Front-Load Washer Mold - Smelly Washer Syndrome
Wednesday September 24, 2008
This is a hot topic with many consumers who have left comments on my earlier post. And for good reason. They are trying to find a solution to the mold in their front-load washers. Many thanks to Barry C. (comment 13) who gave directions on how to clean out the washer mold and to all the others who offered tips and alerted readers to this problem. Several people have taken Barry's advice and found a resolution, albeit a temporary one. Yes, unfortunately mold will more than likely recur.
This is such a serious issue and this mold problem is not unique to a particular brand. It seems to be occurring in several brands. Why? There are many factors that can cause mold to grow in some low-water high-efficiency washers. My tips in Caring for Your Front-Load Washer and Preventing Mold will help you understand why mold is occurring and how you can reduce this risk.
How do you know if you have mold in your front-load washer? Does your washload have an unpleasant odor? Do your towels smell moldy? If your answer is yes, you may already have a mold build-up in your washer. If your washer is still under warranty, call for servicing. If it is not, see how other readers have dealt with this smelly washer syndrome. Has anyone reported their moldy washer as an unsafe product to the CPSC?
I appreciate all the comments that have been left - keep them coming - they're helping. You can leave a comment below or on the original post. Thanks so much!
This is such a serious issue and this mold problem is not unique to a particular brand. It seems to be occurring in several brands. Why? There are many factors that can cause mold to grow in some low-water high-efficiency washers. My tips in Caring for Your Front-Load Washer and Preventing Mold will help you understand why mold is occurring and how you can reduce this risk.
How do you know if you have mold in your front-load washer? Does your washload have an unpleasant odor? Do your towels smell moldy? If your answer is yes, you may already have a mold build-up in your washer. If your washer is still under warranty, call for servicing. If it is not, see how other readers have dealt with this smelly washer syndrome. Has anyone reported their moldy washer as an unsafe product to the CPSC?
I appreciate all the comments that have been left - keep them coming - they're helping. You can leave a comment below or on the original post. Thanks so much!
Comments
Honestly we have never had this problem. My mother had one of the first front loaders out there and ran it for at least 15 years before it died. She then got the Maytag Neptune and after she died I inherited it. I have never had a problem with it smelling. I am single now, kids are grown and gone and I do maybe 2 loads a week. BUT I never close the door all the way. Every repair man I have ever had says to never close the lid, even on a top loader. My clothes don’t stink unless I forget them in the washer for a couple days in the summer. It is pretty much a no brainer, its a washer! It is WET !!! Wet = Mold if you close the door and no air gets in. Leave the door open and see if it gets better. You don’t have to leave it open all the way just part way.
Anna is exactly right. The simplest solution is to leave the door open for a time to allow any remaining moisture in the drum to evaporate.
I would also add that cold water washes should be kept to a minimum. Ditch the liquid detergents and fabric softeners, as these simply leave behind build-up that will allow mold to accumulate.
Yeah, leaving the washer door open is really safe with pets and small children with something that can seal up and suffocate them.
Yea cause we all know how washers are air tight. Also any pet that can shut the door behing itself I want to see. Ha Ha. Better chance of getting a nice bath and a headache than running out of air.
We developed a severe cash of moldy smell in our Whirlpool Duet. We tried numerous fixes, but the one that solved the problem was to run a load (no clothes)using “Simple Green” and very hot water. Simple Green is available from any big box store for around $10/gal. The problem is solved. Try it you won’t be disappointed.
I leave my front load washer door open ALL the time and it still smells like mold is in there. Open or closed, some of the brands just have that tendency I guess.
I’ve had a Duet for 3 years before experiencing the mildew smell. I always kept the door ajar, and used the recommended amount of detergent. When googling for a ‘cure’ I saw a posting reminding me of a monthly care & maintenance procedure (pg.18) involving bleach and a series of settings. I was floored at the amount of suds that were produced without any detergent. After the first maintenance procedure I did not notice an odor but ran it through a second time to get rid of the excess suds, ‘for good measure’. So far, so good. I will be diligent about the monthly bleach maintenance and hope it continues to do the trick.
Laura watch your kids like all good moms should. Please post any pics of the pets getting in and closing the door behind them! With that paranoia you must be a republican.
Pete and Jimmy, think for a minute please, because if you have more than one child or more than one pet then you would easily understand the perils of that door being open.
That aside, I thoroughly REGRET ever buying a front-load washer … the smell, the mold … these machines have serious issues
You guys are kind of funny, that aside, I don’t have any mold issues with my new Sears model but with the Neptune I sure did. Doesn anyone have problems with what looks like small stains on any cotton items they wash, every load I have to re-wash at least 1 or 2 items?? Can’t figure this out.
Mold or mildew odor in a clothes washer is caused by
1. Overuse of detergent is the most common cause.
Generally speaking we’re only washing sweat or perfume from clothing following amount directions is not a good idea. Especially when water quality is good there’s no reason to use more than a tbsp of any detergent.
2. Fabric softener is dispensed in the rinse cycle and will coat the inside of the outer tub with residue that is a food source for mold to grow. Dryer sheets or even dryer balls are better options.
3. Using only cold water for washing is fine but makes preventative maintenance very important. A weekly hot soak will accumulated residue.
Do a search to “remove washer odor” to read how big the problem is. There are all natural cleaners that will also remove mildew smell from towels.
I wipe the tub dry when I am finished washing, spray well with a disinfecatant spray and then remove the detergent dispenser and leave it out until I want to wash clothes again. This seems to work for me and I do not have to leave the door ajar.
Mariette,
Your suggestion to send customer’s to the manufacturer to take care of a “mold” problem while the machine is under warranty is an incorrect one. I have had a manufacturer that would cover mold even if developed in the machine during the first year of use. They consider this use and care and will ALWAYS deny the claim.
Thanks!
Melissa
Ah, to go back to the good ole days of “The Scrub Board”
We’ll stick with our down to earth top load machine. Sometimes ego stinks