question regarding "musty" smelling washers

7 years ago

One of the big things you hear about FL's is how they get moldy, musty smelling etc...I did a quick google search and it seems part is related to over used of detergent and/or the use of the wrong kind of detergent.

My question is, is the design of how a front loader washer is designed compared to a Top loader have to do with it too?

I have a TL washer, I can was a load, leave it over night and throw it in dryer the following morning with no smell issues with the clothes or with the machine itself. I have never noticed any smell from leaving the lid closed on my top loader.

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gin_gin

7 years ago

I have had 3 different front loaders since the late 90's. My current machine is a Whirlpool Duet, and I have been using it for about 9 years. I have never had any smell. I leave the door & detergent drawer slightly ajar between uses. I can't really leave it wide open as the machines open into the path into the garage. I run the cleaning cycle more or less when the machine reminds me. I use powdered detergent. I also do an occasional load on the sanitize cycle with a little bleach. I think all of these things help, but mostly leaving the door ajar so it can dry out. I don't bother wiping the door seal as mine has drain holes and no water seems to puddle in mine. It's sound advice though to give it a quick wipe.

These preventative things don't take any extra time or thought once you're in the habit of it. I had to have the motor replaced a couple years ago, and the repair man said it was one of the cleaner front loaders he had seen. I really don't think it's at all difficult to do the above.

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Comments (13)

Jeannie Cochell
7 years ago
I've never had a musty odor, TL or FL. I didn't leave the TL open, though, because I didn't want anything falling into it. The FL door is left open for several hours or days. Because it's built different, I wipe under the gasket, the gasket, the door and the rim.
always1stepbehind thanked Jeannie Cochell
larsi_gw
7 years ago
A front loader is basically a sealed unit when in use. A top loader is not. Just taking litreally 15 seconds to wipe around & under the rubber door seal and leave the door open when not in use...BEST thing for a front loader.

Also, when not in use, I have never left the detergent tray in the machine. I take it out, and rinse all compartments with HOT water and let dry in the sink. I do not do this between loads, only when I know I am done for the day or night with washing.
always1stepbehind thanked larsi_gw
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hisown
7 years ago
I leave my front loader open all the time and have never had any mustiness, mold or anything else. (I do live in Colorado though, where it is high and dry. In a wetter climate maybe it would be different.)
always1stepbehind thanked hisown
Alex Chicago
7 years ago
Larsi's answer about a FL being a closed system is the reason they are more prone to smells with misuse. If you do some hot washes, try not to leave the door closed for days on end, and focus on not over- or under-dosing your detergent, you'll be fine.

On more than one occasion I have left a load of washed laundry in my FL over night and dried them the next morning (in both the Samsung and the Miele). I've never had a problem and there's no reason to think you will, either.
always1stepbehind thanked Alex Chicago
mamapinky0
7 years ago
At the end of the day I wipe around the door seal, I pull it open gently and wipe in between the seal I also wipe the door and window off inside and out. I do as Larsi taught me..I remove the detergent tray and flush it with hot water using my sink sprayer shake it gently and leave it in the sink upside down. And I leave the door wide open at night and during the day between loads.

TL washers will mold, close the lid and its a dark, wet/damp environment, perfect breeding ground for mold.. the lid should always be left open when not in use.
always1stepbehind thanked mamapinky0
izeve
7 years ago
If you follow the above mentioned procedures and use hot washes regularly you will have no mold or musty smells. My FL is as clean and fresh as it was the day it was delivered.
always1stepbehind thanked izeve
sspeer9
7 years ago
Ditto all the above, my detergent tray is usually clean after a cycle, but I do leave it open to dry as well. Also, detergent dosing is important. Too much means residue and that means mold buffet
mamapinky0
7 years ago
On the other hand I think to little detergent makes for a higher risk of mold.
dadoes
7 years ago
Frontloaders don't have as much open air circulation as toploaders but they aren't sealed 100% airtight during use. There's the dispenser drawer, and an air duct that runs from back of the tub to the back of the machine. Below are pics of the tub vent on a 2006 Duet. Sorry, the vent grill is partially cut-off on the last pic.
always1stepbehind thanked dadoes
livebetter
7 years ago
I've had a FL for over 15 years and never an odor issue. Having said that, I had a friend with an LG that stank and nothing seemed to change it. I do believe some may have had design flaws.
mfrog
7 years ago
I too had an LG that I couldn't get the stink out of. Hot wash, bleach, always left the door open, cleaned the gasket etc. I agree that there are some that have design flaws. Now have an Electrolux, no problems.
H B
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I have a front loader (LG) that is about 14 years old. It does not have a clean cycle. It smells a little; definitely collects yuck in the gasket and in the crevices of the machine. I have not had "spots" come out on the wash, but wonder what the OUTSIDE of the stainless drum would look like if the machine was opened up. I googled directions to remove the tub, but feel that is beyond my pay grade to attempt. ;-) (Would probably have to call service to get it back together again). I am suspicious that it is not really clean inside there -- sadly I did not know better when we first got the machine, so did not upkeep it as well as we do now. We do leave the door open fully, unless the machine is in use. Any advice as to how to clean it (and yes, if its worth a service call to get the stainless tub removed so it can be washed on the outside), would be greatly appreciated -- I know the laundry room has a lot of experienced members! (edited to add, I use costco free & clear liquid, not too much, and also oxyclean powder in the drum with the clothes for washing, I know that's a little simplistic but at least I'm consistent).

question regarding "musty" smelling washers

gin_gin

Comments (13)

Jeannie Cochell

larsi_gw

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