Frigidaire washing machine collects water behinf door seal

We have the same problem.  We purchased our W/D set in November 2007 for our new home.  Within a couple months, we began to notice the odor on our clothing.  At first, I noticed a teaspoon or so of water collecting in the front seal.  So, I would wipe this area clean between loads.  Often hair or other debris from our clothes would collect here also.  I would clean this out as well, but I still began to notice a black mold spot developing on the gasket.  However, the smell on our clothing was often so intense that it seemed as though the machine must be holding back stagnant water.  So, I have tried interspersing empty loads of bleach or vinegar to rid us of this odor.  It usually works, but only for a short time.  My husband removed our detergent drawer after reading these posts and grilled me about whether I was really using only HE detergent.  When we first got it, I thought I had HE detergent because it was a concentrated bottle, but it turned out not to be.  Since then I've carefully purchased HE.  Anyway, there was only a small amount of detergent collected at the front on top of the drawer where I have spilled and not cleaned it.  There was a black dot or two on the back of the drawer away from any collected detergent.  I have noticed that if I haven't washed in a couple of days and my machine stays closed that I can open it and immediately smell a foul odor.  So, now I'm thinking that I can try just leaving the door open as much as possible, despite the fact that that will be in the way.  I am so angry about this problem.  We, too, spent around $900 for it.  We thought we were buying energy efficiency.  How is it energy efficient for me to have to run extra empty loads to prevent this machine from causing all of our clothing to stink?  We've been dealing with this for over a year.  Now, I have a baby on the way; I'm considering giving this fraudulent equipment away and trying to purchase something new.  Is frigidaire the only faulty front loader?  Are they all like this?  I can't in good conscience resell this machine for very much!  Frigidaire needs to do a recall!

This is another comment about the front loading Frigidaire washing machine I bought about 2 1/2 yrs ago. As all the comments say, it creates black mold in the gasket and an odor when used as you would expect to use it. I cleaned as much of the black stain/mold out as possible and called Frigidaire's customer service which refused to do anything about it. My service repair person said he could not replace the gasket because it wasn't covered and he would not be reimbursed for the replacement. My solution is to CLEAN and SOAK UP all the water remaining in the gasket after washing with a sponge and cloth to dry it EACH AND EVERY time I use the washer. I LEAVE THE DOOR AND DETERGENT DRAWER OPEN for at least 24 to 48 hours for it to dry. I use ONLY HE detergent to wash clothes. It is a lot of work, but the smell has diminished and the mold has not grown any worse, although the black stains are still in the gasket. I also will never buy a Frigidaire again after the poor product and customer service I received. I don't think I'll ever buy a front loader again either.

We have the same problem. When we called for maintenance under our warranty the service advisor said to make sure we wiped out the gasket every time we did laundry and make sure we only used a small amount of soap. But not only did we have the smell something was leaving black marks all over my clothing. It turned out to be the mildew buildup on the gasket and when I was switching loads it rubbed on my clothes.  To deal with the mildew smell I finally saw an episode on Cityline that talked about this issue. There is a product called "Affresh" sold at Future Shop and I think Home Depot. You put the tablet in the washer and run a hot wash cycle.  Do this once a month to kill the mold/mildew smell. It really helped.

I have the same problem, just put in a load of laundry and the stentch that come from the machine was disgusting. I am also annoyed at the mildew that builds up in the rubber seal.

We have the same problem with our front loader. Except, no amount of bleach or cleaning removes the mold. We prop the door open. No use. The mold is even in the detergent drawer. I can't tell you how many times I have taken it out and cleaned it. It comes right back. I'm very concerned about the health of my family. Has anyone found a solution?

FRIDGIDAIRE FRONT LOADER- SMELLY CLOTHING AND WASHING MACHINE. I WAS SURPRIZED TO SEE HOW PERVASIVE THIS PROBLEM IS NOT ONLY WITH FRIDGIDAIRE ALSO WITH OTHER BRANDS. BACK TO TOP LOADERS UNLESS MANUFACTURER CAN FIX PROBLEM WITHOUT INTENSE LABOR BY CUSTOMER.(CLEANING MACHINE AFTER EACH WASH) i RECENTLY BOUGHT MINE JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO AND THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR AT LEAST FOUR YEARS.

We have the same problem. This is our second front loader. I was told by Lowes that they had taken care of this problem.........NOT! Does anyone know if replacing the front gasket helps at all?

Smells like mildew even after I wiped out the mold

I have the same problem, it just needs to be wiped out occasionally while it's still damp.  I really don't believe that a law suit would ever be the solution

We've had this problem after having the unit for about 1 year. We created a contraption to hold the door open at night. The mold has got worse and worse. Finally the front door developed a leak and I happened to buy the 5 year extended warranty so I have a service tech coming this week. I have printed all these getting ready for battle and will call ahead advising them to bring a new gasket. What a piece of junk! We'll see but I am fully expecting to be told this is not covered under warranty and I'm already getting stressed in anticipation.

I have the same exact issue with my front-end loader. It is 2 years old and I can't get rid of the mold. Also, leaving the door open is not an option with young kids (i.e. safety first). Why has a class action law suite not been initiated. It would seem this is a slam dunk that we can al get out $$$ back. I have an affinity 6000 series (I believe). They should be sued and all of us a part of the law suite,

I have the same issue. I am getting dirt and build up in between the clear plastic front panel. This model has a design problem that the manufacturer is responsible for. Does anyone have an idea on the right course of action?

I HAVE HAD THIS WASHER FOR ABOUT 1 YEAR AND A HALF, I AM THINKING ABOUT TAKING A LOSS AND BUYING A NEW TOP LOADER. I HAVE TRIED BLEACH, SHOUT IT OUT, ETC. I WOULD NOT ADVISE THIS WASHER TO ANYONE.

Musty Smell. Sound like everyone else has issues. These cost too much to ignore!

How disgusting is this? I disassembled the entire washer front and removed the bladder to clean it but never realized how bad this problem could be. HOW DO WE GET THIS REMEDIED BY FRIGIDAIRE?? Our clothes smell and this amount of mold cannot be good for your health. Greg

Just like the rest of you - same smelly problem. I was blaming my husband for the stinky towels for not hanging them up to dry after each use,but now I know it is and has been my machine!! I have found one temp solution to the stinky towels - Fabreez Fabric refresher for the laundry. It really works to get the musty smell out.

I have the same problem everyone else does. I purchased my Frigidaire front load washer GLTF2940ES in May of 2006. Some time later I smelled a funny odor from the machine. By accident I discovered that water was collecting inside the rubber gasket around the door on the front of the machine and mold was growing there. I cleaned it out the best I could and called the appliance company where I purchased the machine. It was just over a year after I purchased the machine and the appliance company would not do anything, not even send out a serviceman because they said it wasn't covered. I wrote an email to Customer Service at Frigidaire and told them there was a design flaw in the machine because water was collecting and not draining out and mold was a problem. Their customer service department responded and were polite but did nothing they said because I had a 4 yr service contract with my applicance company, they were responsible. I called the appliance company again and they said this problem was not covered under my service contract and it was older than one year. All they told me to do is wash out the machine with bleach and use bleach frequently. When I cleaned it with bleach, the rubber gasket was still black and I was unable to get the black stains out. Now whenever I do a load of wash, I use my hand to open the gasket and use a sponge to soak up all the water that remains in the gasket. I also have to leave the door of the washer and the soap tray open all the time so air will dry out the machine. This is totally unacceptable, but I am stuck since I can't afford to replace a $700 washing machine that is only a little over 2 years old.

I have this same problem with the water collecting in the boot/gasket.
Who do you call. The 1-800 number on the machine said to just leave door open, run empty with bleach etc nothing has worked.

I just replaced all of my towells for the 2nd time since I bought the washer! We have had it serviced once because it was leaking, only to be told that the seal was collecting hair, lint, etc. and was preventing the door from sealing properly--it never occurred to me that the water and stuff that was collecting in there would sit and become moldy, I thought it would rinse out with each washing. I'm all for us banding together to make this right. I purchased my washer from Lowe's and will be checking with them about returning it but from what I'm reading here I am not too hopeful. Will let you all know.

We have had our washer for less than two years and we have the same problem, our clothes smell like mold, even after washing them several times, we have tried bleach and cleaning out the rubber gasket and this morning I pulled out the tray where the detergent is placed and it is covered in mold. I took pictures and if I cannot get a replacement then everyone will be able to see the pictures all over the internet!
I want a replacement top loading washer.

I have tried everything that I have heard of to remove the smell, including several bottles of "smelly washer". Nothing works and now the entire wing of my house where the washing machine is located smells like mildew. I have only had this washing machine for 3 or 4 years and am greatly upset that I may need to purchase a new one. Any luck with the recall???? Many thanks for your input!
Jen

Count me in! I have the same problem! I have 5 little kiddos and do a ton of laundry. Now it won't drain. Tried to clean the filter but that was not happening. Those clamps don't come off. I was told to have a repairman come out. Sure thing, only costs us $89 for the call and $40 for every 30 minutes here. For what? So it happens again in another few months?

YES WE ARE ALL TELLING THE SAME STORY. SOMEONE WHO HAS THE TIME. PLEASE START THE CLASS ACTION. WE PAID TO MUCH FOR CLEAN CLOTHES FOR THIS TO BE OUR OUTCOME. SMELLY CLOTHES,EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS,AND UNNECESSARY DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS.I'M QUITE SURE THAT EVERYONE HERE AGREES THAT SOMETHING NEED TO BE DONE.IF SOMEONE HAS ALREADY CONSULTED AN ATTORNEY THAT'S WILLING TO TAKE ON THE CASE THEN LET'S DO IT.

Wow, thank God it's not just me!! I feel dirtier after my shower than when I went in, because of the stinky towels. I tried hot water and bleach with the towels, but it didn't work. My son has developed what we think is a type of exzema, and after reading "Mad Mommy's" story, I know his exzema has developed since the time we got our Frigidaire front loader. I'm thinking I'd better go get him checked for allergies to mold. 

To All
I am on my third frigidaire machine. The first front load machine lasted three years electronics went and mold issue. I was told to buy a new machine. The second was so full of mold and was making my son sick. and now my third is okay , but I went back to the top load.

The problem for us is that we have a 5 year old who is allergic to mold. For years he has been on meds. and creams for bad allergies. (we did not know it was mold) He finally got so bad we went to a pediatric hosp. on Feb 4 2008 for allergy tests and made the discovery that he is allergic to mold. I bought the new top load washer that week and guess what, within three weeks he is off all meds and creams. Happy healthy kid!
Frigidaire, had sent an insurance adjuster and not a single call from them since. It has been three months, I have called and they just say "we are so sorry to hear about this, we have never heard of a mold issue in this machine before." After reading these postings, I realize I am true-ly being lied to. I do not appreciate that! Most all of our appliances are frigidaire. The super cheap 250.00 top load machine will be my last purchase from them. I have talked an attorney, and he said if there are others out there getting allergies, rashes, etc. from the mold in the machines. then we could do a class action suit. I am a little battle wear all ready, but for the safety of the children's health I am ready to make them take action and correct the design problem and compensate us for the issues and medical bills due to their negligence. There is nothing stating that mold can be a problem in these machines.

It's time they own up to the problem!!

Melissa

We have the same issue! I have called Frigidaire and still no help. Surprise! We have left the door open after washing, run a bleach load weekly, and we now have the black mold- Disgusting. I called ElectroLux and was told they never heard of such problems. Ms. Rep told me to call a repair man and have him come & see what he can do. Twice I called and was placed on hold for a supervisor and then dial tone.... I did mention to the reps that they have changed the gasket (no ridges or drain holes) in the newer washers. My washer will soon be a moldy 1 year ---this is so wrong...i would like to organize a class action lawsuit...

We have the same issue! I have repeatly called Frigidaire and still no help.
We have left the door open after washing, run a bleach load weekly, and we now have the black mold- Disgusting. I called ElectroLux and was told they never heard of such problems with the washers. Ms. Rep told me to call a repair man and have him come & see what he can do. Twice I called and was placed on hold for a supervisor and then dial tone.... I did mention to the reps that they have changed the gasket (no ridges or drain holes) in the newer washers. My washer will soon be a moldy 1 year ---this is so wrong...i would like to organize a class action lawsuit...

mold, smell, white spots in the glass on the door. used tablet to cleanse no good want a new machhine I am allergic to mold

I have the exact same problem with my Kenmore wash machine. Has anyone been able to get a new gasket out of Sears. The store I bought it from 2 years ago just wants to sell me another wash machine. Screw that!! What am I going to do with the $800 moldy one I have?

I have this same problem with water collecting and causing moldy smell with my front loading Frigidaire. It is horrible and a time consuming mess to try to keep the thing remotely usable. This not the first problem we have had with this barely 3 year old machine and the repairman didn't have a fix for the gasket problem when he was out for a computer board problem. Very frustrating for the amount of money we paid for this machine and the matching dryer. My radio DJ was talking about he had the same problem and he got them to replace it also, so that is my next step-but the fact that I have to go through all this really ticks me off. Needless to say, I will never buy Frigidaire again.

My washer always smells HORRIBLE!
Tried bleach, wiping ou the water trapped in the door seal and adding Borax... Nothing helps!

We have the smelly machine also. It is just gross. How sad for such a beautiful machine and expensive at that! We wipe down the gasket around the door after each use with a damp cloth and a small amount of bleach. We also leave the door open slightly in between uses to keep the smell from building up. Also take the soap dispenser out and clean it thoroughly and also clean with bleach where the dispenser goes. You will find mold growing there also. I hope that Frigidare can come up with a solution or a replacement soon. All of this work is exhausting.

Same story as the rest of you... Water collects in the front and in spite of leaving it open from day one and drying it out every time it needs to be dried, it still smells. Plus, I have a leak at the front bottom of my washer. I'm thoroughly disappointed in this (not inexpensive) washing machine. I also purchased the dryer and within a year had to have a repair person in to replace the computer board. VERY disappointing. I completely agree that a recall is in order.

Yes I have the same water left in the gasket problem - Very stinky - clothes come out smelly too.

Angela Gillespie
angelagillespie@comcast.net

I have the same problem. My Frigidaire front load is a model LTF2140ESO. Cloths smell like mildew because of the water that holds in the door seal. I have tried running bleach water throught empty cycles, but that doesn't work either.

I have the same problem... but I have found mold growing in mine. If you remove the soap tray, and look up- you may find where your smell is coming from. The inside of that area on my washer was just black.
I clean it out from time to time, but honestly- I am ready to just throw it out. It is just plain gross.

Yes there is a problem with water left in door seal creases I try to use a towel everytime after I wash and leave the door open a crack then it doesn't smell they absolutly should recall this unit or fix it.

My front loader does the same think. The washing machine smells like mildow all the time.

We purchased a front loading Frigidaire washing machine about 3 years ago and within 3 months our clothes always come out smelling sour. We have SCRUBBED the rubber seal numerous times with bleach, including the inside ridge. I have run cycles without clothes using hot water and bleach or baking soda and the smell seems to be back within a few days. I am absolutely embarrassed when company stays with us and uses our towels. I apologise to our guests for our stinky towels and tell them about the worst investment we've ever made, our front loading Frigidaire washing machine.

I also have a frigidare affinity. I have had it for only 5 months. I love the washer, but the smell that comes from it is just gross. I am embarrassed to open up my washer with people around. I have tried using mild bleach to wipe it out and keep the door open, and dry it out, but even if I do all of this after one load, it comes right back. YUK!!!

Lori Mauro

I have the same problem. My unit is not even a year old. This is ridiculous!! I'm not sure if I should contact Best Buy who sold these to me or the manufacture. I do not want to wash my clothing in bleach. I have high allergies and this makes me so sick.

They really need a recall to correct this issue.

I have the same problem and am about to start the process of complaining formally. I spent alot of money on my stackable unit and I would rather go to a public washeteria than to use this washer again. My towels are the worst of all and this never happened with my top loading machine. Sounds like I made a HUGE mistake buying Frigidaire because they do not want accept responsibility for this manufacturer defect. My washer has no visible mold on the rubber(I clean it every time) but it is stinks and my hallway is starting to disgust me and not sure what I will do next.

We bought one of these machines 2 years ago. It is getting ready to go out the door today Feb 17, 2008. The mold accumulates and you cannot get rid of it. I don't understand why a company like Frigidaire would not want to fix this problem. It is a health issue. This mold might also spread to other parts of the house. The machines made after this model have a non ribbed gasket with vents so obviously they are aware of this terrible design flaw. I called them and they told me to leave the door open.  We have decided to go back to a basic top load machine without most of the frills. 

We have the same issue with the moldy/mildewy gasket as well as the insert where we put the detergent and fabric softener. I believe the entire washer is filled with this stuff. We bought these when they came out about 2 yrs. ago for the convenience and instead we have to hassle with this every time we use it. The stentch is terrible and we tried using bleach with no luch. We have used towels, paper towels, to soak up the excess water in hopes of deterring this problem as well. I recently purchased tablets from HH Gregg which seem to be for this very problem.....which makes me wonder, if the manufacturer knows this is an issue.....they should fix it and make it right with the consumers who purchased this product. I have been extremely disappointed and wish I had my 'old' style machine back where at least the water drained out properly!

Like many of the other people here, I have the same problem. Just called Frigidaire today to report the issue. They seem to be familiar with the problem and suggested using one cup of bleach in the machine without laundry, and then following up with rubbing alcohol. The good news is that they know this is an issue with this model. The bad news is that even after trying the fix with bleach and alcohol, I still have a machine full of mold. There is no way to get all the mold out of this machine, because you don't have access to the the area below the drum, and I'm sure there's mold swimming down there.

Frigidaire, you need to recall these machines. I'm going to call the local news and the Better Business Bureau. This is a nasty problem and you are a reputable company. I have a house full of Frigidaire appliances. (Dishwasher, Oven, Range, Microwave, Fridge, Washer and Dryer.) Only one of them is bad. If you ever want me to buy another appliance from you, then you need to take care of this problem. You are going to have a health issue which will cost you millions.

We brought a new baby into our home yesterday. If that baby gets sick and there is any indication that mold is the cause, you will hear from me once again, but it won't be in this informal setting.

I have the same problem with mine also. I hate the smell that comes out when it drains. There is alway standing water in the gasket. I wish that they would find away to fix this problem!!

I have the same problem with the water behind the gasket and towels never semlling good. they smell like a wet puppy dog!!! My washer now has a problem with a bearing or a loud screaching noise. My front load dryer also has issues. Cloths have to be dried sveral times and come out wrinkled no matter what you do.

Same as the rest - gross, smelly and black. I've scrubbed, bleached, left the door open but nothing helps. Not impressed with the machine at all.

We have the same problem. Like most of the people who have posted I am extremely disappointed. We have black mold all over the gasket even after drying the gasket and door after every wash. I needed a washer that was going to make my life easier, not double the amount of time it takes to use it!

I have the same problem with the black mold. I have called several different departments of Frigidaire, and nobody can tell me anything about any kind of recalls. My washer is less than 2 years old, and now there are permanent black mold stains and a smell that won't stay away.

i can't get rid of the mold problem either and my wife seems to be getting
sick from it. Shouldn't there be a class action suit against these guys?

If you need an additional signature, or some input, let me know. I hope you get to the right person at the company. For me, its just a huge disappointment in a product I have wanted for a long time. My husband just informed me that he cleaned the gasket out yesterday, and it was really nasty. I spent several hours, about 6 weeks ago, thoroughly cleaning the entire, exposed area of the machine. I've also run vinegar with almost every load I've washed since then. Obviously, it isn't enough, and this machine is very high maintenance----too high!!

The posting about smelly water, and a 2 year old Frigidaire could have been from me!! I just spent over an hour cleaning the nastiest mess I have ever seen. Every crack and crevice in that gasket was caked with black goo mixed with hair. Further, it had started leaking a little. I think I fixed that by cleaning the bottom front of the door that was also caked. I will NEVER buy another product from this company. I bought the dryer too, and the belt broke after less than 2 years. I am so disappointed with these. I wonder if there is a recall on that washer that they haven't told the public about.

I have the same issue! We have left the door open after washing the massive loads of laudry we do ( we have a family of 7), ran a bleach load weekly, and we now have the black mold looking stuff. I called the manufacture and was told they never heard of such problems with there washers.They told me to call a repair man and have him come & see what he can do for me.Other times I called I was put on hold for a supervisor and then hung up on. I did a little research of my own and found that they have changed the way the gasket looks( no ridges & drain holes)in the newer washers.For only having my washer for soon to be 2 years I find this totaly unacceptable of a manufacture. I have repeatly called Frigidaire and still no help.