Frigidaire Front Load washer, Model # LTF2140ES3
by Shawn J.
(Ohio, USA)
I originally bought this front load washer because of rave reviews I had heard about front loading washers. They are supposed to be superior in many different facets of washing clothes.
I purchased the washing machine brand new from HH Gregg and I have had it for about two and a half years now.
Part of the appeal for a front loader was that it was supposed to save money in several different areas. One area was water useage. Since it runs the clothes in and out of the water in the bottom of the drum, it uses less water than a top loader which only swishes the clothes around in the same water again and again.
If there are any benefits of water useage, they are negligible, and definitely offset by the fact that I am forced to buy a detergent that has the "HE" symbol on it.
The "HE" symbol means high efficiency, which to me means it is both compatible with my fancy front loader and ironically also boasts a much higher price tag than regular detergents meant for top loaders.
Another great selling point was that it was supposed to keep my laundry looking newer, longer, and it was supposed to do a better job getting them clean. This is, for the most part, true.
It does seem to do a great job removing even the toughest soils from clothing, but once in a while I remove a garment that has tears in it from becoming tangled in the front door gasket while being washed. It isn't such a great thing to have sparkling clean clothes when there is a three-corner tear right in the middle.
One facet of front loaders most people are unaware of is the odor problem that arises from the door gasket staying damp and growing mold.
When the water drains, it leaves a small amount of water in the rubber gasket around the front loading door of the machine. This small amount stays in there unless you actually wipe it out with a towel or rag.
After a very short period of time, it builds mold and mildew from being in a very wet and dark environment. The manufacturer suggests wiping out this gasket every time you do laundry, and keeping the door open between loads.
It even goes as far as to suggest weekly cleanings with bleach. I have a family of 6, including 4 active boys. With the amount of clothing they go through, I am lucky to have enough time to even wash clothing for them, let alone spend that much time doing maintenance to the washing machine.
However, if I do not do as they suggest, the washing machine becomes unbearably smelly, and the "clean" clothes that come out of it smell like the wet dog has worn them for a week straight. It is also unsafe to leave the door open as they suggest due to having a toddler in my home.
Overall, I do like the front load washing machines, including this one, but I would say there are definitely some improvements that need to be made before I would rate them as perfect.
