WASHINGTON - Throw clothes in the wash and they shouldn't come out smelling like jock socks.
But some front-loading washing machines have an issue that can cause them to grow mold.
"To my knowledge all the major sellers have been sued," says attorney Stuart Eppsteiner tells Miami television station NBC6.
Some of the manufacturers who have been taken to court by customers include Whirlpool, Sears Kenmore, LG, Electrolux and Bosch, reports Today.
Eppsteiner explains the problem with some front load washers is they "don't have the rinsing action of a top loader and the dirty water stays in the unit after the wash cycle is over. You close the door, it stays hot and moist and then bacteria and mold and other organisms start to grow inside the machine."
Today notes the issue has been resolved with newer model machines made in the past four years or so.
To help prevent mold from growing in older front-loading washers many manufacturers recommend using the appropriate amount of soap designed for high efficiency washers, running a "clean" cycle once a month, doing loads with bleach periodically, and leaving the door open between washes to allow moisture to escape.
Watch a video below on "How to prevent odor and clean your front load washer:"
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