1988 Maytag washer

[losangeles]

Need your help.  I visited the Re-Store today in hopes of finding my first vintage (?) Maytag washing machine.  And there she was.  A 1988 Maytag Fabric-Matic large capacity model A282.  It has three cycles Regular, Permanent Press and Delicate, single speed 3 water level settings, Large, Medium, Small, three wash/rinse temps H/C, W/C/ C/C.  The man at the store hooked it up.  It held water, agitated, and threw out the water, all without any groans or squeaks or grinding noises.  Nor did she pee on the floor.

The tub is in pristine condition and dark blue, the agitator is turquoise.  It has a center post lint trap and fabric softener dispenser cup.  The cabinet is white but dirty with some scuff marks.

The price is $75.  There is no instruction manual.

So now the questions. 

1.  You members that have restored machines are way more experienced than I am, thus the question.  What is the best cleaning agent to get the soap scum and lime deposits off with and cleaning the cabinet?

2.  The washer belonged to the city and was kept for an unknown amount of time in a city storage building.  Question.  If I am going to use this machine what is the best way to test the machine for any problems that did not present at the store and what should I look for?  Should I load it fully or start out with small loads.  Do I use Hot water or warm or cold for the first test.  This is my first washing that was not out of the box and I want to get it right.

3.  What qualifies a washing machine as vintage?  Is this machine worth the $75.

And finally, thank you for your patience and wisdom with this newby and novice.  Tommy

 

[gyrafoam]

Simple and reliable machine. Would certainly be worth $75 bucks if it is low mileage. I would take a Phillips head screw driver and take off the front panel to take a look inside. There are two screws at the bottom and the top swings up and out.
If there is a lot of oil it could be a problem. Generally speaking, Maytags will throw some oil, a bit at a time. Sometimes when new and then it stops.
Look for rust.
The two belts are under the machine.

I like to use Clorox Clean-Up on white cabinetry. I use a WET steel wool pad and lightly go over it. Let it sit and bleach it white for a few minutes and then wipe off residue with clean damp (white) towels. Be careful as this product will bleach everything it contacts!
When completely clean and dry, I use Maguire's Cleaner-Wax and go over the whole cabinet, inside the lid, the console, chrome, knobs,etc. Buff to a sparkle.

If there are mineral issues I use Lime-Away being aware and careful to rinse quickly and thoroughly to keep from etching the enamel.

I don't see how you could go wrong as long as she is not rusty and runs well.

 

[losangeles]

1988 Maytag

Thank you Gyrofoam..  I brought the washer home today.  Thank you for the information and education.  I plan on spending the whole day tomorrow cleaning, inspecting and possibly test out her first wash.

Question:  is I best to start out the first wash with cold, warm, or hot water, or does it really matter.

2.Does the top pop up and if so how?  Are their clips or do I need to break out the magic wand?

3.  Clorox Clean-up I have.  Have you ever heard of Jubilee appliance polish?  My mother used it on all of her appliances except on the pink Westinghouse slant front combo.  She absolutely loathed it.  Me, I was in love with that machine.  I so wished I had it today.  She used Dash detergent.  I liked the smell but it did not clean worth a damn.  She blamed it on the washer. lol  Anyway thank you again for answering my questions.

 

 

[DADoES]

 
Maytag top: remove the front panel. Two screws anchor the top to the cabinet at the front corners.  May be a hose to disconnect from the bleach dispenser flume before the top can be raised.