Not all features and cycles are available on all models.

1. ESTIMATED TIME REMAINING DISPLAY
The Estimated Time Remaining 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. Tightly packed, unbalanced loads, or excessive suds may cause the washer to adjust the cycle time, as well.
2. POWER/CANCEL BUTTON
Press to turn the washer ON or OFF.
3. 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 of cycles.
4. START/PAUSE BUTTON
Press to start the selected cycle. Be sure all desired Modifiers and Options have been selected. Press START/PAUSE once to unlock the lid and add a garment. Press START/PAUSE again to complete the cycle from where it was stopped. The lid must be closed for the washer to start.
5. CYCLE MODIFIERS
Modifiers allow you to further customize your cycles and save energy. Not all cycles, options, and modifiers are available on all models.
WASH TEMP
Select a water temperature based on the type of load you are washing. Use the warmest wash water suitable for fabrics. Follow garment label instructions.
All cycles use cold rinses. Cold rinses may help with wrinkling and save energy.
NOTE: In wash water temperatures colder than 60°F (15.6°C), detergents do not dissolve well. Soils may be difficult to remove.
SPIN SPEED
This washer automatically selects the spin speed based on the cycle selected. The preset speeds can be changed. Not all spin speeds are available with all cycles.
SOIL LEVEL
Soil Level (wash time) is preset for each wash cycle. As you press Soil Level, the cycle time (minutes) will increase or decrease in the Estimated Time Remaining display and a different wash time will appear.
For most loads, use the Soil Level that is preset with the cycle you have chosen. For heavily soiled and sturdy fabrics, press SOIL LEVEL to select more wash time, if needed. For lightly soiled and delicate fabrics, press SOIL LEVEL to select less wash time, if needed. Lower Soil Level settings will help reduce tangling and wrinkling.
6. CYCLE OPTIONS
When you select a cycle, its default options will light up. Not all cycles, options, and modifiers are available on all models.
WATER SAVE SPRAY RINSE
Use this option to save water by using a spray rinse instead of a deep water rinse. This option is the default setting on some cycles, and selectable on other cycles. When using fabric softener, always select the FABRIC SOFTENER button, or select EXTRA RINSE; both of these options will dispense fabric softener in a deep rinse.
OXI TREAT STAINS
Use this option to boost cleaning performance with Oxi products. This washer is designed to dispense laundry boosters such as oxygenated stain treaters and color-safe bleach at the correct time in the cycle for best cleaning performance, using the liquid chlorine bleach dispenser. Do not use laundry boosters and chlorine bleach in the same cycle.
CLEAN BOOST WITH HEATER
The Clean Boost with Heater option helps to ensure better soil and stain removal. Clean Boost uses a heater within the washer to maintain the selected temperature setting throughout the wash period. This option will add some additional time to the cycle based on which temperature is selected. It is a preset cycle setting on the Sanitary and Power Wash cycles. Clean Boost with Heater may be selected as an option with other cycles.
EXTRA RINSE
This option can be used to automatically add a second rinse to most cycles.
FABRIC SOFTENER
This option must be selected if using fabric softener during a cycle. It ensures that fabric softener is added at the correct time in the rinse for even distribution.
CYCLE SIGNAL
Use this option to adjust volume of the signal that sounds at end of cycle. You may select Hi, Low, or Off (no indicator lit). A louder signal is helpful in removing items as soon as cycle is complete.
You may also add or remove options for each cycle. Not all options can be used with all cycles, and some are preset to work with certain cycles.
To turn Button Sounds either Off or On:
Button Sounds can be turned off or on by holding down the Cycle Signal button for 5 seconds. The washer will make a single short beep/tone when complete. This function can be completed at any time during the washer’s operation, but not in STANDBY.
When the Button Sounds function is set to Off:
NOTE: The chosen setting will remain in effect through a power loss.
7. LID LOCK INDICATOR
This light indicates that the lid is locked and cannot be opened. If you need to open the lid, press 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. Press START/PAUSE again to restart the cycle.

8. CYCLE STATUS LIGHT INDICATORS
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.
DELAY
This indicator will light if you use the + or – buttons to delay the start of your cycle. To use this feature, see “Select Cycle” in the “Starting Your Washer” section.
FILL
When the Start/Pause button is pressed, the washer will add a small amount of water to the load, then pause for a few seconds. The lid will then lock and the washer will continue to fill.
WASH
You will hear the motor and washplate moving the load. It is normal for some of the load to be above the water line. 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. You may hear the motor turning on briefly to move the basket while filling. Fabric softener will be added if the Fabric Softener option was selected. Some cycles use spray rinsing.
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.
HEATING
This light may come on during the wash portion of the cycle, as the washer slowly spins the load while adjusting the water temperature.
ADD A GARMENT
You may place additional clothing in the wash when the Add a Garment indicator is lit without sacrificing wash performance. Press START/PAUSE once. The Lid Lock light will turn off. Open the washer lid, add garments, and close the lid. Press START/PAUSE to restart.
CLEAN WASHER REMINDER
The Clean Washer Reminder indicator lights after 30 wash cycles without a clean washer cycle. See the “Washer Care” section to run the clean washer cycle, or you can press REMINDER RESET button to manually reset clean washer cycle counter.
DISPENSERS

A High Efficiency “HE” detergent dispenser
Add liquid or powdered HE detergent product to this dispenser for your main wash cycle.

B Liquid chlorine bleach dispenser
This dispenser holds up to 3/4 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. Use the liquid chlorine bleach dispenser for liquid chlorine bleach, color-safe bleach, or Oxi product laundry boosters. If using an Oxi product, be sure to select the Oxi Treat Stains button. Do not use Oxi products in the same cycle as liquid chlorine bleach
C. Liquid fabric softener compartment
Pour measured liquid fabric softener into the liquid fabric softener dispenser, if desired. It will dispense automatically at the optimum time when the Fabric Softener option is selected.

1 Sort and prepare your laundry

Helpful Tips:
NOTE: Always read and follow fabric care labels instructions to avoid damage to your garments.
2 Add laundry products, if desired

Add a measured amount of detergent or single-dose laundry packet into the basket. If using Oxi-type boosters, color-safe bleach, or fabric softener crystals, add to the bottom of the washer basket before adding clothes.
NOTE: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the amount of landry products to use
3. Load laundry into washer

For best performance, it is recommended to load garments in loose heaps evenly around the washplate. Try mixing different-sized garments to reduce tangling.
IMPORTANT: Garments need to move freely for best cleaning and to reduce wrinkling and tangling.
4 Add HE detergent to dispenser

Add a measured amount of HE detergent into detergent dispenser.
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 on recommended method of cleaning washer dispensers.
5 Add liquid chlorine bleach or Oxi product to dispenser

Do not overfill, dilute, or use more than 3/4 cup (180 mL). Do not use color-safe bleach or Oxi products in the same cycle with liquid chlorine bleach. For maximum soil and stain removal, you may use the liquid chlorine bleach dispenser for liquid chlorine bleach, color-safe bleach, or Oxi product laundry boosters.
IMPORTANT: If using an Oxi product, be sure to select the Oxi Treat Stains button. Use the liquid chlorine bleach dispenser for Oxi products.

6 Add liquid fabric softener to dispenser

Pour a measured amount of liquid fabric softener into dispenser; always follow manufacturer’s directions for correct amount of fabric softener based on your load size. Then select Fabric Softener option.
IMPORTANT: Fabric Softener 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 in the last rinse.
NOTE: Do not use liquid fabric softener dispenser balls in this washer. They will not dispense correctly.
7 TPress POWER/CANCEL to turn on washer

8 Select CYCLE

Turn cycle knob to choose your wash cycle. Estimated Time Remaining will light up with a cycle time. You may notice time adjusting during the cycle. This is normal.
If you do not want to begin a cycle immediately, you may choose DELAY START option.
To choose a delay time:
NOTE: The Start/Pause indicator light will not flash when Delay Start is chosen. You must press START/PAUSE to initiate a countdown for the cycle to begin. The cycle selections and modifiers are lit during the Delay Start time.
To cancel delaying a cycle:
Press POWER/CANCEL once to cancel Delay Start or press START/PAUSE to cancel the countdown and start the cycle.
IMPORTANT: When delaying a cycle, use liquid HE detergent only in the dispenser. Powdered detergents may absorb moisture from a previous cycle and clump before the wash cycle begins.
9 Select cycle modifiers

Once you select a cycle, the default settings for that cycle will be lit. Press the Modifier buttons to change the Wash Temp, Spin Speed, and Soil Level, if desired. Not all settings are available with all cycles.
NOTE: Always read and follow fabric care labels instructions to avoid damage to your garments.

10 Select cycle options

Select any other cycle options you may wish to add, if not previously set. Some cycles will automatically add certain options such as Clean Boost. These may be turned off, if desired.
NOTE: Not all options are available with all cycles.
11 Press START/PAUSE to begin wash cycle

Press the START/PAUSE button to start the wash cycle. When the cycle has finished, the end of cycle signal will sound (if set). Promptly remove garments when cycle is done to avoid odor, reduce wrinkling, and rusting of metal hooks, zippers, and snaps. If lid is left open for more than 10 minutes the water will pump out.
WATER INLET HOSES
Replace inlet hoses after five 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.
Check that the old washers are not stuck on the washer inlet valves.
Use new washers in the new inlet hoses to ensure a proper seal.
WASHER CARE
Recommendations to Help Keep Your Washer Clean and Performing at Its Best
Cleaning Your Front 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. Press 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, press POWER/CANCEL. (For models with no Power/Cancel button, press and hold START/PAUSE for three seconds). After the Clean Washer cycle has stopped, run a Rinse/Drain & Spin cycle to rinse cleaner from washer.
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. Press 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, press POWER/CANCEL. (For models with no Power/Cancel button, press and hold START/PAUSE for three seconds). After the Clean Washer cycle has stopped, run a Rinse/Drain & Spin cycle to rinse cleaner from washer.
Description of Clean Washer Cycle Operation:
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 all-purpose 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.
NON-USE AND VACATION CARE
Operate your washer only when you are home. If moving or not using your washer for a period of time, follow these steps:
1. Unplug or disconnect power to washer.
2. Turn off water supply to washer to avoid flooding due to water pressure surges.
WINTER STORAGE CARE
IMPORTANT: To avoid damage, install and store washer where it will not freeze. Because some water may stay in hoses, freezing can damage washer. If storing or moving during freezing weather, winterize your washer.
To winterize washer:
1. Shut off both water faucets, then disconnect and drain water inlet hoses.
2. Put 1 qt. (1 L) of R.V.-type antifreeze in basket and run washer on RINSE/DRAIN & SPIN cycle for about 30 seconds to mix antifreeze and remaining water.
3. Unplug washer or disconnect power.
TRANSPORTING YOUR WASHER
1. Shut off both water faucets. Disconnect and drain water inlet hoses.
2. If washer will be moved during freezing weather, follow “Winter Storage Care” directions before moving.
3. Disconnect drain hose from drain system and from back of washer.
4. Unplug power cord.
5. Place inlet hoses and drain hose inside washer drum.
6. Drape power cord and drain hose over the console and secure with masking tape.
7. Place foam packing ring from original shipping materials back inside washer. If you do not have packing ring, place heavy blankets or towels into basket opening. Close lid and place tape over lid and down front of washer. Keep lid taped until washer is placed in new location.
REINSTALLING/USING WASHER AGAIN
To reinstall washer after non-use, vacation, winter storage, or moving:
1. Refer to Installation Instructions to locate, level, and connect washer.
2. Before using again, run washer through the following recommended procedure:
To use washer again:
1. Flush water pipes and hoses. Reconnect water inlet hoses. Turn on both water faucets.

2. Plug in washer or reconnect power.
3. Run washer through Heavy Duty cycle to clean washer and remove antifreeze, if used. Use only HE detergent. Use half the manufacturer’s recommended amount for a medium-size load.
Vibration, rocking, or “walking”
Vibration during spinning or washer stopped with uL error code flashing
Clicking or metallic noises
Gurgling or humming
Check the following for proper installation
Not enough water in washer
Washer won’t run or fill; washer stops working
NOTE: If problems continue, contact an electrician.
Washer not draining/ spinning; loads are still wet
Incorrect or wrong wash or rinse temperatures
Load not rinsed
Sand, pet hair, lint, etc. on load after washing
Load is tangling
Not cleaning or removing stains
Odors
Fabric damage
Incorrect dispenser operation
Single-dose laundry packet not dissolving
| If you experience | Possible Causes | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| oL (overloaded) appears in display | Load too large | If an overload is detected, the washer will drain any water and detergent in the washer. Remove several items and add HE detergent. Close lid and press START/PAUSE |
| uL (unbalanced load) appears in display | Load not balanced. The washer is running a load-balance correction routine. | Allow the washer to continue. If the dial is flashing and the washer has stopped, redistribute the load, close the lid, and press START/ PAUSE. |
| LF (too long to fill) appears in display | Washer taking too long to fill. Drain extends more than 4.5" (114 mm) into standpipe. | into standpipe. Check plumbing for correct drain hose installation. Use drain hose form and attach securely to drainpipe or tub. Do not tape over drain opening. See Installation Instructions |
| Ld (too long to drain water) appears in display | Washer taking too long to drain water. Drain extends more than 4.5" (114 mm) into standpipe | Check plumbing for correct drain hose installation. Use drain hose form and attach securely to drainpipe or tub. Do not tape over drain opening. See Installation Instructions. |
| Lower drain hose if the end is higher than 96" (2.4 m) above the floor. Remove any clogs from drain hose. See Installation Instructions. | ||
| HC (Hot and Cold hoses reversed) appears in display | Hot and cold inlet hoses have been installed incorrectly | This code will appear at the end of the wash cycle to indicate that cold water hose is connected to the hot water inlet and hot water hose is connected to the cold water inlet. |
| Sd (Excess suds) appears in display | Excessive suds in washer. Washer is running a suds reduction routine. | Allow the washer to continue. Use only HE detergent. Always measure detergent, and base detergent quantity on load size. Follow detergent manufacturer’s instructions. If the dial is flashing, reselect your desired cycle using a cold wash temperature, and press START/PAUSE. Do not add detergent. |
| dL (Lid cannot lock) appears in display | An item in the load may be keeping the lid from locking. | Check for items directly under the lid. |
| lid (Lid opened) appears in display | Washer lid left open. | Close the lid to clear the display. If the lid is left open for more than 10 minutes, the cycle will reset and water in the washer will drain. |
| F## code (F-type error code) appears in display | System error code. | Press START/PAUSE once to clear the code. Then press START/PAUSE again to restart washer. If code appears again, call for service. |
| Fd (Factory Default) | Washer sets back to factory default. | To return all options and modifiers to Factory Default, press POWER/CANCEL, select RINSE/DRAIN & SPIN cycle, and then press EXTRA RINSE, FABRIC SOFTENER, EXTRA RINSE, FABRIC SOFTENER within 5 seconds. When done correctly, the display shows “Fd” for 3 seconds and then unit returns to Standby Mode. |
Reference file: Maytag MVWB980BW 4.8 CU. FT. BRAVOS XL® HE TOP LOAD WASHER WITH STEAM
Additionally, the document applies to other Maytag models: MVWB980BG, MVWB980BW