency “HE” detergent dispenser

B

Add liquid or powdered HE detergent product to this
dispenser for your main wash cycle. Remove tray if using
powder detergent.

IMPORTANT: Make sure tray is in drawer when using liquid
detergent and removed when using powder detergent and do
not go over the Max line.

Use only High Efficiency (HE) detergent.

NOTE: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the
amount of detergent to use. Do not add single-dose laundry
packets, color-safe bleach, or fabric softener crystals to
dispensers. They will not dispense correctly.

Oxi dispenser

C

This dispenser holds up to ¾ cup (180 mL) Oxi booster or
other laundry booster, such as powdered or liquid color-safe
bleach. Laundry boosters are automatically dispensed at the
proper time during the wash cycle. Be sure to select Oxi from
the options to ensure proper dispensing.

NOTE: Fill dispenser with only oxi. Do not mix with bleach.
Liquid chlorine bleach dispenser

D

This dispenser holds up to ¾ cup (180 mL) liquid chlorine
bleach. The bleach will be automatically diluted and dispensed
at the optimum time during the wash cycle. This dispenser
cannot dilute powdered bleach.

NOTE: Fill dispenser with only liquid bleach.

B

C

A

D

CYCLE GUIDE

Settings shown are default settings for that cycle. Once you select a cycle, the default modifiers or the previous set modifiers for that cycle
will be lit. For best fabric care, choose the cycle that best fits the load being washed. Not all cycles and options are available on all models.

Items to

wash:

Overly soiled
garments,
items that
need additional
cleaning effort

Casual and
mixed loads,
jeans, towels,
sturdy fabrics

Large items
such as sheets,
sleeping bags,
small comforters,
jackets, small
washable rugs

*All rinses are cold.

Cycle: Temperature*: Soil Level: Spin

Speed:

Power Wash

Deep Water

Wash

Bedding Use this cycle to wash large

®

Use this cycle for heavily soiled or
sturdy items. Water-level sensing
process may take longer for some
items than for others because they
will absorb more water than other
fabric types.

Provides additional water and
alternating wash action for heavily
soiled mixed loads. Water-level
sensing process may take longer for
some items than for others because
they will absorb more water than
other fabric types.

items such as jackets and small
comforters. The washer will fill with
enough water to wet down the load
before the wash portion of the cycle
begins and uses a higher water
level than other cycles.

Cycle Details:

7

CYCLE GUIDE

Settings shown are default settings for that cycle. Once you select a cycle, the default modifiers or the previous set modifiers for that cycle
will be lit. For best fabric care, choose the cycle that best fits the load being washed. Not all cycles and options are available on all models.

Items to

wash:

Heavily soiled,
colorfast fabrics

Swimsuits and
items requiring
rinsing without
detergent

Cottons, linens,
and mixed
garment loads

Bright or darkly
colored cottons,
linens, casual
and mixed loads

No-iron fabrics,
cottons, perm
press, linens,
synthetics

Machine-wash
silks, handwash
fabrics

Heavily soiled
fabrics

No clothes in
washer

*All rinses are cold.

Cycle: Temperature*: Soil Level: Spin

Speed:

Sanitize with

Oxi & Steam or

Sanitize with

Oxi (depending

on model)

Rinse &

Spin

Normal Use this cycle for normally soiled

Cold Wash Cold water with an additional

Wrinkle Control Use this cycle to wash loads of

Delicates Use this cycle to wash lightly

Soak Use this cycle to soak small

Clean Washer

with affresh

®

N/A N/A Combines a rinse and high

N/A N/A N/A Use this cycle every 30 washes

Use this cycle to eliminate 99.9% of
bacteria when used in conjunction
with the Oxi option. Preset cycle
settings must be used to achieve the
proper sanitization. Be sure to add
an Oxi product to the Oxi dispenser.

speed spin for loads requiring an
additional rinse cycle or to complete
a load after power interruption. Also
use for loads that require rinsing
only. If you want to Drain and Spin
only, select the Rinse & Spin cycle;
then touch to turn off the Extra
Rinse option.

cottons and mixed fabric loads.

wash action gently lifts stains while
caring for fabrics. Settings may be
adjusted as desired, but must use
only cold water settings.

no-iron fabrics such as sport shirts,
blouses, casual business clothes,
permanent press, and blends.

soiled items indicating “Machine
Washable Silks” or “Gentle” cycle
on the care label. Place small items
in mesh garment bags before
washing. This cycle uses a higher,
preset water level.

spots of set in stains on fabrics.
The washer will use intermittent
agitation and soaking. After time
has expired, water will drain, but
the washer will not spin. Cycle is
complete.

to keep the inside of your washer
fresh and clean. This cycle uses a
higher water level. Use with affresh®
Washer Cleaner tablet or liquid
chlorine bleach to thoroughly clean
the inside of your washer. This cycle
should not be interrupted. See
“Washer Care.”

IMPORTANT: Do not place
garments or other items in the
washer during the Clean Washer
with affresh® cycle. Use this cycle
with an empty wash tub.

Cycle Details:

8

USING YOUR WASHER

1. Sort and prepare your laundry 2. Add laundry products

• Empty pockets. Loose change, buttons, or any small object
can pass under the washplate and become trapped, causing
unexpected sounds.

• Sort items by recommended cycle, water temperature,
and colorfastness.

• Separate heavily soiled items from lightly soiled.

• Separate delicate items from sturdy fabrics.

• Do not dry items if stains remain after washing, because heat
can set stains into fabric.

• Treat stains promptly.

• Close zippers, fasten hooks, tie strings and sashes, and
remove non-washable trim and ornaments.

• Mend rips and tears to avoid further damage to items during
washing.

Helpful Tips:

• For best performance, use HE liquid detergent when washing
bulky items.

• When washing water-proof or water-resistant items, load
evenly. See “Cycle Guide” for tips and more information on
using the Bedding cycle.

• Use mesh garment bags to help avoid tangling when washing
delicate or small items.

• Turn knits inside out to avoid pilling. Separate lint-takers from
lint-givers. Synthetics, knits, and corduroy fabrics will pick up
lint from towels, rugs, and chenille fabrics.

Always read and follow fabric care label instructions to avoid
damage to your garments.

Single-dose laundry packet, color-safe bleach, or fabric softener
crystals can be added to the basket prior to adding laundry.

NOTE: Do not add clothes to washer basket prior to adding
laundry products. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Load laundry into washer

For best performance, load items in
loose heaps evenly around the washplate.
Try mixing different sized items to
reduce tangling.

IMPORTANT: Items need to move
freely for best cleaning and to reduce wrinkling and tangling.

9

Liquid

Chlorine Bleach

Using Laundry Product Dispensers

NOTE: Do not add single-dose laundry packets, color-safe bleach,

or fabric softener crystals to dispensers. They will not dispense
correctly. Add to the basket prior to adding laundry.

4. Add HE detergent

HE removable
detergent tray

Add a measured amount of HE liquid detergent
into detergent tray. This tray holds 3 oz. (89 mL).
If adding powder HE detergent remove inside tray.
Do not overfill tray – adding too much detergent may cause
detergent to be dispensed into the washer too early.

NOTE: Make sure tray is in drawer when using liquid detergent
and removed when using powder detergent. Do not go over the
Max line.

IMPORTANT: Use only High Efficiency detergents. The package
will be marked “HE” or “High Efficiency.” Low-water washing
creates excessive sudsing with a regular non-HE detergent.
Using regular detergent will likely result in longer cycle times and
reduced rinsing performance. It may also result in component
failures and noticeable mold or mildew. HE detergents are made
to produce the right amount of suds for the best performance.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the amount
of detergent to use.

HELPFUL TIP: See “Washer Maintenance” for information
recommended method of cleaning washer dispenser trays.

6. Add liquid fabric softener or

Oxi to dispenser

Fabric softener tray

Pour a measured amount of liquid fabric
softener or Oxi-type boosters, into tray; always
follow manufacturer’s directions for correct
amount of fabric softener or Oxi based on your load size. Close
dispenser drawer, and then select Oxi option. Oxi is added
during main wash and Fabric Softener is added during rinse.

IMPORTANT: Oxi option must be selected to ensure proper
distribution at correct time in cycle. Do not overfill or dilute.
Overfilling dispenser will cause fabric softener to immediately
dispense into washer.

If Extra Rinse option is selected, fabric softener will be
dispensed into the last rinse.

It is normal for a small amount of water to remain in the
dispenser at the end of a cycle.

Oxi tray

7. Touch POWER to turn on washer

5. Add liquid chlorine bleach

to dispenser

Do not overfill, dilute, or use more than 1 cup (236 mL).
Do not use color-safe bleach or Oxi products in the same
cycle with liquid chlorine bleach.

10

Make sure the dispenser drawer is closed completely, then
touch POWER to turn on the washer. Other methods of
turning the washer on include opening the lid or turning the
cycle selection knob.

8. Select cycle

Steam model shown

Turn cycle knob to choose your wash cycle.

9. Select Temperature

10. Select SOIL LEVEL

Once you select a cycle, select the soil level by touching the
Soil Level button to the desired setting.

11. Select cycle options, if desired

Steam model shown

Light soils

Colors that

bleed or

fade

Once you select a cycle, select the wash temperature by
touching the Temperature button to the desired setting. Even
for cold wash settings, some warm water may be added to the
washer to maintain a minimum temperature.

NOTE: Always read and follow fabric care label instructions to
avoid damage to your items. If not sure on which temperature to
use, refer to the chart below or select a cooler temperature.

Moderate

soils

Bright
colors

Heavy

soils
Whites
Pastels

If you would like to add an Extra Rinse and/or Oxi option, touch
the button for that feature.

12. Touch and hold START/Pause

button to begin wash cycle

Touch and hold START/PAUSE button for up to 3 seconds to
start the wash cycle. When the cycle has finished, the end of
cycle signal will sound (if set). Promptly remove items when
cycle is done to avoid odor, reduce wrinkling, and rusting of
metal hooks, zippers, and snaps.

Unlocking the lid to add items

If you need to open the lid to add 1 or 2 missed items:
Touch START/PAUSE button to pause washer; the lid will unlock

once the washer movement has stopped. This may take several
minutes if the load was spinning at a high speed. Then close
lid and touch and hold START/PAUSE button again for up to
3 seconds to restart the cycle.

IMPORTANT: If lid is left open for more than 10 minutes the
water will pump out and F8E6 error code will appear on the
display.

11

WASHER MAINTENANCE

WATER INLET HOSES

Replace inlet hoses after 5 years of use to reduce the risk of
hose failure. Periodically inspect and replace inlet hoses if
bulges, kinks, cuts, wear, or leaks are found.

When replacing your inlet hoses, mark the date of replacement
on the label with a permanent marker.

NOTE: This washer does not include inlet hoses. See the
“Installation Instructions” for more information.

WASHER CARE

Recommendations to Help Keep Your Washer
Clean and Performing at its Best

1. Always use High Efficiency (HE) detergents and follow the

HE detergent manufacturer’s instructions regarding the
amount of HE detergent to use. Never use more than the
recommended amount because that may increase the rate
at which detergent and soil residue accumulate inside your
washer, which in turn may result in undesirable odor.

2. Use warm and hot wash water settings sometimes (not

exclusively cold water washes), because they do a better
job of controlling the rate at which soils and detergent
accumulate.

3. Always leave the washer lid open between uses to help dry

out the washer and prevent the buildup of odor-causing
residue.

Cleaning Your Top Loading Washer

Read these instructions completely before beginning the
routine cleaning processes recommended below. This Washer
Maintenance Procedure should be performed, at a minimum,
once per month or every 30 wash cycles, whichever occurs
sooner, to control the rate at which soils and detergent may
otherwise accumulate in your washer.

Cleaning the Inside of the Washer

To keep your washer odor-free, follow the usage instructions
provided above, and use this recommended monthly cleaning
procedure:

Clean Washer Cycle

This washer has a special cycle that uses higher water volumes
in combination with affresh® Washer Cleaner or liquid chlorine
bleach to clean the inside of the washer.

Begin procedure

1. affresh® Washer Cleaner Cycle Procedure
(Recommended for Best Performance):

a. Open the washer lid and remove any clothing or items.
b. Place an affresh® Washer Cleaner tablet in the bottom

of the washer basket.

c. Do not place an affresh® Washer Cleaner tablet in the

detergent dispenser.

d. Do not add any detergent or other chemical to the washer

when following this procedure.

e. Close the washer lid.
f. Select the CLEAN WASHER cycle.
g. Touch and hold the START/Pause button to begin the

cycle. The Clean Washer Cycle Operation is described
below.

NOTE: For best results, do not interrupt cycle. If cycle must

be interrupted, touch POWER. After the Clean Washer cycle
has stopped, run a RINSE & SPIN cycle to rinse cleaner from
washer.

WASHER CARE (cont.)

2. Chlorine Bleach Procedure (Alternative):

a. Open the washer lid and remove any clothing or items.
b. Add 1 cup (236 mL) of liquid chlorine bleach to the bleach

compartment.

NOTE: Use of more liquid chlorine bleach than is
recommended above could cause washer damage
over time.

c. Close the washer lid.
d. Do not add any detergent or other chemical to the washer

when following this procedure.

e. Select the CLEAN WASHER cycle.
f. Touch and hold the START/Pause button to begin the

cycle. The Clean Washer Cycle Operation is described
below.

NOTE: For best results, do not interrupt cycle. If cycle must

be interrupted, touch POWER. After the Clean Washer cycle
has stopped, run a RINSE & SPIN cycle to rinse cleaner
from washer.

Description of Clean Washer Cycle Operation:

1. This cycle will fill to a water level higher than in normal wash

cycles to provide rinsing at a level above the water line for
normal wash cycle.

2. During this cycle, there will be some agitation and spinning

to increase the removal of soils.

After this cycle is complete, leave the lid open to allow
for better ventilation and drying of the washer interior.

Cleaning the Dispensers

After a period of using your washer, you may find some residue
buildup in the washer’s dispensers. To remove residue from
the dispensers, wipe them with a damp cloth and towel dry.
Do not attempt to remove the dispensers or trim for cleaning.
The dispensers and trim are not removable. If your model has
a dispenser drawer, however, remove the drawer and clean it
before or after you run the Clean Washer cycle. Use an all­purpose surface cleaner, if needed.

Cleaning the Outside of the Washer

Use a soft, damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any spills. Use
only mild soaps or cleaners when cleaning external washer
surfaces.

IMPORTANT: To avoid damaging the washer’s finish, do not
use abrasive products.

12