Stinky front-loading, high-efficiency washers give consumers ‘the willies’
By Herb Weisbaum
msnbc.com contributor
updated 3:08 p.m. ET, Thurs., Nov . 19, 2009


Herb Weisbaum

When you buy a new washing machine, you don’t expect it to stink up your house. But that seems to be a common problem for people who own high-efficiency front-loading washers.

Rae Lembersky of Seattle likes her front-loader. It saves water and electricity and gets the family’s clothes clean. But she hated the smell.

"Imagine that you're in one of those movies where there's a swamp monster and it's that kind of swampy, musty, sort of yucky smell."

Lembersky could see what was causing the stink. She found “black, gooey, slimy stuff” growing inside the rubber gasket which goes around the glass window on the washer door. That was quite a surprise because she regularly cleans the machine and runs loads with bleach and hot water.

“It just gives me the willies,” she says. “I don't like the thought of mold in my washer.”

Desperate for relief, she hired technician Scott Wiseman to remove and replace the disgusting rubber gasket. Once he took the washer apart, Wiseman found mold inside the machine, too. The job cost $300.

“It’s a very common problem,” Wiseman tells me. “I get calls about this all the time.”

What’s going on here?
After a while, all washing machines can have some odor caused by mold, mildew or bacteria. But the problem seems to be worse with front-loaders because they are designed differently from top-loaders.

Front-loaders are tightly sealed. Close the door after removing the laundry and any moisture inside the machine will be trapped inside. With a top-loader the water is more likely to evaporate.

Having the tub on its side, rather than up-and-down, can also create problems.

“Even after it spins everything out, there's still going to be some water that ends up landing on the gasket. And water sitting on rubber is not a particularly good situation,” explains Consumer Reports deputy home editor Celia Kuperschmid Lehrman.

Consumer Reports subscribers from across the country have complained about smelly front-loaders. In fact, the editors have received so many complaints, they now warn about the problem when they review washers.

I contacted the appliance industry to find out what manufacturers think is causing the odor problem. In a statement, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers suggested one more contributing factor:

“Over time, changes have occurred in consumer laundry habits including the use of less bleach, more fabric softener, and more frequent cold water wash cycles. These habits may impact the accumulation of bio-film and other residues, increasing the potential odor, mold and mildew.”

Video of problems (http://www.komonews.com/news/consumer/68408867.html)

Solving the problem isn’t always easy
Seattle homeowner Dennis Hanson has a Kenmore front-loader. He did everything his owner’s manual recommends for proper maintenance and the washer still gave off a “putrid” odor.

Hanson describes it as “a combination of rotten eggs and just really bad stagnant water.” When I was at the Hanson house, the smell filled the laundry room.

Hanson bought a Sears service contract with his washer. Technicians serviced the machine four times and never solved the problem, so I arranged for an independent examination.

Larry Schmidt from Mr. Appliance Service did what the Sears techs didn't. He took off the front panel and removed the lint filter. It was clogged with lint, coins and other debris which trapped dirty water inside the washer. And that water was nasty.

Once Schmidt cleaned the filter and reinstalled it, the smell went away.

The Kenmore owner’s manual makes no mention of this potential problem. I contacted Sears to find out why. I also wanted to know why their service people had not checked the filter. The company did not respond to my calls and e-mails.

Preventing the problem
Manufacturers recommend doing a number of things to reduce or eliminate mold, mildew and odor problems:

* Only use high efficiency (HE) detergent and never use more than the recommended amount.
* Remove wet wash right away.
* Then, keep the door open a bit to let the washer dry out. (Consumer Reports warns this can be a safety problem if you have young children in the house).
* Follow the manufacturer’s "washer care" instructions in your owner’s manual. If there are no specific cleaning instructions run a "cleaning cycle" once a month – no clothes just hot water and a cup of bleach.

This may work, but after speaking to lots of people with smelly washers, I can tell you there is no guaranteed cure.

My two cents
There’s no question front-loaders are a better way to do laundry. They use significantly less water, do a superior job of cleaning and are gentler on your clothing. Because they remove so much water in the spin cycle, less drying is needed, which reduces electricity usage. But then there’s that odor problem.

Manufacturers are well aware of the potential for mold growth. I think they should come clean with their customers by specifically and prominently alerting them to the problem and how to prevent it.

A marketing person would call that crazy. But the current approach of ignoring the odor problem only results in unhappy customers who complain about their washer to friends and on the Internet.

If you buy a front-loader, do yourself a favor and take extra care – from day one – to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.

Thanks BE, I always wanted to buy a Front Loader...but now I will reconsider that...I don't want no stinky smelling washer..:nono2:

That would gross me out to no end. Mold in the place that I wash my clothes?!?! :nono2:

:eek: thanks for the article and info, BE!! I own a HE front loader, and I follow all of the advice that is mentioned in the article, BUT........I have noticed over the past several months that there is indeed a musty odor clinging to heavier items (towels, sheets) and I have been going nuts trying to figure out what is the source of the problem. I am now wondering if this could be it? Lighter items, like socks, t-shirts, etc don't seem to be affected.

I wonder if adding a cup of vinegar every so often would help at all.

Sent it to a friend! TY!

We've had a front loader for about a year, and the door is pretty much always left open when it's not running. Haven't noticed a problem, having to leave the door open after the load is done shouldn't be necessary. How is this problem avoided in Europe, where front loaders have long been more popular than in the U.S.?

We've had a front loader for about a year, and the door is pretty much always left open when it's not running. Haven't noticed a problem

:iagree: Plus we run many loads with bleach, run it empty with bleach every 3-4 months and regularly empty the lint trap.

, having to leave the door open after the load is done shouldn't be necessary.

:confused: These are much more sealed than a top loader, hence the need to leave the door open to help prevent mold growth.

:eek: thanks for the article and info, BE!! I own a HE front loader, and I follow all of the advice that is mentioned in the article, BUT........I have noticed over the past several months that there is indeed a musty odor clinging to heavier items (towels, sheets) and I have been going nuts trying to figure out what is the source of the problem. I am now wondering if this could be it? Lighter items, like socks, t-shirts, etc don't seem to be affected.

many front loaders carry water under the basket when the machine is empty.... its there but not near the clothes... this water can get funky and because heaver items hold more water even after they are spun, the can carry the funk...

Consumer reports has an article about it and the class action lawsuit.

We've had a front loader for about a year, and the door is pretty much always left open when it's not running. Haven't noticed a problem, having to leave the door open after the load is done shouldn't be necessary. How is this problem avoided in Europe, where front loaders have long been more popular than in the U.S.?

The moldy smell is much better than the natural European people smell? It seems they save a lot of water by not showering.

I have a Bosch front loader and the funk is disgusting-just like finzz said,the towels have an unreal stank..I leave the door open,run vinegar through it,clean the trap and gasket etc and I can't run bleach through it because of the stainless steel drum(there is a warning label about using bleach on the door hinge thingie). It' so upsetting to know that a $1200 washer isn't designed better-and the fact that I have to take towels and jeans to the frickin laundromat!!
What I don't understand is why the front loaders at laundromats don't get funky?

I have a Bosch front loader and the funk is disgusting-just like finzz said,the towels have an unreal stank..I leave the door open,run vinegar through it,clean the trap and gasket etc and I can't run bleach through it because of the stainless steel drum(there is a warning label about using bleach on the door hinge thingie). It' so upsetting to know that a $1200 washer isn't designed better-and the fact that I have to take towels and jeans to the frickin laundromat!!
What I don't understand is why the front loaders at laundromats don't get funky?

my GUESS is that they are used/serviced more regularly which prevents the funk from getting a chance to take hold

The moldy smell is much better than the natural European people smell? It seems they save a lot of water by not showering.
now I can skip showering and just blame my washing machine for my stinkiness! :whee:

We have an HE top loader by GE and well water & I have a slight musty smell when I lean into it to empty. Similar smell as my towels/washcloths get when damp. How would I know if there is a lint trap & where it is?

I don't believe it's an issue with the older model front loaders :nono2:

I believe it was more an issue once the Neptune's came out, and model's after those :nod:

For some reason whatever they did with the Neptune's really set off this "mold" issue, and
it's been an issue since then. The Frigidaire Gallery Series seems to not have had this issue to my knowledge.

I don't believe it's an issue with the older model front loaders :nono2:

I believe it was more an issue once the Neptune's came out, and model's after those :nod:

For some reason whatever they did with the Neptune's really set off this "mold" issue, and
it's been an issue since then. The Frigidaire Gallery Series seems to not have had this issue to my knowledge.

Yup, I was just going to chime in to say that my 10-year-old Frigidaire Gallery front loader has never stunk. I keep an old towel handy and wipe off the gasket and window after the last load of the day, then close the door. No stinkiness here! :D

Kara spilled beer all over them?

BE,

Wouldn't using bleach (Clorox) in a load of laundry .... say once a week, eliminate the possibility of mold?

As for the smell, we leave the doors on the washer and dryer either wide open or ajar, to let the machines air out .... and we never have a smell/odor problem.

BTW, Thanks for the posting.

G

We've had a front loader for about a year, and the door is pretty much always left open when it's not running. Haven't noticed a problem, having to leave the door open after the load is done shouldn't be necessary. How is this problem avoided in Europe, where front loaders have long been more popular than in the U.S.?
Same here. We've had a front loader for 5 years and while I have had to clean out that front seal every so often, haven't had any big issues. I do leave the door open, but the laundry is in the unfinished basement. I don't have to worry about little kids crawling into the washer.

Just read a few more posts. Our washer is a Frigidaire as well.

We've had a front loader for about a year, and the door is pretty much always left open when it's not running. Haven't noticed a problem, having to leave the door open after the load is done shouldn't be necessary. How is this problem avoided in Europe, where front loaders have long been more popular than in the U.S.?

The moldy smell is much better than the natural European people smell? It seems they save a lot of water by not showering.

now I can skip showering and just blame my washing machine for my stinkiness! :whee:


Now you know why they are called "stinky frenchmen"


BE,

Wouldn't using bleach (Clorox) in a load of laundry .... say once a week, eliminate the possibility of mold?

As for the smell, we leave the doors on the washer and dryer either wide open or ajar, to let the machines air out .... and we never have a smell/odor problem.

BTW, Thanks for the posting.

G

Beach won't help as far as I've seen.
And I'm not sure about that AFFRESH product either

I purchased one from Sears a few months back and i have noticed this smell also.I ALWAYS leave the door open when not in use and i leave the detergent drawer open also.The Sears tech that came out told me i was using too much of the HE detergent. I did cut back alot, it helped, but i still get the smell if i don't take the clothes out as soon as they are finished washing.

I finally tried some of the special product for the smell issue (was it called AFRESH?). It did actually help. The stuff is not cheap (around 10 bucks for 3) but since I haven't been able to figure out what else to do to get rid of the smell with mine, it was worth it. I have an LG btw.

We've had a front loader for about a year, and the door is pretty much always left open when it's not running. Haven't noticed a problem, having to leave the door open after the load is done shouldn't be necessary. How is this problem avoided in Europe, where front loaders have long been more popular than in the U.S.? My guess would be because they use the same machine to dry the clothes, the machine and the gasket get dried properly during the drying cycle. My MIL in Belfast has never had a problem with her front end loader, which is both the washer and dryer.

My guess would be because they use the same machine to dry the clothes, the machine and the gasket get dried properly during the drying cycle. My MIL in Belfast has never had a problem with her front end loader, which is both the washer and dryer.

I want one of those!

I want one of those!I've had one for 10 years now.



wife does most of the housework, including laundry

I've had one for 10 years now.



wife does most of the housework, including laundry

So you're confirming that she's a front end loader? :evillaf:

I want one of those! The drawback is they are very small machines, or at least the one she has is. The clothes come out of it wrinkled so she has to iron everything.

This one looks to be a little bigger than the one she has and it can dry 13 pounds of clothes.

http://www.johnlewis.com/230596768/Product.aspx?source=14798

So you're confirming that she's a front end loader? :evillaf:I wouldn't dare call her a backhoe.

I wouldn't dare call her a backhoe.

:lol: I wondered how you were going to word a response to that one. Well done.

:lol: I wondered how you were gong to word a response to that one. Well done.
I've always wondered what a tractor to me.

I've always wondered what a tractor to me.
You fielded that very well.

The guy that delivered/installed mine said the only way to prevent the problem is to use ONLY POWDERED DETERGENT! I haven't had a problem with my Kenmore in the year and a half that I've had it.

Maybe that explains the European thing too - maybe they mostly use powder.

Seriously, in remembering the conversation, I think he threatened to throw his wife out of the house if he ever saw a bottle of liquid detergent.

He did say the problem wasn't with liquid softeners, but with the detergent itself.

HTH.

liquid vs powder really has nothing to do with the moisture that cause the mold

but if it works for you.......

liquid vs powder really has nothing to do with the moisture that cause the mold

but if it works for you.......

It is the thickness of the concentrated cleaners causes the build up, not water alone.

That grime isn't water - maybe it's mold but I'd bet it's a collection of liquid detergent.

I want one of those!

no you don't.

i have a motorhome that has one.
it's a pain in the ass.

doing a load of laundry with one pair of jeans two shirts and s few other small items really sucks.

basically figure that each load will be about the size of your daily clothes consumption.

The guy that delivered/installed mine said the only way to prevent the problem is to use ONLY POWDERED DETERGENT! I haven't had a problem with my Kenmore in the year and a half that I've had it.

Maybe that explains the European thing too - maybe they mostly use powder.

Seriously, in remembering the conversation, I think he threatened to throw his wife out of the house if he ever saw a bottle of liquid detergent.

He did say the problem wasn't with liquid softeners, but with the detergent itself.

HTH.

:eek: There's strong warnings against powdered anything in my LG. It will ruin the unit.

:eek: There's strong warnings against powered anything in my LG. It will ruin the unit.

Mine is a standard Kenmore front loader. Sorry :(

maybe the cat is peeing inside?

Mine is a standard Kenmore front loader. Sorry :(

Yours probably is different. But I can see in the design of my unit where powdered detergent would cake up in the unit and clog up the works.

Thanks for the suggestion though. :hug:

I've used Tide HE for years without any problem. I clean the filter about once a year and leave the door ajar.

It's a first generation Kenmore machine, in fact, now that I think about it, the deal was posted here to try the machine for a year and return it then if you didn't like it. I kept it.

:iagree: Plus we run many loads with bleach, run it empty with bleach every 3-4 months and regularly empty the lint trap.

:ranting: This problem finally caught up with me.

Holy smokes! This just happened to my coworker. Thank you for the article. She will be...um...relieved (I guess) to know what's happening. She thought something died in there. (No joke. She really thought that.)

I think the problem is that somethinglives in there :lol:

Leave the door wide open, leave a light on, and put a small fan in the laundry area. All of these will help prevent the dark, damp, stale conditions on which mold thrives. You should cut back on how much detergent you use, also. More is not always better, and front loaders require less.

my parents have used their front-end loader for about a year now, and theirs doesn't stink at all. my mother might clean it regularly, but they usually leave the door open a bit, so that probably helps.

my parents have used their front-end loader for about a year now, and theirs doesn't stink at all. my mother might clean it regularly, but they usually leave the door open a bit, so that probably helps.

:nod: Mine took a little over two years to develop the smell.

I've had an HE3T for many years and have left the door cracked since I got it. Never had an odor problem. I heard about the mold issue before I bought mine, but I also heard that it's MUCH more prevalent in humid areas like Georgia and Florida.

So...are the newer models any better or does this problem still persist with the front load washers?

Also...they now have the "no agitator top load" washers that look like a nice alternative to the front load machines...any experience with those?

So...are the newer models any better or does this problem still persist with the front load washers?

Also...they now have the "no agitator top load" washers that look like a nice alternative to the front load machines...any experience with those?
Had a client who I did laundry for who had the no agitator top loaders. It was also labeled HE and had to have that HE detergent. I never thought it got the clothes as clean as my standard machine w/agitator. Things that were really dirty usually needed to be washed twice and it seemed like the standard cycle took a long time. In the year I worked for them I called the repairman 3 times for three different issues and they were high dollar machines (either Maytag or Whirlpool I can't rememeber).

Had a client who I did laundry for who had the no agitator top loaders. It was also labeled HE and had to have that HE detergent. I never thought it got the clothes as clean as my standard machine w/agitator. Things that were really dirty usually needed to be washed twice and it seemed like the standard cycle took a long time. In the year I worked for them I called the repairman 3 times for three different issues and they were high dollar machines (either Maytag or Whirlpool I can't rememeber).
Thanks for that info. Umm I kinda want my clothes clean so I will probably pass on them.
I did read a couple of reviews online about them not getting clothes quite clean but had hoped the newer ones were top notch.

She always said she would have returned them if they had not been a gift from her MIL and weren't so expensive.
I've never been overly impressed with any HE washer. Seems like they don't use enough water to get the clothes "clean." Somewhere on the interwebz there's an article about people using too much detergent in general. IIRC the study stated that clothes washed in sufficient water with no detergent were nearly as clean. It appears water and agitation are the keys to clean clothes. Think about washing clothes in the river on a rock.

Schooby, I was just reading somewhere the other day about the no-agitator top loaders and a bunch of people weren't happy with them. I love my front loader. I leave the door cracked the majority of the time. I am going to try one of those washer cleaners, but the guy who sold it to me said he just uses bleach. I haven't had any smell problem, though. I've only had them since November or early December though.

I have a front loading LG model HE and as long as I leave the door open after use it is fine. I also use the extra water button. It seems to really help. You really have to remember to keep the door open and run the clean cycle every once in a while. I know I would never spend the money on another one again. To much to think about. The top load washers you don't have to worry about anything.

Oh, I'd buy another in a second. It and the dryer have made a difference in my water and electric bills. :) I also use a lot less detergent.

Oh, I'd buy another in a second. It and the dryer have made a difference in my water and electric bills. :) I also use a lot less detergent.

Same here. :nod: I keep the door open when not using. You can also run bleach or the tablets through it on the "clean" cycle. I think for the most part, the newer ones are better regarding mold issues.
Also some model ( ours ) have a trap underneath which holds water, so you can open that periodically and drain it. Found that out when I had an issue with a load of clothes coming out soaking wet and the barrel still had water in it. Guess it's from putting too much clothes in there at once or unbalanced load..like lots of hoodies and sweats. You can just put in on Spin and Drain mode if it ever does that. Also I use high spin or extra high on everything ( unless it's a delicate cycle which I hardly ever use ).

I have never seen my clothes so bright and clean as I have with our front loaders. Not too mention we got them at Costco's so if they break, right back to Costco they go..:lol:

I am concerned about all of the mildew/mold issues with the FL washers that I have read about. Some even get that when they follow all of the directions. Some say it doesn't kick in for 2 years...one person mentioned that they had a part break and when they took the machine apart there was 8 inches of mold in the space under the drum area in the bottom of the machine.

Being allergic to mold this concerns me as much as dealing with the smell issues.


Then I have a couple of coworkers who swear it's the best thing ever to have a FL machine.
:stress:

Same here. :nod: I keep the door open when not using. You can also run bleach or the tablets through it on the "clean" cycle. I think for the most part, the newer ones are better regarding mold issues.
Also some model ( ours ) have a trap underneath which holds water, so you can open that periodically and drain it. Found that out when I had an issue with a load of clothes coming out soaking wet and the barrel still had water in it. Guess it's from putting too much clothes in there at once or unbalanced load..like lots of hoodies and sweats. You can just put in on Spin and Drain mode if it ever does that. Also I use high spin or extra high on everything ( unless it's a delicate cycle which I hardly ever use ).

I have never seen my clothes so bright and clean as I have with our front loaders. Not too mention we got them at Costco's so if they break, right back to Costco they go..:lol:
Now that makes me feel better...that I could see helping a lot. What brand do you have?

I am concerned about all of the mildew/mold issues with the FL washers that I have read about. Some even get that when they follow all of the directions. Some say it doesn't kick in for 2 years...one person mentioned that they had a part break and when they took the machine apart there was 8 inches of mold in the space under the drum area in the bottom of the machine.

Being allergic to mold this concerns me as much as dealing with the smell issues.


Then I have a couple of coworkers who swear it's the best thing ever to have a FL machine.
:stress:


Now that makes me feel better...that I could see helping a lot. What brand do you have?
This is similar, might be the updated model because I think we only paid 1,500 for it. :dontknow:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11498370&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|103|88223|61683&N=4041845&Mo=2&pos=0&No=0&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=61683&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC36077-Cat88223&topnav=

I love ours, but yea apparently they keep water underneath the barrel which probably where the smells come from. I found out how to open it and drain it and was like :bigeye: there's a lot of water in there when you're not using it. But good to know that there's a trap too so sometimes you can find socks, change and things in it...we try to use a lingerie bag for small socks and undies so the washer don't eat them..but we always forget and aren't losing stuff, so that's good..:lol:

edit: this is pretty much what the trap/drain is like
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gNPHXV62YQ

<------Nearly closes the door but just to the point where it begins to contact the latch thus leaving the door slightly ajar in a Samsung unit so it can get some air into it. I see where the water pools in the bottom of the gasket, but I've not noticed any smell.

Those of you who love your FL washer...how long have you owned one?

This is similar, might be the updated model because I think we only paid 1,500 for it. :dontknow:
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11498370&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|103|88223|61683&N=4041845&Mo=2&pos=0&No=0&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=61683&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC36077-Cat88223&topnav=

I love ours, but yea apparently they keep water underneath the barrel which probably where the smells come from. I found out how to open it and drain it and was like :bigeye: there's a lot of water in there when you're not using it. But good to know that there's a trap too so sometimes you can find socks, change and things in it...we try to use a lingerie bag for small socks and undies so the washer don't eat them..but we always forget and aren't losing stuff, so that's good..:lol:

edit: this is pretty much what the trap/drain is like
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gNPHXV62YQ
Cool, thanks for posting that.

Yes, if I do get FL machines I will get those pedestals...the laundry room looks to have plenty of room and the shelf above where they would go is pretty high up. :lol: I was wondering why it was so high.

Those of you who love your FL washer...how long have you owned one?

I've owned one for over 15 years now, and no problem with it - now my FIL is on his second one - and he has an issue with mold - but that is because of his medical problems - and what he is doing "wrong" - he allows water to set in the gasket - leaves wet laundry sit in the washer too long - doesn't dry out the left over water in the gasket (as I do) - doesn't leave the door open after washing (as I do) for a short while after taking out a load - what I do is when the load is finished in the dryer - I close the washer - by then it has had a chance to air out and dry - I've never had a mold problem EVER. Yet my FIL has one - but with his medical condition - there is no way to make him do what I do - as he can't remember to do all this - it's a loosing battle on my end. I think it's the way you upkeep the washer that makes the difference as to mold, stink, etc, imho.

I don't have a problem with the clothes getting clean, in fact I find the clothes don't get the wear and tear as with an agitator washer - especially my finer clothing that I put in there - as with a FL - they are gently swished through the cycle - rather that agitated around - being pushed and pulled around the agitator - putting more stress on the fabrics with finer clothing, but that again is mho.

Using the HE detergent and using the required amount and no more, to test if you are using too much, wash some bath towels - then run them through again - if there is soap showing up in the washer - then you are using too much detergent.

Thanks picca. :)

I just bought a new HE washer and it doesnt stink up anything. Only cleans superior to what my old washer did

Thanks, you guys are convincing me to probably give the FL a try.

my parents have used their front-end loader for about a year now, and theirs doesn't stink at all. my mother might clean it regularly, but they usually leave the door open a bit, so that probably helps.
almost a year later, and still no issues. i'm almost sure all they do is leave the door open for a while after using it since that's all they've told my wife and i to do when we use it.

In my extensive research :rofl2: ok in the few minutes that I looked online for comments...it seems that some brands are more pron to holding the water than others...or more water...or something that makes them mildewy and moldy.

Neptune/Maytag seems to be having a bad rep.

I have a Samsung washer and dryer. My aunt has LG

Both are over a year old and work GREAT!

I have an LG, when I first noticed the smell I went to scrub down the door. I still think that the clothes smells funny but the machine has no smell whatsoever, so now instead of what I just used at the community laundromat: laundry detergent and fabric sheets, we now use: detergent, stain release, liquid downy and fabric softner. :lmao:

I'm probably very guilty also as I don't just use HE detergent. I use all Tide detergents. :O

Thanks for that info. Umm I kinda want my clothes clean so I will probably pass on them.
I did read a couple of reviews online about them not getting clothes quite clean but had hoped the newer ones were top notch.
She always said she would have returned them if they had not been a gift from her MIL and weren't so expensive.
I've never been overly impressed with any HE washer. Seems like they don't use enough water to get the clothes "clean." Somewhere on the interwebz there's an article about people using too much detergent in general. IIRC the study stated that clothes washed in sufficient water with no detergent were nearly as clean. It appears water and agitation are the keys to clean clothes. Think about washing clothes in the river on a rock.

IIRC we have a HE whirlpool top loader without the agitator. We paid around 900 for it but got a NE stimulus credit for like 400 this summer. We love it. We had a $300 maytag that was starting to crap out after 5 yrs. This thing is awesome. We have a toddler that is 2 in december. We havnt had to rewash anything of his. No matter how stained or poopy-fied. Wife uses various stain pre-treaters and typically washes food/poopy messes before they have a chance to set in.

My only complaint is the glass door that my son loves watching the clothes get clean (he likes to stand during wash cycles) instead of helping us throw the clothes in and all done. I have noticed condensation if we leave the door closed but have not had any issue with mildew smells. We do the cleaning cycles when it prompts us.

For others, They might complain about its loud noise during spins. It makes me thing of a jet engine. We close the doors and it doesnt bother our son's sleeping at all. Considering you open his door and theres the laundry closet on the 2nd floor.

it seems that some hands are more pron to holding the water than others...or more water...or something that makes them mildewy and moldy.
FTFY

Sounds like a personal problem. Do you have a pron addiction? ;)
I think you'll really really really like our washing machine during spin cycles!:bounce::woot2: