Front Load Clothes Washer

[Zandy595]

Anyone else have this problem?

When I bought my front load washer I never realized I'd have to leave the door wide open after each use. If I don't let it dry out it gets very musty smelling inside. This wouldn't really be a problem, except the washer and dryer are in a closet in my kitchen and the closet doors won't close with the washer door open. When anyone comes to my front door they can see the open doors. Oh well, just gotta live with it I guess.

 

[Showe]

You know no one told me that i would have to do that either and after time the rubber seal around the front has gotten moldy. Mine smells terribly musty at times too. I too feel like I just have to live with it...but walking into my laundry room with that smell sometimes makes we want my old machine back...

 

[TxDisneyFan]

I just bought the Kenmore Elite front load washer and dryer. I noticed they recommend leaving the washer door open between loads to prevent mildew. Since the door must seal completely during use, it makes sense to let it dry between use. I keep an old kitchen towel nearby to wipe the inside of the door, seal, and below the seal. I think leaving the door open a few inches is sufficient. These are high maintenance machines just to keep them from mildewing. I've heard pros and cons on having this style washing machine.

I have a laundry room so I can leave the washer door open and just keep the laundry room door closed from view. Good luck.

 

[drgnfly30]

I have one too but tend to not leave the door open.. too many cats & ferrets around to risk it...

Christine

 

[cinmell]

I have had the Kenmore Elite for over 2 years and I've never had this problem or any problem with it. I hope I didn't just jinx myself!

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

I have to keep mine open too, and it is in my kitchen. And the door has to stay most of the way closed since you have to pass it to get into my kitchen. Very annoying.

The new invention to allow the door to stay slightely open is.....VELCRO! My mom bought velcro strips that are self sticking. She put the rough piece of velcro on the top of the machine and the softer piece on the door. So now you just velcro the door so that it is slightly open. We haven't had the musty smell for awhile. Just try getting the men to remember to do this.

Yes it is annoying to have to leave the door open (and trust me, I think I am in the worst situation with that) but I think the other advantages to a front load washer outweigh this.

 

[luvdzne]

If you do a load of whites and use some bleach that should take care of the smell and mold problem you have now. Also, if you dry around the door and lift the seal and dry that out it will help prevent further problems. You should leave the door open when you are not doing a load for a day or two. Since I don't have that luxury I don't have a problem. The more laundry I do it seems to multiply.

My problem with my front loader that just drives me crazy is that it shakes something awful during spin cycles and at times seems to walk across the floor when it really gets going.

 

[Showe]

my washer walks too, especially when doing towels. It also sounds like a jet taking off sometimes. Motor is quiet but still sounds like there's a runway in my laundry room

 

[janette]

If you have a Maytag Neptune and mold around the seal they will replace it for free. There was a class action suit regarding some maintenance issues and this was one. Mine had another item that went out after several years but it was covered as part of this and since there was a little mold on the seal they replaced it too. A friend also called and had her seal replaced.

Check here to see if you might be covered:
http://www.maytagfrontloadsettlement.com/index.html

 

[Princess Nancy]

I read somewhere that just running a cycle with bleach can help this problem. I have a laundry room so now we just leave the door open, but I did not realize this at first. i just did a bleach only cycle and it is all good now.

 

[Nutsy]

We went from a top load to a front loading machine last year after our top loader died. It was 20yrs old.

So, when I take the washing out of the machine I always leave the door open, but when DS takes the washing out he closes the door and I come along later and the condensation inside the machine is incredible, so I have to turn the power back on and realease the door to let it dry out.

I don't like seeing all that condensation inside........would much rather leave the door open so it can dry out.

 

[Showe]

If you have a Maytag Neptune and mold around the seal they will replace it for free. There was a class action suit regarding some maintenance issues and this was one. Mine had another item that went out after several years but it was covered as part of this and since there was a little mold on the seal they replaced it too. A friend also called and had her seal replaced.

Check here to see if you might be covered:
http://www.maytagfrontloadsettlement.com/index.html

janette - thanks for the information. I do have a Maytag Neptuen and I never heard of any class action suit....will be getting in touch with them tomorrow...my seal is really bad..