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Whirlpool - Musty Smell on clothes after washed and dried.

Whirlpool Duet Front Loading Washer and Steam dryer - Complaint
Review by glyndol6 on 2011-08-06
I've had my Whirlpool Duet Front Loading Washer/Steam Dryer for a little over a year, and almost from the first the clothes that come from dryer (not steam cycle) smell horribly musty -and almost with a too hot, or almost scorched scent, and I rarely use any cycle except the normal cycle on the dryer. There is a particularly unpleasant, almost dirty smell on clean towels and wash cloths immediately upon re-wetting for use. I always air dry my dirty towels if not washing immediately and never let them get soured before washing. I wash and dry 7 to 8 loads a week, rarely missing more then two days between doing laundry.

I clean my washer with Affresh regularly, and can detect no smell coming from either the washer or dryer when setting idle - only a hot (but not unpleasant) smell from the dryer immediately after use, and definitely from the clothes themselves after removal from the dryer. I've used Cheer HE, dryer sheets, Tide HE detergent and Snuggle Fabric Softener - all with the same results. I've tried using extra an rinse cycle just in case I'm using too much detergent. Our city water is clean and fresh and has no odor.

I wipe out the washer door seal frequently, and always leave the washer door open a couple of inches when it is setting idle. As I said, I cannot detect any odors in the washer, or the dryer.

I am thoroughly disgusted with this problem and wonder if other consumers are also experiencing the same.
Comments:
Posted by Venice09 on 2011-08-06:
Clean clothes shouldn't smell musty. Did you contact Whirlpool while the machines were under warranty?

Posted by At Your Service on 2011-08-07:
You seem to be using the unit a lot. You also seem to be rather savvy about the proper use.

When using the dryer, you may want to try adjusting the level of dryness. Too much moisture left in absorbent cloth, such as towels or wash cloths, may be one problem. Over-drying other forms of fabric can be the reason for the other.

If it's still within the first year, you should absolutely contact Whirlpool service to document the problem. If it's after the first year, but under a form of extended warranty, you should contact the warranty provider to do the same.

Overall I think Duets are pretty good units. I know people that have them and are reasonably pleased.

Let us know how things turn out.
Posted by Venice09 on 2011-08-07:
While At Your Service is trying to be Helpful, I think you should trust your instincts, OP. I'm sure you know if you are over drying or under drying your clothes. And even if that's the case, under no conditions should they smell horribly musty. I have always had a basic dryer and top loading washer, and the clothes have always smelled clean and fresh, never musty. There is definitely something wrong with your machines.
Posted by At Your Service on 2011-08-07:
I wasn't trying to say there was something wrong with the machine. There might be. I've found that the way you wash in a front load is different than with my older type of top load. Drying towels and such along with lighter, more non-absorbent kinds of fabric may cause the problem.

I was thinking that if you have a service call on them, and they're not under warranty, that may just be paying a person to come out and say they can't find anything wrong. If they are under warranty, I wouldn't blame the OP for calling someone out. At least the complaint would be documented.

Just my personal experience.
Posted by Venice09 on 2011-08-07:
I agree with At Your Service that you are savvy about the proper use of your washer and dryer, which indicates that there is something wrong with the machines. My guess is that internal mold is causing the smell, especially if it has gotten worse over time. I hope you reported this to Whirlpool before the warranty expired. If not, you're probably on your own. On the bright side, Whirlpool might have denied that something was wrong with the machines and done nothing to help you under the warranty.

Maybe Chris Polk will see your review and respond.
Posted by Seck on 2012-07-09:
I am having the same problem and I am very frustrated because this machine was not cheap at all! Clothes are not smelling or feeling clean and I also follow the instructions.

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