Maytag (1998 models, maybe others?) Washers and Black Mold - Vanity (sort of)

Living and Learning and Maytag Inc. | 2-13-2003 | Hodar

[Hodar]

As we are all aware, some more than others; the latest scourge and deadly threat is our age old enemy - Black Mold. Today, I discovered that our 4 year old Maytag Washer is a source of Black Mold. Now, before the flames start a'coming; please bear with me.

If you contact Maytag their 800# (www.maytag.com) with the Model and Serial Number, and request a 'Mold Odor Kit' they will send you out a kit for your washer consisting of a new door piece, rubber seals, modified timer/controller board, vents and basically re-build your washer - FREE. When it arrives, you then call them and tell them that you have the supplies; then again they will send a repairperson to install this for you; again FREE.

I have been informed that if you wished to purchase this kit, the cost is approximately $500. However, in this case it is simply something that should have been done in the first place, and is a service that is owed to customers who purchased an expensive Maytag appliance.

[Hodar]

I found this out today from a service man who went out of his way to be helpful. In my humble opinion, Maytag SHOULD have issued a recall on these washers; after all they are over $1200 each. But as your washer may be a haven for black mold, and making you and your family sick; I think this is just one place that I can alert as many people as I can. Maytag SHOULD have alerted their customers, instead of relying on me to spread the word.

[error99]

What in the holy heck does your $1200 washing amchine do
that my $250 one doesn't? (besides cultivate black mold)

[donozark]

You think YOU got problems! How about those GE dishwashers that catch fire at inappropriate times? My recall notice said," Unplug washer immediately!" Hell, I did THAT, like TWO years ago!

Then the court settlement says GE will refund X million $. However, FIRST, you (the consumer-ME) must buy a NEW GE dishwasher for $300 or more to get the rebate!

Gee, THAT sounds like a program I want to sign up for! Come spring this bastard GE dishwasher will become a target for my AK!

[Hodar]

It eats water pumps, and keeps the wife happy. I have found that a $1200 Washer is a bargain where 'Domestic Tranquility' is concerned.

[ARA]

I just called them for my neptune and they are sending the parts out and they will install.... thanks for the information..

[bigfootbob]

It's an "ecofriendly" front end loader modeled after the types of machines used in France and other eurotrash countries.

[Hodar]

It's an "ecofriendly" front end loader modeled after the types of machines used in France and other eurotrash countries.

It may be ecofriendly; but the reason we bought it is that a front loader is easier on clothes than a top loader. The wet clothes rub against each other to get the dirt out, they aren't beaten by a plastic 'agitator'. Thus, clothes last longer (and they really do).

On the plus side, if it uses less hot water; my bills are lower. And it's a MAYTAG (ie. made in America, not France).

[section9]

Sounds like you've got one of the early model Neptune washers (the MAH4500 or MAH5500 series units), bought in 1998 or 1999. They were mechanically operated, iirc. Now the 5500's and 7500's have either pressure button or LED screen operation.

I don't think Maytag went fully digital on the Neptune until 2000. There were a lot of complaints about the early Neptunes. The concept is fabulous. It's a humdinger of a washer, uses half the water that a toploader does, and has no agitator to rip up your clothing. AND it's a damn sight better than those Whirlpool Eurotrash frontloaders that are made in KRAUTLAND (the Neptune is made at Maycor's Newton, Iowa facility, I believe).

This is the first time I've heard of black mold, however. Get in touch with Maytag Customer Care. If there is deterioration on the body, there should be a full parts warranty on the casing. There's a lifetime warranty on the tub, iirc.

And don't forget: say nein to Eurotrash goods.

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[Tacis]

I've had problems with my Maytag dishwashers. They've done a pretty good job about making it right. But, when I just went to the Maytag site, there is nothing on it related to anything you say.

Not good enough that I'd ever buy another Maytag, but pretty good.

[Spunky]

Don't panic!

Mold hype lacks support

Study concludes toxicity from indoor inhalation ‘highly unlikely at best’Thursday, January 02, 2003

Inman News Features

Current scientific evidence doesn’t support the belief that mold in homes, schools or office environments has harmed human health, according to a new study sponsored by a group of doctors who specialize in workplace health issues.

Mold hype lacks support

I am always cleaning black mold off the ceiling in my bathroom from the steam. I have never gotten sick.

[bigfootbob]

"On the plus side, if it uses less hot water; my bills are lower. And it's a MAYTAG (ie. made in America, not France)."

LOL! That's silly. Technically correct, but silly none the less. Have you factored in the fact the front end loaders can't wash the volume of clothing as a high end top loader?

Are you sure it's all USA manufactured. I'd almost bet there's some parts in there from Canada or Mexico. Probably no parts from France, that's good.

[Nov3]

My eco friendly washing machine kicks @$$. It cleans great, doesn't tear up clothes, and spins them so dry it takes about 20 minutes to dry brand new blue jeans. As far as it's cleaning it is totally great. Unfortunately the the motor controller just went south. It is under warranty but I hope this is not part of a pattern.

[Nov3]

LOL! That's silly. Technically correct, but silly none the less. Have you factored in the fact the front end loaders can't wash the volume of clothing as a high end top loader?

I haven't tested the weight of clothes but I can stuff my front loader with a lot more clothes than my previous top loader. You can literally STUFF it. There is not an agitator in the center of the drum and when you stuff it full the clothes they don't just sit on top and not get washed like they do in top loaders.

[bigfootbob]

..."doesn't tear up clothes"...

What do you'all wash in your washing machine, silk nighties, lederhosen? I've been using washing machines for almost 40 years and I've yet to have anything destroyed.

Hope it's not a hoptpoint. I had a hotpoint dishwasher that saw the repairman enough times we figured it had the equivalent service of being rebuilt 3 times.

[Pukka Puck]

Stuff and nonsense.

[muggs]

You think YOU got problems! How about those GE dishwashers that catch fire at inappropriate times?

What would be the appropriate time for your dishwasher to catch fire?

[donozark]

When my X was in house...

[lonestar]

Have Clorox? Black mold is an insurance scam. My source ? An M.D. in the medical center in Houston. He wrote an article that stated black mold is as harmful as the mold in your yard.

[Nov3]

What do you'all wash in your washing machine, silk nighties, lederhosen? I've been using washing machines for almost 40 years and I've yet to have anything destroyed.

LOL! Yeah they played hell on my silk nighties!

Unfortunately I have had several nice shirts ruined over the years in top loaders. Tearing up clothes is not what that statement was about however. One of the strengths of the front loader is that it does not wear out your clothes as fast as a top loader. I obviously have to take this on the clothing and washing machine manufacturer's word as I have not done tests myself.

My wife uses it a lot more than me and she is happy. She especially likes that the washer spins the clothes so dry you can dry a load as fast as you can do the next one. I run the dryer on the delicate setting and it dries that fast. (I don't want to shrink the silk nighty!)

[Nov3]

Black mold is an insurance scam. My source ? An M.D. in the medical center in Houston.

It doesn't get any better than that.