Maytag Neptune MAH5500B Front Load Washer Logo
Posted on Aug 09, 2007
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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Maytag Neptune front load washer

The same mold-smell problem I hear about from everyone who has this machine - is there any effective solution? New proble (for me) is a loud knocking sound when machine is running, and laundry is not getting very clean. Is this caused by a faulty water-valve? If so, what should I expect to pay for repairs? My warranty is up for renewal. Is it worth the $70.00 a year to keep it up?

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  • Expert 14 Answers
  • Posted on Dec 12, 2007
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Stop, look and listen to the fact that these washing machines are NEW! WE are talking about NEW and/or nearly new machines!

What is the mater with us that we are accepting this outrageous product flaw?

Let's put the blame exactly where it belongs and keep it there until manufacturers clean up their act!

What in the world are we thinking when we allow ourselves to be forced to jump through these ridiculous hoops just do do laundry!?

I am furious and it is over something as stupid as a washing machine! A WASHING MACHINE!!!!

New government regulations for new water efficiency washing machines has my family’s clothing smelling like a stinking, rancid, moldy basement! This is absolutely absurd! I have been told to change laundry detergent, run hot bleach water through my washer and, get this; my washing machine is 1 year old and my clothes smell filthy!!! The mold and mildew from these nasty machines have wreaked havoc through skin rashes and allergies in my children!

I paid $1,000.000 for this da*ned washing machine and THIS is what is being sold to the public under the disguise of efficiency!!?? I have been on the phone about this problem. I have, over the past 3 months, with a technician on the phone, been instructed to do the following:

*Make sure I use high efficiency detergent THAT will fix my problem.
Wrong.
*Cleaned the lint trap (..that is stupidly behind a metal access plate that you have to use a screwdriver to remove screws to get to it EVERY TIME) and THAT will fix my problem.
Wrong!
*Cleaned the water hoses; THAT will fix my problem.
Wrong!
*Cleaned the gasket around the door. THAT will fix my problem
Wrong!
*Cleaned the tub with bleach water. THAT will fix my problem.
WRONG!
*REMOVED the hoses and cleaned the pump. THAT will fix my problem.
WRONG AGAIN!
*Take the pump out entirely and clean all inlet, outlets and hoses. THAT will fix my problem.
WRONG! WRONG!! WRONG!!!

NONE of this fixed my problem of filthy, wet, stinking, rancid clothing that has endangered my family's health! I even washed my children's clothing out by hand in the bathtub and put them in the washer just to rinse and spin and they STILL smelled horrific.

Finally, at the end of my rope, I returned to the appliance store from which I purchased this machine and they have told me that they cannot accept a return. They will not accept a return and I have to deal directly with GE. I HAVE dealt with GE up until the final straw when I they told me I needed a new pump, but so sorry, your warranty JUST expired 3 days ago!!!

Furthermore, my pump was fine. I did NOT need a new pump and have now been told that I cannot return the new, unused pump that cost me another $183.00. I have now been told that this is a problem with ALL front loading washing machines and I should do the following:

*First, run a full complete wash cycle on hottest setting containing Bleach – * Note: wash cycle takes 1 hour and 20 minutes
*Next, run a full wash cycle on hottest setting using high efficiency laundry detergent for another 1 hour and 20 minutes
*Next, run a full wash cycle on hottest setting using Cascade automatic dish washing detergent for an ADDITIONAL 1 hour and 20 minutes
*Next, using Bleach water, wipe down entire interior of washing machine
*Next, using clean white cloth, wipe entire interior of washing machine dry
*Next, leave door ajar to air out machine

*Finally, I have now been informed that I cannot use fabric softener in the machine even though there is a fabric softener dispenser right in the machine because the new front loading machines cannot handle fabric softener!!

Furthermore, I was told that this is new technology and since it is so new, no one really knew these kinds of problems were going to manifest themselves and I just need to try to work with these problems because it is not the manufacturers fault but the GOVERNMENT’S fault! Sorry.

Are you kidding me??

Now I have a $1000.00 piece of junk that the appliance companies are pawning off on unsuspecting consumers and hiding their horrible designs by blaming the government.

So, now this is what I want!

I want the legislature to force manufacturers to properly inform the public of these problems and those who did NOT inform consumers of these issues, COMPENSATE their customers for the $$$$$ it has cost us and the misery and frustration caused by THEIR neglect by NOT informing the consumers of these issues. I want this to be retroactive BACK to at least the year 2005. Furthermore, I want compensated for the cost of buying a top loading washing machine in an effort to keep our families away from the mold and mildew and filthy mess this has caused! Finally, I want manufacturers to own up to the fact that they disregarded the health and safety of consumers in their efforts to profit as much as possible while touting efficiency.

Now I have heard that they have a new 'product' they can sell to us to inhibit the stench of mold and mildew. This is absolutely unacceptable!

This is outrageous and we need to speak out about this and make sure our voices are heard!

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  • Contributor 1 Answer
  • Posted on Dec 19, 2009
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How do you use the bleach cycle on this machine? top loaders soak the clothes do front loaders do the same?

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Use bleach in a load every month.

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  • Master 5,911 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 10, 2007
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That loud knocking could be a sign that the rear tub bearing is starting to go bad. I've replaced several tub bearings on various front loaders and this is a typical symptom of one starting to wear out. If the bearing goes out, you have to replace the entire back shell of the wash tub, because the bearing is molded into the plastic and cannot be removed. That warranty renewal might be a good idea. A tub bearing replacement on a Neptune can run about $400-$500 with parts and labor. As far as the smell you are talking about, that is usually caused by mildew and/or soap deposits accumulated in and around the rubber door boot. To keep the odor from coming back, periodically clean around the door boot, making sure you clean behind the rubber where it connects to the wash tub. Run the washer about once a week or so (depending on use) on the hottest cycle you have with nothing but bleach in the tub. This will kill any bacteria and help flush out the drain lines as well. Last of all, keep the door OPEN when not in use so the rubber door boot and tub can air out and dry. I hope this helps you.

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  • ALWAYS LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN WHEN NOT IN USE! This prevents the mold and mildew from forming once you get it cleaned.
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    Friend,
    ngfam1 At your service!


    This is normal for the Neptune!
    I used to have a Neptune and I sold them too!!
    The machine is wringing out the clothes good??
    The Neptune comes new with water in ti from the test run!
    All the water never gets totally discharged. This is one reason why everyone complains about the mold, musky or even stinky smell of the Neptune! Every day i have people here asking what too do about the moldy wet smell!
    SERIOUS!!!!!
    I do tell them to run the washer once a week without clothes and with hot water and 1/4 cup of bleach. And then make suer to do only white clothes directly after wards as not to get a drop of beach water on a colored article of clothing!
    Then leave the door open after every load when not in use!
    That's Maytag!!!!!!!!
    GOOD THING WHIRLPOOL JUST BOUGHT THEM OUT LAST YEAR!
    Perhaps they will make some good changes!!

    Hope this helps and makes you feel a little better as to some water sounds! HOW OLD IS THE WASHER??????

    Below I referred you to a great service nation wide!

    If none of these tasks remedy the heat problem then here is a good company that's found nation wide.
    A&E Factory Service
    A&E has schedulers available to take appointments 24/7
    And they do warranty work too, for most manufactures!
    1(800) 905-9505

    You will be fine
    Bless You ngafm1
    PLEASE GIVE ME A GOOD RATING BEFORE YOU SIGN OF
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