Money available for owners of front-loading washing machines

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - Owners of certain model Whirlpool, Kenmore, and Maytag front-loading washing machines may be eligible for cash benefits under the terms of a class action settlement.

According to the settlement administrator, lawyers have settled several legal claims against the Whirlpool Corporation and Sears, Roebuck & Co. The complaints alleged certain Whirlpool, Kenmore, and Maytag front-loading washing machines manufactured between 2001 and 2010 have failed "...to adequately self-clean themselves of laundry residue, resulting in mold or mildew buildup that can cause bad odors and ruined laundry." (for a list of models, please click here)

Koren Martin of Covington, Tennessee, received a notice in the mail that her Kenmore Elite front-loader is part of the class action. "It was a settlement notice for people who have front-loading washing machines that had a problem with moldy smells or mold build-up in the washing machines," Martin said. "I have never had a problem with any type of mold smell."

Even so, the WMC Action News 5 Investigators have documented the odor problem in front-loading washing machines, primarily Maytag Neptune models, since 2008.

Under the terms of the settlement, eligible consumers may choose either a $50 cash payment, a 20 percent or five percent cash rebate on the purchase of a new washing machine/dryer, or up to a $500 reimbursement for repairs or parts replaced due to mold or odor issues.

"Pretty good benefits," Martin reacted. "I guess I'll be checking out the link for making a claim!" You can file a claim here, regardless of whether you received the settlement notice or whether your eligible washing machine is exhibiting mold or odor problems.

HOW TO MANAGE MOLD/ODOR IN FRONT-LOADING WASHING MACHINES

* Scrub the rubber ring just inside the door once a month with a rag and bleach.

* Run a cup of white vinegar through a normal cycle under cold water once a month.

* You can also run a short cycle of bleach only with warm water once a month. Check your machine's owner's manual for the acceptable amount of bleach.

* Leave the door open after each wash. Consider keeping the detergent dispenser open, too.

* Use a towel to dry off any condensation on the inside of the washer's window.

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