topic Re: Question about front loading washers in Home

Question about front loading washers

drizzellla — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 23:02:18 GMT

I have read people finding that their front loading washers have a smell after awhile.

I have only used front loading washers in a laundromat or the free washers at Walt Disney World. I liked using them and am so tempted to get one when I need a new washer.

I have never noticed a smell when I used a front loader. And the doors to the washers are always kept closed.

What could possibly be different between the washer at home and the washer I have used in a public area.

Re: Question about front loading washers

house_cat — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 23:06:19 GMT

I can't speak to the professional machines, but I had high-end LG front loading washer and dryer for the past ten years and couldn't wait to go back to a top loader. I did everything suggested - left the door open, dried the gasket after each use, cleaned the filter regularly - and still there was a distinct sour smell. If there's a solution to it, I haven't come upon it.

Re: Question about front loading washers

SurferWife — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 23:07:28 GMT

It's good maintenance to clean them every so often. My owner's manual says to clean it periodically by using 8 cups of Clorox (in the soap dispenser) and run it. Some have a "clean washer" cycle. Mine comes out smelling nice & clean every time. I try to clean it quarterly but you can do it as often as monthly.

Re: Question about front loading washers

SeaMaiden — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 23:18:21 GMT

@drizzellla I have a Kenmore front load that is 13 years old. Never have had a problem with smells. I do leave door open always when not running...and keep the soap dispenser out too. The washer has a "clean washer cycle I run once a month with just bleach. The cycle really cleans the washer well and lasts about 45 minutes. Maybe look for a front loader with this feature. I have always had great luck with Kenmore brand washers. This is my second one. My first on lasted about 16 years.

Re: Question about front loading washers

freakygirl — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 23:21:37 GMT

i have a samsung front load and i've never noticed a smell. i've had the washer and dryer for years. i leave the doors open all the time when not in use.

Re: Question about front loading washers

mspatmac — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 23:25:34 GMT

Never had a smell when I had one for 10 yrs

Re: Question about front loading washers

World Traveler — Sun, 15 Aug 2021 23:41:22 GMT

I've had a frong-loading washing machine for 11 years. Never had a problem with smell.

Re: Question about front loading washers

phoenixbrd — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 00:12:06 GMT

Want to go back to top load. The top of the line front loads that I have had for the past 10 years....wash using so little water that I put very few clothes in each load. Also, there is a sour smell....I'll try the clorox suggestion mentioned above.

Re: Question about front loading washers

Duckncover — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 00:48:54 GMT

I have one of the first frontloaders; the Duet washer and dryer from Whirlpool. I can't even remember how old it is. I love it and have never noticed any odor at all. 8 cups of bleach sounds like a lot to put in for a cleaning cycle. Mine doesn't have a cleaning cycle option but I do run a load of old white towels with bleach every other month or so and it keeps it clean and fresh. I leave the door open when not using it and have never thought of leaving open the detergent tray, but may do that just so it gets some air. DD has a new top loading washer and I have to stand on my toes to get things out after a cycle is over. I never want to go back to that again.

Re: Question about front loading washers

ECBG — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 00:54:08 GMT

We have always had a top loader.

Our 2 yr old top loader Samsung says to prop open after using, so I vent with a stick of wood. No issue.

I would google your question.

Re: Question about front loading washers

ROMARY — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 00:57:59 GMT

Could it be the type of drum (or whatever it's called)?

Years ago, plastic drums were popular, and I recall reading about a 'fishy' smell in many of them. Something about the mold attaching to the back/underside of the drum. Please don't quote me, because it's only what I faintly recall. From years ago. Maybe ten or more or less.

At the time, it was suggested to buy stainless steel or enamel drums.

Re: Question about front loading washers

drizzellla — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 01:05:43 GMT

@ROMARY wrote:
Could it be the type of drum (or whatever it's called)?

Years ago, plastic drums were popular, and I recall reading about a 'fishy' smell in many of them. Something about the mold attaching to the back/underside of the drum. Please don't quote me, because it's only what I faintly recall. From years ago. Maybe ten or more or less.

At the time, it was suggested to buy stainless steel or enamel drums.

Interesting point. I know the laundromats and Walt Disney World washers are stainless steel. I never knew there were washers made with plastic tubs.

Re: Question about front loading washers

Mom2Dogs — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 01:36:36 GMT

I use vinegar in the rinse with every single load...I do not notice a smell in my machine, but when this one dies...I will not repurchase a front loader.

Re: Question about front loading washers

ROMARY — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 02:17:55 GMT

'Do some washers have plastic drums?'.....

This is what I just Googled.

I guess they are common, although I just glanced at the list of various sites.

Re: Question about front loading washers

NanaFrost — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 02:19:53 GMT

I do the same and never have had a bad smell in mine and they're 6 years old now. My daughter-in-law has same model as mine and had a problem. She leaves the door open and dries the gasket, but wasn't pulling the soap drawer out. She asked me for help and I went over with my steamer in hand. We pulled the soap drawer all the way out and there was mold and mildew all over the under side and back. Steam it all good and she started leaving it open too and no more problems.

Re: Question about front loading washers

Sooner — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 05:18:10 GMT

We have had a front loader for five years and I love it. We leave the door open and no smells at all.

It is so much easier than digging around in a top loader to get the clothes out. It doesn't get unbalanced and doesn't twist cloths up into a rope. I would no way go back to a top loader.

Re: Question about front loading washers

AngelPuppy1 — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 09:20:08 GMT

I always keep the door of my front loader open. After I'm done washing, I dry the rubber gasket out. Water collects in there and it gets a musty smell in it if you don't. I buy one of those machine cleaner products and run it through there occasionally. I like my front loader and don't think it's a big deal though.

Re: Question about front loading washers

wifey2qt — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 09:28:59 GMT

I have a frontloading machine, and can't wait to replace it! It is a Samsung & I've had it about 7 years.

You do need to leave the door open when not in use for it to "air out". You will get a smell if you do not keep the rubber around the door clean..I mean get in under it and make sure to clean it often! I do have the self cleaning option which is a must - ideally monthly.

My next machine will be a top loader for sure!

Re: Question about front loading washers

cotton4me — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 09:59:40 GMT

I have an Electrolux front loading machine. When I first moved here there was a smell. Based on that, I keep the door and detergent drawer open and dry what I can after each wash and haven’t had any more problems.

Re: Question about front loading washers

Bhvbum — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 10:44:16 GMT

I actually have both right now a front loader and a top loader. They really each have their benefits, but the front loader I have never had an odor. I read years ago this was an issue when they first came out for residential use and they discovered that people close the door after the machine was used and that was what was causing the smell. Apparently there was a class action suit because there were so many early on unhappy customers.

Nothing gets the water out of clothes better than a front loader so I used that for my towels and heavy items. It is worthless if you have one heavy item to wash because you simply cannot re-distribute your load. It also gets out of balance a whole lot more often than my toploader. Also once it starts you only have a limited time to open the door to add something.

For the top load it is so much more flexible if you simply want to wash some thing like a wool sweater for a couple of agitations and then drain it. You can change each wash and rinse action manually. Not so with the front loader, you're stuck for the whole cycle. Actually it is my top loader that has a smell even though I leave the top up.