Posted on 12/06/2009 1:25:35 PM PST by donna
Do you have a high-efficiency front-loading washing machine? If so, be on the lookout for mold.
This recently-published MSNBC.com piece investigates the increased likelihood of mold growth in front-loaders.
Unlike top loaders, which see most water evaporate after a cycle, front loaders experience water collection, particularly on the Rubber gasket around the glass window.
(Excerpt) Read more at bobvila.com ...
Know this problem well. The answer is to take a couple paper towels and dry out the rubber gasket after each use.
You are correct. The mold will not live on a dry gasket.
Another answer is just don’t buy one. I don’t like them at all.
What if you are in the habit of using the “sanitary” cycle (where the water is heat pretty high)? I haven’t noticed any mold on my washer...but now I know to look.
We were just getting ready to buy a front loader and will probably buy a top loader without the agitator, for a number of reasons. You offer a common sense solution to the problem.
Another global warming unintended consequence - MOLD!
I use 1/4 cup of white vinegar in place of fabric softener.(This is better for the filter in the dryer too.) It removes all soap, softens, and leaves NO vinegar...or any other smell. I never leave the door to the washer closed. Keep it open.
I LOVE my front loader. It is MUCH more economical than the top loaders I’ve had.... and does a better job on the clothes. I’ve had it for a little over 4 years now. Good clean clothes, using less water...and NO mold!
We just bought a Samsung washer & dryer set. Good to know.
Thanks for posting!
We leave the door open on ours. I haven’t noticed mold. Next time I am in the laundry room, I’ll check it out to verify.
Apparently, bleach hardens the rubber gaskets, leading to leaks.
Exactly !!
This is not rocket science :)
I leave the drawer where the soap goes open , wipe the gasket and leave that open for a time following my laundry.
I also throw some bleach into a load of whites , sheets or towels once a week.
We just leave the door open after the last load is done. The water will evaporate off the seal if it is not compressed against the unit.
My mother in law used to do that I forgot that
Thanks
Thank you for this thread, donna. My daughter just bought an Electrolux front loader and we had not heard of this problem. We’ll definitely follow what little advice the article gives to prevent this from happening. Dang machine costs too much to be ruined by mold!!
We got a great washer and dryer at a heck of a price. Bought an LG set at HH Gregg. You can’t go wrong buying from a company that used to be called Lucky.
When Sears installed my new front loader several years ago, the technician advised me to leave the door open between washes to prevent mold. I’ve done this and I regularly wash loads in the old fashioned way with hot water and bleach. I have never had a mold problem.
No, I have an old top-loading washer.
Thank you! Great tip.
But leaving the door open can be inviting to those little mammals called bats — it happened once.
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