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We have an LG WM1812CW front loader and have been fighting mildewing and smell with it. LG website gave us a canned answer about leaving the door open, wiping out the rubber gasket on the door, running bleach thru the machine etc. We continue to do that but it still stinks! Seems like a faulty design, old top loader didn't have these issues. Anyone else having these problems?
it's a known and given that the door has to stay open on front loading machines - there is no option to this. it's because when the door is closed it forms a water tight seal, which it should, because that prevents leaking. top loaders don't have to be watertight so even with the top closed they still get air circulation. that said - there are serious problems with the door gasket/drain mechanism design on these LG machines. even if you do leave the door open it doesn't drain well, and grows mold and mildew. i hate it! besides that i love this machine. we've solved the problem by better maintenance, and by pulling the gasket and cleaning it, and the door aperture under it. but it's not an easy job, and wish i didn't have to do it from time to time. it's a major design flaw
yeah, i did that, and i already use very little detergent, less than a tablespoon.
btw - the first 4 lines of the post you responded to aren't mine. i hadn't realized that my reply was quoting the other guy's post as if it was mine.
[[additionally - there is a class action lawsuit against LG regarding this issue. there was one against maytag that already settled (prolly a bunch of attorneys made some bucks and the machine owners got a free pack or AhFresh.) google it - easy to find ]]
these machines aren't designed for the way many people live. some people would be better with top-loaders. can't decide if i'm one of those, but i love this machine - i just wish it weren't so sensitive to mold.
so - hindsight is 20/20 ----- the key to success with this washer (these types) is to NEVER LET THE PROBLEM GET STARTED to begin with:
1) ALWAYS USE THE PROPER SOAPS IN IT - AND VERY VERY LITTLE.
in europe, where this machine is common, people use a different detergent, as another poster noted. one of the reasons we paid a premium for this machine was that i'd used them in europe and fell in love with them.
so H.E. is IMPERITIVE if you use a liquid -- i've discovered that switching to powdered helps - and softener is really not a great idea. when i do use it - i make sure to run my whites with bleach after the 'softener load' to breakdown the softener buildup that's coated the outside of the drum. softener is a huge culprit - especially the all-natural ones i buy at whole foods.
2) DRAIN IT AND CLEAN OUT THE FILTER EVER OTHER TIME YOU USE IT. i liked the guy who had a drain in his floor (previous post) and just left the washer drain open . i can''t do that.
3)ALWAYS LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN
the big issue it that these machines, (wonderful as they are) are higher maintenance that the old top-loaders that we grew used to. some months get crazy, and a teenager can forget a load of laundry in the washer for 4 days while i'm on a business trip and the husband is working 16 hour days, and then bang! mildew gets started. once it's slimy black fingers get a hold of the machine - it's a matter of constant battling it to keep it out of sight - but it never goes all the way away. it's just hiding where you can't see it.
so.... all that is a lot of trouble for a washer......i'm impressed with the housekeepers who always leave the door open, always empty the drain and filter, and always wipe the thing down after every use. i don't have that kind of time to spend on a washer. better yet - i'm impressed with those who run bleach, or AhFresh, or SmellyWasherCleaner every two weeks. do they have a calendar posted by the machine and check the thing off as they do it? i'm not that kind of domestic goddess (though i can throw a dinner party like a pro and cook like a professional chef and people beg for invitations)
HOWEVER --these machines are quiet, they use very little water and very little detergent (important to us green types), and they spin clothes almost dry on their own - very little dryer needed - great for people who like to hang dry. also - they don't agitate - so they are better for our clothes.
but - they MUST BE LEFT OPEN, should be wiped out and drained all the time, and it's bad news to forget about a load of laundry for several days (i know some of you are horrifiied that some of us might do this - [get a life] - but some of are horrified at the thought of people, who like my grandma, did her laundry every thursday between 9-3, no matter what. she once told my uncle that if pres. roosevelt asked to meet her that day she would have to decline as it was laundry day. my grandma loved me, but she frowned at my housekeeping ethic. )
so - buy one of these machines as long as you can LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN UNLESS IT'S RUNNING. my son had to laugh. he said "all my life you've nagged me to close the doors on the washer and dryer - and now you want me to remember to leave them open?"
if you aren't my grandma, and if you do get a mold problem - then:
it's important to remember that mildew is a plant, and it grows and grows. once one has an infestation it's a big freakin' deal to get rid of it - and proper maintenance won't help once the mold is growing. it's gotta be killed, and it takes nasty chemicals to do it.
i noted where another poster who was a repairman pointed out that cleaning the gasket was not going to rid the problem because if the gasket has mildew, the entire outside of the drum is coated with it. yep! that about covers it!
one thing that one learns when one pulls the gasket, is that all the cleaning one did with the gasket in place was almost a waste of time because there's mildew all inside the bits of the gasket that can't be cleaned - and it's just waiting for the next time the machine sits closed for 6 hours on a hot day to start to blacken the part of the gasket one can see. running chemicals through the machine won't get this either - the seal is too tight for the chemicals to get in, but not too tight for mold.
i agree with the guy who said that once you have a mildew problem the solution is going to have to be chemical. i hate it! i'm a hippie-green-organic-natural-freak. i'm also married to an electronic engineer, and i understand the damage being done to the sensors with the chemicals. but if you are willing - you can murder the mildew with chemicals, ....
then - replace/pull-and-clean the gasket, let it dry all the way out - replace the gasket -- and then maintain it as it should have been maintained in the first place, only more diligently becuase mildew is tenacious. i point all fingers back at myself as i say this.
good luck!!
yeah, i did that, and i already use very little detergent, less than a tablespoon.
btw - the first 4 lines of the post you responded to aren't mine. i hadn't realized that my reply was quoting the other guy's post as if it was mine.
[[additionally - there is a class action lawsuit against LG regarding this issue. there was one against maytag that already settled (prolly a bunch of attorneys made some bucks and the machine owners got a free pack or AhFresh.) google it - easy to find ]]
these machines aren't designed for the way many people live. some people would be better with top-loaders. can't decide if i'm one of those, but i love this machine - i just wish it weren't so sensitive to mold.
so - hindsight is 20/20 ----- the key to success with this washer (these types) is to NEVER LET THE PROBLEM GET STARTED to begin with:
1) ALWAYS USE THE PROPER SOAPS IN IT - AND VERY VERY LITTLE.
in europe, where this machine is common, people use a different detergent, as another poster noted. one of the reasons we paid a premium for this machine was that i'd used them in europe and fell in love with them.
so H.E. is IMPERITIVE if you use a liquid -- i've discovered that switching to powdered helps - and softener is really not a great idea. when i do use it - i make sure to run my whites with bleach after the 'softener load' to breakdown the softener buildup that's coated the outside of the drum. softener is a huge culprit - especially the all-natural ones i buy at whole foods.
2) DRAIN IT AND CLEAN OUT THE FILTER EVER OTHER TIME YOU USE IT. i liked the guy who had a drain in his floor (previous post) and just left the washer drain open . i can''t do that.
3)ALWAYS LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN
the big issue it that these machines, (wonderful as they are) are higher maintenance that the old top-loaders that we grew used to. some months get crazy, and a teenager can forget a load of laundry in the washer for 4 days while i'm on a business trip and the husband is working 16 hour days, and then bang! mildew gets started. once it's slimy black fingers get a hold of the machine - it's a matter of constant battling it to keep it out of sight - but it never goes all the way away. it's just hiding where you can't see it.
so.... all that is a lot of trouble for a washer......i'm impressed with the housekeepers who always leave the door open, always empty the drain and filter, and always wipe the thing down after every use. i don't have that kind of time to spend on a washer. better yet - i'm impressed with those who run bleach, or AhFresh, or SmellyWasherCleaner every two weeks. do they have a calendar posted by the machine and check the thing off as they do it? i'm not that kind of domestic goddess (though i can throw a dinner party like a pro and cook like a professional chef and people beg for invitations)
HOWEVER --these machines are quiet, they use very little water and very little detergent (important to us green types), and they spin clothes almost dry on their own - very little dryer needed - great for people who like to hang dry. also - they don't agitate - so they are better for our clothes.
but - they MUST BE LEFT OPEN, should be wiped out and drained all the time, and it's bad news to forget about a load of laundry for several days (i know some of you are horrifiied that some of us might do this - [get a life] - but some of are horrified at the thought of people, who like my grandma, did her laundry every thursday between 9-3, no matter what. she once told my uncle that if pres. roosevelt asked to meet her that day she would have to decline as it was laundry day. my grandma loved me, but she frowned at my housekeeping ethic. )
so - buy one of these machines as long as you can LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN UNLESS IT'S RUNNING. my son had to laugh. he said "all my life you've nagged me to close the doors on the washer and dryer - and now you want me to remember to leave them open?"
if you aren't my grandma, and if you do get a mold problem - then:
it's important to remember that mildew is a plant, and it grows and grows. once one has an infestation it's a big freakin' deal to get rid of it - and proper maintenance won't help once the mold is growing. it's gotta be killed, and it takes nasty chemicals to do it.
i noted where another poster who was a repairman pointed out that cleaning the gasket was not going to rid the problem because if the gasket has mildew, the entire outside of the drum is coated with it. yep! that about covers it!
one thing that one learns when one pulls the gasket, is that all the cleaning one did with the gasket in place was almost a waste of time because there's mildew all inside the bits of the gasket that can't be cleaned - and it's just waiting for the next time the machine sits closed for 6 hours on a hot day to start to blacken the part of the gasket one can see. running chemicals through the machine won't get this either - the seal is too tight for the chemicals to get in, but not too tight for mold.
i agree with the guy who said that once you have a mildew problem the solution is going to have to be chemical. i hate it! i'm a hippie-green-organic-natural-freak. i'm also married to an electronic engineer, and i understand the damage being done to the sensors with the chemicals. but if you are willing - you can murder the mildew with chemicals, ....
then - replace/pull-and-clean the gasket, let it dry all the way out - replace the gasket -- and then maintain it as it should have been maintained in the first place, only more diligently becuase mildew is tenacious. i point all fingers back at myself as i say this.
As a home renter who is forced to use this machine already infested with mildew, I cannot seem to rid the smell or kill the mildew. It is totally outside the barrel/drum (whatever its called) and was not even left the instructions to clean the filter out. I would not recomend this model to anyone.
As a home renter who is forced to use this machine already infested with mildew, I cannot seem to rid the smell or kill the mildew. It is totally outside the barrel/drum (whatever its called) and was not even left the instructions to clean the filter out. I would not recomend this model to anyone.
AnonymousMay 21, 2009
Mold, mildew smell on my clothes. Called LG AGAIN, was told conveniently that the warranty was out on the machine, but I had been complaining about this issue probably fromt he first month I had the machine. Did everything they told me to do, had it balance, had it cleaned, EVERYTHING but replace the faulty gasket. Which if anyone looks at the newer models from 2008 and newer, the gasket is shorter ont the top to allow for more air flow into the gasket and also the drainage holes are bigger, debris gets into those tiny holes and clog it up and the water cannot get out. I wish I never spent the money on this machine at all. They do not want to stand behind their products. They finally gave and and told me that the were sending someone to give me a "complimentary drum cleaning", but the problem is in the gasket too, which I asked if it would be replaced, was told if they felt it was necessary they would. Still filed a complaint against them here and on cunsumer reports.Mold, mildew smell on my clothes. Called LG AGAIN, was told conveniently that the warranty was out on the machine, but I had been complaining about this issue probably fromt he first month I had the machine. Did everything they told me to do, had it balance, had it cleaned, EVERYTHING but replace the faulty gasket. Which if anyone looks at the newer models from 2008 and newer, the gasket is shorter ont the top to allow for more air flow into the gasket and also the drainage holes are bigger, debris gets into those tiny holes and clog it up and the water cannot get out. I wish I never spent the money on this machine at all. They do not want to stand behind their products. They finally gave and and told me that the were sending someone to give me a "complimentary drum cleaning", but the problem is in the gasket too, which I asked if it would be replaced, was told if they felt it was necessary they would. Still filed a complaint against them here and on cunsumer reports.
To end your troubles with the stink you have to simply change the flawed door seal with a new one from your dealer (taking the brand & model num.) But make sure that your order is to replace the flawed stink seal; he should not give you another stinker! There IS a new one to replace the stinker, due to the volume of complaints.To end your troubles with the stink you have to simply change the flawed door seal with a new one from your dealer (taking the brand & model num.) But make sure that your order is to replace the flawed stink seal; he should not give you another stinker! There IS a new one to replace the stinker, due to the volume of complaints.
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First, clean out the filter behind the access door on the lower left front of the machine. Residue left in the filter can contribute to odor issues. Second, buy a package of AhFresh or Whilaway and run a cycle with that, hot water, longest cycle. (unfortunately you do not have the sanitary cycle or the tub clean cycle on your model) Third, and most importantly, USE LESS DETERGENT. Top load washers use up to 45 gallons of water per cycle. Your machine uses 12. Use one tablespoon of HE detergent and one teaspoon of fabric softener (if you use softener) per cycle. My personal LG washer is now over 5 years old, and have only had an odor issue one time. I leave the door closed after I wash. (the tub is vented) Never have had any mold or mildew issues with my washer. Was doing several loads per day when I had 7 at home, now only doing 3 loads a week with all the kids, their spouses, and grandkid gone. Still no odor problems. Great machines if used properly. Note: the odor / mold / mildew issues are basically the same with any front load machine, regardless of brand, and most can be solved following the above advise. Good luck.
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no info generic answer - most units have a clean out or drain around the bottom of unit their is water in that location also their are cleaning products for washers
This is a common problem with front load washers. Mildew tends to grow in these washers due to it use of less water than top loaders, often leaves dirt and soap residue on the machine. To help prevent mildew, wipe the door gasket, leave door and detergent dispenser open after wash. Wash once a month empty, with hot water and vinegar to kill the mildew in the machine.
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WFXD8400UC Front Load Washer
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Usually caused by doing all low temperature washes. Every 2-months do the hottest wash, with a good suirt of qualuity bleach. Also check the waste pipe of the wahing machine is high enough, so it does not **** dirty water back from the drain.
Same here. We bought ours January 2005. Love the machines and take great care of them, too. Then the smell in the washer which seemed to affect certain clothes, like thick sweat pants and t-shirts (they smelled really "sour"). After doing some searches I found on this site where someone had recommended using a product called Affresh. I figured I might as well try it since my other attempts failed. This really worked for me. I bought it at Home Depot for $7 for a pkg of 3. I used 3 tablets per their directions, as this was my first time using it (afterwards they recommend using only 1 tablet per month). I was totally amazed as the smell was gone. I hope it works for you, too!
Same problem and I was told to only use detergents with "HE" on the front of them for high energy. the soap without HE is too foamy and hence never truly drains out and causes a mildew smell. I also purchased something called "A" Fresh that I run in the washer every 6 weeks to keep the smell out. I got it at an appliance store for about $11.00 for 3 tablets
This is a problem with LG design. There are 2 problem areas that I have seen. One is that bottom on the rubber gasket and the other is in the filter drain pipe.
Beside throwing out the machine I believe you need to remove the rubber gasket and clean the mold from it, and also clean the filter drain pipe at the bottom.
I am not expert so I will let you know how this goes as I am trying it tonight. I just need to figure out to how to remove the rubber gasket .. as I see there is actually mold in there.
I was searching the net looking for the same answer - have just bought an LG front loader but wasn't certain I should be using liquid detergent - my manual refers to powder without telling you specifically to use it only. Look at the answers to the question after yours on the Fixya website "LG washer has awful mildew odour" or something similar. Solution 3 by Tresilla convinced me I should use powder! Also, the salesman who sold me the machine recommended powder because, quote, " gentler on clothes and more efficient ..." - he didn't mention the possibility of a later mildew odour which is apparently generic to front loaders!
yeah, i did that, and i already use very little detergent, less than a tablespoon.
btw - the first 4 lines of the post you responded to aren't mine. i hadn't realized that my reply was quoting the other guy's post as if it was mine.
[[additionally - there is a class action lawsuit against LG regarding this issue. there was one against maytag that already settled (prolly a bunch of attorneys made some bucks and the machine owners got a free pack or AhFresh.) google it - easy to find ]]
these machines aren't designed for the way many people live. some people would be better with top-loaders. can't decide if i'm one of those, but i love this machine - i just wish it weren't so sensitive to mold.
so - hindsight is 20/20 ----- the key to success with this washer (these types) is to NEVER LET THE PROBLEM GET STARTED to begin with:
1) ALWAYS USE THE PROPER SOAPS IN IT - AND VERY VERY LITTLE.
in europe, where this machine is common, people use a different detergent, as another poster noted. one of the reasons we paid a premium for this machine was that i'd used them in europe and fell in love with them.
so H.E. is IMPERITIVE if you use a liquid -- i've discovered that switching to powdered helps - and softener is really not a great idea. when i do use it - i make sure to run my whites with bleach after the 'softener load' to breakdown the softener buildup that's coated the outside of the drum. softener is a huge culprit - especially the all-natural ones i buy at whole foods.
2) DRAIN IT AND CLEAN OUT THE FILTER EVER OTHER TIME YOU USE IT. i liked the guy who had a drain in his floor (previous post) and just left the washer drain open . i can''t do that.
3)ALWAYS LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN
the big issue it that these machines, (wonderful as they are) are higher maintenance that the old top-loaders that we grew used to. some months get crazy, and a teenager can forget a load of laundry in the washer for 4 days while i'm on a business trip and the husband is working 16 hour days, and then bang! mildew gets started. once it's slimy black fingers get a hold of the machine - it's a matter of constant battling it to keep it out of sight - but it never goes all the way away. it's just hiding where you can't see it.
so.... all that is a lot of trouble for a washer......i'm impressed with the housekeepers who always leave the door open, always empty the drain and filter, and always wipe the thing down after every use. i don't have that kind of time to spend on a washer. better yet - i'm impressed with those who run bleach, or AhFresh, or SmellyWasherCleaner every two weeks. do they have a calendar posted by the machine and check the thing off as they do it? i'm not that kind of domestic goddess (though i can throw a dinner party like a pro and cook like a professional chef and people beg for invitations)
HOWEVER --these machines are quiet, they use very little water and very little detergent (important to us green types), and they spin clothes almost dry on their own - very little dryer needed - great for people who like to hang dry. also - they don't agitate - so they are better for our clothes.
but - they MUST BE LEFT OPEN, should be wiped out and drained all the time, and it's bad news to forget about a load of laundry for several days (i know some of you are horrifiied that some of us might do this - [get a life] - but some of are horrified at the thought of people, who like my grandma, did her laundry every thursday between 9-3, no matter what. she once told my uncle that if pres. roosevelt asked to meet her that day she would have to decline as it was laundry day. my grandma loved me, but she frowned at my housekeeping ethic. )
so - buy one of these machines as long as you can LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN UNLESS IT'S RUNNING. my son had to laugh. he said "all my life you've nagged me to close the doors on the washer and dryer - and now you want me to remember to leave them open?"
if you aren't my grandma, and if you do get a mold problem - then:
it's important to remember that mildew is a plant, and it grows and grows. once one has an infestation it's a big freakin' deal to get rid of it - and proper maintenance won't help once the mold is growing. it's gotta be killed, and it takes nasty chemicals to do it.
i noted where another poster who was a repairman pointed out that cleaning the gasket was not going to rid the problem because if the gasket has mildew, the entire outside of the drum is coated with it. yep! that about covers it!
one thing that one learns when one pulls the gasket, is that all the cleaning one did with the gasket in place was almost a waste of time because there's mildew all inside the bits of the gasket that can't be cleaned - and it's just waiting for the next time the machine sits closed for 6 hours on a hot day to start to blacken the part of the gasket one can see. running chemicals through the machine won't get this either - the seal is too tight for the chemicals to get in, but not too tight for mold.
i agree with the guy who said that once you have a mildew problem the solution is going to have to be chemical. i hate it! i'm a hippie-green-organic-natural-freak. i'm also married to an electronic engineer, and i understand the damage being done to the sensors with the chemicals. but if you are willing - you can murder the mildew with chemicals, ....
then - replace/pull-and-clean the gasket, let it dry all the way out - replace the gasket -- and then maintain it as it should have been maintained in the first place, only more diligently becuase mildew is tenacious. i point all fingers back at myself as i say this.
good luck!!
As a home renter who is forced to use this machine already infested with mildew, I cannot seem to rid the smell or kill the mildew. It is totally outside the barrel/drum (whatever its called) and was not even left the instructions to clean the filter out. I would not recomend this model to anyone.
Mold, mildew smell on my clothes. Called LG AGAIN, was told conveniently that the warranty was out on the machine, but I had been complaining about this issue probably fromt he first month I had the machine. Did everything they told me to do, had it balance, had it cleaned, EVERYTHING but replace the faulty gasket. Which if anyone looks at the newer models from 2008 and newer, the gasket is shorter ont the top to allow for more air flow into the gasket and also the drainage holes are bigger, debris gets into those tiny holes and clog it up and the water cannot get out. I wish I never spent the money on this machine at all. They do not want to stand behind their products. They finally gave and and told me that the were sending someone to give me a "complimentary drum cleaning", but the problem is in the gasket too, which I asked if it would be replaced, was told if they felt it was necessary they would. Still filed a complaint against them here and on cunsumer reports.
To end your troubles with the stink you have to simply change the flawed door seal with a new one from your dealer (taking the brand & model num.) But make sure that your order is to replace the flawed stink seal; he should not give you another stinker! There IS a new one to replace the stinker, due to the volume of complaints.
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