What is the capacity of Maytag mtw5720tq0?
The Maytag MTW5720TQ0 top-load washer is typically listed at about 3.2 cu. ft. of wash capacity. For the exact capacity and the matching load-size guidance for your cycle selections, use the specifications section in the MTW5720TQ0 owner's manual.
How to use that capacity in real loads
A 3.2 cu. ft. top-load washer like the Maytag MTW5720TQ0 is designed for everyday family loads. To get the best cleaning and spin performance:
- Load items loosely; do not pack clothes down
- Keep the load balanced (mix small and large items)
- Use the correct water level or load size setting (if your model has it)
- Avoid overloading; it can reduce agitation and cause out-of-balance spinning
- Use HE detergent only if your detergent label calls for it; too much suds can affect rinsing
Quick capacity guide (typical examples)
These examples help translate cubic feet into common laundry loads.
| Load type | Typical fit in ~3.2 cu. ft. top-load washer | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday mixed load | Medium to large | Best results when items can circulate |
| Towels | Medium | Balance towels evenly around the basket |
| Bedding | 1 comforter (depending on thickness) | Bulky items can unbalance during spin |
Why it matters
Capacity affects cleaning, rinsing, and spin speed. When the basket is overloaded, the agitator cannot move clothes properly, the washer may stop to rebalance, and parts such as the washer suspension spring WP63907 can be stressed by repeated out-of-balance loads.
Last updated: January 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Maytag washer?
Most Maytag washers, including the Maytag MTW5720TQ0, typically last 10 to 13 years with normal household use; with consistent care and timely repairs, it’s common to reach 14 years or more. Following the maintenance and operating guidance in the MTW5720TQ0 owner's manual helps you get the longest service life.
What affects washer lifespan the most
- Load size and balance: frequent overloading or consistently unbalanced loads shortens drivetrain and suspension life.
- Water quality: hard water increases mineral buildup and can contribute to valve and hose issues.
- Drain performance: slow draining strains the pump and can leave residue behind.
- Spin habits: repeated high-speed spins with heavy items accelerate wear on the clutch and drive system.
- Maintenance routine: periodic cleaning and inspection prevents small issues from becoming major failures.
Maintenance checklist to help your MTW5720TQ0 last longer
- Run a periodic cleaning routine as outlined in the MTW5720TQ0 owner's manual.
- Keep loads evenly distributed; wash bulky items in smaller batches.
- Check fill and drain hoses for bulges, cracking, or leaks.
- If the washer won’t drain or leaves water behind, inspect the drain path and consider the washer drain pump WP3363394 if the pump is noisy, seized, or leaking.
- If agitation becomes weak or intermittent, inspect common wear items such as the agitator dog 80040.
Typical lifespan expectations (what to plan for)
| Usage pattern | Typical lifespan | What usually wears first |
|---|---|---|
| Light (few loads/week) | 12 to 15 years | Hoses, lid switch, pump |
| Average (most households) | 10 to 13 years | Pump, clutch, drive components |
| Heavy (daily loads) | 7 to 10 years | Clutch, gear case, suspension |
Why it matters
Knowing the typical lifespan helps us decide when maintenance and smaller repairs (like a drain pump or agitator components) make sense versus planning for a replacement, especially if multiple major drivetrain parts start failing close together.
Last updated: January 2026
What is the most common problem with a Maytag washer?
For the Maytag MTW5720TQ0 top-load washer, the most common customer-reported problems are not spinning and not draining, and they are often tied to a lid not fully closed, a drain restriction, or a failed lid switch that prevents agitation and spin for safety. See the MTW5720TQ0 owner's manual for the model’s built-in checks.
Most common symptoms and what they usually point to
- Won’t run, fill, rinse, or agitate: power supply issue, cycle pause, overload, or lid not closed
- Won’t drain or spin: clogged/kinked drain hose, excessive suds, or lid not closed
- Stops mid-cycle: normal 2-minute pause on some cycles, overload, or power interruption
- No spin with lid closed: lid switch problem (common on this style of washer)
- Slow drain or standing water: drain pump or drain hose restriction
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, no parts)
- Confirm the washer is plugged into a grounded outlet and the breaker is not tripped.
- Close the lid firmly; this model will not agitate or spin with the lid open.
- Wait through normal pauses; some cycles pause about 2 minutes.
- Check the drain hose for kinks and confirm the drain standpipe height is not over 96 in.
- Reduce detergent if you see heavy suds; excessive sudsing can prevent proper draining/spinning.
Common parts involved on MTW5720TQ0
| Symptom | Common cause | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| No spin/no agitate | Lid safety circuit not closing | Washer lid switch assembly WP8318084 |
| Won’t drain | Pump jammed or failing | Washer drain pump WP3363394 |
| Weak agitation | Worn agitator drive components | Agitator dog 80040 |
Why it matters
A washer that can’t drain or spin usually leaves clothes soaking wet and can trigger repeat cycle stops. Fixing the root cause early also helps prevent strain on the drive system, clutch, and gear case.
Last updated: January 2026
Is it worth repairing a Maytag MTW5720TQ0 washer?
Yes, repairing a Maytag MTW5720TQ0 washer is worth it when the failure is a common, lower-cost wear item (like a lid switch or drain pump) and the washer otherwise runs smoothly; it is usually not worth it when the repair involves major drive-system or tub work that approaches the cost of replacement. Use the MTW5720TQ0 owner's manual to confirm proper operation and maintenance before deciding.
Quick decision checklist
- Repair it if the washer still fills, agitates, and spins normally most of the time, and the problem is intermittent.
- Repair it if the issue points to a single replaceable part such as the washer lid switch assembly WP8318084 or washer drain pump WP3363394.
- Replace it if you have loud grinding, oil leaks, repeated no-spin issues, or multiple failures close together.
- Replace it if the estimate includes major labor plus expensive drivetrain parts.
- Pause and diagnose if the washer will not start, will not drain, or will not spin; those symptoms can be either simple or major.
Typical repair cost tiers (parts-focused)
| Repair type | Common symptoms | Typical parts cost range | Often worth it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple electrical/safety | Won’t start, stops mid-cycle | $25 to $60 | Yes |
| Drain system | Won’t drain, water left in tub | $30 to $80 | Yes |
| Agitation wear items | Weak agitation, clothes not moving | $10 to $40 | Yes |
| Major drive system | Grinding, oil leak, no spin under load | $150 to $300+ | Sometimes |
Parts that commonly make a repair “worth it”
These are frequent, straightforward fixes on top-load Maytag washers like the MTW5720TQ0:
- Lid safety circuit: washer lid switch assembly WP8318084
- Drain function: washer drain pump WP3363394
- Agitation wear: agitator dog 80040
- Basket-to-drive connection issues: washer drive block WP389140
Why it matters
A targeted repair restores safe operation and prevents secondary damage (for example, running a washer that will not drain can strain the pump and motor). The manual also recommends using factory specified parts so the fit and function match the original design.
Last updated: January 2026





