Our LG washer was purchased April of 2007 from Home Depot and the mildew odor has been a constant problem/battle. Called LG again today for assistance, but service rep (Burt in Parts & Svc) told me they have not had any problems with mildew, must be my fault. We followed all of their maintenance instructions, but now the rubber seal itself has an obvious BLACK Stain that we cannot remove. Any help would be appreciated. Would never recommend an LG washer or dryer to anyone, and I think Home Depot should be standing up for the consumer as well.
Unfortunately this problem can occur with all front loaders made by any manufacturer. The problem results from excessive soap and body oils that do not fully dissolve and/or rinse clean from inside the inner and out tubs. Front loaders are energy efficient and only use a little water so any build up between the tubs that gets higher than the water level is left behind. It is also natural that some moisture collects between the folds of the door gasket and, if not wiped out, will mildew over time.
Not to worry, a few changes in use (as compared to top load washers) can easily eliminate your current problem and keep it from returning.
First of all, make sure to ONLY use HE (high efficiency) detergent and make sure to use no more than 2-3 tablespoons per load (because too much detergent will cause oversudsing, not break down efficiently and build up between the inner and outer tubs).
To eliminate the problem you now have I highly recommend a product called Whirlout (available at Home Depot in the hot tubs section). Just one capful in an empty load with the hottest water cylce will break down the current build up and take care of any odors (a 2nd cycle if the problem is really bad).
To avoid any problems in the future, use the correct amount and type of HE detergent, wipe the door gasket dry when done with the laundry (for the day, week or however you do your laundry) and run an empty cycle once a month with a capful of Whirlout. If your machine is in a high humidity location (i.e. a basement), then leave the washer door cracked open when not in use.
Hope this helps, please rate my answer.
Solution for this- ha ha ha. Sell the washing machine. I have the same problem and have called LG numberious times. The washing machine has problems. Fox 5 our local Atlanta news station did a report on this problem with ALL LG front load washing machines. Their should be a recall, as far as LG stating that this was a problem with YOUR maintance and must be only happening with your machine is a LIE!!! Don't believe a word they say. And as far as the LG EXPERT's comments- YOU know there is a problem with your machine- you should stand up for the customers and tell us the real deal with the manufactors defect instead of giving us the run around. I paid way to much money for a machine that I constantly have to spend more money and time on - on a weekly basis. Shame on LG and Shame on the EXPERT who stands behind LG trying to rip off people who just want a honest answer.
Another option is to make sure the washer is properly leveled in all directions and to make a slight change in your wash day schedule.
By making sure the washer is properly leveled, it will operate better and help minimize odors, as the spin cycle will get more water out, etc.
The other tip, that has really helped in our house, is to do all the hot water (whites) as the last load. Since we do use bleach when we wash our whites, along with hot water, the washer's last load will have had the best sanitizing cycle run through it before being left for the next load another day.
With the bleach and hot water, the washer gets a nice clean disinfecting wash which helps eliminate odors, germs, excessive soap, etc. and leaves the washer fresher. By doing this, we don't have to purchase other (more costs and expense) additives to run through the washer to attack the odor causing germs and gunk.
What good is a more energy efficient washer if I have to always run a special tablet/liquid cleaner in it each week without any laundry in that wash load? Seems wasteful to me to be doing an "extra" wash just to wash the washer. Our answer works and saves us money and time too. Hope that helps!
We had the same problem - but started to use less soap in the washer. The mildew smell went away. Make sure that unless you really need to use a capful of soap, use the minimum amount needed. The high efficiency soap is truly that. Hope that helps!
Got to lowes or home depot and gat a package of affresh comes with 3 tablets wash one tablet at a time by its self until black mold is gone then when mold is gone make sure you leave your door open when washer is not in use
Maybe I can help. I have owned the LG washer and dryer. Had the same problem. Had a technician come out. Told me to use those tablets once per month. Also said because the LG is not an upright loader water and condensation will accumulate. Filter (at the bottom left) must be cleaned once every 6 to 8 months. Should solve your problem. It solved mine. Good luck!
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We already perform all the weekly/monthly maintenance as outlined by LG in the literature enclosed with our washer when new (including keeping the door and dispenser drawer open after use) and the mildew odor still persists.
We have had ours almost 2 years and complain about the mildew smell all the time. We would never recommend them either.
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