I wouldn't give two cents for another front loading washer. I bought a Whirlpool in January 2011 and by mid 2013 I replaced it with a top loader. They're too much trouble with the gasket cleaning and the smell, and ours kept having to have repairs. It was under warranty and they would repair it, but I got tired of the aggravation. The top loaders do just as good of a job and are less trouble.

I wouldn't give two cents for another front loading washer. I bought a Whirlpool in January 2011 and by mid 2013 I replaced it with a top loader. They're too much trouble with the gasket cleaning and the smell, and ours kept having to have repairs. It was under warranty and they would repair it, but I got tired of the aggravation. The top loaders do just as good of a job and are less trouble.

I could have written that post myself.

Love my new top loader!

Our front loader is over 7 years old. We had one minute issue with the controller board when it was a month or so old, covered under warranty, and nothing since. Bought the set as floor models, too.

 

Never have heard of the odor issue until reading this thread, much less experienced it, though we always leave the door open when it's not in use. We don't used bleach, either.

 

I live in Florida, mold and mildew central. Never have seen it in any part of the washer.

We have a 6 year old Maytag washer that now sounds like an airplane is taking off from my basement when it hits the spin cycle. It is new enough where it does not have an agitiator in the center. Not sure if it is worth being fixed?

Have an opportunity to pick up a front loader really cheap. The person who owns it, hates it because it often "smells". She said you have to hand clean under the rubber gasket way too often.

Any one had any experiences?

Thanks

We have a front loader but the trick is we found is to leave the door open when not in use so it doesn't get mildew inside. Doesn't smell at all anymore. Just leave the door open a crack when not in use so everything inside dries without turning to mildew.

I have had the same front loader in FL for 10 years. Absolutely zero problems. I use Tide HE and clean the bottom trap occasionally. I have heard so many others who are unhappy. I have no idea why I get along so well with mine.

Bought top of the line whirlpool front loader and I will go with a top loader next time. Won't buy a whirlpool either.

We have a Frigidaire front load washer. It is 7 years old. We have not had any issues (knock on wood), and it is very quiet and does a good job washing. However, we have had the above-mentioned problem with keeping the gasket clean and with moldy smells. My wife purchased a vent van for it that sits on the back and leave the door open. I haven't noticed any smells since she acquired the fan, but it is virtually impossible to get the black crud off of the gasket.

 

We haven't to my knowledge ever accessed and cleaned the trap that Bluegrasscard mentioned...thanks for that idea!

 

My wife now would prefer a top load, and I hope we are not looking any time soon.

We've had a Kenmore front loader for about 10 years. It has been maintenance free until about a month ago. Started banging like crazy. I opened the back and found that one of the shock absorbers was broken. Looked on youtube for how to replace. Ordered a new pair for $19.59 shipped to the house.

 

We always leave the door cracked. There is a vent tube on the inside that is supposed to take care of the smell problem but they tend to plug. You can remove it and clean it, but it's a pain in the butt. Just leave the door cracked. Using liquid HE detergent helps keep it from getting plugged. I was told a long time ago to never use powder in a front loader.

 

It has been a reliable machine, but it doesn't seem to get the clothes as clean as our old top loader. While it hasn't been terrible, we won't buy another front loader.

The picture is worth a lot of words..

 

 

 

 

Here is the door tube and trap.

 

For this model you drain the trap using the tube before taking out trap. If you don't you get a smelly mess on floor. Then unscrew trap.

 

I had not done in at least a few months. It had the somewhat strong black order but that is normal since this always has water and mildew does build up on stuff caught in trap.

 

Only a shirt tag and thick thread were in it so not bad.

 

Rinsed out trap. Put a little hydrogen peroxide on it and closed it back up. Takes 5 minutes.

Here is our model.

 

 

 

 

Note the he detergent. You have to use that or get lots of suds. Regular detergent can cause big problems in FLs.

 

And in does not take much. Filling it up to max level is usually way too much.

 

We have since 2006. Has taken care of 3 boy during that time.

 

$300 to do DIY control board replacement. LG standard service was terrible. Never called back for appt so finally did DI Y route.

 

Got part and used videos at:

 

Repairclinic.com

Edited July 21, 201412 yr by Bluegrasscard
fix bad cell phone typing