Whirlpool Group Class action lawsuit settled --Moldy FL washers

[mattl]

Saw this on my local TV news today.  Whirlpool and Maytag will give customers $50 for their trouble, or a discount on a new machine or up to $500 if you have proof of expenses to remedy mold/ odor problems.

 

We know that doing a hot wash occasionally will solve the problem, but if you have a Whirlpool group FL washer built from 2001 to 2010 you can get $50.

 

http://www.lieffcabraser.com/defect/front-load-washers/

 

[mattl]

Here is a bit more:
 
"Depending on the documentation you can provide as a customer, you can receive a $50 cash payment, a 5% or 20% rebate toward the purchase of a new washing machine or dryer, or up to $500 in reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses for repairs or replacement due to a mold or odor problem."

Class action settlement reached in moldy washers

If you used a Whirlpool, Kenmore or Maytag front-loading washing machine manufactured between 2001 and 2010, you may be eligible for up to $500 in cash or a voucher toward a new washer as part of a class action settlement.

www.theindychannel.com

 

[a440]

Poor Whirlpool.

I have the first generation HE3T and have NEVER had an issue with smells. I am sure it is because I am a rare breed that knows how to use hot / warm washes as compared to those who only use cold water for washes. Also leaving the door open for the washer to dry out. In fact, I have never closed the door on any of my front load washers unless it was doing a load of laundry.

Hopefully this "Lawsuit" information will only reach a few people. If everyone that owned one of these machines during this time period filed a claim it could be very bad for Whirlpool. Wonder if they have "insurance" that covers something like this?

 

[delaneymeegan]

Wait a minute.....

 

 

 

What's the difference between this "....you can receive a $50 cash payment, a 5% or 20% rebate toward the purchase of a new washing machine or dryer, or up to $500 in reimbursement ....."

 

 

AND 

 

The typical, run-of-the-mill sales event, going on EVERY week?

 

 

 

 

How is this BAD for Whirlpool?  

 

Besides, I doubt Whirlpool was negligent other than failing to tell customers to leave the door open for the machine to dry.   And how many STUPID N. Americans just don't have the common sense to figure that out.

 

With my current Kenmore (Duet Sport) HE3, it had mold growing on the door boot.  Something I never had with any washer I had before this.  When I got this one, I cleaned it up, and would spray vinegar and sprinkle baking soda on the mold after each load.  Now it's nearly all gone.  There's certainly no smell. 

 

 

 

[tomturbomatic]

Butcha know, machines are always shown with the doors closed so people do not visualize these machines with open doors when they are not in use and many installations do not have room to allow for leaving the door open. I keep the dispenser drawers out of the machines when they are not in use to prevent mold and that is not how these machines are shown either.

The stupidity and cupidity of the utility companies who keep advocating for cold water washing in these machines which use so little water anyway makes them culpable for this mess, too. As for Whirlpool, I have no sympathy. This small award is a drop in the financial bucket for them. They made a lot of money introducing these machines and often advance troops take heavy hits. Their sales people could have done better with consumer education. They could have put thermostatic valves on the machines so that the "cold" setting for wash was tempered to not be below 70F or they could have spent money and put heaters in the machines to achieve this.

 

[vacerator]

it isn't bad

for anyone. If you don't like your washer door open to dry out after use, you can upgrade to a WP front loader with a fan in it to dry it.
My dental hygienist has a Bosch, and has the same problem. I suggested to her yesterday to clean the gasket with Tilex, or bleach, then either rinse it, or wash a load of whites or rags.
She told me they never left the door open to dry it out because it always seems to be in use.

 

[arbilab]

Something else has changed.  Our slant Westys never molded or stunk, and the spring shut the door whether you wanted it shut or not.

 

My Electro-Frigi-White FL never molded or stunk either, but I dried the boot and dispenser and left the door ajar.

 

[vacerator]

I bet

Westinghouse had a small drain hole in the bottom of the gasket, with a seal against it to lead the water into the tub.
Remember, that was before record numbers of stock holders and cost analysis limits on engineers.

 

[liamy1]

They must be having a rough...

Old time, as here in the UK they're also dealing with the "recall" of 5.5 million tumble dryers under the Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda brands.

 

[artcurus]

*pats his Speed Queen machine quietly doing another load.

 

[tomturbomatic]

No, WH did not have a drain and worse, had grooves between the ribs of the slant tub slant front models. The straight front machines did not have a gasket drain either.