Do new front-loading washing machines still have mold problems?

Q. I’m about to replace my 10-year-old Kenmore HE3t front-loading washing machine. I’m leery of another front-loader because of my constant battle with mold. Have new front-loaders been cured of that problem, or should I change to a top-loader?—Karen Corson, Bel Air, MD

A. Manufacturers have taken various steps to alleviate the problem some front-loading washers have had with mold. That said, because multiple factors could have led to your problem, we can’t guarantee that it won’t happen again. If you’re still interested in a front-loader, read the user reviews on individual model pages for the front-loading washing machines that we review to see whether anyone has encountered a mold problem in a model you’re considering. There are a number of HE top-loaders we recommend, but they don’t achieve the same level of performance in our tests that front-loaders do. They may have advantages over front-loaders, however, in terms of loading and unloading, and fewer potential vibration issues.

For more information check our washing machine buying guide and Ratings and watch our video below.

Send your questions to ConsumerReports.org/askourexperts.

This article also appeared in the June 2015 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.



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