I have seen several posts indicating boot mildew is a persistent problem on these Maytag Neptune front-load washers. I have also seen several posts on unsuccessful attempts to clean the mildew off the boot. Has anyone found a cleaning product that successfully loosens and removes the mildew? Since it appears the boot mildew problem will quickly recur even if I replace the boot, I'd like to first exhaust possible solutions for cleaning the mildew before I spend the money and the time to replace the boot myself. I was thinking of using a Fuller Brush toilet bowl cleaning product that I've had great success using to clean scale off the inside of toilet bowls but wanted to first see if anyone has found a particular cleaning product that works on the Maytag Nepture front-load washer boots. Thanks, Ken.
The new boot replacements are anti-microbial have a smoother surface and are designed to be more resistant to mold issues with proper care. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of the old boot replacements out there. The part number for the upgraded boot is 12002533..., This part number supercedes all prior part numbers for the Neptune boot assy...Hope this helps
I used paper towels or a towel soaked in bleach and covered the mold stains for a day or so until the stains were gone. The boot looks like new. JerryR.
It seems as if most people are having two issues: a mold/mildew stain on the boot itself, and a mildew odor on their towels. the mold/mildew problem on the boot cannot be prevented, but can be prolonged. cleaning the boot with mikes soultion at least once a month will prolong the boots condition. after awhile, the boot must be replaced. it is $92, and the pain in the **** to replace the existing one is free lol(this site has a write-up on how to replace the boot.)
The mildew odor on towels can be prevented! un like a top loading washer, the front loader washer is harder to leave open to dry. all you have to do is leave it cracked, and unscrew the light bulb. we have owned the maytag 9 years, and have never had a mildew odor whatsoever. I hope this helps.
Kyle (18yrs old!)
This is what i use:
the measurements are not exact. it is just to give you an idea of the concentrations needed.
this also works good on refrigerators (mold and mildew) too
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Hi, I had the same problem with mildew. Finally the boot cracked, water leaking all over the place. My husband was able to go on line, order the boot, everyone said was a hard job did the whole thing in less than an hour. I think that it is a good idea to leave the door ajar when the machine isn't in use to help prevent the growth of mold. Hope this helps
I have the same problem...black mold on the boot and the resulting odor. First I used a mold/midlew cleaner...that helped a little. But I could not get rid of the smell. I then cleaned it with TSP and bleach (that is the best solution!). And more mold disappeared...but still not all gone. Then I noticed a tear in the boot. So, it looks like I will need to repair that. I also bought "Affresh" but I have not tried it yet. I wanted to clean the boot one more time with a scrub brush and the tsp/bleach solution. And THEN use the chemicals to remove the odor due to residue.
I also have mold/mildew on the inside boot. I have been using
corox wipes which take some of it off but not all of it. I don't
understand why Maytag would not offer an ongoing 'repair' for
this. It is very frustrating.
I have a mildew problem in my Maytag washer also! This weekend, I noticed that the detergent and softener dispenser has black mold and it appears to be in the tube part. I cleaned it as well as I could with bleach but I'm afraid that there is more internally that I can't see. I've already purchased a whole new set of towels and they are beginning to smell mildewy after only 6 months (and we are very careful with them otherwise). I don't know what to do!!!
Yes mine stinks and is worse than using a rock in a creek. Gosh I am going to have to buy a new washer. NO not Maytag
My Maytag Neptune stinks like crazy and I also am wondering what is best to clean it with. It seems like we need another class action lawsuit against Maytag!
Mold around boot despite running bleach loads every 2-3 weks. If clothes left in washer for more than a few hours, they get a persistent impossible to remove mildew odor as well. Washer is 3.5 years old - I HATE it!
I have the same problem with mildew smelling towels and a mildew smell around my washer. I bleach the boot, so have no mold buildup there. I also leave the door open as often as I can, but I think there is mold and mildew hidden inside somewhere.
I have the same problem.  I called Maytag and they said you have to use Afresh and bleach washes every month for mildew prevention.  I failed to do this from the start, but I think the mildew would have developed anyway since the water around the boot does not dry unless you leave the door open for several hours after doing laundry.  This can be dangerous if one has small children and pets which could crawl inside. Also the light bulb will burn out frequently. I think there should be a lawsuit against the company. I am going to replace the boot and try the prevention strategies, but I think the mildew will still develop over time.  I will not by a Maytag  appliance again.
Same here as well, towels stink and mildew at the boot. Just awful and also have tried many ways to clean. Nothing works thus far.
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