I have a front load washing machine and on the rim when you open the door, it gets moldy. I never saw such a thing on the regular top load machines. Does anyone know anything about this and what can be done? It seems very strange to me.
Chris from NJ
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 (04/26/2006)
By
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. (04/27/2006)
By Dean
I have researched this issue quite a bit and there are several items to note;
By beantown_steve
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. (12/16/2006)
By
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 through 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.
By Lynn
Directly from the Manufacturer: I sell appliances, and speak with manufacturers about the smell. The worst out on the market are the LGs, Frigidaires, 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, GEs, Frigidaires). According to the Manufacturers 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:
Hope this helps. Xavier
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. (11/05/2007)
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. (05/26/2008)
By Mainer1776
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. (06/15/2008)
By Mom in CT
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. (07/09/2008)
By jasongeneva
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. (08/05/2008)
By Dave
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. (08/23/2008)
By Jamie
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 every time to prevent it from coming back. (08/28/2008)
By Ferrari
A few people have mentioned smellywasher .com. I remember getting an email saying all that is, is Borax. I'm considering purchasing a front loader and plan to have Borax on hand. (01/31/2009)
By Lynn
I have this problem with my GE front loader and purchased lemon Pinesol and add it in with the detergent. This gets rid of the nasty smell on previously washed items. I remove my detergent and softener loader every week and scrub out the gunk.
(02/04/2009)
By Julie
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