Electrolux Washing Machine Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Mold Problems

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Electrolux, over mold problems with front-loading washing machines, which allegedly results in a smell that can permeate a consumer’s home, as well as potentially spreading mold or mildew onto clothes.

The complaint (PDF) was filed by Reginald Lampkin and Megan Brown in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on February 8, seeking class action status for all consumers who purchased certain front-loading automatic washing machines, which were sold under the brand names Electrolux, Frigidaire and Kenmore.

According to the lawsuit, the manufacturer concealed design defects and knew that the Electrolux washing machines may fail to drain properly, failing to eliminate moisture following washing cycles, and fail to rinse away or remove dirt, detergent, fabric softeners and oils, which lead to the growth of mold and mildew.

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The development of mold and mildew in a consumer’s washing machine can lead to a variety of health and safety issues, as well as causing mold on clothes to spread throughout the home. Plaintiff’s also allege that many items have been destroyed due to the insufficient moisture removing cycles, causing specialty items and clothes to be ruined from mold growth. In addition to the safety concerns, the lawsuit alleges the washing machines’ mold growth issues have substantially decreased their value and consumers are owed compensation.

“The mold and mildew problems in the Washing Machines create a geniune nuisance,” according to the Electrolux class action lawsuit. “In addition to being unsightly and noxious, mold and mildew on the inside of a washing machine can damage cloths and other items. Furthermore, the development of mold and mildew in a consumer’s washing machine can lead to a host of health problems, including allergies and complications due to asthma. Needless to say, the mold and mildew problems also substantially decrease the value of these Washing Machines.”

The manufacturer has allegedly refused to correct the problems, instead instructing consumers to wipe the inside steel baskets of their washing machines after each wash cycle and directing them to purchase cleansing agents if they report a problem. Electrolux also tells consumers to leave the washing machine door open after use, which the complaint points out is an unsafe practice, which the manufacturer explicitly warned consumers not do around small children.

Plaintiffs allege that Electrolux has profited, directly and indirectly, by concealing the nature of the defects of the falsely advertised washing machines and has not offered any remedy or solution to prevent mold or mildew growth within the machines.

As a result of the deceptive, unfair, fraudulent, and unlawful conduct alleged, the lawsuit calls for all class members to be compensated with punitive damages and for Electrolux to issue a corrective order to either resolve the issue or replace the machines.

Written by: Russell Maas

Managing Editor & Senior Legal Journalist

Russell Maas is a paralegal and the Managing Editor of AboutLawsuits.com, where he has reported on mass tort litigation, medical recalls, and consumer safety issues since 2010. He brings legal experience from one of the nation’s leading personal injury law firms and oversees the site’s editorial strategy, including SEO and content development.




229 Comments


Jill
Brand new Electrolux and the clothing smells moldy…I won’t even use my comforter after washing it. It is horrible. Less tgN two months old!

Sandra
Unfortunately I just bought a condo with an Electrolux front load washer. The door gasket is full of black mold and it makes the laundry smell. I had a similar machine in my home and had an argument with Electrolux while it was still under warranty. They eventually replaced the gasket at no cost. However even with drying the tub and gasket after each load and using washer cleaner 2 times a month, the mold started again. The door was left open after each load too! Then this machine started leaking from underneath. I had had enough and this Electrolux set was replaced by a top load set. I swallowed the loss. Now I have the same Electrolux night mare in my condo. I would also like to join this law suit. This is real abuse consumer trust.

Michele
I purchased my electrolux front load washer 3 yrs ago and have faithfully cleaned and left the door open after every wash. The rubber seal is moldy and impossible to clean and every load of laundry has an odor. No cleaner or cycle in this machine will resolve the mold issue. Please add me to the lawsuit.

Robin
On 9/13/2016 we purchased front load washer model EIFLS20QSW for $850 as a main level washer. It was initially very convenient as we didn’t have to go down steps since we are elderly. It didn’t take long for the laundry to start to have an odor and I began to research what to do. I’d grown up with always having the lid to a washer open so I couldn’t understand the issue. Unfortunately I am not able to take apart a machine to clean it (and I shouldn’t have to) so we are again going back to the basement to do laundry. I would like to purchase something else but then I would have to deal with getting rid of the Electrolux. Can’t sell/donate a 3 year old $850 machine because it is moldy. Hoping Electrolux will realize that there is frustration with their washer and compensate or fix the issue. Add me to class action lawsuit.

Katie
We have had our washer for 8 years and we have to take the liquid dispenser out Everytime we use it or it won’t drain at all. All of our clothes smell like they live on a frat floor. We are getting new ones today, and I’m so excited. Please add me to the class action suit- so gross

Sara
We bought our Electrolux washer/dryer in March 2014 and have had the same issues – we leave the door open, clean it regularly & it continues to smell moldy, especially when done with a load of laundry. We use cleaning tablets recommended by our repair man when you are supposed to run the cleaning cycle. Prior to that we were using bleach for the clean cycle. I wish I purchased a Miele instead.

Christy
Our washer has to be completely trashed. Bought it less than 3 years ago and I have tried everything to get the mold out. Nothing works. Super poor quality materials for sure. Going to buy another one tomorrow, for sure not one made by this vendor. Add me to the lawsuit.

David
Have the same problem want my money back. And to be added to the lawsuit

Sarah
We purchased a model home with appliances and never knew about this. Yesterday I found this nasty growing petrifying mold. We leave the door open and it has not helped. We have small children and it’s scary leaving it open but we do. My grandson and my daughter are highly allergic to mold and now we know what’s been causing them issues.

Tracy
Same here- add me too.

Guylaine
I have done exactly what everyone else has done above, left the door open, cleaned it with bleach for the cleaning cycles. One frustrating thing is if I miss the cycle I have to manually do it and I always forget how and it’s not in my instructional book so I have to research it online. Sometimes I have to wash a load to her three times to make sure it doesn’t smell. Sometimes, The washing machine leaks a little underneath it. Last night I did a load of laundry and for some reason it would not unlock so my husband had to pry the door off the washing machine now I can’t even do laundry….ugh!

Amanda
I would like my name added. My washer always smells like mold. I’ve tried cleaning it over and over, and it’s still horrible. Now it’s not draining! Probably due to the mold, gunk and slime buikdup.. I have several small children im worried about.

Kressa
I have a front loader Electrolux machine from 2009 that I too have left the door open since day one and wiped gasket on a regular basis. I found that my clothes started to smell like mildew during the wash cycle and clothing was not getting fresh. I pulled our the drawer (liquid dispenser) and the inside of the plastic drawer was full of slimy orange residue and black mold. The plastic pipe that the water drains into the tube is badly stained and smells like mildew. The plastic housing in the drawer is not tested with the proper antibacterial and mold preventative. After years of use I have to rid my machine due to the health hazard it has created for our family. We’ve had strange rashes and chronic sinus issues. I will be glad to get rid of the washing machine, as it is a biohazard. But I’d feel horrible that the machine will be tossed in a landfill before it’s time simply because a company could not build a product fit for its intended use, to get clothes clean. I believe this should be a violation of the NSF STAMP!!!

Yvette
I have a Frigidaire Model LTF2940EE0. It has developed mold on the rubber inside the washer. I have tried everything to clean it. I also have to take the detergent drawer out from time to time to clean it.

Lee
We purchased a very expensive front loading Electrolux washing / dryer combo, whereas the washing machine reeks of odor that adversely affects everything washed, including family exposure to harmful MOLD residue that resists cleaning with bleach and extra rinses. Part of the MOLD problem is attributed to the ineffective self-cleaning function and spin / drain cycle that allows left-over water to remain in the tub after the drain cycle is completed. High quality reliability with proven health safety controls would be expected from Electrolux. However, this is a poorly designed machine that exposes my entire family to known serious MOLD related health issues, including chronic sinus problems needing medical attention.

Lauren
I got really sick from the mold in my clothing. I thought my dryer heating element was out. Nothing I used to clean the mold off the rubber on the washing machine door worked. I had acute bronchitis for over a month. I put my washer and dryer out for the garbage and purchased a top load washer and dryer that I’m very happy with. What a waste of money. Expensive junk.

Bonita
I have a fridgidare front load washer it smells bad from the mold. I have tried cleaning the mold and I just cannot remove all of it. I have tried mant different cleaners.

Donna
I have an Electrolux front load washer and dryer I had this mold mildew smell all the time to the point where it gets in my clothes and can’t get smell out also when washing it smells in my laundry room I just received cards with claim numbers ID10255821 and other is ID10824951 how do I get on list for class action suit

Yen
My husband and I bought Electrolux washer and dryer from the previous homeowner, who bought theirs at a local appliances store in mid-2015. We did not have this same issues with our Samsung washer and dryer, which we left at our previous home when sold. When we first moved into our current home a few months ago, we had to wash everything from the move and found a weird smell in the clothes and towels. We then inspect every crevices in the washer to see what is causing this problem and we discovered BLACK MOLD. We did like what most of the folks on here did — ran the clean cycle, baking soda, vinegar, wiping everything inside after each wash, remove the detergent dispenser, and nothing seems to help. We both have allergies and not sure what else to do except for getting rid of these machines. I would like to be added to this class action lawsuit as well. Please let me know how to get added to this list.

Susan
I was assured by a sears outlet salesman that the mold issue had been resolved when I purchased this washer set #:4c62302864 MD: EFLS517SIWO. I run vinegar through the machine every few weeks as well as bleach every few weeks, keep the door ajar after every wash. When I called customer service, the only fix they suggested was replacing the gaskets which are counted as accessories and not included in the guarantee,

Cindy
Please add to suit. Bought pair in January 2013 and mold is impossible to eradicate.

Joanna
Purchased my electrolux front loader in Dec.2015 and having mold problems despite taking all the precautions …leaving door open, hand drying, and using the clean washer cycle with washing machine cleaners regularly.

Darleen
Please add me to the class action law suit! Have had the smell issue for years. Units are only 8 years old and now washer needs a $500 repair. Have had both serviced many times. So disappointed!!

Kathleen
I purchased the Electrolux front loader and dryer back in April 2014 from day one I’ve been dealing with moldy smelly clothes it’s been truly disgusting also just got a hole in the tub to wash your hose which I read other people have gotten that too washer is a piece of junk spend $2,000 on them how do I become part of this class action lawsuit would love to be refunded for the hassle I’ve been going through the last four years nearly

Paula
I would like to add my name to this Class action law suit. I purchased my Frigidaire (Electrolux) in June of 2013 and have been fighting mold issues. I have left the door open, used cleaning products, Clorox, and tried cleaning the mold out, myself. It still remains and smells. I paid too much for this machine to just throw it out. Please add my name to this suit.

snjezana
We bought Electrolux pair of washer and dryer in believe that they one of the most modern and efficient appliances one could find in market with many upgrades…Produced i Sweden ,well known by excellent steel and mechanic product …Allas ,dryer was delivered four times ,each and everyone disassembled upper metal cover and disfigured….After just three months rubber sealer around the front load doors,showed black mold stains which I treated with bleach,NaHCO3 and white vinegar,all in vain…No improvements ,in fact in two year disgusting growth of molds invaded entire sealer…It is impossible to dry completely the front load doors since there are inward folds which couldn’t be reached…Washer is pure junk I must say ,load of freshly washed items always smell after the mold…Waste of money and frustration every time I wash…I called for change of sealer and was told that I am the one who pays for it despite clearly it is production mistake,and so many people have the same problem…It is shame that Elecrolux doesn’t even consider to put it under the insured repairs…I am sure they are aware of lousy mistakes they are making ,so far…Shame that so many people are actually misleaded to trust and buy this garbage… So we are forced to pay 370 dollars expecting the same problem to happen soon afterwards…

Deborah
Washer has mold and clothes smell so bad,Our towels can’t be used after washing such a funky smell

Emilia
My washing machine is full of mold all around the door It’s not coming out Any ideias

Bob
We have an Electrolux front loading washer that has been causing mildew odor smells in our clothing and towels for years. We have left door open, ran cleaning cycles with bleach and vinegar. Took dispensing drawer out and tried scrubbing and cleaning black mold out of drawer compartment and around drawer. Can’t get all of the mold out what a waste of money. I want my money back to buy a top loader. Help this is gross!

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