Opinions on front-load washers

SBmini · June 2013

I have two broken washers right now and two working dryers. Fun times! We're thinking about just getting a new set so they match. I like front loaders for the extra storage space you get on top, but I'm reading some pretty mixed reviews. People complaining about mildew smells, dirty drums, door leaks, and not very clean clothes. Should I stick with a top loader?

kknobbe3 · June 2013

The reason the front loaders start smelling is that when you close the door, there's no way for the water to get out so it mildews. This is why I will never ever go to a front loader, I don't want to leave the door open, and I don't want a gross machine! haha You can get a higher capacity top loader and save your back some of the bending over troubles. Good luck!

ashleybunny8 · June 2013

Nest Cayla:
kknobbe3:
The reason the front loaders start smelling is that when you close the door, there's no way for the water to get out so it mildews. This is why I will never ever go to a front loader, I don't want to leave the door open, and I don't want a gross machine! haha You can get a higher capacity top loader and save your back some of the bending over troubles. Good luck!
Oh no, I wonder if that's normal? I had a front load washer for years and i never had a problem with the water draining!

I had the same issue with our front loader, knobbe3. It would stink so bad! I even ran a cleaner through it once a month and left the door open constantly. I hated that dumb thing!! So glad I have a top-loader now...

musictchr25 · June 2013

Problems I have experienced: everything except the leaking doors. In addition, I have had many small articles of clothing get stuck in the drum, like socks and underwear. I can't wait to get a set that doesn't have a front loader. Something that is supposed to make your clothes clean shouldn't smell dirty and gross!

mdupon70997 · June 2013

"The reason the front loaders start smelling is that when you close the door, there's no way for the water to get out so it mildews. This is why I will never ever go to a front loader, I don't want to leave the door open, and I don't want a gross machine! haha You can get a higher capacity top loader and save your back some of the bending over troubles. Good luck!"

This exactly. I have an aunt who owns a front loader and gaskets on her front loader always always always look mildewy. Her clothes don't stink or smell mildewy, but that washer sure looks awful. And she doesn't really ever do maintenance on anything she owns, so that's another part of the problem. If you're not willing to do the maintenance to keep it in great working order, then just stick with a top loader. We have a top load washer and we're just fine with it.

fsumom · July 2013

Our front loader had the mildew issue as well. We just recently bought a new set and went with an LG top loader and love it so far!

everlongmoyer · July 2013

I actually love my front loaders because it is much more water usage friendly than a lot of the top loaders. When we were looking to buy ours, there were some nice top loaders that did not use a ton of energy but were twice as expensive. I just leave the washer door cracked open just a little and make sure to check the door frame before putting in a load to make sure it is clear - the reason they leak out the front is because hair and debris will get stuck there breaking the seal. Mine has leaked out a little in the front but nothing major. I would still choose front loaders again if I had the choice.

ChristineM130 · July 2013

What always annoyed me was when your wash is going, and you find a sock that fell out of the basket onto the stairs! I'm always throwing something in after the wash starts!

I love our HE top loader. It has a huge load capacity, doesn't leak, doesn't stink, doesn't use a lot of water, gets the clothes super clean in a gentle manner, and cost WAY less than a front loader. It's pretty pimp. Definitely not your grandma's top loader!

mcskatcat · July 2013

I would stick with a top loader. There are a lot of really great, huge capacity, environmentally friendly machines out there these days. We purchased our set when we bought our new house a few years ago, and we have had zero problems. I actually ran a washing machine cleaner through it not too long ago because we're going to be renting the place soon, and I didn't notice any difference between the cleaner or not (and this was with all the reviews of this product saying it drastically changed their washer!) so all I can assume is that my washer is pretty clean. I've never had a smell. It can fit tons and washes effectively (the salesperson told us it could fit 27 pairs of jeans!) AND it weighs each load of laundry and determines the water usage from that, so you don't have to select the size of the load.

Kdj27 · July 2013

I have a front loader and can't stand it. Yes, it does smell, but I can't leave it open because it will block the bathroom.

I just saw this morning a lawsuit going on over mold issues with front loaders. When this puppy dies, I;m going back to a top loader.

sweetangel895 · December 2013

This post has really helped me. My DH and I are looking for a new washer because ours went out yesterday. I think we are still going to get a front load washer, but they so tend to get a little bit more to fit in the tub because my DH is 6'2'' and many of his clothes take up a lot of space.

lovesclimbing · January 2014

I have a top loader and I hate it. Front loaders are much gentler on your clothes. My parents have always had front loaders and have never had a mold issue. There won't be an issue if you leave the door cracked and if you make sure that it's level when you get it installed, it shouldn't swing open and get in the way.

JoanE2012 · January 2014

I have a high efficiency top loader with no agitator. I love it!

jtmh2012 · January 2014

We have a front loading pair and love them. Like the others said, we've always left our door cracked which allows the inside to fully dry out and have never had mold issues or seal issues.

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