Most appliance failures do not happen all at once. The gearcase on a Maytag VMW top-load washer is a good example. It gives you signals before it gives out, and the homeowners who catch those signals early have a very different repair experience than the ones who find out when the machine stops spinning clothes dry and there is oil …

A Maytag top-load washer in the mid-range runs roughly $600 to $850 at retail depending on the model and where you buy it. That number is easy to find. What is harder to find is what the machine is likely to cost you over the next decade, which is the number that actually matters. If you are still in the …

Maytag markets their top-load washers hard on durability. The “Built to Last” positioning has been consistent for years, and it is not entirely wrong. A well-maintained Maytag top-loader can run 10 to 14 years depending on how it is used and whether the early warning signs get acted on. That is a reasonable lifespan for a machine in this price …

Balancing your washing machine load isn’t always considered during laundry day, but this can be one of the most important ways to keep your washer working efficiently for years to come.  Here’s what you need to know about balancing a washing machine load, including the benefits, signs of an unbalanced load to watch out for, and how to fix an …