What is the capacity of Maytag MTW5620TQ2?
The Maytag MTW5620TQ2 top-load washer has a 3.2 cu. ft. capacity. This is the tub volume the washer is designed around, and it helps you choose appropriate load sizes and cycles for best cleaning and spin performance. See the owner's manual for load-size guidance and cycle details.
What 3.2 cu. ft. means for everyday loads
A 3.2 cu. ft. top-load washer is a mid-capacity design that handles typical household laundry well when loads are not overpacked.
- Wash bulky items one at a time (for example, a comforter or thick blanket)
- Keep mixed loads loosely packed so water and detergent can circulate
- Balance items (towels with towels, jeans with similar items) to reduce vibration
- Avoid compressing clothes down into the basket
- Use the cycle and water level intended for the fabric type
Quick capacity comparison (typical washer ranges)
| Washer type | Typical capacity range | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Compact top load | 2.0 to 2.8 cu. ft. | Small households, limited space |
| Standard top load (like MTW5620TQ2) | 3.0 to 4.0 cu. ft. | Everyday family laundry |
| Large-capacity top load | 4.5 to 6.0+ cu. ft. | Bulky items, larger households |
Why it matters
Capacity affects cleaning and reliability. Overloading a top-load washer commonly leads to poor agitation, out-of-balance spinning, and extra noise. The manual’s troubleshooting guidance also emphasizes keeping loads balanced and the washer level to prevent vibration and noisy operation.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with a Maytag washer?
For the Maytag MTW5620TQ2 washer, the most common day-to-day complaint is the washer not draining or not spinning. In our experience, the fastest things to check are lid-closed operation, drain hose setup, and oversudsing; all three are called out in the owner's manual.
Most common symptoms and what they usually point to
- Won't spin or agitate: lid not fully closed or a failing lid switch
- Won't drain or drains slowly: kinked/clogged drain hose, pump restriction, or pump failure
- Cycle seems stuck filling or draining: drain hose positioned too low or sealed too tightly in the standpipe
- Excessive suds: too much detergent (especially with soft water)
- Noisy or shaking: unbalanced load or washer not level
Quick checks we recommend first (no tools)
- Close the lid firmly; this model will not agitate or spin with the lid open.
- Check the drain hose height; the end of the drain hose should not be more than 96 in. (244 cm) above the floor.
- Prevent siphoning; the top of the drain hose must be higher than the washer water level, and the hose should not be taped airtight to the standpipe.
- Reduce suds; measure detergent carefully and use less if you have very soft water.
- Balance the load and level the washer; an unbalanced load can cause noise and poor spinning.
Parts that commonly fix “won’t spin” or “won’t drain”
If the basic checks above do not solve it, these are common repair paths for MTW5620TQ2:
| Symptom | Common suspect | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Won't spin/agitate with lid closed | Lid switch not sensing closed lid | Washer lid switch assembly WP8318084 |
| Won't drain or drains slowly | Drain pump jammed or failed | Washer drain pump WP3363394 |
| Won't fill or fills incorrectly | Water inlet valve issue | Valve WP3979346 |
Why it matters
Drain, spin, and lid-sensing problems can look like a “dead washer,” but they are often caused by a simple installation issue (drain hose height or siphoning) or a single failed component (lid switch or drain pump). Fixing the root cause prevents repeat clogs, oversudsing, and water leaks.
Last updated: February 2026
Is there a way to bypass the lid lock on a Maytag washer?
We do not recommend bypassing the lid lock or lid switch on your Maytag MTW5620TQ2 washer. The lid must be closed for the washer to agitate or spin, and defeating that safety feature increases the risk of injury and damage. Use the troubleshooting steps in the owner's manual instead.
What to check first (safe, fast steps)
- Make sure the lid is fully closed and not being held up by an oversized item.
- Unplug the washer for 1 minute, then plug it back in to reset the cycle.
- Confirm the washer is not in a normal pause (some cycles pause briefly).
- Reduce the load size; overloading can prevent proper operation.
- Check your outlet and breaker; a power issue can mimic a lid lock problem.
When the washer will not spin or agitate
On MTW5620TQ2, the washer is designed not to agitate or spin with the lid open. If the lid is closed but the washer still will not run, the lid switch circuit is a common failure point.
Common symptom patterns
| What you see | What it usually points to | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Lid closed, washer will not start/spin | Lid switch not sensing closed lid | Inspect/replace the washer lid switch assembly WP8318084 |
| Intermittent start/stop when you press on the lid | Loose/failed lid switch or alignment issue | Check lid strike alignment; test lid switch |
| Washer drains but will not spin | Lid switch or drive system issue | Verify lid switch first, then check clutch/drive parts |
Why bypassing is a bad idea
- The lid lock/switch prevents reaching into a moving tub or agitator.
- Bypassing can lead to injury if the basket starts spinning unexpectedly.
- It can also create new electrical or control problems that increase repair cost.
Parts that commonly fix “lid closed but won’t run”
If you are diagnosing a no-spin/no-agitate condition on this model, these are the most common related parts to check:
- Washer lid switch assembly WP8318084 (most common for lid-sensing failures)
- Clutch 285785 (if the motor runs but the basket does not spin)
- Washer drive motor WP661600 (if the washer is completely dead or motor will not run)
Last updated: February 2026
Can I wash a king size comforter in a Maytag washer?
Yes; you can wash a king size comforter in your Maytag MTW5620TQ2 washer if it fits loosely in the basket and can move freely during agitation. If it has to be packed down, it will not clean or spin safely; use a larger-capacity machine.
How to tell if it fits
Use these quick checks before starting:
- The comforter sits below the top of the basket and does not press hard on the lid.
- You can slide an open hand between the comforter and the basket wall in a few spots.
- The load shifts easily when you reposition it; it does not feel wedged.
- The washer can agitate normally; no stalling or struggling.
- The load stays balanced in spin; no repeated banging or walking.
Best settings for bulky bedding
Follow cycle and load-size guidance in the MTW5620TQ2 owner's manual. In general, bulky items wash best with plenty of water and room to circulate.
- Choose a bulky/bedding cycle if your control has one.
- Set the correct load size or water level for the item.
- Use the warmest water allowed by the care label.
- Use a small amount of HE detergent to prevent trapped suds.
- Add an extra rinse if the comforter feels soapy.
If it thumps or goes off-balance
Stop the cycle and correct the load; repeated off-balance spinning strains the drive and suspension.
| Symptom | Most common cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Loud banging in spin | Comforter bunched to one side | Redistribute; wash it alone |
| Poor cleaning, dry spots | Load packed too tightly | Reduce bulk or use larger machine |
| Won’t spin | Lid not fully closed | Close lid firmly; check the washer lid switch assembly WP8318084 |
Why it matters
Bulky bedding that is too tight in the basket cannot circulate for proper cleaning and can trigger severe out-of-balance spinning.
Last updated: February 2026





