feAre Front-Loading Washers Still Mold Machines?

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(CrzysChick)

Newer front-loading washing machines have developed a reputation for growing mold. Lawsuits also sprouted in the front-loader market, but washing machine manufacturers were ultimately not found liable for inflicting moldy washers on the public. That might make you hesitant to buy a front-loading washer, even if you find them appealing. Should you

Our fungus-free colleagues down the hall at Consumer Report say that the problem isn’t as bad as it used to be, since manufacturers have made some improvements that prevent mold growth. However, it can be very valuable to read any user reviews that you can find for the model that you’re interested in, and for very similar front-loaders from the same manufacturer. (Consumer Reports offers reviews for subscribers, and you can also seek them out on retailer and manufacturer sites, or review megasites like Epinions.) If you’re going to use the appliance for years on end in real life, the experiences of other people who have done the same are valuable.

This is because the mold problem hasn’t been eradicated. You can take steps to prevent mold from growing in the first place, and keeping your machine clean and your laundry area dry are probably a good idea anyway.

That leaves the answer to the core question of “should I buy a front-loading washer?” as “maybe, as long as you do some research first.”

Do new front-loading washing machines still have mold problems? [Consumer Reports]

by Laura Northrup via Consumerist