Special Assignment: Washer Woes

Tools

By Geoff Roth

Story Published: Nov 17, 2008 at 10:50 PM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 18, 2008 at 5:15 PM EDT

They are supposed to make washing better and more efficient, but those expensive front-loading washing machines also come with some big problems. In a KSEE 24 News Special Assignment, Stefani Booroojian looks at problems with keeping the machines themselves clean, a problem that can leave clothes smelling moldy.

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The problems come from buildup of detergent, fabric softeners, and trapped in water that can lead to mold and must building up behind the rubber seals on the doors of the washing machines.

Hundreds of complaints have been lodged about the problems, and one major manufacturer has even settled class action lawsuits.

Service experts say the machines need to be cleaned every couple of weeks, and that users need to pay attention to instructions about the types and amounts of detergent and softeners to use with them.

Also, when not in use, the doors to the washers should be left open so that water does not build up inside, causing mold to grow.

View Oldest Comments First

Friday, Nov 28 at 3:44 AM Paul Flynn wrote ...

#1 reason for washer odor is overuse of detergents. #2 reason is use of fabric softener. Use dryer sheets #3 not-so-common reason is using mainly cold water for washing. If other cleaning products don't work for you go to smellywasher.com to order an all natural washer cleaner that is guaranteed to remove odor from your washer, towels and clothing or you will receive your money back (including shipping). One order has 24 treatments.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 6:48 PM Steve wrote ...

I have a Whirlpool washer and it is GREAT. If you read the manual as I did the whole manual it tells you to leave the door open when not in use and every 30 days to run a empty load with bleach and it will be fine. I have done this from day one and no problems.I think they work much better the top load also and with less water too. Thank you for the story it was very well done.

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 3:58 AM Brandy W. wrote ...

Attention KSEE 24 if you want a story on this go look at the $6.00 dollar washers on Barstow and First in the shopping center that Foster Freeze was locaated in just a few months ago. I went there yestarday and it was GROSS the machines had a SMELL of MOLD also the washers don't spin out all the way they leave your items wet!! Only half the dryers work and those that do don't work very well. Need I say more other than I will never ever wash or dry at that location again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, Nov 19 at 3:51 AM Brandy W. wrote ...

Thank you so much for this information. I live at the Renaissance apartment homes on Fresno between Bullard and Barstow they have these washing machines and i cant stand them or at least the mantince that they get. Iv'e had several items of clothing that come out stainded also where you add all your washing liquids or powders have a build up of detergents or of mold. THATS JUST GROSS!!! The washers are contracted threw WEB services that i contact all the time to come and clean them.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 11:55 PM Maria Sanchez wrote ...

I never new that these washers would do that. I am renting to own a washer and dryer. So now I know not to keep the door closed after I have used it all weekend. I really enjoy the front loading washers for their easy acess. I enjoy all of the options they give for the different types of clothing I have. I will go to Lowes and purchase the fresh cleaner for my washer soon.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 10:25 PM Liu Bei wrote ...

The front load washer sux since they leave the smell in there and the dryers take too long. It was my biggest mistake to buy these front loads.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 5:42 PM Annemarie Brans wrote ...

Thank you for that story, now I know why my washer had that awful smell. You might also want to tell your viewers that there is also a trap inside the machine that catches debri from the washer (coins, screws, marbles..) If it becomes clogged, water will spill out the front of the machine. It's not mentioned anywhere in the machine manual. Remove the front panel with 3 simple screws and it's a small plastic dial;bottom middle. Turn the dial and remove the trap, simple two minute fix.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 3:47 PM John Robert Krause wrote ...

I found my new "old" dream home here on Huntington Blvd. So, needing new appliances, I purchased my first set of front-loading machines. I absolutely agree with the trapped mold and dirt problem. In addition to those problems, I've discovered that they do not clean as well, and that my Whirlpool washer has destroyed some pillows and comforters of mine, by getting caught inbetween the rubber gasket and the drum. They should tell you these things, before you buy. At least, I am telling you myself.

Tuesday, Nov 18 at 12:42 PM john azevedo wrote ...

thanks for that story on front end washers we have the same problems now we known what to do thank you

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