Front Loading Washing Machines Promote Moldby Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger 08 Oct 2008 06:15 PM
MSNBC is reporting that consumers are becoming frustrated by the fact that after a while, their washing machines and even their clean clothes start to stink as mold and even slime begins to build up on the rubber gaskets. This can be especially hard to bear for consumers because these machines cost much more than top loading machines. Higher end models are not exempt from the problem. And while the mold can be controlled, most of the people who purchased the machines probably had no idea that they would be facing such a problem. Some owners have gone so far as to file class action lawsuits against the manufacturers of the machines. Traditional top loading machines can let air in and allow the machine to dry between washings. With a front loading machine, there is usually some water or moisture that is left behind. This moisture can then grow into mold, and the problem worsens over time. There are a couple of ways to combat the mold, such as through regular cleaning. Running an empty load with bleach water can help, as can the regular use of bleach tablets. Leaving the door open when the washer is not in use is another good idea to prevent mold, although this isn't always practical, especially if the washing machine is located in a closet, a high traffic or small area. Some newer machines feature a special cleaning cycle that is geared to removing any mold build up. Since I don't personally have any experience with a front loading machine, I have to ask you. Do you have a problem with mold? How do you feel about your machine? Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog and caring for little ones in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here. Related Articles: How Long Should Your Appliances Last? Learn more about Mary Ann Romans  Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat. Relevanthome tags baby | christmas | Kids | family | ideas | weight loss | holidays | parenting | relationships | children User Comments  Beth McHugh (13216) 08 Oct 2008 09:45 PMI have been using a front loader for 15 years and have never had a problem with mold or smelly clothes. I don't leave the door open either, so no worries here! I wouldn't trade my front loader for a top loader any day. Maybe someone could pay me to do an ad for mine!  deedee1231 (4030) 08 Oct 2008 10:01 PMI have had mine for about 2 years. It states in the operating manual that because it is a high effeciency appliance you must use high effeciency detergent in it, otherwise you may have a problem with mold. It does also reccommend that you leave the door slightly open when it is not in use. I have followed those guidelines and not had any problems. I love my front loader! But...I have to admit that I know a woman who got rid of hers and went back to a basic top loader because her machine smelled so badly of mold her kids wouldn't even wear freshly laundered clothing! And I know for a fact she was using regular detergent and using way too much detergent per load. She was also keeping the door closed between loads, and I think she has a tendency to let a load sit inside the washer for so long that it needs to be rewashed and that probably contributed to the overall problem as well. Heidi (5269) 09 Oct 2008 01:24 AMWhen we moved this summer the previous owners left us their front loader. It had a horrendous mold problem. We have bleached it, scrubbed it with a sonic scrubber, run vinegar through it multiple times, used a product called "smelly washer", and FINALLY we got the smell out. We keep the door open whenever possible (the laundry room leads to our garage so I can only do this if DH is home, otherwise he'd hit the washing machine door with the door leading in the house from the garage) and I run vinegar through it on a regular basis. We only use HE detergent and only use 1/2 to 1/3 of the recommended amount of soap. I also wipe down the inside of the machine and the front rubber area after each load---esp. if DH isn't home and I have to shut the door most of the way (I'm able to keep it cracked a little and he can still come in from the garage) It is never fully closed unless it is running. I don't know anybody personally who hasn't had to work to keep ahead of the mold problem in their front loader. I'm not planning on replacing my front loader, but I do warn people who are looking into one that they are "higher maintenance" than a top loader. Samual (11722) 09 Oct 2008 02:47 AMTop loading washing machines don't exist here. They only attract mould if you don't bother cleaning them.  Mary Ann Romans (26886) 09 Oct 2008 04:54 AMThanks for all of the comments. I didn't know that using the regular detergent could make the problem worse or more likely to occur!  Julie Gentry (5915) 09 Oct 2008 11:01 AMI love my front-loader! But, yes, here in WA everything grows mold unless you're really, really diligent. The HE detergent costs about 40% more than the generic. We don't use it. I use perfume-free, color-free detergent, and I use borax on anything that is smelly. I think the regular use of borax probably keeps the mold down, but I also leave the door open on those rare occasions it's not running :-). The water and energy savings are worth any extra trouble. Mary Ann Romans (26886) 09 Oct 2008 02:19 PMWe put our stroller out on our screened porch for a week, and it grew--yuck. Nice to see you, Julie! deedee1231 (4030) 09 Oct 2008 08:39 PMWhen I was buying regular detergent it was a monthly expense, but I buy a huge bucket of HE detergent that lasts about 3 months so I actually think it is cheaper. For us, a $10 bucket lasts 3 months for a family of 6. That is pretty good. I used to spend that much once a month before. Mary Ann Romans (26886) 13 Oct 2008 11:49 AMDo you use less HE detergent than the box recommends? I use less regular detergent in my regular machine and I find that it still gets the clothes very clean. deedee1231 (4030) 14 Oct 2008 09:08 PMI only use half of the recommended amount. I think the manufacturers tell you to use more than really necessary so you will run out faster and need to buy more, lol. But that is just my own theory--I have no evidence to back that up. But my clothes are clean. I have little kids who get into all manner of dirtyness and spill things, and their clothes almost always come clean (stain free) with no pre-treating.  Valorie Delp (49340) 15 Oct 2008 02:21 AMLOL My kids are so hard on their clothes that I don't find half the recommended amount works! But we do use HE detergent. I get it wholesale to cut costs. Community Tags front loading washing machines, laundry, LG, washing machine Discuss this article
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