What CL Means
CL is a maintenance reminder, not a fault. Maytag sets it to appear after about 30 wash cycles to prompt you to run the Clean Washer cycle. It clears itself once that cycle has been completed, so there is nothing to diagnose.
Common Causes of CL
- Thirty wash cycles completed since the last Clean Washer run
- Clean Washer cycle started but cancelled before finishing
- Control not clearing the reminder after a completed cycle
🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try
Empty the drum completely - the cycle is designed to run with nothing in it - add the tub cleaner or the measure of liquid chlorine bleach your manual specifies to the correct dispenser, and run Clean Washer. On a front-load machine, wipe the door seal afterwards and leave the door ajar so the boot dries; that is what stops the smell coming back. If CL keeps appearing straight after a completed clean cycle, the control is not registering the cycle as finished, which is worth a diagnosis.
⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That
- None - running the Clean Washer cycle is routine maintenance.
Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.