Heads Up: Have any of you bought a New Washer/Dryer in the past Five Years?

[KoKo]

On EDITL

Thanks to all of YOU DU'ers who Replied to this Post...both Pro and Con what I Posted.

I read ALL REPLIES....and appreciate Your Responses!



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We were out shopping tonight since both of our 20 Year Old...W/Dryers went...and we needed to buy NEW because the repair would have cost so much...we felt it was time to do NEW. The Internet Sites were not promising about what we were going to face. Most washers are "Front Load" promoted now...and the Top Loads are missing the Agitator Column in the Middle. You get a spinning basket and are encouraged to use some "Special Detergent: plus an "Easy Fresh" to put in your Washer when it "Smells." In three of the appliance areas we visited the "Easy Fresh" was sitting on top of the Washers for you to buy. UGH!

Why do I need to switch the Detergent Brand I like and have to use Another Product to Clean My Washer of Mold/Mildew Smell!

Has the WORLD GONE MAD?


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Solutions for Front-Load Washer Mold Issues

Front-Load Washer Mold and How Consumers are Coping


NEW NEWS: TOP LOADERS are Now Experiencing the Same Problem

------------

Update April 2014: There were so many questions regarding washer mold and odor, and so little answers from appliance dealers, that I went looking for a resolve to this smelly washer issue. Read about my interview with the founder of Washer Fan. You'll learn the causes of washer mold, how widespread it is and how you can fix your washer: Washer Mold, Odor Answers to Your Questions

Previously:
While high-efficiency washers have great convenience and energy-saving features, many consumers have experienced serious mold issues with their front load or top load washers.

If you can detect a mold odor coming from your washing machine or your washload smells anything but clean and fresh, you may already have a mold issue that needs attention. Readers have reported that their clean towels smelled like dirty socks and this is typical when mold is present within the washer.

If your washer is still under warranty, you should go back to your dealer to get this mold issue resolved. Once the warranty period has expired, you must try to find a quick solution to remove the mold from your washer before your family develops any serious health concerns.

Some consumers have been able to get their washers replaced even after the warranty period, while others have been left to find their own solution. This mold issue with high efficiency washers is not unique to a particular brand or style of washer. Issues have developed with several popular washer brands in high efficiency front load or top load washing machines.

Why High Efficiency Washers Can Develop Mold and How to Prevent it:

Read Caring for Your HE Washer and Preventing Mold for an explanation of why mold can develop in front-load washers and more recently, HE top load washers, for tips on preventing these serious issues. Note that mold can be found in various places within the washer housing and not only in the tub area. The soap/softener dispenser can also have mold on the underside and this component should be cleaned regularly.

How Other Consumers Are Resolving Mold Concerns in HE Washers:

Read Reader Views About Their Front-Load Washer
Review all the Reader Comments that were left on the initial post about front-load washers and mold concerns. There are valuable tips and solutions that can help you prevent or resolve mold issues.

Notable Comment - How One Reader Resolved the Mold Issue:

Learn what Reader Barry C. in Comment number 13, did to resolve the mold in his front-load washer. You may have success by following his maintenance steps.

On-Going High Efficiency Washer Care:

Update April 2014: There were so many questions regarding washer mold and odor, and so little answers from appliance dealers, that I went looking for a resolve to this smelly washer issue. Read about my interview with the founder of Washer Fan. You'll learn the causes of washer mold, how widespread it is and how you can fix your washer: Washer Mold, Odor Answers to Your Questions

Previously:
While high-efficiency washers have great convenience and energy-saving features, many consumers have experienced serious mold issues with their front load or top load washers.

If you can detect a mold odor coming from your washing machine or your washload smells anything but clean and fresh, you may already have a mold issue that needs attention. Readers have reported that their clean towels smelled like dirty socks and this is typical when mold is present within the washer.

If your washer is still under warranty, you should go back to your dealer to get this mold issue resolved. Once the warranty period has expired, you must try to find a quick solution to remove the mold from your washer before your family develops any serious health concerns.

Some consumers have been able to get their washers replaced even after the warranty period, while others have been left to find their own solution. This mold issue with high efficiency washers is not unique to a particular brand or style of washer. Issues have developed with several popular washer brands in high efficiency front load or top load washing machines.

Why High Efficiency Washers Can Develop Mold and How to Prevent it:

Read Caring for Your HE Washer and Preventing Mold for an explanation of why mold can develop in front-load washers and more recently, HE top load washers, for tips on preventing these serious issues. Note that mold can be found in various places within the washer housing and not only in the tub area. The soap/softener dispenser can also have mold on the underside and this component should be cleaned regularly.

How Other Consumers Are Resolving Mold Concerns in HE Washers:

Read Reader Views About Their Front-Load Washer
Review all the Reader Comments that were left on the initial post about front-load washers and mold concerns. There are valuable tips and solutions that can help you prevent or resolve mold issues.

Notable Comment - How One Reader Resolved the Mold Issue:

Learn what Reader Barry C. in Comment number 13, did to resolve the mold in his front-load washer. You may have success by following his maintenance steps.

On-Going High Efficiency Washer Care:

It should be noted that even after resolving your washer mold issues, you must then take precautionary steps to prevent such recurrences. Run the Cleaning Cycle on your high-efficiency washer as recommended in your manual and follow these Tips to Prevent Mold in Front-Load Washers. Even with proper care, mold can still develop in these low water washers, but the risk is somewhat reduced.

It should be noted that even after resolving your washer mold issues, you must then take precautionary steps to prevent such recurrences. Run the Cleaning Cycle on your high-efficiency washer as recommended in your manual and follow these Tips to Prevent Mold in Front-Load Washers. Even with proper care, mold can still develop in these low water washers, but the risk is somewhat reduced.

READ ON....Even trying to buy a Regular "Top Load Washing Machine" has problems with Mildew/Mold because the "Top Load Machines" no longer have an "Agitator" to swish your clothes. AND...the Top Loads and Front Loads require you to BUY a SPECIAL DETERGENT.

If anyone is shopping for a new Washer/Dryer....BE SURE YOU CHECK OUT...Carefully.

I'm going through this now and that's why I'm posting this.

http://housewares.about.com/od/laundryappliances/qt/frntlwshrmold.htm

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. I got a new front-loading washer a couple of years ago

and it smells fine. You just have to wipe off the rubber seal and leave the door part-way open to let the inside dry out. If you let it sit with the door closed it will eventually get some mold and mildew.

[Liberal_in_LA]

13. yes!

[ffr]

51. I do that now with my 20 y.o. top load clothes washer

for this very reason. Now I have added weight behind why I'll continue to do this.

Thanks!

[elias49]

2. Wow! Links on top of links! Wish you could provide an executive summary!!

My wife and I bought a front load 'super water efficient' model.
We perform the 'tub cleaning' protocol every couple of months, sop up any left-over water from the very front (where the water drains away) and leave the door open between uses. That has been all we've needed to keep it clean so far. (Almost 3 years)
From what I understand, leaving the door open is probably the #1 must do.
Good luck!

[meow2u3]

3. I bought a top loading washer a year and a half ago

but mine has the agitator bar in the middle. I don't think I have a high efficiency washer.

Question is, do traditional top loaders have mold issues?

[noiretextatique]

16. from what i've read, the problem mainly effects front-loaders eom

[SickOfTheOnePct]

4. Bought a new set three years ago

High efficiency washer, and I really like it. I didn't switch detergent brands, I just buy the HE product. I use the Tide cleaner in it once a month (same day I change filters on the heater/AC, and run the tub cleaner for my dishwasher).

Much more efficient, in both electricity and water.

[Dont call me Shirley]

5. OMG! We just tore apart our 8 yr old LG front load washer to replace the main bearing

and the inside of the machine was coated with goo. The fins inside the drum were packed with hardened gunk, water is supposed to run through them but they were packed, no wonder the bearing went out, because of the weight of the crap in the fins.

It only cost my husband and I $80 to fix, but we spent about 20 hours cleaning the inside. We found a barely any mold. Lots of sand and hardened minerals.

I heard to use only powder detergent, that the liquid is what causes the mold. Tide and petroleum based detergents are the worst.

Keep the washer door open when not in use so it can dry on the inside, minimizing mold growth.

Also clean out the pump drain basket at the bottom of the washer once a month. And monthly run a citrus based washing machine cleaner through to help keep mineral build up at bay.

It works great now! Uses a lot less water than top loaders.

[KoKo]

17. Amazing..reading this Thread/Replies...in 20 Years I never had to Do A thing!

My washer & Dryer washed and dried my clothes with NO PROBLEMS.


I Can't believe what people Go Through These days: "Prop Washer Door Open to Avoic Problems, Take Apart the Appliances to Clean them Out, Buy some Extra Detergent and Cleaner to make sure one doesn't have Problems...and mostly....Just "Live with It!

20 Years of Clean Clothes and no Dryer Problems...but, I'm to "Go Through Hoops" to get any satisfaction from my Washer/Dryer that I was USED TO GETTING.

[seabeyond]

28. I agree with all you say. Nt

[Dont call me Shirley]

32. Our 5 yr old LG dryer and 8 yr old LG washer both needed full overhauls

So I would not buy another LG anything.

I had a 25 year old Frigidaire top loader and dryer set which needed no work until they finally kicked the bucket.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

44. Yep. I had to replace the drum on our 4 or 5 year old LG dryer.

Fortunately I am pretty handy so I was able to fix it for the $100 dollar part. I saw hundreds of complaints on line from people paying $300-400 dollars including service calls.

Come to find out LG used to be Lucky Goldstar - rebranded maker of crapply 1980s electronics.

[im1013]

43. Check out Fisher & Paykel

They are very energy and water efficient, and they are BOTH top-loaders (yes, dryer too!)
I have been using them almost daily for over 8 years and have never had any issues with mold, and I would know as I am extremely allergic to mold. I abolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!!
The small appliance store I bought them from has twice tried to get me to swap them for front-loaders and I keep saying NO WAY! They are super easy to use, and I will never buy anything else.

www.fisherpaykel.com

(Sorry, the link option won't work right with the ipad)

[yeoman6987]

35. Funny, I use only liquid Tide and never have a problem

I add liquid Downey which may help and Downey dryer sheets for the dryer which makes the clothes smell wonderful. Of course, I wish I could put my clothes outside, but we are not allowed by the HOA. No clothes lines, not even the portable kind that you could have on the deck.

[Trillo]

6. We had to buy one a couple of years ago,

got the same basic model of top loader. I didn't like the way the new computer controls worked, one thing that was outrageous was supposedly a water-saver feature, I was not able to select the washload size, it decided that automagically. It never filled the washer with enough water. As a person who is allergic to a lot of different things, including soap residue, I use a little more water than other folks do, wash everything with three cycles (heavy soap wash, very light soap wash, rinse) instead of the more normal two (wash and rinse), and as a bonus, my clothes last longer. I know from past experience the most important is the rinse cycle, it's actually kind of hard to get all soap residues removed, and I have allergies to those. What's very curious, is that when you don't rinse all the soap out of your clothes, they wear out faster, and need more frequent replacing, though that's not the reason I have my procedure, mine is allergy based. The last thing I can afford is more clothing expense!

So, while it took a few hours one evening, I disassembled both washers, used the new agitator and washbin (which is what had gone bad), and wired the old wiring harness and control system up to the new machine. It works fine, just like I wanted the new and improved computerized model to work.

[sunnystarr]

20. Use the tried and true method

add vinegar to the first rinse. Vinegar neutralizes soap so no soap will remain in your clothes. My Mom always did it with dark clothes because she said it made the colors brighter. Which is what happens when you get rid of the soap completely. I think she used a cup but your can start out with half a cup of white vinegar. The second rinse takes out the vinegar odor.

[roody]

7. I bought a new front loader over ten years ago.

This is the first I've heard of mold. I only use fragrance free everything.

[olddots]

8. OY !

We bought a front loader 4 years ago that has broken 6 times ,we bought second hand dryer that is about ready to explode .


Washers and dryers were so inexpensive for so long now they cost as much as an economy car .

[CANDO]

9. We've had a front load HE washer for a few years and love it.

Leave the door open when not in use. In addition to saving water and energy, you'll notice less wear and tear on your clothing as they are now gently rolled in the drum rather than roughly agitated by the agitator in the top load. And even though you have to use the HE soap formula, you need very little of it per wash load.

[mucifer]

26. I've noticed that most soaps these days say HE on the label

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

10. I don't think my top loader is 'high efficiency', and it does have that central column

but we've saved roughly 15-20% on our water bill every month since we got it, because it has sensors to know exactly how much water to use, rather than depending on humans to set 'load size'. I think it's a general electric model.

[nruthie]

11. No mold here.

I have a top loading HE Amana not quite a year old. I always leave the top open to air out and have no mold problems. It does conserve water and overall does a good job.

[IphengeniaBlumgarten]

12. I bought a new washer & dryer a couple of weeks ago

They are LG brand and the washer is a top load HE machine. I am very pleased. I REALLY love that the washer will balance the load on its own. If it decides things are not quite balanced, then it runs a little more water in and shifts the load by itself. No more ka-THUMP ka-THUMP and dancing around on the floor until I run in and manually redistribute things. I believe that I may save a bit on utilities, as the spin gets most of the water out, making drying times shorter, but too early to be sure.

Also it is MUCH quieter than my old washer. The HE detergents which a recommended are low-suds, but seem to work fine.

The washer does have its own idea about how much water to use, but if you really want it to use more you can select a cycle like (on mine) Bulky/Bedding and it will pretty much fill the drum.

Running a cleaning cycle with a cleaning tablet once a month is recommended. Haven't had to do this yet, but does not seem onerous. The washer lid folds down in front so that I can ventilate the tub while the washer looks closed, a nice feature.

[greatlaurel]

14. Have had both a front loader HE machine and a top loader HE machine, within 10 years.

The top loader HE is what I have now. Currently, it is in the shop for a new transmission under warrenty, thank heavens, it is less than 2 years old. The front loader threw the bearings and was not repairable.

If I had it to do over again, I would buy another front loader. The top loader does not clean very well and leaves a lot of soap residue. I never had that problem with the front loader. I end up using lots more water, because I have to use the bulky cycle to get the clothes even close to clean.

The front loader needed a new gasket once. Never had the mold issue, used vinegar in the machine once in awhile if it smelled musty. Also, wiping off the gasket and leaving the door open was the best prevention.

I do a lot of laundry as I do animal rescue.

Good luck shopping!

[LeftyMom]

15. Last week. It was the cheapest model made by a recognizable company.

I don't need the extra features, they just make them less reliable and more expensive to fix.

The front loader swampy smell is because gravity doesn't drain water that accumulates around the door seals.

[KoKo]

19. In 20 Years ...I never had a SWAMPY SMELL...or had to Buy One Particular

brand of Detergent or Leave my Washer/Dryer Doors....Open for Ventilation.

What Went Wrong?

Maybe I need to just Wash by Hand and Hang out on a Clothes Line if this is what it's Come Down To!

Free Air and Sun and no Mold or doing stuff to my W/D to AIR IT so that I don't have Mold Infestation.

Our family is very prone to allergies....and this doesn't sound good for the W/Dryer Industry ....unless they are hooked up now with BIG Pharma to take care of the new People who are allergic to Mold...who need medication because their NEW Washer/Dryer made them SICk.

[LeftyMom]

25. You overreact strangely to weird things.

If you don't want a fancy washer you can still get a totally normal dishwasher. A boring white one with a lid on the top and a post in the middle of the drum that you can use any kind of soap in it you like. They still make those. Lowes has them. So does Home Depot.

You don't need to work yourself up into crazy conspiracy theorizing, just buy a regular washer.

[Dont call me Shirley]

37. Some people are super sensitive to mold, detergents, chemicals etc

She's not over-reacting, she just must be concerned where those things may cause a problem.

I too have chemical and mold sensitivities. This is becoming much much more common as our environment and bodies become over-loaded with man-made chemicals and poisons.

Good idea on basic models, less fancy schmancy stuff to go wrong.

[Iggo]

49. Or just wipe the gasket and crack the door.

It ain't hard.

[sendero]

18. Our GE front-loader...

... is about 5 years old. We had mold problems from the start. If we leave the door and the detergent slider open, it is manageable.

And for the record, I will never buy another GE appliance of any kind, they are all shoddy crap (the washer/dryer is barely ok, the range and dishwasher total junk). Never again.

[Ilsa]

29. I'll never buy GE again either.

Zero customer service.

[orleans]

42. i had a g.e. microwave

and a switching thing on the door broke

so the microwave would turn itself on when you opened the door!

i found a youtube video of a guy trying to fix it and it was absolutely INSANE!

i went out and bought a $100 on the counter model (not ge--forget what brand)

the g.e. piece of shit is an over the stove cabinet model. assholes! apparently they have this door switch problem (and g.e. is okay with that! ugh!)

i had to unplug the thing so it wouldn't burst into FLAMES (which i was told could happen since the switch decided to have a mind of its own!). so it languishes above my stove but now i have no exhaust fan for the house!

i hate g.e.!

[yeoman6987]

36. Kenmore is the way to go!

I love that brand.

[Scuba]

21. Yep, and I bought a great made in the USA ....

.... Speed Queen!

http://www.speedqueen.com/home/en-us/products.aspx

[Mojorabbit]

30. That is the brand my appliance repairman recommended

I have terrible mold problems with my front loading machine and he told me the speed queen has the least amount of problems. I am buying one the first of the year.

[KoKo]

54. Thank you, Scuba...

We had to buy a new vacuum cleaner three years ago and we went with Simplicity (made in USA with American Workers and Parts. We've been very happy with it. I'm a big supporter for Buy America.

I checked out the Speed Queen Site but I need at least 4.3 cubic capacity for the washer and also need the dryer because they both went at the same time..same age...Weird!

We have focused on a Kenmore "Bundle" from Sears for their "Cyber Week Specials" (They claim "Assembled with Parts in the USA)....but, I'm not comfortable with the choice... we checked out what we could on line and at our Big Box stores...and we needed it ASAP since both went at the same time. It was the fast delivery that we went with.


Hopefully others on this thread will be able to use the Speed Queen if they notice their washer going.....and have time before the washer/dryer is dead.......

Thanks Again.

[pipi_k]

22. After two years

With an LG brand HE washer and dryer still no problem with mold

After each load of washing is done I leave the washer door cracked open using the magnetic catch

There are two of us here, so instead of using tub cleaner stuff once a month, I use it every two months

And yes, you should use the special HE detergent, but I had some of the regular detergent left over from my previous washer and I use it once a month...less than what it says on the detergent dispenser cup for the HE stuff

I'm very happy with my washer and dryer

[sammytko]

23. I bought a cheapo Sears top loader with agitator

Love it. I had a front loader that worked well for over ten years, but once the door wouldn't latch, just said, what the heck and bought a new set. It was 500 for the set.

Sue me, but I like all the water it uses.

[Retrograde]

24. Bought a new washer about 2 years ago, no problems

except that it's too deep (I'm shorter than average) and it's a stretch to get things out. No agitator, but haven't had problems with mold - and I still use the same old Arm&Hammer liquid I did with the old one. I do, though, live in a mostly dry climate.

[MerryBlooms]

45. I have the same problem- I'm short and can't reach the bottom of our top loader, so...

I have a reacher grabber hanging in the laundry room. Works great!

[Cleita]

27. I use my family's washer and they got an HE a few years ago.

It washes much better and cleaner than the old models ans since you use less soap that is another economy. You do have to air them out when you are done.

[HeiressofBickworth]

31. At first I thought this thread was going to be about

the shoddy materials used to make washing machines these days. On the rare occasion that I needed repair on my 20 year old washer, the repair person said that when it breaks again, there will be no fixing it because there would be no reliable parts available. The new parts (in new machines or repairs) are made of plastic out of Mexico. The result is the increasing rate of repairs required.

I've had a top loader all my adult life (I'm 68) and I never heard of a mold problem until they started importing cheaply made machines from 3rd world countries. Eventually, I'll need to replace the washer, but it will NOT be a front-loader or anything requiring an engineering degree to set the controls.

[Jenoch]

33. I have read none of the responses to the OP.

I have read less than 1% of the OP. the answer to the problem is to KEEP THE EFFIN' washer door open!

[Hekate]

34. Consult Consumer Reports before purchasing any new appliance. Period.

I've noticed those odor-removal ads too, and think they are ludicrous. However the problem goes back quite a ways, whenever it was that front-loaders started having a big floppy fold-over rubber seal that traps water between uses. My sister complained of that problem a couple of decades ago.

So... I still have my 31 year old Maytag top-loader washer and it works pretty well. I was on the point of trading up to something with more features, but then Maytag moved its factory to China so I said screw it and kept the old one. I generally leave the lid up between laundry days so everything can dry inside.

[Lugnut]

38. My top loader is a year old.

It has a standard agitator and it works fine. I know a few people who have front loaders and they all hate them. After three visits by the repairman one of the women insisted that Lowe's take hers back and exchange the front loader for a top loader.

[Live and Learn]

39. Last time ours went out, I ran into the same thing you did.

I was so frustrated by the experience that I went on line determined to find a way to fix my old washer. Sure enough, changed out a few cheap parts it is still agitating away to this day. I dread having to ever replace it.

[KoKo]

50. Wanted to do that and called repair person...who said:

Timer was gone and Pump would need to be replaced. $65.00 for the Service Diagnostic call and he said the repairs would be more than what I could find on sale to replace.

It was a Kitchenaid Washer and Kenmore Dryer...and the timer was shot on the Dryer, also. So, we decided maybe it was better to just replace both because we may move in a few years and to sell the house...maybe better for new washer/dryer than to have problems.

But....they lasted 20 years with no repairs. I wish we could have extended that from what I'm seeing out there. We have to make a decision...and the choices just aren't good. I use Consumer Reports and have poured over the comments sections on different models. I know "comments" these days on websites are often from competitors...so I keep that in mind...

Still not happy with options. But, thinking Kenmore from Sears.....

[mfcorey1]

41. I just purchased a new front loader and after the wash cycle I have

been experiencing a moldy smell in the washer when empty. I have resorted to leaving the door open after the wash cycle because there is also a moisture build up in the empty washer. Thanks for the info. I will call Lowe's to deal with this immediately.

[woo me with science]

46. Absolutely, you are correct. I have been saying this for months, if not years now.

Create a problem. Create a product to solve it.

Corrupt corporate America in action.

What a perfect illustration of corporate manipulation and greed that we are now put in a position to purchase a product to keep a *washing machine* from stinking.

[mainer]

47. I have a Samsung HE top-loader. Thx for this topic!

It's bothered me that my machine is so "smart" it decides how much water a load needs -- and it's not as much water as I'd like because I don't think the clothes get washed or rinsed well enough.

Thanks to those who suggested I program it for the bedding mode!

[hatrack]

48. Uhhhhhhhhhhhh . . . . bleach?

[dorkzilla]

52. 5 years ago bought GE front loading washer and dryer...

The dyer is still with us, but the washer was a troublesome POS, breaking down all the time, motor burnt out, rubber gasket ripped twice (THAT was fun to replace. Not) etc etc so we bought a new Samsung Top loader. Love it.

[Warpy]

53. How to prevent mold and how to remove it if you didn't prevent it

http://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-remove-mold-and-mildew-from-front-load-washing-machines/

I live in the desert and unless there is a very slow leak in the plumbing inside a wall, mold really doesn't have a chance.

However, front loading washers in the laundromat don't seem to have a mold issue. The difference at a laundromat is that the sealed doors are left open for the next customer, allowing any residual water to dry. That plus cleaning gaskets and dispensers should keep mold at bay. If the washer is in a wet climate, then the procedure for killing it inside the machine is at the link.

While I will mourn the loss of an agitator that got my clothing really clean, I won't mind not having things caught on it when I unload the machine.

[Thor_MN]

55. "Why do I need to switch the Detergent Brand I like"

Take a good look at your brand and it will most likely already have this logo on it. If so, no need to change a thing

[KoKo]

56. Yeah...but, I use "Tide Free" so I don't get the purfumes and Allergens...

and, I've tried a few other brands...

I don't like to be hooked into what these Manufacturers are Forcing me to Buy for Washing Machines that Smell of Mold.

I appreciate than many "DU'ers" are saying..."Just leave the Door Open to your Washer and others say run Vinegar or Bleach through your wash periodically[/b and you will have little problems with your new Washer. BUT...I've lived long enough to have a 20 Year Old Washer/Dryer that DID NOT SMELL of MOLD or that I had to pour Bleach or Vinegar into the Wash....to not have Allergic Reactions.

If you don't have Allergies to Mold you wouldn't understand...but, it's a really big problem for Many of the Rest of Us Out Here in our Famlies.

[Thor_MN]

57. So you are unwilling to even look at your current detergent to see if it is already HE?

None of the rest of what you posted has anything to do with your current brand being suitable for HE washers. Which it is, or at least it is available.

I didn't say anything about leaving the door open. If you don't want to buy a front loader because of fears of odor or mold, then don't buy a front loader. Stop agonizing over progress changing things and buy a top loader, which are available with or without the conventional agitator.

This summer I bought a top loader (Whirlpool Cabrio Platinum) without the old fashioned agitator and the matching dryer and absolutely love them. The dryer can keep up with the washer and both are much better than what they replaced. I have no idea if they will last as long as the ones I replaced, only time will tell.

And I do have allergies, so save the martyr routine...