Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine

RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post by cknowl01 (1) | (09/16/2008) Profile | Contact The Vinegar Method Put your towels in the washing machine, using the hottest water available. Add one or two cups of white vinegar. Do not add detergent, fabric softener, or any other products at this time. Run the washer. Leave the towels in the washer and wash the same load again just as you would normally with laundry soap. Again, use the hottest water available. Don't use fabric softener or any other products. Dry the load in the dryer using a high heat setting. Towels should be thoroughly dry when you pull them out. If they're not dry, put them back in, or move them immediately outside and hang them in the sunlight. The Ammonia Method Put your towels in the washing machine. Add a normal amount of detergent. Use the hottest water available. Do not add fabric softener or any other products. Watch for the rinse cycle and add one cup of sudsy or clear ammonia during the rinse cycle. Let the washing machine finish. Move the towels out of the washer immediately. Fully dry the load right away using normal dryer settings, or hanging on the line on a sunny day. Repeat and Soak if necessary Smell the towels when you have completed one of the above methods. If the towels are not completely free of musty smell after the first attempt, try soaking overnight. Fill the washer with the smallest amount of hot water necessary to cover the towels. Add one cup of ammonia. Agitate for a few minutes and allow to soak overnight. Add detergent in the morning, and let the wash cycle complete. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By SUSAN (Guest Post) (09/06/2008) i HAVE A KENMORE THAT BROKE. My husband took the drum apart. There was so much mold in it that you can't see from the outside. I am going back to top load. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Joe Scalet (Guest Post) (09/05/2008) I am in the process of purchasing a front loader and have been researching the mold and noise issues. My top loading machines also have had a problem with mold (we used to call it mildew). Clothing and especially towels would have the typical "sour smell". For years I have added a cup of while vinegar to my wash and have had no problems. If I run out of vinegar the smell returns within a week. The top loads do not have an obvious gasket to show mold but it is there none the less, clearly visible if you remove the top of the machine. On another note, I gave up using softner years ago. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Ferrari (Guest Post) (08/28/2008) I had the same problem and bought some TILEX mold and mildew for the bathroom and tried it out. I sprayed it about five times and let it sit for about and hour each. Although it took a while I got all of the mildew/black mold out. A little scrubbing with a scrub pad worked as well in combination with the TILEX. My best recommendation is to do this once a week and make sure to dry the gasket everytime to prevent it from coming back. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Jamie (Guest Post) (08/23/2008) I live in the UK and never have I had a problem with mold or mildew but I only use washing powder in my machine. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By mellie (Guest Post) (08/20/2008) I have the same problem with my GE front load washer. The odor is horrible. I am not able to leave the door open after each wash as I have a toddler who could easily climb inside. I'm so frustrated with this. I didn't spend the money for front load just to have is smell like this. The manufacturers should supply Affresh tablets at their own cost. I already spent enough. I have emailed the company and I am waiting to hear back. Why don't the front load washing machines at laundromats smell this way? I am going to start a facebook petition on this problem called MANUFACTURERS NEED TO FIX MILDEW AND ODOR PROBLEMS WITH FRONT LOAD WASHERS! Please join! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Allen (Guest Post) (08/08/2008) I am a service tech- for many of the major manufacturers. If you must use fabric softener- water it down 5 parts water to 1 part softener. I am under the impression that fabric softener is an animal fat product, yuk! I am also an ASKO factory tech... guess what folks- have never had a complaint about mold or smell, go figure. But, people have a problem getting their heads around the European size. A standard top load can use 70 gallons of water for wash and rinse, add another 30 gallons for an extra rinse. LG front load 14.1 total gallons, if I remember correctly- and ASKO 7. something gallons (not including extra rinses). Please, consider this... Top load- 25-35 gallons for wash and again for every rinse. Front load LG approx. 7 gallons of water for wash and another 7 gallons for rinse. ASKO approx 3.5 gallons for wash and again for every rinse. REDUCE YOUR SOAP AND FABRIC SOFTENER ACCORDINGLY. And, to all of you who think your top load machines are "clean," opps- if you only knew. I have used a 4 inch putty knife to scrape off the excess build up of fabric softener on the inner tub you can not see. Also, have you looked at that fabric softener dispenser on the top of your agitator? I am totally against liquid fabric softener, could be the worse thing you ever put in your washer. BTW, did you know you don't use bleach in the ASKO compact machines- I thought that was pretty amazing. I actually have a top load Amana sitting next to an Asko in my laundry room (ya, us techs know how to get them for free- a dent here or there) and I have not needed to use bleach and have no odors in my ASKO. ASKO has, however; caved into the pressure of having a "full size" front loader- private label out of Korea (like LG and SAMSUNG). I sure hope they have figured out how to avoid the smell, I would hate to see their rep destroyed. If I figure out a solution for those of you who have the issue, I will come back and add to this. My plan is to use a customer as an experiment- to date I have been telling people to use a cup or two of Cascade on the hottest selection (suds are bad in front load and cascade is sud free). Please, folks we need to keep heading in the right direction, green wise. Don't throw the idea of a front loader out with the "baby blankets." Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Dave (Guest Post) (08/05/2008) I just got off the phone with LG and they said the usual: Wipe gasket, door open etc. but he mentioned one other way to get rid of scum/mold etc. It is a product called Whirl Out. It is sold to rid hot tubs of scum, body oils and such. It is made by the same people who make Red Out rust remover. Sounds promising. I am going to give it a try and will post results later. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By guest (Guest Post) (07/31/2008) Ammonia ( 1 cup) in a hot cycle worked for us for several years, until this week after 5 inches of rain in 2 days. Need major help now. Impossible to wash by hand, so this is all we've been able to do to manage the worst of it. My mom has a mold allergy and she couldn't wash her clothes while visiting until we used ammonia! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Angela (Guest Post) (07/14/2008) I'm glad to know that its NOT JUST ME. Geez, I've thrown out SO many good bath towels because they've been ruined from my machine! Does anyone know how to get mildew smell out of clean laundry. IT LINGERS and doesn't come out? I do Bleach a load of dish towels each week and I've noticed this helps. but I'm puzzled about the FABRIC SOFTENER culprit? I use fabric softener occasionally and immediately noticed black mold growing in the tray. I also noticed and cleaned out the mold and moisture growing in the gasket. STILL Smells! I'm curious: heard one post saying MOLD is growing BEHIND THE BARREL INSIDE the machine? If thats the case: How do you clean THAT UP once it's started? I have a TODDLER: I do not feel safe leaving the door open and laundry room is in narrow breezeway between garage/house. Washer door open leaves NO ROOM for us to get in the house from the garage! Every house in my neighborhood has this type laundry room so I know I'm not alone, AND hook ups are backwards so glass doors on washer/dryer bang into each other and you must lift laundry over doors to load Dryer? Anyone else have that problem? What a pain in the Wallet! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By vicky (Guest Post) (07/11/2008) This is my 3rd washing machine, from Maytag and now I have Kenmore and I have the same problem...MOLD! I read thru all the comments sent and I will try buying the "affresh" from www.smellywasher.com. The bleach washing did not help. If anyone can help me, please post your comments... Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By jasongeneva (Guest Post) (07/09/2008) I have used a shot of vodka in the washer for years and this has rid all smells and mold. The alcohol in the vodka kills mold and mildew and shouldn't bleach your clothes. Test before tossing in your favorite sweater. Good luck. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Mom in CT (Guest Post) (06/15/2008) I think this is really a problem - too much work to do laundry! Anyway, I would take serious caution about leaving the door open. Anyone with small children should NOT leave the door open as children may find their way in and not be able to get out - God forbid. I do not have small children in the house so I do keep my door open BUT a great place for a cat or small dog to nap as well....not good. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Mainer1776 (Guest Post) (05/26/2008) http://www.frontloadwasherclassaction.com/pages/index.php Class action lawsuit. I just found this firm this morning. I couldn't stand the smell of our Frigidaire front loader and googled "mildew frigidaire front loading washing machine". While I am a little relieved that it isn't anything that WE in our household is doing, I am somewhat angry that it's such a common problem. Water-conserving yes.. but the mold/mildew is a greater problem. We called Frigidaire right away after purchasing the machine and they gave no satisfaction except that they have fixed the problem on newer models. I'll try some of the remedies listed here, but this is scandalous really. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Jay Arnold. (Guest Post) (04/10/2008) We have an LG washer with the same issue. I will try the special cleaner and see what happens. We have knicknamed ourselfes "The Stinky's" because our - get this - $1650 washingmachine makes our clothes, towels etc STINK. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Paul Flynn (Guest Post) (03/08/2008) I sell a completely natural washing machine cleaner at www.smellywasher.com / The reason that washers get odor is almost invariably because of overuse of detergent and fabric softeners. They will build up on the inside of the plastic outer tub and are a food source for fungus to grow on. Bleach will make the fungus invisible but won't remove it. This fungus is a health issue and won't come back if the washer is cleaned and detergent habits are changed. All the testimonials on my site are real. I have received more than a few emails from customers who state that their health problems or the children's health problems were cured after cleaning their washers. These problems include respiratory problems, colds, allergies and skin rashes. UNLESS YOU HAVE A MORE EXTREME CASE all that is normally needed to remove the fungus buildup is just one tablespoon of cleaner added to the hottest setting and no clothing. Allow the washer to finish the cycle. You may also re-agitate or soak for longer treatments. If you go to the blog page at smellywasher.com there is more information on the odor problem, use of smellywasher cleaner and also other advice on appliances. We are so confident that this will take care of your odor problem that we have a money back guarantee on smellywasher cleaner. THERE IS ENOUGH IN ONE ORDER FOR 24 TREATMENTS. Paul Flynn/smellywasher.com/ 952-465-6444 Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Carol Stuart (Guest Post) (03/01/2008) I've tried bleach, vinegar, bi carb of soda, and everything else anyone's told me to try on my Ariston Front Loader. I will never again buy a front loader apart from Asko. They tell me they don't have the rubber seal in front. it's stainless steel and there's no mold or mildew. Why don't the salespeople tell us these things before we make our purchases? Who can afford to dump a washing machine and just go buy another one for another $1500 or more? Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post by savardm (1) | (02/19/2008) Contact Why should the customer spend more time cleaning the machine than the machine does washing clothes???? The issue here is a BADLY ENGINEERED RUBBER SEAL system that is it and that is all.! There is absolutely no other way for the water to evacuate around the seal itself, the drain hole is too high (common sense of gravity) the seal fills up with water all the way to the drain hole. It just sits there, it has nowhere to go. Resolution is to get a recall to change that rubber seal with a new one engineered in a way that there will no longer be any water accumulation at that drain hole spot. Humidity plus heat = black mould/mildew Which brings me with to the next subject: HEALTH ISSUE I have realized that my 3 year old son has had ear infection after infection and has allergies etc, his bedroom used to be just in front of the washer machine. We had to move his bedroom fro our newborn, now at 2 weeks old she had a ear infection as well???? I think that our health issues are with that black mould inside the washer machine, once it is there it is difficult to cure it forever. The syndrome of the kitchen rag once it goes mouldy it stay mouldy even after washing. Has anyone else noticed any health issues as well, please let us know. We need a class action lawsuit on this problem, it is the only way a resolution will come out! I do not have any resources myself to address that, just maybe someone reading this will have some. Thanks Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Joann (Guest Post) (12/16/2007) I also called the manufacturer to complain of a foul smell coming from my washer and was told to order a cleaner that THEY make called "affresh". It didn't help one bit so I called back and was told to buy some more! I was talking to a neighbor about my problem and she gave me just a tablespoon of a cleaner from WWW.SMELLYWASHER.COM. After adding it to a hot wash - NO MORE SMELL! I ordered some and used just a teaspoon to a load of towels and now my washer, towels and clothes all smell new again! They have great technical support and even a money back guarantee! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post by hoptownracer1 (23) | (12/11/2007) Contact Thank you so much for posting about this! I was thinking about getting one of thsoe in the future, but will reconsider. Once again, the industry is pushing products for us to buy and eliminating the products we like. What good does it do to use less water, if tons of bleach is having to be used to keep it from growing mold? All of the bleach goes into the water supply too. Does anyone know about the Fisher & Paykel toploading washers? They are also supposed to use less water. I've seen a couple of the dryers returned when I have been in a store, so I know I don't want the dryer. I'm going to try to keep what I've got as long as I can, and hopefully, they will still sell toploaders when I need to buy one. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Jane (Guest Post) (12/11/2007) What is the matter with us that we are accepting this outrageous product flaw? Let's put the blame exactly where it belongs and keep it there until manufacturers clean up their act! What in the world are we thinking when we allow ourselves to be forced to jump through these ridiculous hoops just to do laundry!? I am furious and it is over something as stupid as a washing machine! A WASHING MACHINE! New government regulations for new water efficiency washing machines has my family's clothing smelling like a stinking, rancid, moldy basement! This is absolutely absurd! I have been told to change laundry detergent, run hot bleach water through my washer and, get this; my washing machine is 1 year old and my clothes smell filthy! The mold and mildew from these nasty machines have wreaked havoc through skin rashes and allergies in my children! I paid $1,000.000 for this da*ned washing machine and THIS is what is being sold to the public under the disguise of efficiency!? I have been on the phone about this problem. I have, over the past 3 months, with a technician on the phone, been instructed to do the following: *Make sure I use high efficiency detergent THAT will fix my problem. Wrong. *Cleaned the lint trap (that is stupidly behind a metal access plate that you have to use a screwdriver to remove screws to get to it EVERY TIME) and THAT will fix my problem. Wrong! *Cleaned the water hoses; THAT will fix my problem. Wrong! *Cleaned the gasket around the door. THAT will fix my problem Wrong! *Cleaned the tub with bleach water. THAT will fix my problem. WRONG! *REMOVED the hoses and cleaned the pump. THAT will fix my problem. WRONG AGAIN! *Take the pump out entirely and clean all inlet, outlets and hoses. THAT will fix my problem. WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! NONE of this fixed my problem of filthy, wet, stinking, rancid clothing that has endangered my family's health! I even washed my children's clothing out by hand in the bathtub and put them in the washer just to rinse and spin and they STILL smelled horrific. Finally, at the end of my rope, I returned to the appliance store from which I purchased this machine and they have told me that they cannot accept a return. They will not accept a return and I have to deal directly with GE. I HAVE dealt with GE up until the final straw when I they told me I needed a new pump, but so sorry, your warranty JUST expired 3 days ago! Furthermore, my pump was fine. I did NOT need a new pump and have now been told that I cannot return the new, unused pump that cost me another $183.00. I have now been told that this is a problem with ALL front loading washing machines and I should do the following: *First, run a full complete wash cycle on hottest setting containing Bleach * Note: wash cycle takes 1 hour and 20 minutes *Next, run a full wash cycle on hottest setting using high efficiency laundry detergent for another 1 hour and 20 minutes *Next, run a full wash cycle on hottest setting using Cascade automatic dish washing detergent for an ADDITIONAL 1 hour and 20 minutes *Next, using Bleach water, wipe down entire interior of washing machine *Next, using clean white cloth, wipe entire interior of washing machine dry *Next, leave door ajar to air out machine *Finally, I have now been informed that I cannot use fabric softener in the machine even though there is a fabric softener dispenser right in the machine because the new front loading machines cannot handle fabric softener! That's right. My poor new $1,000.00 washing machine cannot handle fabric softener. Give me a break! Furthermore, I was told that this is new technology and since it is so new, no one really knew these kinds of problems were going to manifest themselves and I just need to try to work with these problems because it is not the manufacturers fault but the GOVERNMENT'S fault! Sorry. Are you kidding me? Now I have a $1000.00 piece of junk that the appliance companies are pawning off on unsuspecting consumers and hiding their horrible designs by blaming the government. So, now this is what I want! I want the legislature to force manufacturers to properly inform the public of these problems and those who did NOT inform consumers of these issues, COMPENSATE their customers for the $ it has cost us and the misery and frustration caused by THEIR neglect by NOT informing the consumers of these issues. I want this to be retroactive BACK to at least the year 2005. Furthermore, I want compensated for the cost of buying a top loading washing machine in an effort to keep our families away from the mold and mildew and filthy mess this has caused! Finally, I want manufacturers to own up to the fact that they disregarded the health and safety of consumers in their efforts to profit as much as possible while touting efficiency. Now I have heard that they have a new 'product' they can sell to us to inhibit the stench of mold and mildew. This is absolutely unacceptable! This is outrageous and we need to speak out about this and make sure our voices are heard! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Joy (Guest Post) (11/29/2007) I have had my Bosch front loader for over 6 years and only recently have had a problem - soon after using fabric conditioner on a regular basis. This is despite leaving the door open. I'll try the bleach, but I won't be using fabric conditioner any more. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post by Xavierbu (2) | (11/05/2007) Blog! | Contact Directly from the Manf. I sell appliances, and speak with manf. about the smell. The worst out on the market are the LG's Frigidaire's, samsungs and GE's in front loaders, the whirlpool brands (kenmore whirlpool, and maytag, the new ones, are the least smelly) In top loaders avoid one with a Plastic wash tub. (old maytags, GE's frigidaires) According to the Manf.'s and the instructions that came with your washers, you are to leave the door, or lid open after the final load. This lets the seal dry out and avoids the mold and must smell. Here are some tips: Front loading machines: After a load of laundry, look at the seal If you notice water in the seal (ge, frig, LG samnsung) Wipe it out and let the door open. The whirlpool branded products will not collect water in seal due to their design. If after this you are noticing an odor problem Run your RINSE DRAIN SPIN cycle with 2 cups of bleach on COOL OR WARM WATER DO NOT USE HOT, hot breaks down the bleach defeating the purpose of the bleach. Now this should eliminate the smell problem with the use of the bleach and open door. IF you have your machine in the basement, and are still noticing a smell, then you need a dehumidifier Reason is, your basement contains too much moisture in the air to allow the seal to dry properly. Top Loading Machines(NON HI_EFFIECENCY MODLES) Fill the washdrum with WARM WATER, add about 1/2 gallon of bleach, allow the bleach rinse to run, and spin out. Then take a rag dipped in a 50/50 bleach solution, and wipe the under part of the lid, seals, dispensers, and if you can get under the ring of the washer, run it there as well. Leave the lid open to dry. Here again, if after doing this, you notice the mold/must smell comes back, YOU NEED A DEHUMIDIFIER! TOP LOADING H?E MACHINES: Repeat the rinse drain spin with 4 cups of bleach on warm water. Then follow the instructions for the conventional top loader. Remember folks, A washing machine is just like your shower stall. If the tiles don't dry, they collect mold and mildew. Your washer needs to dry out after the last load. This is especially true for baement machines. Like i stated, if you have the machine in your basment, and these fixes don't work, you will need a dehumidifier. The machine can't dry out cuz the air is too humid. A mildewy machine means a mildewy basement. Hope this helps Xavier Ps, I have had my Kenmore he3 for 5 years now and have yet to smell any mold. My unit is on the second floor and i leave my door open after the final load of the day. To this day my washer "smells" brand new. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Jane (Guest Post) (10/17/2007) The soap would be important. However, to get rid of the fungus buildup and mold odor already inside the washer my friend gave just a tablespoon of a washing machine cleaner called "Purewasher" that I left soak for a day. It really cleans it well! I ordered some and use it for maintenance cleanings every few months. It also takes away mildew smell from towels. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Lynn (Guest Post) (08/22/2007) I too have an LG that has a moldy smell in the machine -- I think I have finally found a solution (and it's not bleach). The detergent and fabric softener you are using are creating a buildup between the drums. The solution is to stop using commercial detergents and fabric softeners -- Start using Maggie's Soap Nuts. They are all natural (grow on trees) and are better for your health, your clothing and the environment (and Septic tanks also). They will clean your clothes and leave them softer (without fabric softener). You can buy them at Whole Foods or SOON at www.newstarget.com where they are going to buy them in bulk to cut the cost in half. NOte: Before washing your clothing with them, run some thru the machine several times to clean out the buildup already on the drum. I make a liquid out of them (by simmering them and then squishing them with a potato masher to get the saponin out of them and turn it into a liquid -- add some water to this and then store them in an old cleaned out detergent bottle. They clean much better as liquid than in the cloth bag they come with. I think it is because front loaders don't agitate as much as regular washing machines. You will love your clothes and your machine again (you will never have to clean it out again). Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By andre (Guest Post) (07/28/2007) I had front loader for years. 1. ALWAYS leave front door open. 2. ALWAYS wipe gasket dry after wash. 3. do not forget clothes in washer overnight ** Bleach will kill the mold, but should not be needed if 1 and 2 is done. Bleach is bad for watertight rubber seals and may cause leaks. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By (Guest Post) (12/16/2006) An appliance repairman told me that bleach, vinegar and ammonia are hard on seals in the washer. If you don't want to use vinegar, ammonia or bleach (be very careful not to mix them) there is a cleaner called purewasher that is only sold at smellywasher.com / This cleaner will clean inside your washer and remove mildew or musty smell from towels and clothes. All you'll need is one tablespoon. The smell hasn't come back yet! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By beantown_steve (Guest Post) (05/01/2006) I have researched this issue quite a bit and there are several items to note; * check the manual to determine if the manufacturer indicates a maintainence to be done. Usually a monthly wash, with bleach at the highest temp. * avoiding liquid fabric softener * cleaning around and under the door gasket * leaving the door somewhat open between washdays * once established, the mold/mildew is VERY difficult to overcome. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Marisa (Guest Post) (04/30/2006) I had the same problem with my LG front loader. It's so widespread, you'd think they'd start putting it in the manuals!! But definitely--run bleach cycles until the mildew is gone and then leave the door open every time for evermore... Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post by katieandjeffy (76) | (04/27/2006) Contact You might want to call the company that makes the washer...maybe there is something wrong with a seal or something else...even go to the website?? Good luck! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Mary, Crown Point, IN (Guest Post) (04/27/2006) I have had a frontloader for about 7 years...NEVER have had the problem, BUT..I leave the door open a bit ALL the time... Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Dean (Guest Post) (04/27/2006) I have a front load washer and after every use I wipe all around the front gasket,in behind the gasket and the inside of the door with paper towels.Then I leave it open for a while to let air in to circulate.Never have had a mold problem.In your case try to clean with a solution of bleach and water.Then rinse with water as bleach could eat away at the gasket. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Donna (Guest Post) (04/26/2006) I have a Maytag Neptune front load washer and had the same problem. Maytag replaced the gasket for free and told me to run one load a month with just bleach and water. Good luck. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post by Lynn from Calif. (87) | (04/26/2006) Profile | Contact I have a front-loader too and had to have some minor work done on it recently. The technician said that the front-loaders are very prone to mold and mildew; in fact, most of the ones he works on just about knock him over from the mildew smell when he opens the door! But he said the reason that I haven't had that trouble at all with mine is because I use so much bleach, about every 3rd load; so I think running the bleach through a load with no clothes will really help yours. Good luck! Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By (Guest Post) (04/26/2006) Hi, This question has come up on several newsletters that I receive. It seems that most of the people will run a long wash cycle with one cup of bleach or one cup of vinegar in the washing machine, (no detergent), to help kill the mold. You will need to wipe off the mold around the door gasket. The problem is that there is always some water under the drum where you can not see it. I always leave the washing machine door open between washes. This does help, but I still need to clean it once every month or so. I hope this helps. Loretta Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post by theruins (1) | (04/26/2006) Contact THANK YOU, I'll be trying both suggestions!!! :) Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post by Katmommy (39) | (04/26/2006) Contact Try running a cycle with a little detergent and bleach. Report Spam or Abuse RE: Mold Problem With Front Loading Washing Machine Post By Carol Churchill (Guest Post) (04/26/2006) Leave the door of the machine open between washes to let the air circulate and keep the inside dry. Report Spam or Abuse