Reader Mold Issue With Large Whirlpool Duet Washer
Monday October 8, 2007
A reader wrote in that she was having serious mold problems with her large front-loading Whirlpool Duet washer. Unable to obtain a satisfactory long-term solution from the manufacturer, she found that regular bleaching was the only way to keep the mold at bay. However, this is an expensive and frustrating band-aid solution.
Front load washers are a considerable appliance investments and mold is not something we should have to deal with on a continual basis. I have the smaller Whirlpool Duet Sport set and have not encountered this problem; in fact I am very pleased with this smaller laundry set.
Click the following link to read about this reader concern in Reader Mold Issue With Large Whirlpool Duet Washer.
If you have had a mold problem with the large Duet washer and have a better solution to share, we'd love to hear it. Help other readers and leave your comments below.
Front load washers are a considerable appliance investments and mold is not something we should have to deal with on a continual basis. I have the smaller Whirlpool Duet Sport set and have not encountered this problem; in fact I am very pleased with this smaller laundry set.
Click the following link to read about this reader concern in Reader Mold Issue With Large Whirlpool Duet Washer.
If you have had a mold problem with the large Duet washer and have a better solution to share, we'd love to hear it. Help other readers and leave your comments below.
Comments
You not only need to leave the door open, but the dispenser drawer. Pull it open after EVERY load so the the water that sits in it drains out. If you leave it closed even once, the mold starts growing. It is disgusting.
We have the same problem with ours. I was ready to get a new washer, but I found a powder product that you can purchase online called “Smelly Washer” – seriously, that’s the name. I had tried everything – baking soda & vinegar, bleach, bathroom cleaners, anything I could think of. Smelly Washer works very well and one package has lasted me over a year. I run a maintenance cycle every two weeks, and haven’t had any more mold problems since. I’ve also noticed a decrease since I changed laundry detergents, so you may want to experiment with that as well.
My Duet has mold problmes in the soap tray area. I tried to clean what I could. Which unfortunatley was only the tray. The section where the tray slides into was just as bad and there is little vent holes which I am sure have mold build up and I can’t get to them.
Whirlpool people say the odor is an ongoing problem with FL machines. I say its a design flaw. Do commerical FL have these issues? I think not!!!!! I suggest not purchasing any FL washers. side bar:I can’t belive the engineers and design people @(whirlpool)did not warn the marketing people about these problems before the product was launched.
I have been battling the same mold/mildew/odor problem both in the detergent dispenser area as well as the main wash tub. Whirlpool sent me a complimentary package of their new Affresh product. This did not work! I do clean my machine regularly,keep the door open when not in use, and run bleach in my wash frequently. I have filed a complaint with the CPSC as this is becoming a health issue for our family — all members are being treated for mold allergies! I have contacted my states Attorney General’s office and am seeking legal advice. If all the people who are logging complaints on blog sites would log their complaint with the CPSC and the state attorney general office – the manufacture will be forced to address this issue!
Not only do I have a black mold problem in my front load washer but we have found the sock monster! Two small socks had become lodged in the rubber ring at the front of the washer and began to decompose (that’s the best way to describe the stench). The smell eventually faded but the black mold is pervasive. Having severe allergies and asthma in our family this has certainly become a health concern that cannot be ignored. Previous comments mention trying a new detergent…would you mind sharing the brand that you have found to work?
I would never advocate lying…but, I also had the Whirlpool Duet Washer up until about one year ago. I was frustrated and felt “stuck”. I didn’t want to sell the washer and pass on my problem to some other poor soul. And the dang washer was sooo expensive I couldn’t just junk it and buy a new one.
So…finally I called Whirlpool (again) and stated that “my son had allergies and asthma. He had been in and out of the hospital twice over the past two years”. (This is all true.) I then explained that having a washing machine that has a mold problem was unacceptable, bottom line. They instantly transferred me to another department, set up a FULL REFUND for the washer at WHATEVER price I said I paid for it. I no longer had the receipt so I had to guess. They instantly accepted my refund price which was around $950. ALSO they contacted a local service company to come in and remove my Duet washer at no cost to me.
I finally had to threaten with health issues and they responded NO QUESTIONS asked. They had a check to me and my washer removed within ONE WEEK.
Again I DO NOT advocate dishonesty but anyone wearing clothes that have essentially been washed in mold…it can’t be healthy for anyone. And $1000…which is about what you pay for the “convenience” of the washer is to much $ to throw away, at least for our family of seven.
Hope this helps,
Beth
My 2 year old Whirlpool Duet washer has a terrible odor. I have always used the HE detergent so I don’t use the wrong detergent as they insinuate whenever we’ve complained. We tried the tablets and they did not work. We’ve also gone in and cleaned everything the dealer told us to try. We should not have to go through any of this with a new washer.
I have the same mold problem as described above and nothing seems to work to get rid of it. I have developed asthma and am allergic to molds. I believe the washer is a contributing irritant. This is a very disturbing negative feature of the washer considering what we paid for it.
Does “Smelly Washer” solution really work? There are mildew stains on the rubber part on my washer. Is it still safe to wash my clothes?
We also have ongoing problems with wahser mold. Nothing seems to take away the smell and the whole house reeks of it because our laundry room is on the main floor by the back door. It is a nasty odor that has infiltrated the whole house. These washers are very expensive and we should not have to put up with this type of problem. We purchased this machine because it was sold by a local business and we were supporting thier business. We will not be buying another whirlpool appliance.
We have the same mold issues. It is completely nasty! I have been breaking out in an itchy rash all over my body where my clothes rub. I thought it was an allergy to something I ate, but I am beginning to think that it’s because my clothes are washed in mold. I have two children with severe allergies to mold and I am sure that is why they are always having sinus infections. I am disgusted that Whirlpool is doing nothing to remedy the situation. I have my washer pulled apart right now and have been scrubbing gunk off of the gasket and the inside parts. Does Smelly Washer or Affresh work? I think it is crazy that we should have to keep the tray pulled out and the door to the machine open. Additionally, I am tired of my house smelling bad!! I have had several problems with Whirlpool appliances in the last year: I am done with them!!!
I’ve been battling with our Duet Washer and Dryer for years too. The mold issue is unbelievable. You expect better quality from a recognized firm like Whirlpool – better service too. I had to wait over 6 weeks for parts to have my washer repaired! I have steered everyone I know away from these washer and dryers and can’t wait until I can get something else!
BTW, Affresh does NOTHING to help the mold or the smell.
The dates in the threads of this post, indicates to me, this is a serious on going problem with these machines. Two years ago my wife and I purchased the GHW9150PWO Model Whirlpool Duet Washer and Dryer. Up until a few weeks ago, no problems. I started noticing a faint mildew smell. I just past it off that the wet clothes must have stayed in the washer too long before they were put in the dryer. The next weeks batch of towels was worse. It soon became pretty bad. It is horrible to get out of the shower feeling fresh and clean to dry off with a mildew smelling towel, that makes you smell that way too. After reading several posts about this problem, I will share what I did to the machine that seems to have fixed the problem. I just got out a load of towels that havn’t smelt this fresh since the machine was new.
Under the front lower panel, there are three T-20 Torx head screws that you remove to expose the drain pump, and large plastic filter screen. The end facing you of that plastic screen is the cap of that screen. Put a dish rag or hand towel under the cap to catch a little water and remove the cap. The screen is a part of the cap, and it all comes out together. Inside the screen I found large traces of black mold, a foul mildew smell, a small piece of plastic, and three pennies from somebody’s pocket. I also noticed that the clear plastic hose from the drain on the drum was holding a little water. It seems the piece of plastic and pennies were not allowing the drum to drain completely. Holding stale water, which is a good breading ground for mold. In the kitchen sink, I bleached the plastic screen, and wiped out the drain screen container with a dampned bleached rag. I removed the Detergent dispencer, taking it apart, and cleaned it inside and out, with a little bleach in warm water. I cleaned some mold also from the large grey rubber seal around the door. Fold back that small lip on that rubber seal that seals around the large glass bowl of the door. (I am a Heating and Cooling Contractor, and lacking on washing machine terms). Kill with bleach, any traces of mold that can be in that area too. I put it all back together. I then added a 1/4 cup of bleach to the dispencer and ran the machine empty, on Hot wash cold rince on heavy soiled clothes. After that I loaded some towels and they just came out of the dryer freash and clean.
I hope this works for you as well. I am a little concened about that water I found in the drain line. If these machines do not drain completely after each load, even with a clean screen, then the problem will return. I’m just going to keeping checking on that and see.
Good Luck.
I have had my duet for three and a half years and been fighting this for almost two years. We have tried everything. My husband suggested we try oxi clean. It worked for awhile but now the odor is back and now the dryer has a smell in it. we leave the door on both open all the time. My husband has had a constant ear infection for the last two years and the doctor doesn’t know what is the cause but we think it is the mildew odor in our clothes. We have thrown so many things out because the smell comes back when you dry off with a towel or you sweat. I told my husband that it must just be him but my brother lived with us and they both had the same sour odor when they worked up a sweat. This is the most foul smell you have ever smelted. I’m going to contact a lawyer now. I’m fed up with this. We now have thrown out all towels even new ones and bought only white so that bleach can be used each wash. It has cost us thousands of dollars for the washer and dryer and the clothing and towels we have had to throw out and not to mention the cost of the doctor for my husbands ear infections. One antibiotic was 250.00. It is a health issue. I know that maybe a class action law suit would be tough but it could be done if everyone would rally together.
I too am having the problem with the smelly clothes. My towels reak and after reading all these posts now I know why!! The seal on my front washer is black in one spot and now I have water leaking from under my washer. I have called for reapair and here I sit for another week waiting for a service person to come out. At least mine is still under warranty. I think Whirlpool needs to be held accountable for selling such a cheaply made product with a big price. I am ready to file a lawsuit against this company.
I have had all of the problems stated in the previous posts. I just want to say if you are considering purchasing a Whirlpool Duet system..DON’T! I have tried all of the remedies except taking it apart. None work for long and I have replaced multiple towels and workout clothes. The smell of mold is overwhelming and does stink up the rest of my house. I may eventually bite the bullet and replace the 2 year old set.
Has anyone had a repair man come out and remove the metal drum and clean everything out and then start fresh or is it a viscous cycle. I have battled this smell for 3 years–Its amazing my asthmatic son is still alive.
have a whirlpool washer only. thought it was only mine that did it. removed the screw in thingy at bottom front of machine to drain it,cleaned it out and noticed 2 x 5 cent pieces in it. think that was causing the smell,mould on rubber and inability to spin properly. water was being kept in machine. used it today and clothes spun better,no smell.have been told to use washing soda in machine for mould problem.
I have a whilrpool duet washer and dryer and have experienced the same problem with strong odor from the washer. I read the posting by Barry C. and decided to take the bottom panel off and check the plastic drain screen. I found three scotchbrite scrubbers and some coins plugging up the screen. I removed everything and cleaned it using 10% bleach solution. I then followed the instructions on page 18 & 19 of the owners manual regarding monthly maintenance and cleaning of the washer.
It is very apparent from the postings that this is a frequently occurring problem with front loading machines. So far the odor in my machine has been eliminated. I would recommend checking the plastic drain screen behind the bottom panel monthly as small objects such as socks,coins and other small articles in the wash can clog up this screen and prevent proper drainange of the machine. It takes all of about 5 minutes to get to it. Does anyone have experience with cleaning the underside of the stainless steel drum? If so how do you get to it?
Thanks Barry C.
We have 6 children in this house so we use the Whirlpool Duet a lot. I have been battling the mold problem, also. If you do not take the wet clothes out of the washer as soon as they finish washing the smell from the mould is overwhelming. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to rewash a load.
Now it seems that nothing is helping. I think we need a class action law suit.
We have the Bosch front loader and have had the mold problem after 3 months of use, After weeks of blowing up the phone lines at Bosch and they denied that there was such a problem, I went back to the store and raised hell until they gave me a new washer. Three months later the same smell appeared. We since day one have done two loads of just hot water and bleach and cleaned out the hose at the bottom of the washer as well as wipe up all standing water in the door gasket and door and leave the door ajar. All just temporary fixes. I think that because these units use such a small amount of water it’s not enough to flush the system of dirty water and soap and once the nmold sets in your screwed.
I was also having a foul smell after washing my clothes, and decided to take apart the
filter as Barry recommended. A large amount
of water came out when removing the filter,
and the filter was covered with black, slimy,
terrible smelling goop. I cleaned the filter and the inside of the filter area. My problem now is that there was a black, spongy round
piece that came out when I opened the filter.
Is this a part of the filter and if so, where
does it go when putting it back together?
I looked at the schematic of the GHW9400PWO, but did not see this piece. If anyone knows,
please help.
We own a Sears Kenmore Elite HE3. We have all of the problems that are mentioned.
We cleaned the filter, which had the disgusting mold and slime along with some small stray items. I cleaned the soap dispenser and screen as best as I could. I always keep the door open. I do at least one bleach load per week. I’ve been using Borax along with the HE detergent with some success. I also add an extra rinse cycle to every load.
I’m very tired of the extra time, effort and expense that this “energy efficient”, “water saving” washer has added to my life.
Since the blogs lead me to believe that it isn’t just one brand of front loading washers, I’m at odds of what we should do. Maybe an old used top loader that is tried and true?!
Thanks to Bary C. great post I will expand on it.
First of all, my machine is the Whirlpool Duet. It was fine for a year or so, but then our clothes gradually developed a slight moldy smell when wet. The machine had no smell in it.
After reading these posts, I followed the advice of Bary C. I did the following.
1) I found an area of mold (dark) in the front rubber seal. I cleaned it with Clorox spray and paper towels, I cleaned all around that rubber seal with clorox. I believe this was the primary source of our problem.
2) I took off the front lower panel (3 screws) as Bary described. Once off, you are looking at the drain plug which is easily removed. It took 3-4 hand towels to soak up the water. I removed the plug/filter assembly and found mold/gung on it. I cleaned with clorox and warm water. Here’s where a design flaw is very apparent.
When you look into the cavity where you removed the plug/filter, you see a hole in the back and a hole on the side. The hole in the back is where the drain water comes from the machine, Instead of a smooth drain line, it is “ribbed” line. Take a flashlight and look up that line. It holds water, mold and gunck.! Would have to be removed and cleaned out. The hole on the side is where the drain water goes out of this drain area through a 1 inch drain line. There’s a small pump that pumps it out. Problem is, the hole is not at the bottom of the drain area, its on the side, elevated about 1/2 inch from the bottom. There’s no way all the water can leave this area, so there’s always some there. This was a concern of Bary’s.
3) Finally, I cleaned mold from the detergent dispenser . Took it out and cleaned in a sink with warm water and clorox. I believe this also was a part of our problem.
So, after cleaning these areas, we did a load of white towels and the odor was gone!! So, I think I found the sources. I need to check that front rubber seal every week or two. I think that was the main cause.
I will post again in a week or two for an update.
Doug D
I have a question for Doug D and Barry C. I don’t understand where the lower front panel is that I’m supposed to remove? According to the model number that Barry mentions, GHW9150PW0, we have the same one, but I don’t know what/where the 3 screws are you guys are talking about to remove to get to the drain pump? Any additional help you guys can provide?
We’ve been living with the problem for years not having the time to deal with it and refusing to bite the bullet. I had already done the filter cleaning a few years back an it only helped for a few months. Today I took it apart to see the extents of the damage and decide if we order new parts to replace the ones with mildew.
I am not sure I am going to spend time repairing it now that I’ve seen the inside. There is mold in every part that is in contact with water; the drain pump, all the pump lines… In theory, leaving the door open should not be required as there is a ventilation tube in the back. It’s about 1.5 inch by 2.5 inches and I was shocked to see that it’s almost completeley blocked by mold.
The drain system is flawed by design. The drain pump at the bottom of the washer must push water all the way to the top so that it can be drained. When the pump stops, whatever water remains between the pump and the top of the washer will not be drained and will fall back. There is a one way valve at the exit of the drum (before the drain pum) but it doesn’t seem to work as we often observe that there is water left in the tank. When I removed the one way valve at the bottom of the tank, water poured out of the drum. This should not be. You can leave the door open all you want, if there is this much water left in the washer, mold will inevitably grow.
I still have to open the plastic enclosure around the drum and depending on what I find, I will decide if I buy a new one or only replace some parts. Still, I know that the problem will eventually come back without a regular “heavy maintenance”. I’d like to fight for a refund but I don’t think I’ll find the time.
I would definitively not recommend any Whirlpool or Kitchen Aid appliance (they are the same). This is not our first problem with them and their customer service never aknowledges any serious problems.
Good luck
I am having the EXACT same problems as everyone else on this post. When I called Whirlpool, they recommended bleach and water around the rubber. Its completely stained with mold and under the rubber is the same. Is anyone out there a lawyer? There are some serious health consequences here and I really think a class action law suit is in order. Both of my boys have been suffering horrible allergy related asthma since this problem has arisen. If anyone wants to take the reigns, please let us know. Whirlpool is unwilling to do anything about the problem and offering the solution to keep the door open on a $1000 piece of equipment does not cut the mustard! My son has banged his head on it several times. Someone help!!
I have had the same issues with the mold allergies amongst other things with my whirlpool duet washer GHW9100LQ1. I reported them to the CPSC & will jump on board to get a lawsuit started. All of my family, including my dogs are being affected by this. I have spent so much money on zyrtec & pet medical bills for both my dogs, that it’s driving me crazy. I have hot spots & dry spots all over my arms & legs.The doctor couldn’t figure it out, but now I know why. It made me feel sane, when I read all these posts to know I am not alone in this issue. I took today off to get it serviced,..4 phone calls later, they said he couldn’t make it. I am fed up with this machine. It worked well the 1st year & slowly it started to malfunction. I do maintain it, but the mold keeps coming back. the rubber seal is broken. Water leaks. It started emitting a burning smell last Saturday & I am running out of clean clothes to wear! It’s been a week since it started collecting water in the softner dispenser. Whirpoool is no help & neither is the extended warrenty I bought for it. I have to wait until tomorrow for their safety dept. to call me back.
I am almost in tears. Everything I’ve read has happened to me; I especially address this to Sharon and Leslie, above. We’ve had a Kenmore HE3t for 4.5 years now, since we moved into our current house. We have always been battling mold from the washer in the same way everyone has stated. Myself, my cat, and my dog have all been GREATLY affected. I became so allergic I was rushed to the Dr. after I broke out in hives and labored breathing. My dog sees an allergy specialist now, with home antigen injections, numerous meds, and special home made food. My cat; same thing plus prednisone (horrible). I have spent 4 months battling my allergies to the extent that I must wear a mask during the most mundane tasks. And now I realize what the root cause is as well. My allergist was so puzzled as to why the molds/type of molds were so high on my allergy list; I can finally tell him. I am having the washer removed from my house tomorrow; I need to buy a top loading, I believe, as it seems what I’ve been reading supports the thought that top loaders are less prone to this mold issue. Does anyone have anymore info on that?
Renee again here. I urge all of you who have experienced health issues related to this to see your Dr. And to get rid of the machine from your environment ASAP
I have a whirlpool duet and have never had any of these problems. I always leave the door open between loads, always unload soon after washing is done, and wash a load of whites with bleach on hottest hot at least once a month. I also wipe down the door and the gasket (inside and out) with a bleachy towel. No mold or stink problems at all and I have had it for 3 years.
I have a top loading Whirlpool Calypso and I have been battling the same mouldy smell. I would do the bleach with soap and hot water and it would go away. Then it comes back again after 2-3 weeks. Im planning to do the bleach maintenance every 2 weeks now. I dont know if Affresh will work for my case.
Hey everyone, I have a great way of eliminating mold from appliances. I used it when my air conditioner became moldy. I used it in a spray bottle.
stephenruggieri@yahoo.com
I bought a duet washer in 2003, while they were relatively new,Never connecting my mold problem to the washer, I ended up moving out of a house because of the constant mildew smell, after moving and taking the washer the problem persisted in the new house, always moldy smelling laundry, especially denim. I have tried everything in the world to get rid of this, including leaving the door open etc, every kind of chemical, its an ongoing challenge but despite my efforts my clothes smell like they came out of a wet crawlspace. Myself and my 2 year old have chronic sinus infections, and I have been diagnosed with Restrictive airway disease. After reading all of the info here I see this is common. I followed the advise of removing the screen at the pump and cleaning it, but was disappointed to find very little black slime,however the water that drained out smelled horrible, like yeast water. I removed everything and cleaned it all and washed plastic parts including soap tray in the dishwasher and am hoping for some kind of improvement. I followed someone elses advise on this board and called whirlpool and described the health problems, and was transferred to the safety dept. they were very helpful though they only offered a pro-rated buyback price of less than half of what i paid, I cant afford to pay the balance to buy a new one so I decided to go with their alternative offer of having a technician come out and change the rubber boot and pump. I will give whirlpool some credit for these compromises on an older machine, though neither seems to be able to solve the problem completely. I have researched Black mold and it is very dangerous,possibly deadly. It gives off a toxic gas that can be very harmful. In the high humidity of a high efficency front load washing machine its ideal for the mold and mildew to grow. Its unfortunate that those of us trying to better ourselves as well as the environment have to find these things out after the fact and after we spent all that money
we have had our machine for a couple of years and the only advantage is the large load capactity…mold issue , however, trumps any advantages of machine and also the lack of accountability from whirlpool…BEWARE DO NOT BUY THE WHIRLPOOL DUET MACHINES!!!!!
Apparently there are way more people w/ this problem than there needs to be. Several years ago we purchased the GE Spacemaker because it was full size and could be stacked. I loved it! My clothes were clean, I saved water, and I started washing “gentle” clothes at home instead of taking them to the cleaners because of the front load, no agitator feature. Unfortunately, the plastic piece on the door hinge broke. The company said it could only be replaced as a whole, meaning the door unit, not just the clip that holds the washer shut. The cost….$400. I needed 2 repairmen because they were stacked. We decided that $400 for a repair was ridiculous, so we gave it away, sold the dryer and spent $1000 on a newer Whirlpool set. Within months the odor was unbearable. Finally we got rid of the mold and sold the unit for a smaller Maytag unit that would fit in our closet. It has been the biggest mistake we’ve ever made. The mold grew almost instantly and it cannot be removed. Everyone in our house has been experiencing sinus issues and our clothes stink! We have replaced our bath towels 3 times. A friend of ours has a larger unit that did the same thing. They actually contacted her about replacing the rubber rim because they had received a number of complaints. Good for her it had been less than a year and was free. Bad for us it’s been over a year and I will have to pay several hundred dollars to have it replaced. My tax money will be going to a new washer/dryer set. Definately not Maytag and definately not front load. I feel as though the money I am saving on water is not worth what I’m spending in doctor bills and new clothes. I am going back to the basics. A top loader.
Wow, I was just searching on the internet to find out how to clean out our washing machine. We just got ours about 1 1/2 years ago. I started noticing how my husband and my clothes were starting to smell. For a while we have had black mold on the rubber rim to the washer and I have been trying to get it out. Thats not coming out either. Well today I got home and it smelled horrible. I wanted to throw in a load of laundry so I thought maybe I should try and wash our washing machine… yeah, I pulled out the tray… MOLD EVERYWHERE!!! DISGUSTING!! We payed a pretty penny for this front load washer drier set and for this to be going on is REDICULOUS! We have been getting sick a lot over the past year and as a matter of fact I am just getting over a really bad sinus infection and an ear infection. Its great to know my washing machine is a black mold producing machine! Until I ran into these posts I have never heard of anyone having problems like this! I cant do laundry here anymore now that I know how bad it has gotten. We are going to have to go to the laundry mat. Has anyone had success with contacting any of the companies for their front loaders? I would like to know. I believe ours are GE… but now that I know what is going on and how bad this could be… WE HAVE TO BUY NEW MACHINES!!! NO QUESTIONS ABOUT IT!!!
We have the Kenmore Elite FL…and it is so disgusting I can not deal with it any longer. The smell is absolutely unbearable and my son has had sinus problems for months. It makes total sense now why as I read everyones post. It seems to be be all of the brands so I guess I will be buying something other than a front loading machine tomorrow.
Whirlpool Duet – Ditto to all of the above!
I’ll try the clean out method – but I agree that, for the money and health issues – the company should be liable. I’m in for a class action suit. How does one go about doing that?
I’ll ask a couple of lawyers I know at work next week and report back.
Thank you lucky 13 post Mr. Barry! I have had my Duet Washer for 7 years. Lately, it reeked when you open the door. My husband has MS so I save his time and energy for his job, cars and daddy stuff!!! Soooo he’s on a golf trip and I had the time to research the stench. I wiped out the rubber seal inside the door. Followed the instructions to clean the drain/filter. Yes, I had a plastic piece, a metal pin AND a bra underwire (I knew that might be there…) helping to collect moldy gunk (I catch the $$$ before it’s washed!). The drawer was clean. The washer already smells fine, but I’m still running a bleach wash. I usually use Tide HE and will try a load after the bleach cycle. At some point I see if the Sear’s powder detergent performs better than the liquids (I’ve seen this in other posts). So 7 years, this isn’t too bad. I would just like cleaner fresher clothes & towels. I do think German appliances are amazing and hope to keep this another 7 years!! Thanks again for helping me shock my husband!!! 9/2008
The only people who benefit financially from a class action suit are the attorneys: customer attorneys and Whirlpool attorneys. NEVER THE CONSUMER. Whirlpool obviously knows about the issues. There are many possible solutions to try before calling Whirlpool or even for service.
My wife and I noticed over the past year how our towels and cloths started to smell moldy when they became wet. Eventually even leaving the door open of the washer open (which should NOT HAVE TO BE DONE!!) Our washer now has a horrible sewer type odor when we have not washed our laundry in a couple of days.
After finally doing some research on-line, I was shocked to see the number of consumers that have experienced the same very thing. In fact now we’re starting to wonder if this is the reason our 4 year old daughter has been sick so much this year. She’s been in daycare since she was 1 but this year it seems to be living on antibiotics.
We have tried everything at this point and frankly I just want to rid of this washer. However I cannot sell this washer to another human being in good faith.
At this point, my next step would be to have the machine taken apart to see if there is any evidence of mold in the machine by a credible source and either video or document our findings. The next step would be to contact our local media with the hopes it gets picked up by other affiliates and lastly contact law firms who specialize in product liability.
If anyone hears of any law firms that are looking into this or doing any due diligence on this product please share the information. I will do the same… Whirlpool must have the evidence it needs by now to issue a recall. If they don’t have a corporate conscious… LETS GIVE THEM ONE!!!
I’m trying Barry’s idea .. sounds reasonable and solution orientated.
Will let u know…
Yep – Barry was right on, money in the drain, plus a rusty staple, plus some black gunk … also wiped down the rubber seal with bleach and vim with a scrubbie (not just a cloth) and used a flashlight to check to see that i got it all – and finally the soap dispenser did that too … what a difference.. i’m so glad i read these posts – nothing like self service with a smile
goes to show you – a little ingenuity can go a long way .. all those other posts should really give this a try – at least to get the obvious mould out .. it should help with your health issues.
all the best …
L.
My thanks to Barry C. (13) for his instructions on how/where to get all the mold removed. Thanks also to those that expanded on this solution and reported results.
Front-load washer mold is a serious concern and I agree with all of you that we should not have to deal with mold in our washers.
Please keep tips, solutions and advice coming in. Consumers need this help.
I’ve put together some tips on how to (possibly) prevent washer mold: Caring for Your Front-Load Washer and Preventing Mold. I’d like to expand on this so please comment if you have more tips.
For my own washer, I’ve resorted to running the cleaning cycle in my Whirlpool Duet Sport washer at the end of wash day every week, as opposed to monthly.
Although I’ve managed to ward off the mold monster so far, I intend to follow Barry’s instructions soon as preventive maintenance. I’m also curious to see what got past my pocket inspections.
Keep the comments coming and thanks for helping.
People,People even if you do what Barry suggests, you machine still has mold growth. We’ve all seen how mold grows. Are any of you worried that the manufactures of these machines have made a lot of money off all of us and handed us a faulty product. I am sick of cleaning my machine extra times, clothes extra times, using affresh and fighting with the dealer to give me an old stand- by- top loading machine. As this product was marketed as energy saving, environmentally safe product, who becomes accountable?. This is crap. No one takes responsibility. By the time all is said and done the warranty will have expired and then I’ll face another battle over replacing it. This stinks. (Litrally if you smelled my so called clean laundry.)
I’m with Frank and Cheryl from Canada. We should not have to go to such extreme measures on a machine that we spent $1000 on! I did the suggestion that Barry gave us, did find very gross smell and many items not supposed to be there, cleaned it out but the mold smell continues. Its in the rubber gasket and will not go away unless I replace it. My machine is out of warranty and Whirlpool will not do anything with my complaint. I do think that we can force something legally. I’ll forward these posts to our local media and see what we can get started. Good luck and I’ll keep checking back here for any progress.
I have the Whirlpool Duet Sport Washer and Dryer set. I am experiencing the same mold/mildew smell as everyone else with the washer. I actually had a plumber come out because I thought the smell was coming from my pipes, but having read these posts and followed Barry’s instructions I am certain all sewer/mildew smells are from the washer. As soon as I removed the drain cap, the smell was really strong. I cleaned everything with Clorox, but I’m not sure I was able to get all the gunk/mold off the gray rubber ring. I wish I could remove it and clean it but that doesn’t seem to be an option. I always leave my washer door open when it’s not in use, use a very small amount of HE detergent and run the “clean washer” cycle consistently, yet mold and gunk continue to accumulate. Disgusting! I will start running that cycle once a week as recommended by some of the other posters. I love so many aspects of the front loaders but the mold/mildew issue is unbearable. I seriously thought it was my house and was beginning to think we’d have to move…I’m glad it’s just the washer! If anyone else discovers a good solution, please post. I will check back.
I thought our moldy washer issue was an isolated incident…wow, was I wrong! How disappointing it is to find out that you spend that much money on a common household appliance only to have it turn out to have such a huge flaw. I will definitely try some of the solutions listed above, but am anxious to see if there are any others. I will contact Whirlpool, too.
I have had this Whirlpool Duet washer for a little over three years, and the smell has become unbearable. I cleaned the rubber ring, the detergent compartment and used affresh, nothing worked. Whirlpool told me I probably did not use the care and maintenance I should have and there is nothing they could do.
I’m a full-time single Dad of 3 year old boy who has been unusually sick the past 5 months when the smell started to become horrendous, and I have asthma, which has also become worse. Whirlpool told me I probably did not use the care and maintenance I should have and there is nothing they could do.
I took off the top off the washer and found that the drain hoses were full of mold.
I don’t know what to do because I paid a lot of money for this washer and can’t afford a new washer. I thought Whirlpool was a better manufacturer than this and I will never buy Whirlpool again because they do not care about their “customers.”
Leave dispenser drawer slightly open and the door also. Front loaders are a water tight system that needs to breath. Also Fabric softners are made with animal fats this does not help with smell. I found Affresh works really well with smell and removal of residues. But reminber open doors to let dry after using.
WasherFresh solved the problem for me. My HE washing machine is quite a few years old. It therefore does not have a cleaning cycle. Since the residue was so built up I used the manufacturers recommended 3 pouches at one time on Whites, for the hot water.
Mold is gone. I now use 1 pouch per month as a maintenance precaution and no longer have to leave the door open.
Great product found at Sears Canada and is now available in the U.S. at Amazon.com search: HE washing machine cleaner.
Also, this product is safe to touch!!!!!!
I also have the Whirlpool Duet and I have tried some suggested “quick fix” solutions from friends and from blogs such as the ones mentioned here. I read Victoria’s comment and decided to to try WasherFresh as I live in Canada as well. And you know what? It works. I tried the Affresh, but with this new one, the odor problem is gone. I would suggest this to anyone with an HE washer. I bought mine at Sears here in Canada, but I did check Amazon.com to make sure and it is available. All I can say is try it.
I have a whirlpool front loader. Was having a leaking problem, called a service tech out and it was the boot ripped from 9-12 O’clock. When he repaired it I/we found : money, pencils, pens and some other items that had fell into the crack and gotten inside the machine. I too was experience that lovely smell. I asked the tech he showed me a clean out inside the machine that your supposed to clean every year or so. Well, we opened it up and I almost lost my cookies. Man did that smell no wonder every spin out I smelled that smelly smell. It was black nasty gross. The only bad thing is that you have to open up the bottom of the washer to get to it. But it’s better then smelly that smell. The clean out is right by the pump to pump the water out. I was glad he told me about this cause we also found a quarter in the clean out. Hope this helps. It did for me.
Today my Fiancé and I went to check out washer and dryers since we are considering moving next year and want our own washer and dryer. Well he has read up about the mold issues people were having and brought this up to the sales person at Hhgregg, who was actually aware of this problem. He suggested an Electrolux brand that had an Anti-bacterial bar so it would not grow mold. I wasn’t sure if he was just trying to sell us something or not, so I came here to see if anyone else has seen or heard of that feature. I would be more than willing to support that brand considering they’re dealing with the issue and trying to get rid of the problem, but I am skeptical because I couldn’t find any info about it. I am having a baby next year and I really don’t want to have an issue with a washer that has mold that, who knows, could potentially harm my child. Any info would be of great help! Thank you!
I ahve a Bosch MAXX Classic that we bought lsat year and surprise, surprise, have the same problems. I have black stains around the rubber seal and cannot get them off. We had that awful smell which I deal with via a number of very hot washes with vinegar, bleach and powder (not all at once). I’ve rung the store twice and been told napisan will get it off, but it wont. The only thing thats come close to removing some of it is Harpic Bleach Gel for TOILETS! My sales rep now tells me she uses a chamois after each use and always leaves the door open. If I do that it blocks the exit door. If I had known any of this, I would have stuck with a top loader, which never gave us any problems. This baby cost us $900 and I cant afford to throw that type of money away.
I am having the exact same problem with my front loading expensive LG washer. We have had the repair service iut twice and were told to use the sanitary cyle 3 times in a row with bleach. Well, each sanitary cyle runs for 150 minutes! So much for effiency!!After this, it smells clean for about a week, but my towels are all ruined, I have recently replaced them and the new ones are now just the same. I would not recommend buying a front loader from any of the manufacturers!!
I would love to join a class action suit and get my money back!!!
We just discovered mold in our front loading Whirlpool, too—we have a new baby and are very concerned about the moldy smell. We need to get the media aware of this growing problem…
Hi,
I was going to buy the duet set until I read this page.
I believe I can offer a solution to you, although needless to say, I haven’t tried it out on this washer. The solution, which SHOULD work, is colloidal silver. You can buy it premade from places like Walmart or various health food stores, or better, you can make your own. A web search for colloidal silver generators will show you what’s out there.
Colloidal silver kills single celled organisms, including mold and mildew, as well as bacteria and many viruses. It is harmless to humans and animals. I’ve taken smelly moldy kitchen sponges, sprayed them with colloidal silver, and they come out smelling fresh as can be. You can also use it to wipe kitchen counters or any other surface you want to decontaminate. Just wipe it on and let it air dry.
In the case of these washing machines, I’d suggest pouring about half a pint into the machine and then running it through a cycle. The colloidal silver will gather in the “drain that won’t drain,” and should kill off the nasty stuff growing there. In the case of heavy contamination, you might need more or you might need to run it through more than once, to insure that you’re getting a good concentration of the silver in the drain.
Better yet, you might be able to pour the silver directly into the washer and let it dribble down to where the nasty residue is. Let it sit for several hours or overnight before running another load. If this works for you—and it should—try doing this once a week in order to keep the concentration of silver high.
Premade colloidal silver can be rather expensive. I make my own colloidal silver and produce a quart at a time for pennies, using distilled water and the 9.999 fine silver electrodes that came with my generator. Fine silver is NOT sterling silver. Sterling is 92.5 silver; fine silver is pure silver. The generator I bought cost around $100. and was well worth it. I’ve use it for nearly ten years.
Hope this helps.
Sharon
One final note about colloidal silver: if you decide to make your own, it MUST be stored in brown glass bottles or it will lose its strength. You can ask your druggist for the bottles. Mine gave me half a dozen bottles for free.
Sharon
My husband and I went to look at front loading washers & dryers today at Lowes. Initially, I was thinking about GE or Samsung but the salesman cited mold problems with those and several other brands. However, he raved about the Whirlpool Duet and said that’s what he and his wife have. My husband was ready to buy Whirlpool on the spot but I wanted to come home and do a little research. After reading all these comments, I am having SERIOUS second thoughts about purchasing ANY brand of front loading washer! What to do…what to do?
Some here talked about starting a class action complaint against Whirlpool. Apparently there is already one in the works. Check out this link:
http://chimicles.com/case/whirlpool-front-load-washing-machines
Shari,
You could do what I did today. I bought the Whirlpool HE TOP-loader today, along with its mastching HE steam dryer.
Shari,
“What to do?”
You could do what I did today. I bought the Whirlpool HE TOPloader washer along with its matching HE steam dryer. I’ve scoured the web and found no reports of mold in the toploader.
Also,consumerreports.org gives the toploader a very good rating.
My wife and I built a new house just over 3 years ago, and in keeping with being “modern”, we purchased the Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer set. Within a couple of months, the new house smell was replaced with a moldy stench. Upon investigation, and removing the dispensing tray, we found a florishing mold colony in the tray receptacle.
We also found the seal around the door growing its own mold colonies.
I am a (currently non-practicing) respiratory
therapist, and am agast that the Whirlpool corporation would allow such a potentially harmful product to be introduced to the market. I have cleaned and bleached and dryed everything but the mold remains a recurrent problem. I will try the “Stinky Washer” product if I can find it, but I feel that Whirlpool needs to figure out a fix and then pay the cost of repairs for a recall!
Sharon W.
Hi. This post is for you. I posted earlier, see post #32. Its about HE top loader. I had the same mold problems that all of these guys were talking about. Guess what, I dont have the problem anymore! What i did, I poured 1/4 bottle of clorox (the medium size)down the tube that’s coming from the AC in the attic, which is the same tube that my washer drains to. Then, right after, I did the bleach maintenance wash suggested in the owners manual. Since then, I never let the washer door down. Its always up(open) to air it out and evaporate any remaining water inside after washings. Its been a few months now, and i have repeated the bleach maintenance wash just once, and I dont have the mold smell come back.
I just thought that i need to spread the word.
Richard
I was told to put the Tang Drink Mix in the detergent section of my front load washer and run it on a hot cycle (no clothes) and that would clean it out. Has anyone tried that? I was told to get mold/mildew off the outer part of the “boot” that I had to use mold mildew cleaner, but I have issues with chemicals so can’t do that.
I agree with Barry on the fix but want to add a couple of pointers to make this a little easier.Prop the washer’s feet up on a 2×4 in front to access the screws easier. Keep your shop vac handy with the vac’s filter removed instead of using up towels.We found a baby sock when we did this and our kids were 3 and 5. Yummy.Good luck all.
Richard,
Thanks for the tip. Fortunately for me, nothing else drains down the washer drain. But, nonetheless, my washer/dryer will be delivered later today, and I plan to do some preventive maintenance.
BTW, I still think colloidal silver will do the trick. Clorine bleach loses its strength when its agitated and it’s all gone in hours, but colloidal silver keeps on working.
Sharon
you can try contacting the whirlpool saftey department for options such as buy back on your washer.
How much vinegar do you use to run thru a cycle in order to clean? and do you just pour it into the detergent section? I have a Frigidaire Gallery front loader and just noticed a brown residue along the rubber gasket/boot while wiping out some pet hair – ick. I have noticed a smell but I would not say moldy as much as it is just a sour, stale smell. I tired to wipe out all the brown but it seemed never ending. Any other suggestions? The location of the machine is in the bathroom and the bathroom door makes it difficult to keep the washer door and detergent tray open.
thanks!
This is all very strange to me, since I grew up in Germany, where the only washer we had was the front loading washer. I wonder what the true underlying problem is, if it’s in the engineering of the product or something else, because I don’t remember ever having this issue. However, we also washed our whites on what’s considered the sanitary cycle here – boiling hot, 195F water. Unfortunately, if these washer cause health issues due to the growth of mold, then I can see them being pulled off the market down the road. Does anybody know if the Bosch washers have the same issue? That would give a clue as to whether it’s an engineering issue.
Hello All-
I am a law clerk at a firm called Nagel Rice in Roseland, NJ. Our firm is currently investigating the issue of mold infestation in Whirlpool front-end loaders and is looking for individuals affected by the problem who may be interested in participating in a class action lawsuit against Whirlpool. If so, please visit our website (nagelrice.com) or call at 973.618.0400. We look forward to hearing from you.
Hello All-
I am a law clerk at a firm called Nagel Rice in Roseland, NJ. Our firm is currently investigating the issue of mold infestation in Whirlpool front-end loaders and is looking for individuals affected by the problem who may be interested in participating in a class action lawsuit against Whirlpool. If so, please visit our website (nagelrice.com) or call at 973.618.0400. We look forward to hearing from you.
I also own the Whirlpool Duet Washer/Dryer. The mold/mildew and odor is becoming unbearable for me. I am noticing chronic allergies since this has occured. I have soaked the tray in bleach and scrubbed all the parts I can reach. The appliance store where I purchased this expensive mistake suggested I call the Whirlpool toll free line (1-800-253-1301) to complain since they have not been able to get Whirlpool to cooperate with them on the many complaints they have received from customers. I called and I was shocked at the response. I was told they have never heard of any complaints of mold/mildew and odor in their washers!!! I asked her to get real, that cannot possisbly be so since she was the consumer complaint line. I asked to speak to a supervisor and she also said she has never heard of this complaint. She then advised me to leave the door open and said they would not be responsible for replacing any parts to repair the situation. I could replace the “bellow” gasket at my expense. She then said she would send me “free of charge” the tablets that would help with the odor. I suggest everyone who has not called this number do so since they have not heard of this problem before!
I have just built a second home in which we will relocate to as we retire in a few years and I purchased the cheapest old fashioned top loading GE I could find. I love soaking my laundry and dirty sneakers again!! Jan
I have a top-loading Whirlpool washer and for the past month or two, we have noticed a urine-like smell coming from it. It stinks up our clothes, especially my towels and I CAN’T get rid of it. We have also had a rat living in the garage (where the washer also is)during this period, but I don’t know if they are connected. I’m SOOO grossed out! Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks…
We have a Whirlpool Duet & what a let down. It stinks even after I bleach it. Mold in the detergent tray and around the gray rubber gasket. DISGUSTING!! I had to replace everything that was dark colored because the smell would not come out, because I was unable to bleach them. Whirlpool should make it right & give us a full refund, then come and pick them up. I will never buy another whirlpool product!!! $2000.00 what a waste of money. I’m getting the word out too. I’m a flight attendant and I talk to as many people about this, as possible.
The Whirlpool duet was a big waste of money! The washer stinks most of the time. I get some relief after I run vinegar through the Hottest cycle but temporary only. Most of my clothes have that stink that just never goes away. I hate this machine and I have put up with it for several years now. Whirlpool also told me they never heard of mold issues and that was 4 years ago. Leave the door open ya right!
I too have had severe mold problems with my duet washer. My washer is 6 yrs old. I have battled this problem from the beginning of purchase. No one was willing to listen to me. The appliance repair people would come out and tell me another part was bad and needed replacement everytime. Then the dryer broke. It has been a terrible experience with the black mold. I too scrub every part of my washer daily. The detergent drawer and door to the drum are always left open to air. It is disgusting! I think that I should not have to clean this washer after every use! Whirlpool eventually replaced the dryer after 7 trips from the repair man. But it still only works on the timed cycle. As for the washer its a hunk of junk that we too paid top dollar for. I need a large washer as we have 8 in our family!
I bought the front loader washer and dryer and have had nothing but problems! My Husband has severe allgeries also and he has gone to many doctors for testing and can’t seem to find out that there is anything wrong with was he is doing he is doing. We have several medical bills and never even thought about the washer and dryer. We knew we had a problem with mold and yes I was going out and buying socks all the time because I never could find a match. After hearing about this I went and looked and there were several socks molded and stuck behind the washer rubber band. Also I kept hearing from family,friends and people from school that my child clothes always stunck!!! God forbid if it was a rainey day. I was so embarresed. I have repainted my home,had people come in a shampoo our carpet. I even went as far as spraying my children with Lysol spay before that got out of the car. I am very upset to know that this is the problem. I have been through hell!! Our power bill went up because I also have to used time dry everytime I dry clothes. This is NOT our Fault it is a defect of the product and something should be done. Why should we have to spend more money on something we put so much money into. My whole family has had heath problems and this is not aceptable!! I have done everything ask from the manual, like monthly cleaning but nothing has helped. I have a large family also and it may not mean much to some but we don’t have the money or time to keep trying knew things to fix something that I didn’t mess up. Further action will be taken! Good Luck to everyone that has had this problem and fight for your rights! My family comes first not a washer and dryer. Sincerly Sherri.
Jan…The Whirlpool operator lied to you as I have called and complained and was told to run bleach and water without clothing through my machine…no, it did not help. This problem is affecting my family’s health. I have migraines and my daughter has hives and welts. My machine is disgusting with black mold. We have had trouble with our Whirlpool refrigerater as well…I will never buy Whirlpool ever again….all they want is your intitial sale and then they do not back up their product. Their product is junk.
What is the number for the CDSC?
Sue
What about your front load dryers? Do yours dry your clothes faster? My dryer takes about an hour to an hour and a half to dry a load of clothes. It takes longer than our old dryer. Yes, our vents are clean.
Sue
I have had the Kenmore Elite HE3 for about 4 years, in 3 years I got lyphoma and my 3.5 year old son has to take xertec for allergies every day and gets rashes all over. Everyone please affected please start fighting this. If we all fight maybe they will listen. I can’t afford to replace my washer I am fighting cancer.
NEW PART TO THE STORY. Read On.
Mold here too. Just took out the soap dispenser to clean it, popped off all the part and in the lower cavity found it full of black mold. Okay I said to myself. Bleach is clean and I’m good to go.
NOPE!
Here is the deal… while putting the dispenser back into the washer, LOOK UP inside the opening where the dispenser goes. If you had mold in the dispenser, I guarentee you will see a large black mold spot on the roof of the opening. On mine, all the mold is on the FABRIC SOFTENER side. The holes there that allow the water through were molded closed.
While we clean the dispenser often, never had I looked up at the opening. Even though I cleaned it all off, there must be mold inside the top water flow area. With the quantity of mold in the lower section of the dispenser cavity (if you work at it, you can pop it all apart) AND the massive mold in the top of the dispenser cavity opening in the washer itself… I am certain the rest of the washer is full of it.
Anyone find a lawsuit or real help yet?
Rob in Indy
To Rob in Indy…
In my previous comment (#61), I gave a link I found regarding a law firm that is handling a class action lawsuit against Whirlpool regarding mold issues. Also, a law clerk from a NJ law firm posted 2 comments above about litigation his firm is handling (see comments #72 & 73).
Although I was fortunate to find out about the overwhelming number of complaints of mold issues in front loaders BEFORE I purchased one, I am still interested in the outcome for those of you who are having chronic problems. Good luck.
To Rob in Indy…
In my previous comment (#61), I gave a link I found regarding a law firm that is handling a class action lawsuit against Whirlpool regarding mold issues. Also, a law clerk from a NJ law firm posted 2 comments above about litigation his firm is handling (see comments #72 & 73).
Although I was fortunate to find out about the overwhelming number of complaints of mold issues in front loaders BEFORE I purchased one, I am still interested in the outcome for those of you who are having chronic problems. Good luck.
I hate to join this musty club, as it’s not a very fun one, but I’m afraid we have Mold City in our washer, too!
We’ve owned our Duet set less than two years, and I noticed the mildew smell really after only 4 or 5 months. As far as I can tell, I’ve played by all the rules. I frequently check under the rubber ring in front for stray materials, as the guide says. I wipe the door down and leave it open when not in use. I don’t use too much of the HE detergent, and use zero fabric softener. We even go the extra distance in some respects; we pin all our socks together, to cut back on the sock monster effect. And I’m pretty good at collecting change beforehand, so we don’t have a lot miscellaneous items floating around to clog things up.
My detergent tray doesn’t show any growth, but the smell of mold just totally emanates from the drum the second you open the door. I make sure to get my clothes out ASAP because otherwise they stink so bad, so fast. I wanted a front loader for energy & water efficiency, but what’s the point with this set? If you have to run a load again because you got busy with life and didn’t empty the washer immediately, even just an hour or two, it’s such a waste. It’s such a short window of time before the load is just ruined and you have to run it again.
I appreciate the helpful tips on maintenance, cleaing, and products to use that are posted here by other users.
Bottom line–as a few others have said…for what was paid for this highly touted product, we should not have all these troubles! My old school top-loading Kenmore worked great for a decade, no mold. The capacity and efficiency of Whirlpool Duet are wonderful benefits, but my often used-nasal steriod and “laundry headaches” are simply not an acceptable trade-off!
I have had a whirlpool duet front load since 2006. I have had problems with my towels smelling like mold ever since. My daughter has asthma ( age
and my 4 1/2 age son has had repeated sinur infections and a forever green runny nose. I called whirlpool while under extended warranty and they came out and replace the boot (unaware anything was wrong) and order the computer module replacement and noather part. when he came back out it did not need them and he told me to hang on to the parts I would need them! I have used Affresh and vinegar and bleach and hot water loads. This is ridiculas for the price you pay for these units. We removed the front today and check the (large object drain) it had one coing and a ton of water. Tons of mold. We cleaned everything:) I ran the next load and there is not water in the machine but water left in the drain line sloshing. I have a dog who also has severe allergies. We need a class action law suit against whirlpool. This is ridiculus. You should not have to babysit the washer. You bought it for convenience. I am a license insurance adjuster who has mold training; I am mortified to think I brought this mold problem into my home! HELP! Nothing works and everything smells. I had a friend whose husband had SEVERE mold allergies with a Maytage front loader. She got rid of it and bought a top load. He no longer has allegeries! Amazing- This needs to stop before the mold spores get out of control. Children cannot handle the mold in their lungs.
Amen to all the duet problems. I hate this thing and I feel bad to say that my misery is a teeny bit happy to find company. I thought I’d bought the only lemon in the bunch. I can’t stop the mold and my dryer sensor stops the dryer from working. I’ll never buy another whirlpool appliance and am living for the set I have to die.
i was wondering if anything has come about on this yet? my husband and i have been noticing this problem for quite some time and were wondering what it may be. my daughter has severe asmtha and the kids are always getting sick. i thought it was just my hubs at first but started to notice the problem too. we wash clothes and the smell is always there. it is lingering. we bought new towels for this reason thinking it just may be the materials. we’ll try calling but we bought w/o warranty. suggestions??
Duet Sport…aka the spawn of mold
I too have had the same horrible problems! We bought ours in 2006 and have been fighting mold ever since. I first noticed the sewage stench. Funny thing though, my kids were 3 and 1 at the time and I kept blamming them thinking they pooped or did something they shouldn’t have. Then as it got worse, I realized where it was coming from.
After a year then I started noticing the mold. This was also the time my 1 1/2 year old daughter started having pneumonia all the time and my son had numerous sinus infections. Along with constant allergy symptoms. I also realized that my husband started getting migraines and I was getting migraines all the time. My own health was getting worse. Our pediatrician told us to see an allergist as something in the house was making the kids sick. So we went and found out the both tested positive for mold and mildew allergies! The funny thing about allergies is that you are not born with them, yet you develop them as you are exposed to the allergen. That meant my kids were constantly exposed to mold and mildew that lead to their allergies and illness. They were only 4 and 2 when they were tested.
So I went to my 4 year old town home that we bought new and though, I am not a dirty person, my house is clean and there isn’t mold everywhere. It then dawned on my that the washer is upstairs in the family room/playroom right by both of our bedrooms. It also occurred to me that I was getting migraines every time I did laundry. And thus the source of exposure.
I have contacted whirlpool, and I believe that because we have medically documented conditions, they sent out a repairman at no charge to me and said they would fix what needed fixing. The repairman replaced the grey front rubber seal in the door. It was covered in mold on the back side of it where you could not see it. The repair man told me that he had been in houses where you could smell the stench of the mold as you walked in the front door of the house. Mine has never been that bad, it has filled the upstairs, but I don’t have to remind anyone of how bad mold exposure is. He also told me that no matter what he replaces, it will comeback. He told me he actually preferred not to fix it as it was just a band-aid and didn’t fix the real problem. So great I thought, the repair guy has told me there isn’t anything you can really do.
We have done everything listed above. Save your money on the Affresh. It doesn’t work. If you have soap build up, try what a commercial laundry owner told me to do. Stick a 1/2 cup of Electrosol powdered detergent in your machine and run the clean washer or the hottest setting possible. It works to get out the soap but it won’t remove the mold.
I have gone to running bleach in mine as well, but ultimately it doesn’t take care of the problem either. The drain is a faulty design that doesn’t pass the smell test, literally. Thus it will constantly come back. Whirlpool knows this is bad, why else would they develop a product to try to “fix” or shall we say cover up the problem. I have contacted both attorneys above as something needs to be done about this. We all spent too much on these machines just to buy new ones, not to mention the health issues many of us have had because of this as well.
By the way, I would also suggest taking pictures of what you are cleaning when you clean it. You never know when that might come in handy.
As for the dryer, mine used to work well, but now the senor no longer works and I have to time dry everything. Did any of you notice that whirlpool now makes a dryer that adds steam into it? Stupid is as stupid does. Whirlpool can’t fix the moisture/mold/mildew issues in their washer and now they are going to add moisture into their dryers. Honestly they are a gluten for punishment.
i too have a whirlpool duet and the smell was awful. my husband started breaking out in rashes around his ankles for no apparent reason. we went to lowe’s where we had purchased the washer and dryer about 2-3 years ago. the manager told us to affresh and run bleach thru to see if that took care of the smell. it didn’t, so we went back and told them. they traded in our old washer on a new top loader with no more problems. they even delivered it free and took away that old smelly thing… lowe’s rule!!!
I purchased my Neptune pair in 2005, just after the Class Action Suit was closed. With everything Maytag was dealing with, they obviously continued to produce these machines which build up disgusting black mold. Nothing gets rid of it. I am now looking into junking it and buying a top loader. Does anyone here have any ideas about going after Whirlpool to force them to make good on this company they have acquired? I think another class action suit is in order. There are plenty of Maytags like this still out there, and most were sold after the problem was already known.
Mildew here, too. And two other families I know who own the duet. Bummer.
All I can say is piece of crud! Mold, clogged fabric softner dispener and draining problems. I have had this washer for 1 year with nothing but problems. Clothes always look dirty even when I use bleach. I only use HE detergent and still nothing seems clean. For what we paid for this machine, I shouldn’t have to pull the thing apart to get rid of the mold when it is only a year old.
I was shopping at ABT Electronics this week and asked about purchasing the Whirlpool Duet HT WFW9400SW. I inquired about the mold issue and the salesman said the they sold two versions of the washer; one made in Mexico, and one made in Germany ($200 more). He said that they havent had one complaint about mold form anyone who had bought the German model, and then went on to show me some quality issues between the two.
So my question is: do some of the people here with smelly, moldy Whirlpool Duet washers have the German made model?
Had the Whirlpool Duet for 4-5 years and had the same problems with mold growing behind the front rubber seal and terrible smell left on towels. Recently the hot water was leaking under the washer and the computer panel is not working so we have to use cold water presoak to get the cycle to wash then set the rinse cycle manually and stay nearby to do this manually.
The repair cost for the front panel will be minimum of $250 plus labor plus whatever else is wrong with the hot water not working.
We expected this washer to outlast and do a better job than the less expensive washers. Our last washer lasted 20 years. What a rip-off.
In the old days, before making a major purchase, you asked friends, relatives and the salesman for recommendation. I bet there are some salesmen who don’t like the internet. Selling front loaders is going to become a problem! I’m sorry to hear about all your problems, but thank you for preventing me from purchasing the Whirlpool duet set. I’ve had my Maytag washer for 30 years and will get another top loader. “Going green” will have to wait for the next generation of washers for me to purchase one.
With our “recommendations” and a class action suit, maybe we can prevent others from making a very serious buying mistake and risking health issues with our families. Thank you for all your postings.
Rob in Indy…
Yuck…our dispenser has the same black mold over the fabric softener section. This machine is so gross. I too thought we had something in our pipes because of the terrible smell we would get at certain wash cycle points..now I am certain its the mold in the machine that we can’t get too. Whirlpool really needs to address this issue.
We are having a mold problem with whirlpool washer. I just talked with a rep at whirlpool and he said they are producing a product to take care of the mold. The are producing the problem so we have to buy the product to solve it. They make money both ways.
MOLD IS DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH. PRODUCES CANCER.
Lets all call TV consumer people and get this problem on the TV so everyone knows about it.
If we complain enough, they will do something about the problem…
We are having problems with a hazardous mold forming on and in a whirlpool clothes washer.
Whirlpool knows of this problem and does not tell people about the problem when selling the washer. When I talked to them about the mold, they told me they sell a product to remove the mold, but it comes right back. They sell a mold producing machine so they can sell a product to remove it…money both ways.
Lets all call a TV consumer person and see if we can get this advertised on TV…
We are having the sever mold problem in the whirlpool washer. After talking to whirlpool several times they intend to do nothing.
ALL OF US SHOULD GET TOGETHER AND FILE A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT.
My wife has already come down with cancer and I have bad allergies from this mold.
My Whirlpool Duet I acquired with the house we bought. I bought at Sears Canada a product called WasherFresh, it worked. However, I do find it needs to be used once a month. But I don’t like leaving the washing machine door open all the time.
I do not own this or any high efficiency washing machine, but really appreciate the feedback given by owners. Part of me wants to buy a HE set to save natural resources and energy, but the extra cost was the initial stumbling block.
Now that I read about the fact that mold forms on these models (and others), I am very hesitant to buy one even if the price is much lower. Add to this the extra effort of cleaning gaskets, cleaning the drain plug, buying cleaning solutions and running cleaning cycles, soap residue issues, and changing habits…I don’t see the value.
I’m not trying to start a fight here, but for all the stress these introduce, I’ll stick with my top loader until these are all resolved.
I’ve had my Duet for 3 years and until about 4 months ago shared all the frustrations described by other readers. I followed each and every suggestion to minimize the problem. Then, one day I was out of the liquid Tide HE detergent and the grocery store I went to that day only had the POWDERED He Tide. Almost immediately, I noticed a difference in the smell. The musky, mildewy smell was gone. After a month of nice-smelling laundry and not leaving the washer drawer and tray open and running the sanitary cycle…..I still had no bad smells. I shared my learning with a good friend who has a Duet also and had the same smell issues. She has been using the POWDERED He Tide and has had the same result as I have had. Give it a try!!
Quit using liquid soap. They contain 30-40% animal fat that leaves residue that promotes growth of “biofilm”, in Maytag (RIP) lingo. Use Powder HE only, such as Tide HE. How do I know? I fix this stuff for a living! Bob
Suggestions at bottom – of how to possibly eliminate these problems.
Wow!!!
I am amazed to hear of all the problems listed.
I have had my Whirlpool Duet front-load washer for almost 2 years and have only had a “stench” problem once.
(I live in HUMID Florida, but my laundry room is inside.)
The stench culprit, baby socks, that had lodged inside the front seal and I had stopped checking the seal after each wash. When I finally found them they were disgusting – grey/black stinky.
I ran the Cleaning cycle with bleach and the problem was resolved.
The reason I was even reading this discussion thread is an acquaintance of mine (friend of friend) is going to purchase a front-load and I wanted to be able to give her the good the bad and the ugly.
Here are my thoughts as to how to AVOID these issues:
1. Fabric softener. DO NOT USE. A dryer sheet should be sufficient for anti-static and softening. I have never used fabric softener in my front-load washer.
2. Use the “Dye Grabber” made by Carbona. It is $5.00 and is good for 30 loads and it grabs dye and GRIME. (This product does not work well with fabric softener and tells you not to use it). Available at Jo-Ann Fabrics in the Quilting Department and at Winn-Dixie.
3. Use the “Washer Magic” product. Only after 2 years did I start getting any residue build-up on the gasket. This product removed it. ( I also use the Dishwasher Magic in my Bosch dishwasher with great results.) Available at Wal-Mart & grocery stores.
4. Use the cleaning cycle. I actually have gotten bad and probably only use it every 3rd month and I rarely use bleach with clothes.
5. I have used ONLY one detergent – All Free & Clear ( fragrance-free dye-free ) He liquid detergent in my machine. I suspect that all the “smell-good” additives in Tide and Gain and other products might be leaving too much residue.
6. Leave the door ajar and the detergent tray open. I ALWAYS do this. Top-loading washers don’t seal, so they naturally evaporate.
7. I have well water, with some sulpher and I get that horrid orange staining on the detergent tray, but luckily it doesn’t smell. I would love any tips on how to get the orange stain off the detergent drawer.
8. Try another detergent – like 7th Generation or Tide no perfume no dye.
9. I wanted to use Borax, but the help-line at Whirlpool advised against it unless I pre-dissolved it into water, so I haven’t used it. They insisted that adding the dry Borax or dry Baking Soda would cause a problem.
10. Take the time to remove items from pockets. Allowing coins into the machine is just silly.
11. Consider washing everything in at least warm water, if you are using city-treated water.
12. I wash a lot in HOT water or use the Sanitary cycle on towels.
I have a gas Rinnai tankless water heater and I laugh every day thinking about how much money I save by not paying for 60 gallons of water heating all day long (and I had 2 60 gallon water heaters replaced by one tankless water heater!)
*****
Now, I was interested in the made in Germany vs. made in Mexico.
I bought my Duet at Lowe’s after reading Consuemr Reports, etc. and found another model on-line that had one less feature (I think it was something like a wash-silk feature, I don’t quite remember, but it was a feature that I would rarely if ever use.) Anyway, they showed my model in stock and I went to the store and they insisted that they did NOT carry this model. I showed them the printout from the web-page and they went looking for it and evidently it had just arrived the day before and the salesmen were unaware of it. Turns out it was some type of special order for some other retailer, which I figured was CostCo or something. Who knows? So I do KNOW that my Duet is different and possibly pretty rare and they only had that model for about 2 months.
So I’m wondering if I lucked out and got one that was made in Germany.
hope this helps at least one person ….
After spending hours researching this problem (again – a month ago I did the cleaning cycle with bleach) – we took Barry C (comment #13) & Doug D (#24)’s cleaning advice – Thanks guys!! Amazing all the gunk (& ODOR!) inside the filter/drain & under the rubber gasket! I think we may have gotten rid of most of the mold (for now anyway). We vow to do this procedure at least once/month. I also clean out the detergent dispenser regularly now – take it completely out, take out the inserts -clean it & the area where the dispenser sits. I still wonder how much mold is still in there somewhere where we can’t get to…….. there is still a slight odor, nothing like before – it would knock you over when you walked in the door. Our machine is a GHW9460PL4. I could not find any manuals for our model online – it’s only 1 1/2 yr. old. The manuals for other models say to use the “cleaning cycle” – ours doesn’t have – found in one of the comments a way to set a cleaning cycle on our model:
Select “Drain/Spin” & “No Spin”;
Press “Prewash” twice (quickly). You should see a code C:O:O. I added to 1/2 c. bleach to dispenser & ran – it seemed to help. Myself & my son have mold allergies (mine results in asthmatic attacks) – we’re hoping this helps!
Thanks to everyone for the helpful comments – as the Whirlpool site was completely useless for this problem!
I FOLLOWED BARRY C(#13) AND DOUG D’S(24)ADVICE
AND NOW HAVE NO ODOR AT ALL. I THINK THE HOSE
THAT CONNECTS AT THE PUMP AND GOES UP TO THE OUTSIDE DRAIN LINE IS THE REAL CULPRIT. MY HOSE
ACTUALLY LOOKED GRAY FROM ALL THE MOLD THAT WAS
INSIDE OF IT. I REMOVED THE TOP COVER OF THE WASHER (3 TORX SCREWS LOCATED ON THE BACK)SO I COULD GET ACCESS TO THE HOSE CLAMP
ON THE UPPER END OF THE HOSE,THEN REMOVE THE CLAMP AT THE LOWER END OF THE HOSE WHERE IT
CONNECTS AT THE PUMP. I FILLED A UTILITY TUB WITH HOT WATER AND BLEACH AND LET THE ENTIRE HOSE SOAK FOR ABOUT 1 HOUR.THEN HOLDING 1 END OF THE HOSE UNDER A FAUCET I FLUSHED OUT THE
HOSE WITH HOT WATER. I WOULD ALSO BANG THE HOSE AGAINST THE SIDE OF THE TUB WHILE RINSING
TO HELP LOOSE THE MOLD FROM THE HOSE. AFTER SEEING NO TRACE OF MOLD IN THE HOSE WHICH NOW LOOKS CLEAR I REATTACHED THE HOSE AND RAN THE
WASHER.(BE SURE TO CHECK FOR LEAKS BEFORE REPLACING THE COVERS.) WOW! IT NO LONGER STINKS UP THE LAUNDRY ROOM WHEN IT DRAINS.I HOPE THIS HELPS OTHER WITH THIS PROBLEM. ONE LAST THING, IF YOU STILL ARE HAVING AN ODOR WHILE IT DRAINS AND YOU KNOW THAT YOU CLEANED EVERYTHING WELL,THE PROBLEM MAY BE IN THE HOSE THAT CONNECTS OUTSIDE THE WASHER AND DRAINS AT YOUR UTILITY TUB OR WHATEVER SET-UP
YOU HAVE FOR DRAINING.THAT HOSE MAY BE A POSSIBLE PROBLEM BUT I AM SURE A REPLACEMENT
WOULD BE AVAILABLE AT ANY LOWE’S,HOME DEPOT ETC.
did the procedures per post (13). no debris found but still kind of sludgy & real smelly!
thanks Barry!
Barry’s post #13 followed as he describes gives good results. However, there are a couple of things that can be added to help. First of all many thanks to Barry for a good write up in post 13!! I agree with Barry that the discharge pump is not well designed – not enought slop to the hose from the wash tub and a smooth hose rather than ribbed would have allowed the hose to drain dry after use. In addition, the pickup of the discharge pump should have been at the lowest point in the pump filter housing. However, since Whirlpool didn’t do these things, I have implemented a new procedure after the washing maching is not to be used for any period of time. Wait about 10 minutes for all water to drain down into pump area (probably won’t take that long) and then put 15 to 20 ml or 3 to 4 teaspoons full of bleach into the washing drum where you would normally put clothes to be washed. This will drain down into the drain hose and will flush the water left in the rubber ribbed drain line and spill some of the bleach over into the filter housing, thus, holding down the build up of mold (no it won’t bleach your clothes the bleach is already in the drain line). This filter housing still should require cleaning at least once a year or maybe even every 6 months depending upon usage. Like Barry, I found some unexpected things in my filter housing; a dime, a penny and a pocket comb in my filter houseing and they were really stinky and ready for the outside trash can. Another thing I found was black mold on the front right top of the cavity that the detergent & softner drawer fits into. In fact, that entire cavity was loaded with scum that needed cleaning out. It’s not easy to get to, but paitence pays off. I’m hoping my body itch now stops and I can stop going to an allergist. If my body itch doesn’t stop, I still will have nice smelling clean clothes now. Many thanks to Barry C. for his post #13
I purchased my duet washer and dryer four years ago before my third child was born. For the past three years, he’s been battling upper respitory issues. Just this evening I was on the phone with the on-call nurse due to the fact that he stops breathing throughout the night. After reading the comments posted on this site, I ran in and looked inside my washer. It is full of black mold. I had noticed it before and thought it was just rubber residue. I’m scared of what this has been doing to my family for the past four years. I’m sure this is contributing to the medical issues my son is battling. I will be on the phone with Whirlpool lodging a complaint to start the process and then consulting with a lawyer as to advice moving forward. Even though this was an expensive purchase, I would rather ditch it and get something safe than put my family at risk any further. Thank you so much for all the comments as I have some additional information to share with all the doctors.
By the way… I agree, all of the comments should be sent to Whirlpool. I will make sure to copy this link and reference it in my call and letter to the CEO.
Erica
I agree totally with Patty (#106). I majored in textile technology in college, so I basically have a degree in laundry! Most people use WAY too much detergent, and fabric softeners are totally unnecessary. Plus they make your towels water-repellent.
I have a front-loader (not sure what brand) that is four years old have have had no problems. Love it! My clothes love it, too. I do suffer from the occasional migraine, but no more than a few times a year, and I’ve seen no correlation with owning this type of washing machine.
I use Charlie’s Soap from the health food store instead of detergent, and it leaves my clothes soft and fresh without artificial scents. I never need to use any gooey softeners that are usually based on petroleum products. The first time you use Charlie’s Soap, you will need to run a load of old rags to clean the build-up out of the inside of your washer if you have been using heavily-advertised grocery store brands of detergent (that contain lots of colorings, scents, and thickeners to make you feel like you are getting your money’s worth.)
BTW, the “need” for fabric softeners is a major marketing scheme perpetrated by companies like Proctor & Gamble. I do not use dryer sheets either (can’t stand them) but if you must, tear them in half and use more than once before discarding.
Hope this helps someone. This will definitely help the environment, too, and you will save money as well.
My husband just changed the seal on the door of our washer as our’s had a split in it (poor workmanship and quality control). The seal was full of mold. Yech. Never again will Whirlpool get any money from us – their customer service rep could not have been ruder.
My 5 year old son has been sick since we bought our Duet 4 years ago when we moved into our brand new house. He has seen several doctors and finally an allergist tested him and he is allergic to mold and cats. We don’t have cats but after reading this I realize we have mold. Honestly I was about to have our entire house professionally tested for mold costing me $4000. I just happened to google Duet and Mold and WOW! Our clothes don’t smell bad so I never thought of it being the washer. I did smell the moldy smell and had an appliance worker come look at it. He replaced the rubber boot for $150 and that was about a year ago. Nothing has changed and the smell is still there. It even smells like a gas at times. I even called our gas company to see if we had a leak or something. I never connected the dots. I have been dressing my son in mold every day. Laying his head at night on a moldy pillowcase, covering him up with moldy sheets and drying him off with a moldy towel. I feel like a bad mom and now I am going to take my anger out on Whirlpool. I am going to get a new washer tomorrow and call Whirlpool and my attorney. I can only hope my daughter barely 2 does not develop this same allergy. And I look forward to see my son without his watery red eyes, contant sneezing and exhaustion. I would never take apart my washer to wash it. I spend less time maintaining my car. We should expect more from a leading manufacturer. When I find out what we can do as a group I will get back to you. Even if that is true that Lawyers get the money in a class action lawsuit, better them than Whirlpool.
Ripped off customers UNITE!
Also bought Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer. First the washer vibrated like crazy, second we also noticed the mildew issue with months of purchase. We followed directions which included keeping the door open after use, and cleaned with bleach once a week. I found mildew around gasket, as many found here. I knew this was a factory design flaw. I checked the internet and yes like you found numerous complaints. So I called Whirlpool, and there were arrogant and told me this would not be a warranty call. So I called Lowes where we purchased the product. They too had heard of the problem and suggested that we exchange the product for something else which we did and bought a samsung washer and dryer. No mildew problems and we had it over a year and half. So Whirlpool has a problem with these units but failed to own up to it. Shame on them.
Hello All-
I have noticed from these posts that many of you have tried all of the so called “solutions” to the mold problem, only to find that nothing really eliminates the mold on a long term basis. I am an associate at a firm called Nagel Rice in Roseland, NJ. My firm specializes in class action litigation and products liability work, and we are currently investigating the issue of mold infestation in Whirlpool front-end loaders and are looking for individuals affected by the problem who may be interested in participating in a class action lawsuit against Whirlpool. If so, please visit our website (nagelrice.com) or call at 973.618.0400. We look forward to hearing from you.
I have been using FL washers for 5 years now. First Kenmore at my old house, and now Whirlpool since we moved. It was a learning process for me all the way, but I no longer have a mold or smell issue. First of all you MUST leave the door open after every load, the washer NEEDS fresh air to completely dry it out and prevent mold from growing. You can also leave the dispenser open too if you have an issue with mold in there. If your bellow (the rubber part around the door is beyond cleaning, then GET A NEW ONE INSTALLED. It’s worth the price to be able to use your washer without a mold issue. Also ALWAYS remember to clean out the inside of the rubber part when you’re done doing laundry. Check for stray socks, or baby items in there, … they can easily slip inside. I also use a paper towel to sop up the little bit of water that remains in the bottom of the rubber part, just to be sure. I have absolutely NO smell,and absolutely NO mold in my washer any more. My first washer was awful! I did nothing correct to maintain it. Also you MUST use a HE detergent, they are MADE to break down differently within the washer. Personally I stay away from Tide (my repairman suggested that too). It creates too much soap that doesn’t rinse away. I use Gain or Wisk HE anymore, both with no problems. Alos if your washer has a “Clean Washer” cycle, USE IT! I use that cycle every week or so. You simply put Clorox in the dispenser, and run the cycle. It glistens when it’s done, and smells like new! Hope some of this advice helps you. But I strongly recommend getting replacement parts for the areas that are too moldy to clean…. start with fresh parts and maintain it properly. Good Luck!
Try WasherFresh, I’m in Canada and purchased it at Sears Canada. Works well, but I do have to use once a month to control the mold growing back. It may help if I left the door open, but with a small dog and cats I don’t want any small critters cralling into the washer.
I am shopping for a washer/dryer and was impressed when I saw the Duet a few hours ago at Best Buy — atleast until I read this forum. It’s interesting, almost 2 comments/week since this thread started 18mos ago. Gotta wonder about all those who haven’t posted here.
While it may not console any of you, and will probably go un-noticed by the manufacturers, based on what I’ve read here, I will NOT be buying a Duet W/D. Thanks to all who have posted.
Hey Whirlpool… are you listening ?
To a certain degree there is mold present in all clothes washers. It isn’t a model specific problem but is noticed more in front load washing machines because of the lesser amount of water used. The severity of the problem is increased by overuse of liquid detergent, use of fabric softeners and low water temperature used for washing. The blog page at smellywasher.com explains the problem more in detail and give advice on the cause of and the cure for washing machine odor and stinky towels.
WOWWWW!!! These comments answer a lot of my questions. My wife has been taking my 2yr old son to the doctor for the past 3months trying to figure out why all of a sudden he is been having this persistent cough – to no avail. My son has had this persistent cough shortly after that “moldy smell” started in our clothes. I feel like throwing this stinky Duet out the window. I just finished searching keywords in Whirlpool’s website, and no hits – they are clearly not accepting there design flaws. As soon as I get a chance, am switching to another manufacture. Those of you who are switching make sure your not buying from Whirlpool’s family companies. For the money I paid for the washer and dryer, I feel raped.
I too have the dreaded smell. My washer is well out of warranty and I had enough of the smell. I’ve battled it for 18 months. I am fairly handy, so I decided to take the thing apart and find the mold that I knew was hiding in there. To my surprise, there was caked, calcified sludge on the back of the drum. My power washer would barely remove the buildup. I know it’s extreme, but what other choice was there. There is no possible way that Affesh, bleach, vinegar, etc. was going to help this problem. Prevention is the only key, so keep those washers clean, and use the preventative measures from the start. Otherwise, call your maintenance main for a cleaning job.
I have the same problem and it has been very frustrating. I leave the door open and the soap drawer open. I will try the Smelly Washer solution and buy some new laundry soap. I spent quite a bit of money on the set and am disappointed that I want a new set now. I am wondering if Whirlpool has settled any claims regarding the defective drainage issues.
We have a frigidaire full size front loader and after 7 months started experiencing all same issues. Still under warranty so repair guy came out and gave me sample of affresh which does not work. Washer is still under warranty. Has anyone been able to return for this problem alone? Have lg front loader also and no problems yet. anyone experience problems with lg??
I can not believe what I’m reading. I’ve spent the last hour digging mold out of my whirlpool w-d. Nothing like spending thousands of dollars for the right to soak your clothes in mold, mind you nice deep black gunk mold. For the love of all things WTF + is this not the stupidest thing you’ve ever heard of ? Putting dirty clothes into a mold infested bowl, then drying that wet molded towel – oh babe, nothing like getting out the shower and wrapping youself in a warm moldy (spelling)towel. No wonder I have an uncontrollable itch- to think I would ask my wife if she had changed washing detergent- thinking it was allergic reaction – NO SHERLOCK it is the “washed in three pounds of caked on mold” problem. This is, again the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard- make a washer that is a mold breading ground- and ask triple the price !!! And dang – I fell for it- I better go, ifeel the mold that’s caked under my nails, from the last hour of cleaning, may be carrier of swine flu- and I’m not kidding, how the heck can what I just saw in my washer not cause some kinda somthing ? Mr whirlpool should put a big plate of thid mold,gunk,mildew on a commercial and say “wash your clothes in this” that’ll sell
OMG! I cannot believe all the posts I just read on this Whirlpool Duet washer! I have religiously following my own steps for washing clothes for the last year.
First, I have to search for socks and small garments that are constantly stuck under the lip of the front seal. After I ring out those and hang them to dry, I then take bleach and a rag to clean the inside of the seal to remove scum and mold. I check the soap trays and always make sure the door stays open when not in use. It’s actually a comedy when you think about adding all these steps to my laundry routine. I should have sent Whirlpool the rags from the first time I cleaned the inside of the rubber rim. I actually became nauseous. I have never encountered a laundry problem like this in my life, and I have been doing laundry a long time. No one should have to pay for a machine like this. Make a call and complain. They know it’s a problem. By the way, I spend $20 on their tablet cure Affresh as well. Another joke.
I am sooo sick of dealing with this moldy smell on my 3 year old Whirlpool Duet!!! I have used the tablets, what a joke.I remove the detergent tray after every wash to drain the water, wipe out the rubber ring every wash, leave door open at all times. I scrub the mold with bleach, cannot remove it all. I am now getting ready to clean out the filter, trying to prepare myself for what i will find. First though I have to go and buy a special wrench to unscrew the panel!! My husband has had horrible allergies for the past 2-3 years and it is just dawning on me that this could be the problem. Would love to ditch this machine ASAP.
Thank you everyone! This smell has been bothering us for 2 years now. I’ve tried bleach but it only made the smell worse. I thought I’d get online and see if any one else had this problem. I can’t believe what I am reading. My husband has allergies and for the past year or so he has had trouble sleeping. The laundry room is next to our bedroom. Now I’m wondering if its the washer.
My husband is taking the front panel off as I type this. I’ll let you know what we find….
GROSS!!!!
Have had it for 6 yrs.
My girlfriend had it for 6 month and have already done the easy to get to parts. SHE DIDN”T ASK ME BEFROE BUYING. BUt when people do – i tell them to steer clear.
We are in NC (well) and my sisiter-in-law in florida (town water) and as you know… SMELL-a-roma. PLUS!! HOW DISCUSTING it is to think you are “cleaning” your clothes but know it is goign thru the “Mold cycle” with every spin! I AM planning on getting in touch with the CC- something dept and register a complaint. I cannot believe with all the calls and complaints and this blog that they continue to make these machines. Could you all please register a complaint – POWER IN NUMBERS YOU KNOW!! Off I go! (with my clothes going thru the Mold Machine as I write! UGH!)
I have mine for just under a year and have similar issues. After reading these comments I had to remove the lower cover and inspect the drain and it had some residue and a horrible smell. I too am wondering if this is having an effect on my family. My 4 year old son has allergies. My basement also has a mold smell which it never had. I think it is time to call Whirlpool and complain.
I have had the duet sport for about two years now and noticed the gasket getting moldy which a bleach solution wouldn’t take off. I tried the bleach gel pen and it works, just rub it on and let it dry after you are done laundry. It will leave a white residue, but that can be cleaned off with a damp sponge or paper towel. I haven’t seen the mold return yet. (It’s been a few weeks)
This is the first time in the two years that I have noticed it and I wasn’t leaving the door open (oops), I also learned the hard way where the drain catch is. I will be leaving the bottom panel off from now on.
Here are some tips for those that can’t afford new washers while we wait for the class action lawsuit and a recall.
Don’t use fabric softener – I never use the stuff as I am severely allergic to it as well as Tide, but that’s another story. I only use All free and clear because it is the only thing that I am not allergic to. I do use dryer sheets, but again one made for allergies.
Put all small items in a laundry bag and check the drain regularly. I found four kids socks, 28 cents in change, and a little bit of moldy gunk. If this is the real culprit by a flawed design in the pump there will be evidence of it here. Spray with bleach and let sit. Bleach dissipates on its own, so just let it dry. Put a rag or a lipped cookie sheet down to catch the water out of the drain and to keep the bleach from the floor if you are worried about it staining anything.
Leave the doors open a crack. It shouldn’t have to be all the way open, just enough to let air circulate around and dry everything out. I also only do laundry once a week, about five loads back to back all day (one of white, two of colors, one sheets, and one towels.) and I have a family of five plus two dogs. Anything damp during that time gets hung in the shower to dry before heading to the laundry basket to wait on laundry day. This allows the washer about a week of drying before the next use. I have done this since college when I only had the weekend to do clothes and it still seems the best way for my family.
What I see as the biggest issue is the mold growth would be informed consent. We owners should have been informed about the issue as to make an informed decision and have a full regular maintenance written by the companies of these machines to prevent the growths in the first place.
If we had read the manual and been given a break down on true cleaning of our washers, we could have made the choice to return it or clean it as per instructions. But as they have not and most of us are learning by experience, I would say that they have some compensation due to those that are suffering severely by the health effects of these machines. Also, the design of this drain pump (which should be able to leave next to no water after its cycle and should have a clean out that can be accessed without the removal of the panel, the drum gasket (which should drain into the drum without the lip like the commercial machines), and the soap dispenser (which shouldn’t have that much water left in it after use) should be addressed and redesigned not only for new models but as a recall and replacement for those of us that need it.
I am going to try the bleach in the drum to flush out any mold growing in there just to be safe, but I think the socks weren’t helping matters any. Hope this helps someone that, like me, can’t afford to replace their unit.
I had noticed a mildew smell in our front load so when I washed a pair of tennis shoes I added a couple caps full of Mr Clean with Citrus along with the detergent. Have not had the odor back and that was two months ago.
I cannot believe I have lived with this smelly mold problem for this long and thought it was just the machine wasn’t working properly, the wrong setting, or wrong detergent. It’s MOLD. I removed the panel and we were horrified by the smell. Mold everywhere and a horrible smell that engulfed my whole house. No wonder our clothes never smelled good no matter what I put in. I tried every detergent on the market to no avail. I am so frustrated to have spent so much money on this machine and for this to be a problem now. I think I read that there is a class action lawsuit filed in June of 2008. Does this mean there may be a recall or compensation of some sort?? I cannot tell you how many towels and clothes I have had to throw out because I couldn’t take the smell. How long does a class action suit of this type take to get resolved?
Thank you. I am in the process of cleaning the machine now, i’ll let you know how it turns out.. I’m so excited at the prospect of having fresh clothes again!! imagine that
We’ve had our Duet set less than a year and occasionally, we find an odor when moving wet clothes from the washer to the dryer. My wife assumed she was leaving the clothes in the wash too long. I followed Barry C’s instructions and found a safety pin. We did have water in the drain but the smell was not strong. We only found traces of mold on the drain cover. We wiped everything clean with clorox, closed it up and followed the 3 washloads of affresh.
We haven’t had our washer as long as some of the others who have posted but we think that if you are diagnosing a problem its important to really think about your situation. Where you live, how heavy your use is (you may think you wash a lot of clothes until you listen to someone who has five kids not 2)
After reading everyone’s post we came to the following conclusions:
We need to make sure we run the clean cycle once a week, run a cycle with affresh once a month, and periodically check the drain cap.
We also will be diligent when it comes to cleaning out the rubber seal and check it after every load, wiping it dry – the entire inside with a towel to dry it. don’t let water stand.
We also cut back on the amount of soap which seams to work just fine although we might try the powdered tide free. (We were following the washer’s instructions on soap and we feel switching to the soap without animal fat makes sense. We also stopped using softener and our clothes are fine. We clearly needed it in our upright washer, but the low water use of a front loader doesn’t require it.
Another issue we want to mention is the sensor on the dryer. Before you decide to call a repairman, make sure you are following the instructions for drying loads. Balancing the load is important – when we don’t balance it (teens never follow these rules) the clothes take two cycles to dry. This could easily be mistaken for a bad sensor.
In the end we determined to make our financial investment work.
good luck to all. This forum is a great resource.
Tom
Use 1/2 cup of old fashioned BORAX with every load-try it. Sure solved my smelly mold issues. I tried everything before reading this tip on another site. I continue with all the usual-not daring to stop for fear the odor will return!
Leaving door & dispensor draw open
Stopped using the dispensor for detergent now only use for bleach
Avoid fabric softener
Do hot wash weekly with bleach
Always do second rinse-so much for saving water!
Rotate drum after load
Never leave a wet load over night
Dry the rubber inside the door
Good luck.Kate
I have a Whirlpool Duet washer with the same issue. It smells so bad that now my whole house stinks. It gives me headaches and makes me sick to my stomach. I have always left the door open when not in use. However the smell is so bad that I’m now closing it just to cut down on the odor. I have tried bleach, vinegar, baking soda, bathroom cleaners. I wipe down the rubber seal but nothing helps. I am at the point of buying another washing in fear that all of our clothes are going to start smelling. We have a 3 year old and I’m also concerned for his health.
We are having the same mold issues…I FOUND A SITE FOR A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST WHIRLPOOL…PLEASE GO THERE NOW AND SIGN UP!Whirlpool need to make this right…there is strength in numbers!!!!Good luck to all of you.
http://www.lieffcabraser.com/contact/contact-whirlpool-duet-mold.htm
DON’T LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN, IT DRIED UP MY RUBBER AND NOW WASHER LEAKS AND THEY SAY IT CAN’T BE FIXED . MINE IS 5 YRS OLD. I TOO HAVE MOLD ON RUBBER THAT WON’T CLEAN EVEN WITH BLEACH .
Oh my goodness. I have been pulling my hair out! I cannot believe that I purchased this Whirlpool. The nold and smell is so bad. I clean and clean. For a period of time I didn’t realize where the smell was coming from. I did contact Whirlpool and they are sending out some kind of tablet so that I can run a cycle through. This is just a qick fix for a problem I believe will be on-going. Is there any kind of solution to this problem?
I have had a G.E. front-loading machine for about 2 years and noticed the smell about 6 months into it. I, too, thought it was because of an occasional load that was forgotten overnight. Tonight I ’searched’ online for mold smells in washers, and I am surprised to find such a ’support group.’
Thanks for all of the ideas. I’ve done the bleach, vinegar, and ammonia. The bleach helps for a couple of weeks, but the smell always comes back. I guess a hot bleach wash once a week might be the answer.
We’re not able to take anything apart on this machine cuz the screws need special tools, so we’re stuck just faking it. I did take out the dispenser, and it was a little slimy but there wasn’t any mold. The rubber seal around the drum plugs up really easily, and I do have to check that routinely.
I really resent having to leave the door open on a machine that could have been designed better. Our washer happens to be near the garage door, so we’re always banging the two against one another – and the door already droops from being bumped.
And, no matter what we like to think, an open washer is an invitation for young children – while playing, they can shut one another (or a pet) inside and not realize the danger. I’m not being hysterical – my husband is a pediatrician, and a child here died that way about a year ago.
Anyway, it’s good to know that I’m not alone in hating how I’m gonna smell after a shower!
Hi everyone,
This is the most supportive and informative blog I’ve ever read!! I THOUGHT I had diligently researched frontloaders before I purchased a set at Lowe’s YESTERDAY, the Frigidaire Affinity. I haven’t seen that brand mentioned here, but I already knew mold could be a problem, and thought just wiping down the bellows, leaving the door open, and running a bleach cycle once a week would prevent the mold from forming. Obviously, I didn’t do enough research, and am so glad I found this blog.
I don’t know what I’m going to do now–keep or return. I have had asthma and migraines for 20+ years, and strong smells of any kind can cause my asthma to act up, or cause a migraine. I bought this machine in order to conserve water, and the 4 loads I did today showed me that I will be doing that, but at what cost to my health? Such a lot to think about.
I am so sorry, and feel so badly, for those of you, and your children, whose lives have been changed forever by this black mold. I do think the class-action suit against Whirlpool will be won, too much evidence out there for it not to happen. Other manufacturers will have to change their designs, as well, I would think.
I really needed a new washer and dryer, and Lowe’s will usually deliver the next day. So, and this is the funny thing, I walked into that Lowe’s and was prepared to by the Whirlpool Duet Sport–YES!!! They had the dryer, but not the washer, but could get it in two weeks. I said, no, I didn’t want to wait, and chose the Frigidaire Affinity washer and dryer. If I had come upon this blog, and had the Duet pair sitting in my laundry area right now, there would be no question they’d be going back tomorrow! BTW, one of the Lowe’s salesmen told me that the mold problem seems to be worse in ANY front loader larger than 3.1-3.7 cubic feet. I don’t know if that’s true, but I steered clear of all of the larger washers after he told me that. He did not deny that mold was a problem, to some degree, with all front loaders.
Thanks again to all of you, for being willing to share your stories. You helped me, and probably countless others who will choose not post here. Many of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Hello again, one more thing I meant to say. My mother has ALWAYS told me to leave the lid up all the time on a top loader machine, or mold will grow. She has done this for years and years, and reminds us kids from time to time not to forget to do it. So, I have. Now, if I keep this front loader, I don’t have a choice, I have to do it. My laundry area is in the bathroom, like someone else posted. I’ll have to keep the bathroom door shut all the time, to keep my cats from crawling it, as they will surely do, if given the opportunity. Just one more thing to remember to do…..
I solved this problem easily by getting rid of my smelly washer and just wearing the same clothes every day. Now all I have is my cool Metallica T-shirt, some shorts, socks and my lucky underwear. At night I wash them in the shower then I wash myself. Dude, I’m tellin ya no headaches and I save money too.
I can’t believe we all have been duped. I purchased a Frigidaire Gallery a couple of years ago. I kept blaming my teenagers for smelly towels and incorrect laundering methods. I believe it may is the cause of several urinary tract infections because of moldy towels! I’ve spent the last six months on antibiotics, and now I do believe I’ve found the source of my infections. Yuck! I will be contacting the consumer safety board.
I only shared this personal info. because I hope it helps other people who may have experienced similar problems.
I can’t belive all the things we have to do to own a washing machine that cleans our clothes I spent good money on the duet 3 years ago and have the same problems all of you have. I have gone all the way to the V.P. of whirlpool and they won’t do anything. I see all the post about try this try that well nothing works and I can’t belive we are all making our laundry duties take 10 steps to have this machine I hope we can all ban togeather and make them make this right.
Two things come to mind with these wash machines and lingering odors. The first is to look behind the rubber door ring. Things can get stuck in there an smell. Dry it out with a microfiber rag. The second requires more work. There are three screws that hold the piece below the door. Remove that piece and clean the trap. Fabreeze is a good friend in humid smelly places. There is a product for sale to remove wash machine odors as well. Good luck
We bought the pricey Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer almost 3 years ago. Can’t remember when but we noticed mold on the gray rubber seal, not where it folds back, but at the top where you can see when you open the door. We folded the seal back and it was all gunky in there too, some mold too. We performed a cleaning cycle as per the manual and do that about once every 6 months. Also, every day we (or I should say I) wipe the washer out behind the seal up on both sides and dry any water that’s visible. Since then we’ve never really had a problem there, although the seal is stained black from mold and won’t go away. But it’s a pain to have to dry the machine out daily, or sometimes multiple times a day. Last week my wife noticed black spots in the detergent dispenser, so I cleaned that with CLR cleaner as well as diluted bleach solution after. There was no mold growing from the top. After reading the horror stories on here and post 13 I decided to open up the front panel. Surprising it was actually clean! No mold at all. If there was mold in there my wife would have ordered the machine out right there and then!!!
Last night I also ran a cleaning cycle with Tide Washing Machine Cleaner, specifically made for HE machines. Machine smells pretty clean. Had to dry it out after though, again! Ugh!
My wife does a pretty good job of cleaning out pockets. I think that’s important. A lot of people with gunk/mold build up had coins and stuff in the filter. It also seems that daily maintenance is required in order to prevent a smelly moldy front seal. Doing a cleaning cycle as per the manual seems to keep things in check too.
Seems like a pain, but seems like it’s the solution to keeping the machine healthy.
I can’t believe all the complaints regarding this dryer and nothing has been done about it! I too have the awful moldy smell. This is ridiculous
We’ve have the Duet for about a year. Just noticed a slight odor on the towels after washing. Having been alerted to the problem by a friend with the same machine I swung into action. I ran a Hot Wash with bleach this AM to clean things out. This helped with the next load which did not have the smell – so if your odor problem is mild this would the first step I would take.
Next thing I opened the front as per post #13. Mine did not have Torx screws on it – just three small headed hex screws. I did not have a small enough socket to remove – but Home Depot sells a mini socket set from Husky for $5 and that did the trick.
Upon removal of the filter screw I found a build up of hair and what looked like tissue paper residue. There were no coins or anything large. There was also signs of the start of some black mold. Not a lot. But a perceptible amount with the accompanying nasty smell. Out with the bleach and a sponge and it all cleaned up.
Upon inspection I have to agree that this unit has an inherent design flaw – the ribbed pipe into the filter and the fact that the filter drains out half way up the filter body seem designed to trap water in the system after every use. I cant see any way that the system would ever drain dry. Based on the amount of water that came out when I removed the filter I cant see that leaving the door(s) open would help much. I dont see a path back to fresh air for the water that is sitting there. It probably can’t help – but if you’ve got ANY mold in there already I don’t see it curing the problem.
So – thanks to all for the posts here.
It’s certainly annoying to have to put so much work into keeping an expensive appliance functioning properly but I would encourage anyone with early symptoms to check the filter ASAP. It only takes about 10 minutes and I certainly feel better knowing that the gunk that was in there is now no longer festering underneath my washer.
Best of luck to all.
I have an LG for 10 months. So far no smelly problem. However, with few exceptions I only use WHTIE VINEGAR for the rinse cycle. I read that fabric softener is a coating on your fabrics and makes it difficult to remove soap. My towels smell wonderfully fresh.
Although, I’m not having problems with mold/mildew I AM HAVING OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS LG MACHINE WM0642H. Even though, my hot water heater is set at 120 degrees and I do laundry way after we shower and wash dishes, the wash water temperature is not hot enough. On the HOT CYCLE (the machine brings in hot water and cold water) the TEMPERATURE OF THE WASH WATER (in the tub) IS ONLY 91 DEGREES. Same problem with WARM CYCLE…. the TEMPERATURE OF THE WASH WATER (in the tub) ranges between 67 degrees and 83 degrees. I read that HOT should be at least 130; and warm should be 90 – 110 degrees; cold should be 60 – 80 degrees.
Has anyone else checked the temperature to see if they are getting the proper temp. I read you need a certain temp for detergents to work and I believe also to dissolve the detergent so this mold problem doesn’t occur and also need hot (130 degrees) to kill dust mites.
Addition to Number 13 posting
Under the front lower panel, there are three T-20 Torx head screws that you remove to expose the drain pump, and large round plastic filter screen located in the front center of the unit. The end facing you of that plastic screen is the cap of that screen. Put a dish rag or hand towel under the cap to catch a little water and remove the cap Or revove Torx scerew in the lower center of filter unit and slid forward over a pan to collect excess water. The screen is a part of the cap, and it all comes out together. Bleached the plastic screen, and wiped out the drain screen container with a dampned bleached rag. Removed the Detergent dispencer, taking it apart, and cleaned it inside and out, with a little bleach in warm water. Cleaned any mold also from the large grey rubber seal around the door. Fold back that small lip on that rubber seal that seals around the large glass bowl of the door. Kill with bleach, any traces of mold that can be in that area too. Put it all back together, adding Silcon to the Black Gasket on the strainer to prevent leakage. Then added a 1/4 cup of bleach to the dispencer and ran the machine empty on sanitize cycle. Remember Never leave damp clothes in the unit and always leave the Door ajar when not in use, and open the dispneser tray
Update to 13 and 151
After removing the Detergent dispenser, also clean out the top of the dispenser area. If you use a liquid fabric softener you will find a mold coated slime left from the rinse cycle and the fabric softener. Fresh rinse water passes through/over this area on every rinse cycle coating you clothes with moldy fabric softener residue. We stopped using Fabric Softener and the smell and slime buildup has gone way.
Interesting forum. We are moving into a brand new home and guess what washer/drier they have in it. You guessed it – a Whirlpool duet. Apparently the builder got a real good deal on these from a factory direct outlet. I let him know about the issue and told him to tell the place he bought them from to pick them up. We are currently using a Maytag FL washer and drier. They are about 2 years old and are now owned by whirlpool. Apparently ours don’t have this issue as we have never had a mold problem with it. We are planning on moving ours over to the new home. If the builder won’t replace them, someone else will have to deal with these.
Wow, After all these years, I thought there was something else going on! ! me and my wife bought a Duet Washer/dryer in ‘04 hot off the shelves, and We’ve had funky clothes and mildew towels for years! Constantly replacing clothes and thinking one of us left the stuff in the washer too long, or the dryer didn’t dry completely, etc. We’ve been making excuses and lots of grief for nothing! Is it too late to complain to whirlpool or get anything done about it ? we’ve had them 5 years now ?! Thanks!
We too bought our whirlpool duet about 4 yrs. ago. Our clothes have smelled badly for about that long. We have thrown clothes away, and have seen a doctor thinking we had some type of perspiring problem. We may take Ed’s advice or return them to Lowe’s. Anyone suggest another front loader?
This problem is NOT unique to Whirlpool at all. We have a Sears Kenmore which is only 2-3 yrs old and have had these problems since shortly after the first year. I blamed myself and never contacted the manufacturer. Are there any front-loads that ARE safe? We are building a new house with 2nd floor laundry and were considering a Samsung because the drum is not belt-driven. Should we maybe just totally abandon the front-load? Thoughts?
I am also fed up w/ smelly towels. I have a Kenmore front-end washer/dryer. Have tried everything – calling out service man (no help – did nothing but give me Affresh), tried Affresh tablets (no help), use only HE detergent, don’t use too much detergent, leave door open, run “Clean Washer Cycle” at least once a month…. Someone PLEASE HELP! This is ridiculous, for what we paid for these applicances!
We bought our Whirlpool Duet set sev. yrs. ago & have the same complaints as many of you–moldy, gunky build-up on washer door & other parts; smell in laundry area & even when you walk in the front door;clothes don’t come clean;fab. softener dispenser quit working within wks. of purchase;I have daily sneezing sessions,body itches–& after follow-up x-rays for melanoma 20+ yrs.,latest x-ray shows “granulomas” in lungs–due to mold spores!
I would like to try #13 Barry’s procedure on my Duet washer. Is it possible to add a photo on this site to explain where to find the Torx screws? Or maybe someone can post a link to a schematic drawing (shop manual) of a Duet washer? Thanks!
What has been Whirlpool’s response to the mold problem? How are they going to fix this for all the thousand’s of customers with mold in the Duet’s.
ALL Whirlpool produced front load washers are prone to Biofilm on both commercial and residential models. Not only is Whirlpool aware of the issue, they have contaminated some of their own employees. the issue is potentially catastrophic financially for the entire industry, representing BILLIONS in liability exposure.
Whirlpool knowingly placed contaminated washers in the benton Harbor MI school system. This happened as a result of middle managers not understanding the severity of the problem. Once the severity was recognized, Whirlpool worked quickly to dispose of the remaining washers and documentation of the contamination. As of today no effort has been made to recover the contaminated washers from the Benton Harbor High School.
The more frequently the washer is operated, the less likely it is to form a toxic biofilm. It is also recommended that if the washer is used infrequently, that the door remain partially open after use to increase airflow.
Whirlpool has advertised a position for an engineer to design a fan forced air system for all front loads to eliminate the issue, but what about the millions of units already sold?
How many people are already sick and do not know the root cause?
Talk to your news anchor, congressman, senator, BBB, Consumer Protection Agency and blogger. Get it out there that front load washers present a serious health risk to the public at large.
I am completely exhausted and feeling sick after reading all of these comments. I can’t believe there are a few that can possibly defend the obvious issues of owning front Load washers manufactured by Whirlpool, etc. I own a Sears Kenmore Elite HE3T that I purchased 4 or so years ago. I have experienced all of the problems mentioned including illness (myself and 5 year old grandson). I joined a class action lawsuit mentioned under one of the reviews. Hopefully our voices will be heard at some point. In the mean time I am going to buy a top loader and keep the lip open when not in use. There are no words to describe the contempt I feel for a manufacturer of a product who continues to market goods that can lead to sickness and possibly death.
Do the Steam version of these front load machines have the same mold issues? I’m hoping that the manufacturers added the steam for that very reason… My old top loader broke yesterday after 17 years — need to buy something new. Husband wanted front loader, I’m afraid of mold. Is the new steam feature the solution to the mold problem?
We had previously had a maytag neptune washer and dryer combo and had these problems with the washer the dryer had other problems they are now sitting in my husbands shop not being used at all and I paid alot for them as well. We now have the whirlpool duet washer and dryer combo and I have not had any problems with mold in the washer but I do leave the door and the soap dispencer opened when I am finished washing the clothes. I do however have a problem with a bad smell in the dryer am I the only one? I do not want to get rid of it because I like this set I just need to get rid of the smell. How? Thanks for any solutions!!!
I have not called the company. These are alot better than MAYTAG BY FAR YOU CAN’T EVEN GET ANYONE FROM MAYTAG TO ANSWER YOU.
Writing in from New Zealand. I’m finding this quite interesting, as I’ve had my (Italian) Ariston front loader now for 8 years, plus I know others who have European front loaders too. We’ve never had mold issues, if anything, only those who didn’t wipe the rubber door gasket.
Your issues in Nth America sound very serious. As a mere observer, I’m keen to find out what is contributing to this. Design faults (inexperience of US makers in front load machines vs. Europeans who’ve had them since the ’50s), water temperature (do your machines have on-board water heaters that maintain wash temperature), consumables (liquid detergent vs. powder, fabric softener use), use of cold wash (I never wash cold, always 40C/104F for most items, and 60C/140F for whites and sheets).
I only found out about maintenance washes (I do mine at 90C/203F) a few months ago, and opened my filter/drain for the first time early this year, only out of curiosity. A bit of gunk, but that’s it. Ariston is not known as a quality brand in Europe, but your problems make my machine look like a Mercedes in comparison.
I hope that US makers get their act together and design them right to start with, as there is merit to front loaders — water and electricity are very expensive outside North America, half a billion Europeans and others can’t all be wrong. I can’t see why Nth Americans shouldn’t get the benefits everyone else is enjoying.
Thanks so much everyone for all the helpful information and tips you’ve been providing. Dealing with mold in our expensive front-loaders is such a terrible situation, we can only be proactive with maintenance and learn from each other.
As one commenter mentioned, images of what to do to get inside the washer, would be very helpful. If someone wanted to send me images, I’d try to get them up and link them to this thread. Please ensure images are yours to share and include whom I should credit them to.
Send them with instructions to housewares.guide@about.com
Thanks again everyone and keep the tips coming.
I have the same problems that everyone has stated. Will try #13 recommendation when I am ready to stomach the grossness. I probably will also replace the rubber seal just to reduce the amount of mold. Is this something I can do myself? Truly disappointed and pray we don’t have serious health risks later in our lives. Filed a complaint with Whirlpool and added my name to the list for the link above.
i have a hotpoint first edition front loader and have had a smell in my kitchen that has had me clean out the fridge, cupboards, bin ,floor with bleach and other cleaning products to no avail, then to find black mold not in the soap draw but in the draw holder and on the outside of the draw all out of site was a shock .I have spent the last hour cleaning all the components with bleach in a hope that the problem may clear up .
has anyone tried sharon w.’s suggestion about the silver as per post #59? we have been thinking about frontloaders and in doing research came across the samsung silvercare models that have a silver bar that releases a trace amount of silver to kill 99.9% of odor causing bacteria. you can read about it here: http://products.howstuffworks.com/samsung-silvercare-wf337aa-front-loading-washer-review.htm
someone out there try the silver (as well as 13’s suggestions) and report back. in fact, i have a friend who has an lg with the stink problem, i’ll have her try it.
I followed Disgusted Duet Owner’s advice and filed a complaint with the CPSC.
Given the number of complaints about this washer, I think Whirlpool should be forced to recall it.
Enough is enough!
yup – same issues – whirlpool duet from 2005 -called whirlpool and the main customer service, guy said “no recalls if this is a safety issue i can transfer you to safety dept” talked to them, my healthy kids are getting mysterious (not anymore) respiratory problems and ear infections!!! they are sending a technician (no charge) to inspect the machine. i am basically following the steps to get a full refund and/or lawsuit. this is absolutely crazy!! i have done the front panel thing a while back and cleaned debris but it has persesited and gotten worse. please keep posts coming!!!
#13 thank you for the advice! We’ve always noticed a smelly problem, and smelly towels -we just tried the method (opening the front bottom panel -what a pain to have to remove these different type of screws ever so often, for upkeep!). I was disgusted at what we found -same thing everyone else had found (slimy gunky black grose stuff).
Theresa -thank you for posting the class action link -I definitely filled out the form. I’m glad we found this page.
Has anyone talked with a lawyer about the problem with the front load Whirlpool/KitchenAid/Sears washers?
My family has been getting a lot of eye infections. Doctors can’t figure out were there coming from?
about the MOLD: this was my main concern before buying these appliances because of the many issues that users have had with mold.
But i have not read a response to these reviews that bring up the issue of HIGH EFFICIENCY DETERGENT. In the instruction manual for the whirlpool duets it specifically says that failure to use HE detergent could result in mold in your machine.
I have enjoyed my machines for several months and have had no problems with mold. I have only and always used HE detergent – which is NOT more expensive, just more limited in selection.
Just some FYI for someone out there who may have these worries like i did. Don’t worry. Just read your instruction booklet before using and FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS.
happy laundering!
Thank you for all your comments. I am looking for a new washer and dryer and will avoid the front loaders thanks to you all. I also have a huge concern about the quest for energy effiecency. While I strongly believe in protecting our environment I also believe in killing germs. I am trying to buy a washing machine that has a hot cycle that reaches atleast 110 degrees but the hottest hot cycle on the market only reaches 80 degrees. Sure they keep the settings the same (hot,warm,cold)so we the American consumers don’t get upset. And we wonder why we have a swine flu epidemic. We are no longer allowed to wash our clothes in hot water in America. As I have stated they still have the hot option on the machine dials but the new hot is the old warm, the new warm is the old cold. My forehead is hotter than 80 degree water. This is fraud. I was told by a whirlpool service rep. to connect a hose to my kitchen faucet and run it to my washing machine(hello!this is not 1950!) and then told that the duets had a sanitizing option in a rinse cycle that reached 155 degrees and would be a great fit for me. So I found your web site and glad I did. It doesn’t sound like your sanitizing option works to well. It is criminal what you have been through. I’m so sorry for the heartache, headaches, illnesses, and frustrations you all have endured. God bless you all. And thank you for saving my family the same outcome.
I also have the same problem with mold in my whirlpool duet front loader. Have had it for years and just found out my 4 year old son is highly allergic to mold. I keep the door open ,but still I get mold and it smells in my laundry room. Disgusting!!!! payed a lot of money for this thing and I wish they had recall on this.
Haven’t had a mold problem yet. We purchased our LG FL washer & dryer about a month ago. We replaced our frigidare top loading washer and dryer because of smelly clean clothes. Little did I realize by buying a front loader I might have the same problem again, but at a much higher cost. Did check, wipe and drain everything as suggested in previous posts. Also, at least once a month with our top loader, my husband washed his detailing cloths in a solution of 1 cup ZEP purple cleaner, 1 cup Simple Green and 1 cup clorox in hot water, including soaking and resetting wash cycle and we still had smelly clothes. So I’m not sure these products would work for an existing FL mold problem?? Maybe as a preventative measure, since it didn’t help our top loading washer. Will stop using liquid soap and fabric softener. Does anyone have any thoughts about “green” laundry products. Do they help?? If so which products. Apparently from previous posts, regular liquid soaps and fabrics softeners are so high in animal that they may contribute to the mold problems. I appreciate everyone taking the time to contribute their experiences; I am shocked that the problem is this widespread. With our top loading washer, I thought my husband was imagining the problem and I would get upset at him when the threw clean clothes back into the laundry. Not anymore.