Maytag Washer MHW5500FW0 Manual

The Maytag MHW5500FW0 is a high-efficiency top-load washer with 4.3 cu. ft. capacity, PowerWash® cycle, 11 wash cycles, 5 soil levels, stainless steel wash basket, LED display, automatic temperature control, deep water wash option, and advanced vibration control. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Utilities 7. Operating Cycles 8. Maintenance Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Stainless steel wash basket, LED control panel, PowerWash® agitator, automatic temperature control, deep water wash option.

FeatureDescription
PowerWash® cycleHeavy-duty cleaning for tough stains
4.3 cu. ft. capacityLarge capacity for family-sized loads
11 wash cyclesIncludes Normal, Heavy, Delicates, Quick Wash
5 soil levelsLight, Normal, Heavy, Extra Heavy, PowerWash
Stainless steel basketDurable and rust-resistant
LED displayShows cycle time and settings
Deep water washExtra water for heavily soiled items
Automatic temperature controlMaintains optimal water temperature
Advanced vibration controlReduces noise and movement
ENERGY STAR® certifiedEnergy efficient operation

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on level floor.

  1. Remove shipping materials: Remove transit bolts and packing materials.
  2. Level the washer: Adjust leveling legs until unit is stable.
  3. Connect water supply: Attach hot and cold water hoses to corresponding faucets.
  4. Connect drain hose: Ensure proper drainage into standpipe or laundry tub.
  5. Plug into electrical outlet: Use grounded 120V outlet.

WARNING! Washer is heavy; use two people for installation. Ensure all connections are secure.

First-Time Setup

Power on washer; follow initial setup procedure.

  1. Run initial test cycle: Select Quick Wash cycle without laundry.
  2. Check for leaks: Inspect water connections during first fill.
  3. Set preferences: Configure default temperature, spin speed, and cycle options.
  4. Load laundry: Distribute items evenly around agitator.
  5. Add detergent: Use HE detergent only; follow manufacturer's instructions.

CAUTION! Ensure washer is level to prevent excessive vibration during spin cycles.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access controls via LED display panel. Control Knob: Select wash cycles. Buttons: POWER, START/PAUSE, OPTIONS, CANCEL.

Cycle Selection: Turn knob to select desired wash cycle. Options: PowerWash®, Normal, Heavy, Delicates, Quick Wash, Rinse & Spin, Drain & Spin.

Settings: Temperature (Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot), Soil Level (Light to PowerWash), Spin Speed (No Spin to Max), Deep Water option, Delay Start. Display: Shows cycle time, settings, and status indicators.

Connecting Utilities

Water Supply: Hot and cold water connections. Drain: Drain hose connection. Electrical: Standard 120V outlet.

  1. Turn off water supply before connecting hoses.
  2. Use only new hoses; do not reuse old hoses.
  3. Ensure drain hose is secured and not kinked.
  4. Plug into dedicated grounded outlet.

Tip: Install water hammer arrestors if water hammer occurs.

Operating Cycles

Supports various fabric types and soil levels.

  1. Load laundry: Open lid, distribute items evenly.
  2. Add detergent: Pour HE detergent into dispenser.
  3. Select cycle: Turn knob to desired wash cycle.
  4. Adjust settings: Set temperature, soil level, spin speed.
  5. Start cycle: Press START/PAUSE to begin.
  6. Monitor progress: LED display shows remaining time.
  7. Remove laundry: Promptly remove items after cycle completion.
  8. Clean lint filter: Regular maintenance after cycles.

WARNING! Do not overload washer. Follow fabric care labels.

Maintenance Features

Self-Clean Cycle: Run monthly to clean interior. Lint Filter: Clean after each use. Drain Pump Filter: Access for removing objects.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Wipe exterior with damp cloth. Clean interior with self-clean cycle monthly.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners; keep control panel dry.

Regulatory Information

UL listed; complies with FCC Part 15. ENERGY STAR® certified. Copyright © 2025 Maytag; trademarks of Whirlpool Corporation. For support, visit www.maytag.com or contact 1-800-344-1274.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Washer won't startPower/lidEnsure unit is plugged in; close lid completely; check circuit breaker.
No water fillingWater supplyCheck water valves are open; inspect hoses for kinks.
Excessive vibrationLeveling/loadLevel the washer; redistribute unbalanced load.
Water not drainingDrain hoseCheck for kinks; clean drain pump filter; ensure proper drain height.
Poor cleaningDetergent/loadUse HE detergent; avoid overloading; select proper cycle.

Reset: Unplug for 1 minute then restart.

Service: 1-800-344-1274; www.maytag.com

Maytag Washer MHW5500FW0 Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025