My Maytag washer allows the fabric softener to be poured down the middle of the agitator. The inside bottom of the agitator is yucky. How do I remove the agitator to clean the inside ?

When you say you've cleaned both parts - have you poured hot water in and seen it actually drain out of the top peice while it was removed from the agitator? Have you poured hot water into the agitator with the top peice removed and seen it drain out of the holes? If not, repeated flushing (of the agitator) and soaking (of the top peice) with hot water as needed until is drains may be required. Until you can get water to drain out of both peices alone, it will work automatically. Once you have the water draining try again with a regular load of laundry and fabric softener. If it still doesn't work...

Since you've cleaned both parts (the non-removable and removeable top portion) of the agitator - it would suggest that the fabric softener dispenser's actuator inside the agitator is not functioning properly. The fabric softener isn't being released in the rinse (or at all really) and as a result of the centrifugal forces during the high speed spin cycle - it is causes the fabric softener to move up the sides of the dispenser and spray out of the top of the agitator onto the rim. This may be caused a mechanical or electrical failure in the washer or washer control. It will continue to work like this until it is fixed - so I suggest that you do not use the dispenser.

You will likely need to have the washer professionally serviced to have it begin working again. You can save the repair costs and either add the fabric softener yourself during the rinse cycle - or use "dryer sheets" in the dryer instead.

Good luck!

i believe all you have to do is put your fingers underneath the bottom of the agitator and pull up and the whole agitator pops up to remove it out of the tub.

Gently remove the fabric softener cup off of the top of the agitator
Using a ratchet, an extension and socket; then remove the retaining bolt under the fabric softener cup.
The agitator will lift off after the bolt is removed.

Installation is:
Drop the agitator in place. Install bolt.... tighten bolt with ratchet, extension and socket. Install the fabric softener cup.

Fabric softener cup is item 14 this link:
http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?model_id=5170378&diagram_id=28464917#d28464917
The bolt you need to remove is item 4 of the above link.

Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly

I had the same problem. It was a buildup of gunk (don't know how else to describe it) in the fabric softner dispenser. I also had a build up of detergent around the upper rim of the basket inside the washer and caught up underneath the agitator. I took my machine apart and scrubbed it all out.
Here is the way to get it cleaned out.

• Remove the fabric softener dispenser from the top of the agitator.
• With a 7/16 socket, remove the bolt inside the agitator.
• Lift the agitator up and out of the basket. This may require a little force.

I use a small putty knife to scrap the buildup then use a rag to wipe the film off. Make sure to clean the fabric dispenser really well. There are small holes in the bottom of it and if they are clogged up, the fabric softener cannot disperse well and when the machine goes into the spin cycle, it will tend to fling the softener under the rim of the basket where it will buildup over time and leave spots on your clothes.
If you need to know anything further, please don't hesitate to let me know.
Happy Holidays The FixYa Team

i believe all you have to do is put you fingers underneath it grab the sides and pull up,that will remove the whole agitator,if you want to change the dogs,pop off the top fabric softener dispenser and take out the 7/16 bolt and remove middle section,change your parts and put it back the same way you took it apart

Unplug the Amana washing machine from the wall outlet, and open the lid. Pull the liquid fabric softener dispenser straight off of the top of the agitator. Some Maytag washers require the use of a flat head screwdriver inserted between the dispenser and the top of the agitator. Twist the handle of the screwdriver to pop the dispenser off of the agitator.

Remove the barrier cap inside the agitator using your hands. Pull the barrier cap straight out of the agitator. There is an O-ring that attaches to the outside of the barrier cap. If it did not come out with the cap, pull the O-ring out of the center of the agitator.

Remove the bolt securing the agitator to the drive bell with the socket wrench. The bolt is inside the center of the agitator.

Place your fingers in between the bottom of the agitator and the tub. Lift straight up to remove the agitator from the tub. Keep your head out of the way in case the agitator is stuck and unexpectedly releases. If necessary, use agitator hooks. Insert them under the agitator and push down on the hooks to release the agitator.

the fabric softener spins out of the cup after the wash cycle when spinning the water out of clothes, then the washer fills back up for the rinse w/ your softener having been dispensed. is there a nut at the bottom of your agitator where you see the gunk? If so you can take the agitator out by removing the nut but be careful of the little parts that make the agitator agitate. Do not disturb these little parts if you don't know about them. Does the gunk smell like grease or a mechanics garage? If so chances are it is a lubricant and should not be removed replace the cap and your softener cup and continue enjoying your machine.

If this is a Maytag Performa or Atlantis model all you have to do is remove the center cap on the agitator by pulling on it and locate the agitator bolt underneath. Loosen the bolt, and the agitator should pull straight up.

If this is a Maytag Dependable Care series there will be 1/4 inch screw along the side of the agitator towards the bottom. Remove this screw and the agitator will pull straight up.

I hope this helps you.

PS If the problem is due to the build up of fabric softener, soak in some hot water to loosen it up. Fabric softener is essentially a form of liquid wax and it is common for it to accumulate and clog the dispenser in this manner. Periodic cleaning is recommended.

There is a 1/4" machine screw in a recessed hole close to the bottom of the agitator. Remove screw. Lift agitator off agitate shaft.

The should be a bolt that goes thu the center that holds that down with the bottom part of the agiatator.. it might have pulled loose or rounded out the whole for the top part here is a link and a pic http://www3.sears.com/imaging/ImagePageJava.shtml?productTypeID=0153200&brandID=3048&modelDesc=WASHER&modelNumber=SAV365ZAWW&documentID=M0512408&documentTypeID=PLDM&documentClassCode=PV&titleType=TUB%2C%20INNER%20%26%20OUTER%20%28SERIES%2012%29&titleID=00010&