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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.

Comments for Frigidaire Front Load washer, Model # LTF2140ES3

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Oct 02, 2013
Rating
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Cleaning my washer
by: Anonymous

I moved into a home with 3 other adults and a teenager, so we are 7 people washing clothes at least twice a day. I moved from an indoor, relatively dry climate, to having my washer outdoors, where it´s a much more tropical clime. Leaving the door open is now NOT an option, although it was until about 3 months ago. (pet, not baby issues)
I´ve had my washer about 2 years now. I never had a mold issue because I did follow instructions. I left the door open and did the bleach wash every 3-5 weeks. However, I cannot expect in laws to follow the same instructions and we had issue with mold almost immediately because they would not leave the door open. These two things I do religiously:
1) Hydrogen peroxide is marvelous. I have a bottle of 50/50 to begin with because it removes stains. I spray the washer before washing, and again after and let it sit 5 minutes. I have a little soft comb I scrub the liner with after running a load. This has greatly reduced the spores that were causing stinky clothes.
2) Use little to no softener. The softener has caused a lot of buildup inside the washer and I think attributes to the mold issue. I deal with "crunchy" clothes because it reduces the mold.
3)Do the bleach wash 1x a month. If you notice a mold issue, try doing it every 20 days. I wash my sink daily. I don´t mind washing the washer more frequently than recommended either.

Apr 24, 2013
Rating
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mold issue and liquid detergents
by: Anonymous

I also have this machine and I was having the same issues with mold. I cleaned the rubber casket about every month with full strength bleach and left the door ajar when not I use. My machine is in the basement so that wasn't an issue for me. The more I cleaned it the more the mold faded and I did not have a moldy smell. Then I read somewhere not to use liquid detergent because it encourages mold. I switched back to the powder HE and I haven't had to clean the rubber in 6 months although I still leave the door open. This machine saves a tremendous amount of water. I use a brand name detergent HE and costs no more than the regular. There are 4 people in this house and a large box seems to last forever. I absolutely love this machine.

Jan 19, 2013
Rating
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DONT BUY
by: Dan L

Never Purchase any Frigidaire or electrolux washing machine. This is what happened to mine and now they're being sued for it. Read here and look at the pictures of mold and mildew.
http://www.eppsteiner.com/california-lawsuits-investigations/electrolux-sued-frigidaire-frontload-washers.html

Aug 23, 2012
Rating
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A little water but no washing
by: Nancy

I have had this machine for 6 years and this is really the only time I have had a problem. BUT the problem is a major headache! I have replaced a $200 control board that was supposed to be the fix, well it isn't. I get water for 3 seconds and then nothing. I have been with the repairman and still it is not fixed. Now I have to manually drain the washer and still do not have a washer to use. Such a pain!


Jul 17, 2012
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my mold solution
by: Anonymous

After the foul smell began to affect my clothes I searched the internet for tips that may have worked for others. Here is the solution that works for me and I no longer have odor problems.
1. At the end of my laundry day, after all of the loads have finished, I put 1 cup of household ammonia directly in the washer tub and run a short, hot cycle.
2. I then wipe dry the rubber boot that is just inside of the door,
3. I then leave the door open to dry for a few hours, then close the door.

I have found that I need to do all of this every laundry day and never allow the washer to sit for more than an hour before this cleaning.

Household ammonia keeps the mold from growing, so even though the problem of water remaining under the drum continues, the smell doesn't begin. Household ammonia is not corrosive or harmful to the washer.

I joined a class action lawsuit a few years ago but haven't heard anything.

This does not save money over a non-high efficiency washer and isn't exactly what I thought I'd be getting, but few things in life are. I hope this helps someone deal with a difficult situation.

Jun 02, 2012
Rating
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frigidaire affinity washer ltf2140es3
by: Jones Family

We too bought this product 2-3 years ago and have been experiencing the exact same issues as all of the rest. Nasty, filthy mold/mildew build-up that's impossible to get rid of. The awlful stinch in your clothes when they come out of the washer. Some many of our clothes have been destroyed by this machine. It's just disgusting and this company needs to stand behind their products. We just can't afford to go out and buy another machine...we've been searching the classifieds to try to find an old used one. We were stupid enough to actually buy the set...dryer too. Oh, the washer finally just quit completely yesterday. I am just thoroughly disgusting and disappointed as a consumer with this product. They should be so ashamed & humiliated!!!

Feb 02, 2012
Rating
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Frigidaire Front Loader washer
by: Anonymous

We have a Frigidaire front loader and we are having the same issues also leaking around the door seal, we called Frigidaire and they dismissed us several times because our warranty had expired well my husbands response to this was calling them 2-3 times a day fussing and cussing until they finally said they would send us a part at no cost......Dont give up they will eventually get tired and give in...My husband said he would rather take the money he would spend on the part and get an attorney it is the principle that it is a default in the merchandise....The reason I am posting this is because I know how it feels and it sucks....But just dont give up...Good Luck!!!!

Oct 21, 2011
Rating
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Mold and alumnuim corrosion stains and rude Customer "service" rep
by: MPB

I agree with many of the people who have posted on this site before. We have all noticed that, if we aren't the repair service, no 800# is available to us. After almost an hour, the CS rep came back to inform me that my warranty had expired. Duh! I knew that. I wanted info on how to fix the problems of mold, mildew and corroded aluminium stains. Her response? "Have a nice weekend!" And for that sarcastic good wish I got to pay $10-15 dollars because she was off-line checking with her supervisor for 20 minutes at a time!
How do we join the class action suit?
mbentley@steamboatsprings.net
I too, will NEVER buy any Frigidaire/Electrolux/ Whirlpool family of products ever again! And I will spread the word as far as I can.

Aug 28, 2011
Rating
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Mold and water still remaining in the detergent dispenser
by: Tim

Anyone else having this problem. My wife and I never noticed this until a few months ago. The unit is only 4 years old. I took it out t cleanit and remove the water and noticed a disgusting amount of black mold behind the dispenser. We never have had a problem with inside the unit but this is horrible. Am I washing my clean with mold filled detergent?

Mar 24, 2011
Rating
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Front Load washer
by: Charlene Smith

I also have this same model front loader machine, I had purchased this machine about 6 years ago, and I also called the manufacturer about the door boot/bellows and the mildew/mold problem and was told the same thing as stated in these comments to wipe out the trench every time washer was used, and I too have to many things to do other that wiping out a washer I had paid much more for, then I had ever paid for a washer. A month ago I had gone on line to find out how to combat this mold/mildew problem, only to find that there had been a class action lawsuit, for this reason, I never heard of it or else I'd have been right on board. I went to Lowes to get some information was given a contact number for Frigidaire, and told they are very reasonable people, not in my book, I argued with the girl over and over again, stating that I never would have purchased the front loader if I had known of this repulsive problem, but I thought I was buying up in life and wanted to do my part for the inviorment, wince it uses less water. I was told I could buy a replacement boot for $161.00 and change and who knows how much it would have cost to have this thing installed, I am really upset over this and vow to never purchase another Frigidaire product of any sort for the rest of my days. I will replace this one as soon as I am able, sad thing is I really do love its performance. Just not the stink.

Feb 12, 2011
Rating
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MOLD
by: Anonymous

i HAVE THE SAME ISSUE, BLACK MOLD AROUND RUBBER DOOR SEAL THAT WON'T COME CLEAN EVEN USING PURE BLEACH AND SCRUBBING. HOW CAN YOU SAVE MONEY USING LESS WATER IF YOU HAVE TO RE-WASH CLOTHES TO TRY TO GET THE SMELL OUT. HAS ANYONE EVER REPLACED THE RUBBER DOOR SEAL? MY WASHER IS ABOUT 3 YEARS OLD AND THAT IS THE MAIN PROBLEM I HAVE IS THE MOLD SMELL.

Feb 12, 2011
Rating
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Class Action Lawsuit
by: Lynn

Where do we stand on this lawsuit? I thought my husband was nuts when he said our granddaugters clothes smell, but then I started noticing our things. I have a mold buildup in my washer that no matter how hard I scrub it will not go away. To make the clothes smell better once a month I throw in a diswashing tablet in the tub & let it cycle through. It does work & our clothes do not smell

Feb 12, 2011
Rating
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I am in on the suit
by: MT

What a pain this machine has been. It took me a while to put it all together, too, the itching and headaches and the nasty smelling clothes and the black gunk in the washer. Now the door hinges are rusting out and I struggle to close the door every single time I wash. And the machine is only 3 years old. I also had the mysterious black streaks and occasional ripped items. I think I am just going to order a new top loader as my machine is past warranty.

Jan 23, 2011
Rating
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I neer had a problem
by: Lu Anne

I could not afford store price, so I was blessed with a 6-month old Frigidaire Washer/Dryer set

The previous owner told me to use HE detergent.

I never did, because I used only organic detergent and I hate those softers with so many chemicals and fake awful smells.

Then I got rid of my organic detergent and have been using only white vinegar for more than a year now.

I never had any problem with smell, and I always wipe the front-door rubber thing and leave the front door open for a day or two.

As I live by myself, I only do laundry once a week (one load for colors and one for whites) and if I am too lazy, I will do laudry every two weeks.

I understand that having water not draining properly is one of the problems, but I do not wash often and never had a smell problem.

If one tries all that is out there, and the problem persists, then the problem is with the machine/parts and not with just stuck-water or moisture.

One day we all get to a consensus that IT IS ALL THE CHEMICALS EVEYWHERE IN OUR ENVIRONMENT that are killing us!!!

Good luck!


Dec 29, 2010
Rating
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Mold, Mildew, Husband now believes me.
by: M.A.

What a clunker of a machine! I bought it after reading rave reviews only to experience water that doesn't drain from gasket or detergent supply. The mildew was horrible. Before acquiring a Maytag two weeks ago, I washed a load of towels eight times (yes, eight) trying to rid the load of the mildew smell. If there was a laundromat nearby I would've taken the towels there to complete the washing. I was really trying to do the green thing by buying a front loader but this has soured me. My husband thought my complaints were baseless until I found this web page. We are going in on the Class Action suit.

Dec 29, 2010
Rating
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Mildew Smell and Spin/Drain Problem
by: Anonymous

We purchased the LTF2140ES3 for all of the same reasons, energy savings, water savings and wash efficiency. In the past several months we have noticed the foul smell in the clothing, as well as other people around us have noticed! My wife changed detergents a few times thinking that may have been the problem. It did not help. I was actually searching the Internet for the Spin and No Drain issue I am having with machine and came upon this page. I can't believe that after paying so much for a highly recommended machine only to have these types of problems. Also, my kids, wife and I have been having skin irritations and rashes, headaches, and other flu like health problems. Anyone else having any of this too? Who would have connected the dots to realize the foul stench odor was coming from the washer mold and mildew buildup. I have not contacted Frigidaire as of this writing, but will do so Monday. I am open to a class action law suit only since most Consumers will only try to solve this problem by changing detergents and not realize it is the washer itself. I will be contacting the law firm Monday as well.

Dec 29, 2010
Rating
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Class Action Lawsuit concerning mildew
by: Anonymous

Contact Mark Tamblyn @ 916-568-1100 916-568-1100 or mjt@wtwlaw.com. He is supposed to be getting a class action lawsuit together. I just emailed him about the same problem with the same machine. I haven't checked out the firm, yet, but I am going to do some online research and see what I can come up with.

Dec 01, 2010
Rating
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Smells & Corrosion in Front Loaders
by: biguggy

Bad smells and spider corrosion in front load washing machines.
When all other remedies for curing bad smells coming from front load washers have been tried and have not been found satisfactory I believe the source of the smell may well be corrosion of the aluminium spider with the products of this corrosion harbouring ‘water’ that turns foul as described below, or, should no corrosion have occurred the ‘water’ left in the recesses of the hubs of the spiders will, if left long enough, turn foul.
Aluminium, and its alloys, are corroded when immersed in an aqueous solution with a pH value below about 4.0 (acidic) [nitric acid is a well known exception] or above about 8.0 (alkaline), most laundry aids, detergent including HE detergent, borax, bleach (sodium hypochlorite), sodium carbonate (washing soda), sodium percarbobante (found in Affresh and OxiClean), sodium hydroxide, Affresh and OxiClean can have pH values above 8.0 should the required concentrations be reached. At the normal operating levels found in washing machines these values are not exceeded. However when the machine is shut down any water remaining will contain, inter alia, soil from the laundry, products of the interactions between the soil and the laundry aids used, unused laundry aids, and the chemicals found in the tap water. As the water from this mixture evaporates the concentration of the ‘impurities’ rises until such time as a ‘smelly sludge’ develops and/or a pH level above about 8.0 is reached and corrosion occurs.
Prime areas for these deposits to occur are, in my opinion, the recesses found at, or very near, the hub of some of the aluminium alloys spiders found in front load washing machines. The final spin, no matter how fast, will not, in my opinion, remove all the ‘water’ from theses recesses.

To view a corroded spider (not to the point of catastrophic failure) and one with a build of ‘smelly crud’ please visit: -
http://www.ripoffreport.com/appliances/electrolux-home-prod/electrolux-home-products-n-am-4cd6d.htm
These spiders were removed from Frigidaire built ‘Kenmore’ machines.

To see fractured spiders from Frigidaire built machines, Whirlpool ‘Duets’ and other manufacturers’ please visit: -
http://fixitnow.com/wp/2009/10/28/front-loading-washer-corrosion-contagion-a-menagerie-of-metallic-misery/
Or, for a Whirlpool spider
http://www.mysears.com/aboutme/jpm0940

Not all manufacturers use spiders with recesses, Speed Queen do not (Speed Queen call them trunnions) and photographs at: -
http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-VIEWTHREAD.cgi?30834
show Miele spiderss without recesses. There may be others.

Unfortunately the only way to cure the bad smell and/or corrosion in these cases is to strip the machine down, clean it, perhaps modify the spider, reassemble and alter your laundry practices. Not a popular solution I would guess!

Nov 10, 2010
Rating
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mold in washer gasket
by: Anonymous

I have to add my two cents, although my problems with mold have been addressed by previous Frigidaire owners. I have had model #ATF6000FSO for 3 years (selected by my son for efficiency and superior cleaning). The owner's manual stated in bold print "DO NOT leave the washer door open" which was fine with us because we often have toddlers in the house. When the mold started, it was difficult to clean off the gasket, and wiping the channel did not seem to keep it dry enough to control the mold and odor. Frankly, it is turning out to be a labor-intensive appliance, having to clean the channel and detergent dispenser all the time. I wish I had known to use powder detergent, since it is said to prevent the build-up of residue that contibutes to mold and odor.

Aug 22, 2010
Rating
star
Itching all over
by: Anonymous

My husband and I have been itching all over for over a year, No rash, Multiple Doctor visits, full body cat scans, blood work, checking for parasites, We purchase a Front loading washer approx 2 1/2 years ago finally went to a dermatologist that asked if we happened to have a front loader, mentioning the mold issue that he has seen in his office,Called samsung reported that this may be an issue and they completley dismissed me, I feel as though theses machines are a real heath risk to people with any kind of health issues ,or allergies Should not have to leave the door open all of the time to keep from itching, unbelievable amount of money that has been spent trying to fiqure out what was wrong, Still itching off and on but working hard to keep bleach in machine and Affresh tablets once a month, Good luck

Jul 28, 2010
Rating
star
Cheap Junk
by: Anonymous

I purchased a Frigidare front loa washer and dryer May 2, 2005. On July 25, 2010 the spider assembly that holds the inner tub broke and he epair cost is $779 for a $530 washer! NEVER again will I buy this brand. Total Junk! Buyer Beware... O yeah, an older couple we be, no kids, two loads a week and not big ones!

May 08, 2010
Rating
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Are you sure?
by: Anonymous

My wife and I have had the Frigidaire LTF2140ES3 for four years. This week we had our first problem with it, and it's an easy fix which will cost around $75 because we can do it ourselves and avoid paying a repairman. Our clothes have always come out clean, we've never had any garments so much as stretch in this gentlest of washers, we've noticed no mold or mildew, and we buy our HE detergent for the same price as regular detergent at the grocery down the road. We've recommended this machine to others and would continue to do so. Oh, and, it most definitely uses far less water than a top load machine.

I don't know how else to say it: we love this machine. I can't explain why you're all having so much trouble. This washer has been worry free for us.

Dec 05, 2009
Rating
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Mold
by: Anonymous

OK I have heard enough. On any front loader, you need to keep the door open any time the machine isn't being used or mold will start to grow. Good idea for a top loader also.

Oct 25, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
Its all junk
by: Anonymous

I have been servicing all my gadgets all mi life that is almost 40 years. I have seen and repaired fridges,dryers,ranges,ovens,you name it.Noo they dont build them like they used to.You see ,,global greedy manufacturers do not want to make things to last.
Today's manufacturers go to China and have them make all trash for them.Those parts and products are made to manufacturers specifications and usually have short life span. They are made to have short life.It is not only Frigidaire it is ALL global appliance manufacturers that are having Chinese make the product for next to nothing but they
sell it for high price to the consumer.

I have just finished repairing above mentioned model and i find that drain pump impeller was stuck due to a hair clip.Common problem with all washers. New pump would have cost me 40.00 + my time to fix it.Pump is made all of plastic materials and it is way overpriced. It looks similar to garden sprinkler valves.
Price of that pump should be under $20.00 .
I checked prices on all major parts for this washing machine and they are all overpriced and build like sheat.20 years ago when this parts were made in USA they were made to last and people that made those parts were proud to make them. Not today it is all made of sheat and you pay at least 2 x more for it.
Frigidaire,Kennmore,Maytag,Ge ,etc etc its all junk and it will stay that way for as long all that junk is made in China or other foreign country's. It does not even make much difference
if you pay 400.00 0r 1000.00 for that product.
Parts are still made for short life.

You all should sue the crap out of this global trash manufacturers.They have become sloppy and greedier then ever.They all lie about guarantee terms and many of them do not keep their words regarding guarantees of the product.


Aug 10, 2009
Rating
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Frigidaire Front Load washer, Model # LTF2140ES3
by: Emily

Hilarious!! I bought this washer 3 yrs. ago (8-07-06) I had a 2 yr. warranty & had to use it last yr. because it stopped spinning. A guy came out & put in a selenoid valve. Fixed the problem for like 9 months. Stopped spinning again on a couple cycles, not every one. So, instead of going through the headache with Lowe's & warranty issues, which is another story, I stopped using those cycles. Well, a yr. later it has stopped spinning completely. Sits & hums, but no spinning & the cycles end quickly because it thinks it's done because it's not spinning. Had a guy out last week & thinks it is the front door latch because of the OEM error he's getting. So, since the machine thinks the front door is not latched all the way, it's not spinning. Well, we will see tomorrow if that is it. I called Frigidaire last week when this happened to schedule for a repair, I bitched & they agreed to pay for the parts, only. These people are getting $80./hr.!!! And yeah, the rips & black streaks on my clothing sometimes. Very weird! And the front gasket does get black & gunky where the water drains. I wipe it out every once in a while with PineSol. Thankfully my clothing doesn't stink. I will settle cleaning the gasket for no problems! Bottom line, had to have it repaired 2 times in 3 yrs.! For the same thing! Biggest piece of shit. BTW, what's this law suit? Is it too late? Please give me info. Thanks

Nov 13, 2008
Rating
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stay away from this one
by: Anonymous

Prior homeowners left this front loader and I can see why. Like the other reviewers commented, I've had clothes come out torn and the machine always smells like mold no matter how many times I clean the front gasket.

Water also stays in the detergent area so it also smells like mold. The machine is probably 3 years old and today it decided to stop working altogether. Lights come on but it only makes a humming noise so who knows what's up with this clunker. Sure don't make 'em like they used to.

Oct 05, 2008
Rating
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door gasket complaints
by: Anonymous

Instead of looking for a class action lawsuit you should read and follow the manufactures instructions on how to prevent this problem

Aug 10, 2008
Rating
star
Disgusting Mildew Stains & Smell
by: Anonymous

We recently purchased a home and the previous owners included their newer (2-3) year old Fridgidaire Washer and Dryer as part of the sale. Now, we are wishing that we had never gotten rid of our older Maytag set. The Frigidaire washer Model #GLTF1670AS has been terrible! The water does not drain completely from the detergent dispenser leaving moldy, stinky water which has to be cleaned often. To make matters worse, the rubber gasket on the front door of the washer does not drain completely after running a load of laundry. The water sits in the rubber gasket and mildews. If not cleaned out after every load, then when you pull out your fresh, clean clothes they become covered in brown streaks from the mildewy water as you pull the clothes out of the washer. So, the water saving feature of the washer is worthless since this mildew streaking results in having to wash the same load of laundry multiple times. I would definitely steer away from this model!!!!! Now we know why the previous home owners left these "newer" appliances for us....because they don't clean at all!

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