How can I bypass the clean washer message after the load is already wet and detergent in the machine. It tells me to empty the washer and run the clean cycle. What am I supposed to do with the load of WET clothes? null

Question

Walter3ca · Accepted Answer

There is no warning that can be ignored. The cycle just takes over the machine and I have no say in the matter. Maytag's answer is to reset the machine EVERYTIME it happens? That isn't an answer. It is a punishment. How about a way to turn this stupid feature OFF permanently.

Answered by Walter3ca 4 years ago

Cheryl · Answer

This is the WORST thing that any manufacturer has ever done! This always happens at the worst possible times and you really do NOT know until all of the laundry and detergent are already in, and this takes an HOUR! It’s currently midnight here and my pet was sick on my bed. After bedding is in the wash, guess what. Yes, wash with Affresh. SERIOUSLY?! I am now waiting an hour for that clean cycle before I can begin the hours of bedding at this late hour. If I cannot find a way to shut this off and do the clean cycle on my schedule, this will be the last Maytag product I ever buy

Answered by Cheryl 3 years ago

jerryjoe · Answer

On my Maytag top loader. the washer wants to run a Tub Clean cycle every 30 loads, and will not let you ignore it.
You don't know that the clean cycle is next, so you have already loaded everything in, and try to run your load.
The washer insists that you unload the tub (load already soaked with detergent - with no where to put it), and proceed with the clean cycle.
Well I figured that every software designer included an unknow back-door around it.
On mine I press DEEP FILL and FABRIC SOFTENER together for 3 or 4 seconds.
After that it allows me to run a laundry cycle.
Be aware that for the next laundry you are facing the same situation, So press DELAY START Before you load the tub and go ahead and let it run the Tub Clean.
As I said, it wants to do a tub clean every 30 loads, so check before loading.
I am not advocating always skipping the Tub Clean - it's a cycle that you want to keep your washer clean.

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Maytag should resolve this and send the fix to customers free of charge. The sales person at Best Buy didn't know about this. They do now. I would not recommend maytag to anyone until this is fixed. Make it an option not a requirement. If i could return my machine i would!

Answered by Anonymous 3 years ago

Carol · Answer

I just change the setting ie; from “normal” to “towels” or any other and it will start. I agree - so frustrating!

Dino · Answer

Power off then on. Then hold spin and soul button for 10 seconds to factory reset.

Way to make an easy process difficult Maytag! Complete fail!

I am angry at my washing machine, this has never happened before in my life!

Coppertop · Answer

I agree that this is totally inconvenient.  We live in a very dry region and our water is very costly.  What a waste of a valuable resource!  Shame on you Maytag!

TomHil · Answer

I unplugged the washing machine and then plugged it back in (no wait time in between). The washing machine may then list "power failure". Then I was able to bypass the affresh wash now message. It happened the next time I had a load. I did the same thing and then it did not occur again.

Answered by TomHil 3 years ago

Justreyingrowashlaundry · Answer

I agree with all the comments just trying to do a wash before I go to work and stuck with that load of water being wasted it’s fine to do the afresh once in a while but not unexpected so I unplugged it and plugged it back in answer solved for now

Answered by Justreyingrowashlaundry 4 years ago

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So I just discovered that if you push the power button to turn the machine off, turn it back on, the ad appears again - turn machine off again, then back on again… no ad after the 2nd power cycle…

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I hate this washer! Will never buy another one from Maytag again. What a stupid thing to do. At least give a warning. Hate hate hate this machine.  Stay away don’t buy this unless you want to be aggravated every 30 loads.

RapperSue · Answer

How many of you hate this machine?
It washes for twice as long as the other 2 washers I've had over the last 48 years.  A wash took half an hour, not an hour or more. 
I have to trick the machine to have it load enough water to cover the load of dirty clothes.
I liked the way my other washers and dryers worked.  I could set how full I wanted the water.

I took another person's idea to by-pass the clean cycle.  I pressed the "fabric softener" button and the "deep fill" button together.

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As mentioned above, as soon as i changed the cycle setting to anything besides what i originally set it at, it went back to normal and then me put the dial back to the setting I was trying to use in the first place. But, wow, terrible 'feature'. A reminder is fine, but trying to force you to do cleaning cycle after you've already put clothes and detergent in??

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As mentioned below I changed the setting to towels and it appears that the cycle is going to run.  This clean cycle is the biggest frustration of all and never happens at a convenient time.  Maytag your force clean cycle is a big mistake for our busy life’s.  Here’s a great thought let the user make the decision to use the Clean Washer cycle!

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I need to cancel the clean washer so I can continue washing my clothes

Losbravos · Answer

The Affresh brand is owned by Whirlpool and Maytag is also owned by Whirlpool. This is a sick way to get you to buy a product.

Thordane · Answer

On the bottom left of the panel is a button that says "clean washer" I push it as soon as I turn the machine on and the screen says "clean washer off" lets me procede with washing.  I too wish there was a way to permanently dissable it.

Abstract668 · Answer

After looking it up countless times I posted a reminder on my washer. It is SO annoying! Why won't Maytag change this? My guess is they have a marketing deal with Affresh that is worth alienating their customers. Therefore I run a cycle with bleach and hot water, and another cycle with vinegar poured through the detergent holder. Citric acid, borax, and other cheap and unperfumed options can also be used.

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The unplug and wait 10 seconds worked for me. Very frustrating! It’s like it knows when you need to be quick. Grrrr

Mamaj · Answer

Agreed this is very frustrating!  It doesn’t say “reminder to clean your washer with afresh” until you already have the soap, clothes, etc in it.  I tried everything listed and nothing works.

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My question is why in the world do you have to clean a washing machine that cleans your clothes? Makes no sense. What is making the washing machine dirty? The soap and water? My clothes are supposed to be clean after getting washed in the washing machine. It is extremely frustrating that you load up your clothes and add your detergent and then it tells to unload your clothes so it can clean itself using Affresh. Is this a marketing gimmick so that they can sell a new product?

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There is a way. I have done it several times . But it takes patience to figure it out. It's mind over machine.

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All i can say this is the most frustrating Feature on this washer..my first time owning a Maytag washer...all i can say never again...i should be able to control my washer and settings without having to jump through hoops to do a load of laundry.

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Press soil and spin together for factory reset.
Come on Maytag offer a bypass option

StupidWasherFeature · Answer

Do NOT buy this equipment. This feature is NUTS> Not the cleaning, but NO warning. You have to completely unload a full washer.  What engineer designed this one - REALLY!

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I hate my new Maytag washer for this reason

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This dumb thing pops on after I have put a load of clothes in. I despise it! I finally figured out to press "delay start" and it will then run the cycle previously entered. Why can't Maytag tell us this?? I always wished for a Maytag washer but now I wish I had my 20 year old Kenmore back!!!

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It's not just Maytag washers, I know 3 people that have bought new washers, all different brands. They all have this clean w/Affresh cycle...most frustrating thing I've ever encountered! You can't do it early either, thinking I'm close to 30 loads. I'll run my clean cycle today so it doesn't pop up in the middle of doing the weekly laundry. Nope...

Sterling · Answer

We had a Maytag for years that was so quiet. This new clicks and clacks and is so loud and annoying. Then it’s got that clean washer now announcement AFTER you’ve already started a normal load and it’s dripping wet and you’ve used an expensive soap pod. I hate this machine.

Kris · Answer

This is one of the worst features of my new washer. Thought that I'd add that you don't need to use Afresh. You can use baking soda.

The other horrible feature of my Maytag washer is no soak cycle. I tried starting the machine and then putting it on pause. After about 30 minutes it drained all the water and shut off. No way to soak clothes in my new machine. I am disappointed in these poor design features.

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BEWARE!  Whirlpool washers DO THE SAME  THING!!!

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I have owned my Maytag commercial model washer for two years now. I set the type of wash I want, load the clothes, add the soap powder, close the lid and start the cycle. That horrible "reminder" to clean with Affresh is not a reminder it is a demand. Empty the whole load with the soap and put in the Affresh to run the cyle to clean the washer. This random monthly monstrosity  has me seething mad at a stupid machine!! I tried to get ahead of it by running the clean cycle every 15 loads but it doesn't matter. I have read I can unplug it and start again but I plan on selling this model just for this reason alone. Never again owning a Maytag.

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I will NEVER buy another Maytag because of this "clean washer" message interruption.  So inconvenient.  There should be some feature warning you that it's coming so you can do that "clean" cycle in middle of night or so you can plan for it, instead of it coming up at an inconvenient time.  Because of this, I HATE my washer.

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Power off, power on. Hold Spin and Soil buttons for 10 secs.
That resets the washer.

( Maytag you need to work on this!)

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This is the dumbest function ever and I’m currently in the process of trying to rip this machine from the wall to sell to the lowest bidder because it’s slightly better than paying to haul to the dump. How many people turn on the machine BEFORE you load it with dirty clothes and detergent??!! This should be a recalled product!

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I hate this!!  Why can't the washer tell you BEFORE you put in clothes & detergent that the cleaning cycle must be done.  Once again I have a load of wet soapy clothes on my laundry room floor.

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Thankfully I found this website. It's not just Maytag washers. I have a Whrilpool suggested by the builder. Of course I started the last load of clothes before going to see relatives for the holiday and I get this message. I had tried it twice with the same results. Saw the suggestion of "Towels." and it worked. Thank you!

ROSE · Answer

Whirlpool washers have the same stupid Clean Washer cycle.  I've tried all the suggestions listed here on how to by-pass (for a Maytag). Unfortunately none work on my Whirlpool. Ugh!!!

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all 3 methods that folks put up work on my machine, but it is a pain , probably the best is to  bypass it to do the load you have in your machine and just run the cleaning cycle , every 30 loads is a bit much tho ,myself ,  I have done a factory reset at the first warning and did the clean cycle the next time it came up, brings it to 60 loads before cleaning which to me is a big more reasonable

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I HATE this feature.  Turn the washer off, turn the washer on, and then press the "spin" and "soil" buttons for several seconds to factory reset the washer.  Problem solved.

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This is like stop start on a vehical. Should be banned forever!!

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Thank you to the person who suggested unplugging & plugging back in again to override the cycle.

One way I’ve gotten around this is to push the wash cycle button BEFORE loading with clothes in order to check that it doesn’t require an Afresh cycle. That way you’re only delayed an hour and don't have to remove soaking wet clothes from the washer.

Bjoyner · Answer

Well I went to load a wash of clothes and the message of death popped up. Wouldn’t let me do anything but pushed a button to start the clean with affresh reminder message. All I did was turn the knob once then turn it back and it cleared the message. Of course it will come back next load but at least you can wash a load of clothes until you have time to do the clean. Hope this helps.

Angry · Answer

Take the washer to the front yard and set in on fire. My wife HATES the mandatory clean cycle. It does not give you a heads up as to when the cycle is coming so you load your clothes, detergent, and fabric softener. Then you are told the mandatory clean cycle is now... so you MUST take you clothes out and run the cycle. BURN THIS IN THE FRONT YARD

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I really hate this washer.
How can I make Maytag replace it with a better one.
SOL

diDoesLaundry · Answer

I unplugged mine and started over.  Its a horrible waste of water!!!!

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I saw online to press the Fabric Softener button ... it seemed to work.

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Buy a Speed Queen next time

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I agree with everyone else. This is the worst washer I have ever had. Not only does it force you to clean the washer always at the most inconvenient time but even with this clean cycle which of course I have to do  I am always left with a white residue on my dark clothes. After calling the Maytag repair guy because of course I took out the extended coverage he told me first not to use affresh but use oxy. He also could not find a reason. I have tried all tide clean people including the swashMaytag recommended and nothing fixes it.  After 3 years of this I wouldn’t give this machine one star

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Just lightly touch the selector dial and it bypasses the cleaning cycle.

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Too back a consumer does not know this first,  I'll never buy a Maytag again due to this "feature".

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AFTER A FEW TIMES, I AM NOW ABLE TO PRESS ANY BUTTON AND THE WASHER CONTINUES WITH THE WASH CYCLE. ACTUALLY THE CLEAN CYCLE HAS NOT COME ON IN ABOUT THREE MONTHS.

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I feel your pain. This just happened again for me and I swear that I will not EVER buy a Maytag washer again. I am sitting with a load of wet blankets. I have tried all of the reset options I have read here and so far none have worked.

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I will never buy a Maytag again.. what a cluster.. always happens when your so busy trying to get it done

Becky · Answer

So glad I looked this up- the person who said just turn it to a different setting (from normal, to towels, or any other setting) was totally right!  It worked!  This has been driving me crazy for a year.  Thank you!

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Yes, this happens at the most inconvenient times lol but I read an answer to power off and change the setting to towels  and it worked!

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Thank you for the suggestions. This is the worst feature ever on a washing machine. I unplugged power and replugged. Seemed to work but who knows what will happen with the next load. 
This washer is also very noisy!

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To by pass just unplug and plug back in and it should cancel out the clean washer message

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this washer sucks. id return this if i could. forcing this clean cycle is sick.

TheYardLady · Answer

Copied from message two years ago.  I just tried it and it worked.

Hello Sandy, Press and hold the "Spin" and "Soil" button simultaneously for 10 seconds. A countdown will be displayed on the console. Once the countdown has completed the unit will have successfully reset. Select the preferred language from the console. This is a factory reset and will remove any preset settings they may have on the unit. This will allow you to bypass the cleaning cycle. We hope this helps.

Answered by MaytagTeam 2 years ago

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I absolutely HATE my washer!!!

Christa · Answer

This is what I did to bypass the Affresh message ordering me to clean the machine when it was full of clothing and detergent:
I went to the machine and pushed the Extra Power button and held it down for 10 seconds, fooled around with the selections on the button, changing the setting from Quick Wash to Regular, then went to the Delay Start and it set up as normal. Don't know if I will have this happen again or if it will work for it--but Maytag---don't do this to us. Please.

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I actually just got off the phone with them and no solution was offered.   I was just told that it is programed to clean after every 30 washes and that I could clean the machine with vinegar rather than buy the product they sell.   This is crazy as it is just myself and my husband and we do not get our clothes heavily soiled.   I will certainly watch for this feature again when I buy a new machine and NOT get it!

JJNouss · Answer

has this issue with the TUB CLEAN been resolved ?

I'm replacing a recently purchased (10 days old) set by Samsung don't need another issue.  Washer is too slow, and dryer is a joke 2 hours to do a load of laundry even on express wash.

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I turned it off then turned dial to different setting then back to normal and restated it worked.  Will clean next cycle . 
Yes royal pain !

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OMG I HATE my brand new Maytag washing machine. I am now doing a load of bulky items even though I need a normal cycle. I HATE that I can't get out of this stupid clean cycle. NEVER BUY THIS WASHING MACHINE - YOU WILL REGRET IT.

polson · Answer

Switching to the "Towels" cycle (suggested below) worked for me.  Thank you!  This is the only problem we have ever had with a Maytag product.

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I have a VERY limited water supply and cannot afford to waste water on washing a clean machine.  Yesterday it locked up presoaking the clothes.  I have no idea how that happened, I don't presoak.  It took 6 hours and I could not get it to cancel.

Lisa · Answer

Hold the spin and soil button down at the same time to reset. 10 sec or more. Then start.

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i unpluged it but Ill try changing the settings

HomeEconlady · Answer

This feature causes my blood pressure to sky rocket! It should just be a reminder light, etc. not mandatory at a given time. These new appliance designers should study the older models; wish I had mine back. The cycle run times are ridiculous so I end up using the same one (shortest) all the time. Water conservation should not be top priority for clothes washing!!

Tracy · Answer

buy a different brand... I certainly will!

rwagoner · Answer

Part of your frustration has to do with EPA efficiency rules, but to answer your main question - I actually think this is the 2nd best washer I have owned as far as cleaning and use. My old BravosXL I liked better (faster spin cycle removed more water before drying) and a much older Kenmore (whirlpool) is probably still working at 30 years old. But generally, I really like this washer. my only frustration is the balance problem with heavy items

rwagoner · Answer

Interesting - mine does not do this. It will give the warning, but it will let me wash as well. It also doesn't give the warning as often as my old model. Not sure what makes the difference. Have owned mine two years now.

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SO annoying. I hate this washer

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Unplugging the unit from the wall,  plugging it back in and restarting the machine seems to work.  The guy that came up with this afresh feature is one dumb sob!  It definitely tarnished the Maytag name!

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I have Electrolux washer. Clean washer displays after last load is finished when it needs cleaned. But…you do not have to clean it at that time. Just pick another cycle and wash away. 
I love the washer.  Got rid of a lousy, always out of balance, Maytag. I have never looked back.

Mollydog · Answer

We are trying all kinds of hints from the answers below.

This is ridiculous, Maytag you spend a fortune....think you are getting a good product and this happens at the most inconvenient time.

What happened to the good ole days where you just had one setting and could turn one knob to get clean clothes!

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I followed someone else's advice to change the setting from "Normal" to "Towels" and this worked.  But it took me several months and many soapy loads removed to a basket so I could run the clean cycle to figure it out. So maddening! A warning ahead of time would be fine (i.e. "this is your last load before you must clean the machine"), but no warning at all is a big FAIL!

Rwmw · Answer

Our drainage system/pipes will not drain fast enough to accommodate the water coming out of a field washer.  I ended up with water all over my floor.  We tried the reset suggested by one person, did not work. We changed the Choice from colors to normal and back and that seems to be working. The low water usage of this washer is part of the reason we bought it. Very happy with it except for this designed flaw.

Mike · Answer

I have the same problem and I did the action that said put on towels and press deep fill. I got the deep fill to medium fill and washed the clothing. Then I did Affresh. I am not opposed to doing Affresh. It is just that we have laundry in and it is soaked and there is no place to put it. Other than back in the laundry basket. We ought to be able to finish a wash and then clean the washer. We were on load 26 when this occurred. We are keeping accurate wash records. Next time, I'll try the same thing or another suggestion. I printed up the suggestions for reference. Whether I do Maytag's suggestion remains to be seen. We like our washer and dryer very much. Only we prefer to control the operation of the machine, not be subservient to the computer. Question: with Affresh: why is there a spin cycle?

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You can't bypass it--but it's a quick fix.  Once the alert pops up, just turn the dial to the next setting.  For instance, mine dial is always set on "Quick Wash", but when that alert pops up, I then turn the dial to the next option, which on my machine is delicate--and then I turn it back to quick wash, which makes the alert go away.  Then I hit start and proceed per normal.  Takes 2 seconds.  At some point I know I need to buy and use the Affresh, but until then, I'm glad this fix works.  Hope that helps.

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Moronic American manufacturing doing what it deems best.

Sarah · Answer

Unplug, plug back in.  I waited a little, but someone else said they didn’t.  Then, I just put it on setting I wanted. Worked!

Laurey · Answer

We tried all buttons but held down the extra power button in middle of large round dial and it reset. This feature has been a serious pain. I wish there was a number that showed how many wasted before this mandatory wash feature kicked in. Obviously a man that doesn’t do laundry regularly engineered this feature. Grrr

goofy · Answer

throw the washer out with the garbage.

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Sell the Maytag and Buy another brand.  Never buy a Maytag again

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Same problem…
Seriously  considering whether I will buy a Maytag appliance again. It’s one thing to repeatedly be reminded. But, the Maytag will not let you run a load until it has done the “Afresh” cycle.

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@Dino is correct. Power off then back on. Hold down the spin & soil buttons together for 1-3 seconds. Immediately resets to the wash cycle (changes the time back to normal load) and says add a garment. Then just run as normal but do the clean mode next cycle.

MaytagTeam · Answer

Hello Sandy, Press and hold the "Spin" and "Soil" button simultaneously for 10 seconds.  A countdown will be displayed on the console. Once the countdown has completed the unit will have successfully reset.  Select the preferred language from the console. This is a factory reset and will remove any preset settings they may have on the unit. This will allow you to bypass the cleaning cycle. We hope this helps.

“How can I bypass the clean washer message after the load is already wet and detergent in the machine. It tells me to empty the washer and run the clean cycle. What am I supposed to do with the load of WET clothes?”

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