Table of Contents
- It won't spin
- What does suds have to do with it ?
- Why can't I use regular detergent in the Neptune?
- What's so special about H.E. soap?
- What can I do about odors and mold??
- Getting technical advice
Won't Spin
In short, the door must latch positively for the unit to spin. Also, the presence of excess suds in the machine may cause the machine to stop or skip the spin. Checking the latch assembly and other spin issues are printed on a nice pamphlet in the top console. (Don't mess with a live washer! Unplug it first!)
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What does suds have to do with the spin ?
Excess suds can sink down and cause a sort of air-lock in the pump. We refer to this as "suds-lock". The Neptune is programmed to remove the water from the tub in a certain amount of time. If a malfunction should occur, such as a blocked pump or other problem, the onboard computer (machine control) shuts the cycle down. This is a good safety measure in order to protect the unit from further damage.
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Why can't I use regular detergent in the Neptune ?
Regular detergent was made specifically for top-loading machines. Top loading machines use an agitator to move the clothes thru the water. Top loading washers also hold up to 35 gallons of water. Today's Neptune front-loader uses an average of 4 gallons of water, instead of 35, in the wash cycle. This means that you have a lot less water into which you are concentrating all that soap! For this reason, detergent manufacturers have had to develop a detergent specifically for this type of service. It is called "High Energy" detergent, and is now available in several brand names.
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What's so special about H.E. Detergent ?
High energy detergent (H.E.) is formulated to produce maximum efficiency in low water conditions. It has softeners and rinse agents built into it which allows for a cleaner rinsing action from the machine. It has been found that regular detergents are responsible for mold and odors in front-loading washers, and the use of H.E. detergents will prevent such issues to a better degree.
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What can I do about odor & mold? ?
There are some new maintenance procedures for the Neptune which will help with odor issues. If you are in a hard-water area, do this monthly, otherwise every 2months.
1. Toss 1 cup of powdered Cascade or Sunlight dishwasher detergent into the tub.
2. Set the water temp to HOT and start a light wash cycle.
3. As the water enters the top dispenser, pour 1 cup of Clorox bleach into the dispenser.
4. Allow the unit to wash for 5 minutes. Press pause, then set to rinse cycle. After rinse is complete, restart the machine on a Light, Warm/Warm wash and let it run thru. This will do marvels in reducing any potential smelly buildup.
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Getting technical advice-
Most of your common questions on this machine are on the Maytag.com website. I highly encourage you to visit their site for other tips and info. If you just need occasional help with problems which arise, may I suggest becoming a member of my appliance help forum. Details on this offer can be found here.
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