We currently have a LG front loader washing machine that is only about 5 years old. The problem is that we have a mildew/mold issue with it that I have never been able to get to go away 100%. I have tried a bunch of products, but now we are considering just getting a new washer. Does anyone have any recommendations for a front loader that won't grow mold? Thanks!
Just as an update..I never leave the door closed on mine unless it is running. I rarely leave clothes in there overnight (it happens sometimes!) and you can see mold on the seal, but it doesn't clean up with any product. I have left bleach straight on it for periods of time!
I have fantastic luck with my Kenmore. Have you tried Krud Kutter? I haven't found anything that this stuff won't remove.
I think you'd have the same problem with any front loader, just because of the design of it. Just leave the door open. That's what I started doing when I started smelling it. Now I never have the problem. I have Frigidaires.
hey J.,
i have had the same trouble with mine. have you rocked the drum to check and see if there are loose, mildewing clothes stuck in there? i have found old kid size socks stuck between the drum and the casing and once removed the issue has been pretty much resolved. it might even be worth a service call, especially if it is still under warranty.
otherwise, we remove the soap mechanism on the upper left side and let it dry on a towel, sort of dish rack style. this, along with running it through with white vinegar once a month or so, have made it that i no longer felt the need to replace my washer.
good luck! i hope this helps.
S.
Because of the nature of front loaders and the way they are sealed so air tight, they CAN all grow mold. The best way to avoid it is to wash the clothes, take them out right away, and leave the door open on the washer so it can dry out between loads. If it is in a room with high humidity, you will probably need a dehumidifier so it can properly dry. Good luck!
My Duets are about 7 yrs old now. I switched from liquid fabric softner to cheap white vinegar in the rinse cycle. Clothes do not smell like vinegar, come out just as soft and the vinegar doesn't allow the muck to build up in the machine, which traps the bacteria and mold. I average 2 loads of laundry every other day and I leave my door open when I'm done.
Not a lick of mold or mildew.
(And I don't always use the HE detergents either - now I'm using liquid Tide and haven't had any issues)
I also have an LG front loader washing machine that is only 1 year old with the same problem. There is some great advice in this thread. We have tried some of the cleaning tips and the smell is not as bad but I think we really need to switch to the HE POWDER detergent rather than the liquid. http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf452244.tip.html Good Luck!
We have the DUET and it works great! Have not had a mold issue, if we've left a load in too long wet (which I'm embarassed to admit happens quite often), I wipe it down with a mild detergent and a washcloth but have never had a mold issue. Leaving the door open is an option if it is in a room you can keep the door closed where children can't climb in :)
Kenmore elite energy savor I want this one I can't wait for my washer and dryer to take poop so i can get it.
I bought a GE Profile top loader high efficiency washer approximately two weeks ago and the motor died over the Thanksgiving holiday. The repair man came yesterday and the motor he had with him was damaged and did not work. I'm seriously questioning GE at this point.
i have the matag neptune and just love them no problem in the last eight year good luck
WOW! After reading the replies here I am sure glad we didn't go with the front loader!! We went with Maytag top loader canyon size. The guys that delivered it said that it is bigger than the front loaders. This machine also has a cycle that they recommended to run just bleach through this cycle once a month or so. I love this machine.
My sister-in-law has a front loader and she said they have to leave the door open all the time to prevent mold.
I don't have any issues with mine!!! I love it!
I have heard this problem a lot.....Solution seems to be to leave the door open after each load. I know it's a pain, but it has worked for me. Good Luck!!
When I was looking into getting a front load washer, this seemed to be a problem with them all. Just because of the nature of what they are. I would do a yahoo search for how to deal with this.
Some of the tips that I read were to run a load of bleach water once a week.
Leave the door open when it is not in use. This way it can dry out the standing water in the bottom. It just all doesn't drain out, because it physically can't. I hope that someone has better tips for you. But I read that leaving the door open really does help. Good luck.
