Can I wash a king size comforter in a Maytag washer?
Yes, you can wash a king size comforter in a Maytag washer, but the key is whether it can circulate freely during agitation. On the Maytag MAV208DAWW, choose a high water level (often “Super”) and stop if the load is packed tight or the washer struggles to agitate. See the load and water level guidance in the MAV208DAWW owner's manual.
- Shake the comforter out first so it is not bunched up.
- Load it loosely around the agitator; do not press it down.
- Select the highest water level that allows free movement.
- Use a low-sudsing detergent and measure carefully.
- If the washer becomes unbalanced, pause and redistribute before spinning.
The manual notes that items must circulate freely for best results, and bulky fabrics may require adjusting the water level after agitation begins.
| Item type | Water level | Spin guidance |
|---|---|---|
| King comforter (bulky) | Large to Super | Use a normal spin; redistribute if it thumps |
| King comforter + extra items | Super only (if it still circulates) | Reduce extra items if agitation is weak |
| Comforter that soaks up lots of water | Super | Expect heavier load; balance carefully |
- The comforter cannot move once wet (no circulation).
- The washer repeatedly stops or cannot complete the spin due to imbalance.
- You see excessive suds (suds lock can prevent proper spinning).
A comforter that cannot circulate puts extra strain on the drive system and increases the chance of an out-of-balance spin. Proper circulation also improves cleaning and rinsing performance.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I reset the lid lock on a Maytag washer?
On the Maytag MAV208DAWW washer, there is no electronic “lid lock reset” sequence; the washer simply will not agitate or spin unless the lid is completely closed. To restore operation, close the lid fully, then restart the cycle using the control dial as shown in the MAV208DAWW owner's manual.
- Push the control dial in to stop the washer.
- Open the lid and close it firmly (do not slam).
- Redistribute the load if it is off-balance.
- Turn the control dial to the desired cycle.
- Pull the control dial out (or press the cycle selector, depending on your control style) to restart.
This model is designed to stop spinning and agitating when the lid is open. If it acts like the lid is open when it is closed, focus on lid closure and basic power and cycle checks.
- Confirm the lid is fully seated and not being held up by laundry.
- Check the outlet and reset the breaker if needed.
- Re-select the cycle and restart (the dial must be in the off position before changing settings).
- Wait briefly; short pauses during the cycle are normal.
- If the tub is full of suds, run a rinse without detergent and reduce detergent next load.
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Fills but will not agitate/spin | Lid not fully closed or lid switch issue | Re-close lid, restart cycle; inspect lid switch/actuator alignment |
| Stops during spin when lid is opened | Normal safety behavior | Close lid and restart; cycle resumes where it left off |
| Won’t start at all | Power or control setting issue | Verify power, set dial to cycle, restart |
The lid switch safety design prevents the basket from spinning with the lid open. Getting the lid fully closed and restarting correctly fixes most “lid lock” complaints on the MAV208DAWW without replacing parts.
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Maytag washer?
Most Maytag washers average 10 to 13 years of service life in normal household use. For your Maytag MAV208DAWW, lifespan depends most on load size, cycle frequency, water quality, and routine care outlined in the MAV208DAWW owner's manual.
- Overloading strains the drive system, tub, and suspension.
- Detergent overuse can leave residue that leads to odor and buildup.
- Cold-water-only washing can increase residue and interior soil over time.
- Hard water accelerates mineral buildup in valves, hoses, and screens.
- Poor drainage (slow drain, standing water) increases wear on the pump and hoses.
The manual recommends cleaning and freshening the washer interior on a schedule (commonly every 60 to 120 days, depending on use). Use these habits to keep the MAV208DAWW running longer:
- Clean and freshen the washer interior regularly.
- Wipe up spills on the top and lid to protect the finish.
- Check fill performance; if filling slows, clean inlet screens.
- Keep hoses in good condition and replace at the first sign of bulging or cracking.
- If the home will be closed for winter, unplug and disconnect hoses; have the washer drained.
| What you’re seeing | Common cause | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t fill or fills slowly | Clogged inlet screens, valve issue | Clean screens; consider replacing the washer water inlet valve WP21001932 |
| Leaks at the wall connection | Worn fill hose or loose connection | Replace the fill hose such as inlet hose WP89503 and recheck fittings |
| Won’t drain or drains slowly | Drain restriction, hose issue | Check for clogs; inspect/replace the washer drain hose WP21001872 |
A washer that is kept clean internally, filled and drained properly, and not overloaded typically reaches its full expected lifespan. Small issues like restricted inlet screens or aging hoses can shorten life by forcing the machine to run under stress.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most common problem with a Maytag washer?
On the Maytag MAV208DAWW washer, the most common day-to-day issue is spin and drain trouble caused by an unbalanced load or the lid not fully closed. This model is designed to pause during cycles and it will not agitate or spin with the lid open (see the MAV208DAWW owner's manual).
- Uneven load during spin: items can end up wetter even though the cycle completes.
- Lid not fully closed: the washer will not agitate or spin unless the lid is closed.
- Suds lock: too much detergent can interfere with draining and spinning.
- Drain hose kink or restriction: slows draining and reduces spin-out.
- Overload protector trip: heavy loads can stop the motor until it cools.
- Wet load at the end: push in the control dial, open the lid, redistribute the load, close the lid, restart to finish the final spin.
- Confirm lid closure: close the lid firmly, then restart.
- Reduce suds: rewash without detergent; then use a low-sudsing detergent and the correct amount.
- Inspect drain hose routing: straighten the hose, remove kinks, and secure the end at the standpipe or laundry tub.
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What we do first |
|---|---|---|
| Won’t spin | Lid open; unbalanced load | Close lid; redistribute; restart |
| Clothes too wet | Out-of-balance spin | Redistribute; run final spin |
| Slow/no drain | Kinked hose; restriction | Straighten hose; clear restriction |
| Stops mid-cycle | Normal pause; overload | Wait briefly; reduce load |
If you’ve confirmed the basics and still have fill problems or leaks, inspect the fill hoses. A cracked or leaking hose is commonly replaced with the inlet hose WP89503.
Correcting load balance, lid closure, suds level, and hose routing prevents repeat interruptions, improves spin-out performance, and reduces wear on the drive system.
Last updated: February 2026





