Front loading clothes washing machines are great. They use less water, less detergent, and less energy to operate. But there is a downside (besides the higher cost to purchase a front loading machine).
Many consumers complain that their front loading machines have a strong musty smell and sometimes smells and stains are left on the clothes after washing. This is usually because water can get trapped in the machine. If the washer goes unused again for several days, that water will become stagnant and grow mold.
The problem gets compounded if the last load was exceptionally dirty, left in the washer too long after the cycle, or you added too much detergent. The low water usage may cause the machine to not rinse properly in these cases. The residue from the wash cycle can cause a mold growth inside the drum, along the door gasket, in the detergent dispenser drawer, and in the discharge plumbing.
This is a situation that you want to avoid if you can because some consumers report that it is difficult to get rid of the odor problems once they appear. Usually the most effective solution is to add a cup of bleach to the washer and run an empty wash cycle on the hot water setting. Some people worry that the bleach may not fully rinse out and affect the next load of laundry. If in doubt, run the cycle twice or use 2 cups of vinegar in place of the bleach.
To avoid the problem:
1. Leave the door ajar after each use to allow water left inside the machine to evaporate.
2. Wipe down the door gasket after use to speed the drying process.
3. Use a minimal amount of detergent. Avoid fabric softeners; use dryer sheets instead.
4. Run a cleaning cycle periodically according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If problems persist, contact your manufacturer about warranty/replacement as some designs have proven to be more prone to mold growth than others. If you are looking to purchase a machine, read consumer reviews carefully to identify the models where this is a persistent problem.
Contact Scott Loper, Associate Broker, Realtor®, RE/MAX Realty Group at 215-513-1333 for help buying or selling a home in Lansdale, Harleysville, Hatfield, Souderton, Skippack, Collegeville, North Wales and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County of Pennsylvania. To Search for Homes For Sale in Montgomery County Click Here.
Does Your Front Loading Washing Machine Stink? - Copyright © 2011, The Scott Loper Team, All rights reserved.
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The Scott Loper Team
Scott Loper - Associate Broker
Lisa Loper - Sales Associate
Gina Wherry - Sales Associate
RE/MAX Realty Group
439 Main Street
Harleysville, PA 19438
Ph: 215-256-1200 x-213
