Written by
Tessa Brandt Appliance Care EditorPublished October 29, 2026
VERIFIED
Error codeF0 E1, rL
ApplianceWasher
Anything left in the drum when the Clean Washer cycle starts can bring up F0 E1 on a Maytag front load washer. The display may say rL instead; Maytag treats the two as one message, and the rL entry also reads F-34 and describes items detected in the washer during Clean Washer.
Fix
Take out every item that is inside the washer.
Start the Clean Washer cycle again.
For the rL form of the message, Maytag’s listing also mentions a power reset: disconnect the washer for 5 minutes, restore power and keep an eye on whether the code returns.
Related Clean Washer and load codes
F0 E7 flags clothing found when Clean Washer was selected.
When the drum is empty and the code still appears, schedule Maytag washer repair with a Bay Area technician by calling (415) 649-2156. Have the model number and the F0 E1 or rL code ready.
Model compatibility: Maytag reuses codes across series and model years, so F0 E1, rL may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
F0 E1 or rL means items were detected in a Maytag front load washer during the Clean Washer cycle.
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Seeing this code on your Maytag appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
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