I-Team: Washing Machines Could Be Hiding Health Hazards

BOSTON (CBS) - A washing machine is supposed to clean clothes, not stink up a house. Many owners of front load washers are reporting problems with the buildup of slime and mold. A growing number of consumers are now heading to court.

Kathleen Caddell of Plymouth thought one of these energy efficient machines would be a good investment, but she quickly regretted making the purchase. "I couldn't take it anymore because there was black mold actually getting in there, so it was a true health and human safety hazard."

The problem was poor drainage around the door. Kathleen needed to use an extra towel after every load just to sop up the extra water that got trapped around the door. "It had a stench to it."

Calls to the manufacturer frustrated Caddell. "There was no remedy for it, except it was my job to clean out the machine every time. So clearly, if I had known that, I would never have purchased the machine to begin with. I would have gotten a top loader until they figured out a better design."

Class action lawsuits are now pending against several top washing machine makers, such as Kenmore, Whirlpool, LG, and Bosch.

There is also a suit pending against Frigidaire which made Kathleen's machine. Other owners are also claiming that the machine produced a mold or mildew odor that could permeate a home.

Attorney Ed Wallace of Wexler Wallace in Chicago is one of the attorneys handling the case against Frigidaire. "The company knew there was a problem as early as April 2007, and rather than recall the machines and letting consumers know there was a problem, they continued to sell the machines."

In a statement, Frigidaire disputed the existence of a design defect. Other manufactures stated a majority of customers are satisfied, and added these machines work well if the operating instructions are closely followed.

Chris Blanchette of Mr. Appliance of the Merrimack Valley books a lot of service calls for homeowners unhappy with the smell and performance of their front loader. "If you are ruining your clothes, it's expensive."

Blanchette said most owners describe a swampy odor that gets into their clothes.

Caddell is much happier with a new machine that has better drainage around the door. She is considering joining the Class Action suit. "It is very frustrating as a consumer, reaching out to the manufacturer and saying here's a clear design problem, can you fix it, or can you replace it, and they don't stand behind their product."

There are few things to try if your machine is giving off a bad odor: make sure to use the recommended amount of detergent; swap liquid fabric softener for dryer sheets; run some bleach through the machine; wipe the door and gasket down with a disinfecting sheet; and leave the door open when not in use, as long as there are no children or pets present.

Send tips for the I-Team to iteam@cbsboston.com or call 617-779 TIPS