Lawsuit over front-load washers may drive consumers back to energy-wasting models CC BY 2.0 Flying Cloud Lawsuit alleges companies sold "defective" front-load machines Many consumers find that front-loading washing machines have a lot of advantages over their top-loading cousins. Though they are more costly, front-loaders have been touted for their energy efficiency, low water usage and their sleek good looks. But some owners of these newer machines may be getting more than they bargained for.Apparently, due to their design, older front-loading machines can be great breeding places for mold and mildew (a problem that we noticed too), making your clothes smell like dirty dishrags. It is a problem that some companies have known about for some time, yet they continued to sell these machines. :In fact, there are many complaints of mold in popular front-loaders built until the late 2000s, from Whirlpool, Kenmore, Bosch and LG. Angry customers are now venting about the issue in YouTube videos.

"You end up with a funky smell that you can't get rid of," a woman says in one of them.Consumers are suing the companies, calling it fraud. Jonathan Selbin is the lawyer suing Whirlpool over its popular Duet models sold from 2001 to 2008, many of them still in homes today. He said the issue affects "millions" of people. On a top-loader, nature takes care of the problem for you; the moist air rises out of the machine," Selbin explained. But on a front-loader, he said, "You've got a sealed environment, and so the water and the moisture stays in here. It's a very humid environment ... and it breeds mold."Selbin says Whirlpool even knew about the defect for years. A 2004 internal memo shows the company identified the problem and was trying to fix it, the company's lead engineer saying that while mold can exist in any washer, their front-load machines are the "ideal environment for molds ... we are fooling ourselves if we think we can eliminate mold...." But the lawsuit says Whirlpool kept selling the machines anyway.

Some newer front-loaders now have a self-cleaning cycle, to prevent the buildup of mold and mildew. There are also specially designed cleaning products, but they seem to be a bandaid solution to fundamental design flaws. (Whirlpool alone received 1.3 million complaints from 2003 to 2006. Instead of fixing the problem or compensating consumers, they began to sell Affresh cleaning tablets in 2007.)Costly repairs, easily corrodible parts and a haven for mold In addition to having this problem with occasional foul odors emanating from our own front-load LG washer-dryer combo (bought used, off Craigslist), we found that it was also expensive to repair. After replacing the pump a few months ago (cost: $200), the bearings gave out last week, and we were informed by the technician that these could not replaced without replacing the whole drum (cost of parts and labor: $900; we were advised that it would be easier to buy another machine).This machine was only 9 years old, and I couldn't help but compare it to my mother's trusty machines that finally gave out only after 25-plus years.

Frustrated, we did a bit of research online and the bearing design appears to be a major design flaw of some front loaders (one small broken part means you have to replace the whole drum?!), in addition to the widespread use of easily-corrodible cast aluminum for "spider" armatures. All this is geared for quick obsolescence, perhaps?supremewhirlpol/viaIt was a difficult decision, but in the end, we bid adieu to our high-efficiency front-loader and replaced our single unit combo with two older washing and drying machines that we found used for $50 bucks each. Mini Australian Shepherd Puppies For Sale In SeattleThey might not save as much energy or water, but they'll have to do until they design a front-load machine that won't smell or break down in a few years.Pink Fuzzy CurtainsNext up: check out our easy tips on how to maintain your front-load washing machine; White Pug Puppies For Sale Canada

and if it's really not salvageable, see our ideas on what to do with broken washing machines.Got a front-loading machine? We'd love to hear about your experiences them in the comments below. Honeycomb Drum for Dryers This unique design creates ingenious "air cushions". These pockets of air ensure the gentle movement of laundry and the reduction of contact friction with the stainless drum. Honeycomb drum guarantees even drying results, while minimizing creasing and premature wear of your garments. Moisture or Time Based Drying Programs On-board microprocessor monitors everything from moisture levels to drying temperatures making adjustments when needed. Moisture Based Programs Include: Normal, Wrinkle Free, Fluff, Smooth, Sturdy, Woolens. In addition, there are 2 time based programs for 20min and 45min. Advanced Ventless Condenser Dryer Convenient - the non-vented design allows the condenser dryer to go just about anywhere: a closet, bathroom, kitchen, or, of course, a laundry room.

A special, pullout container on condenser models collects the moisture removed from your laundry. This container is very easy to empty and replace. Condensed water can also be pumped directly into a drain line. The W3038 washing machine has an angled control panel. This 23.5 angle makes the controls very easy to read without bending over. A perfect design for freestanding or under counter installation. At the very core of Miele's technical and production competencies are washing machines. Having more experience than almost any other appliance company on the planet, Miele has taken the washing machine in Europe, and around the world, to the highest level of durability, reliability and convenience while always remembering the product's potential impact on their cherished natural resources. Miele products are truly built to last. The company is committed to its "vertical integration" philosophy, which means Miele directly oversees the production and quality control on nearly all components used in every machine, from metal stamping and enameling to circuit boards and relays.

Miele's gas, electric and condenser tumble dryers offer a wide range of sensor controlled and timed drying programs with a variety of drying levels - from ready to iron to extra dry - so you can cater to all types of fabric. Perfect drying, without overheating and 'frying out' fabrics, is controlled by Miele's signature Touchtronic micro-processor monitoring everything from moisture levels to drying temperatures making adjustments as needed, when needed. Miele's new aerodynamic filter technology aids overall drying consistency and reduces the total dry time by keeping a continuous air-flow. 240 Volt - 30 Amp This item qualifies for free shipping How much is delivery? Designer Appliances offers free in-home delivery within a 100-mile radius of our Mountainside New Jersey warehouse. We also offer free delivery on all orders over $1999.00 shipped anywhere nationwide and free delivery nationwide on many of our most popular brands. Click here for details on free shipping

When will my appliance arrive? We are located in New Jersey. Our neighbors in the New York, New Jersey Metro area can expect delivery of in stock items in 3-5 business days. For nationwide deliveries our average transit time is 7-10 business days. Within 48 hours after placing your order you will receive a phone call from our delivery team to schedule a convenient date and 2-4 hour time window to have your appliances delivered. Due to us having 1000's of products on our website we occasionally have to order an item from the manufacturer, this can extend the delivery time slightly but we will keep you informed if that's the case. Feel free to call or e-mail our sales team to discuss availability and delivery dates prior to placing your order.I don't need my goods now Not a problem, we understand you maybe in the middle of a move, renovation or new build so give us a call and we can secure your order with a small deposit. We can hold onto the appliances at our warehouse until you are ready and once everything is in place, give us a call, pay the balance and we’ll arrange your delivery.

Who will be delivering? We have our own fleet of vehicles delivering appliances on a daily basis to most areas of the New York, New Jersey tri-state area. For for zip codes outside of our target area we have a selection of excellent delivery partners with whom we have been working with for many years. What does in-home delivery include Unlike our competitors who will only deliver to your curbside, our company always includes in-home delivery service. We will bring your appliance through the first door into your home, apartment or building Download our measuring guide to ensure your appliance will fit How will my appliance be installed? Many of our customers choose to self install their appliances. If you are not comfortable doing a self install we have a team of factory trained installers. To add installation services to your order please call us directly at 888-714-4938. Can I recycle my old appliance? We can take away your old appliance and recycle it for you.