INDIANAPOLIS -- If you own a Whirlpool, Kenmore or Maytag front-loading washing machine manufactured between 2001 and 2010, you may be eligible for up to $500 in cash or a voucher toward a new washer as part of a class action settlement.
Call 6 Investigates exposed odor, mold and other defects with front loading washing machines back in 2013.
CALL 6 | Lawsuits claim many front-load washing machines contain hidden mold
The court has not yet approved the settlement, but a hearing is scheduled for September 7 in U.S. District Court in Cleveland, Ohio.
If you’re interested in getting money, you have to submit a claim by October 11, 2016.
Ruth Ogden, of Gas City, bought a Whirlpool Duet front loader around 2004 and said after a year, she started noticing an odor in her clothes.
"My son was as typical teenage slob, and we all thought the odor from him was getting into our clothes," said Ogden, adding that she threw out clothes worth hundreds of dollars.
Ogden ended up spending money on product to clean her washer and to purchase a new washer, but said she might have difficulty getting any cash from the settlement.
“Who saves receipts for 10 years of products to get the stink out of the clothes when you didn’t even know that was causing it?” Ogden said Monday.
Ogden contacted Call 6 Investigates in the hopes of getting some of the settlement.
“It’s not just me, what about people who are worse off than I am?” said Ogden. “I’ve already replaced the washer, and I’ve kind of moved on.”
Depending on the documentation you can provide as a customer, you can receive a $50 cash payment, a 5% or 20% rebate toward the purchase of a new washing machine or dryer, or up to $500 in reimbursem*nt for out-of-pocket expenses for repairs or replacement due to a mold or odor problem.
Attorneys for customers alleged the washers had "serious design defects" that can cause mold and mildew and Whirlpool failed to warn consumers.
Whirlpool released the following statement to RTV6 about the case:
In April 2016, Whirlpool Corporation signed an agreement to settle its pending front-loading washing machine biofilm class-action cases. The settlement requires certain steps, including notification postcards and advertising, to ensure consumers are aware of the settlement administration process. That notification process began in early June, 2016.
The company chose to settle to allow us to remove the continued distraction and expense of litigation. The washers included in the settlement were made during the 2000s, and only a small percentage of consumers ? less than 4 percent ? ever had a complaint about their washers.
Whirlpool feels strongly that this type of litigation is not good for consumers and distracts U.S. manufacturers, like Whirlpool, from providing consumers with innovative, energy-efficient products.
CASE BACKGROUND
On May 11, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio preliminarily approved a nationwide class-action settlement agreement between Whirlpool Corporation, Sears Holdings Corporation and plaintiffs in the front-loading washing machine class-action cases. The settlement resolves all claims involving Whirlpool-manufactured front-loading washers made from 2001 to 2010. These includeWhirlpool,Maytag, andKenmorebranded products.
Case timeline:
- December 31, 2015: Term Sheet signed by Whirlpool Corporation, Sears Holding Corporation and plaintiffs in the front-loading washing machine class-action cases
- April 18, 2016: Proposed, signed settlement agreement filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
- May 11, 2016: Court entered preliminary approval ruling
- June 2016: Settlement notice to class members
- September 2016: Anticipated final approval hearing
- By end-of-year 2016: Anticipated final approval ruling
Companies have made design improvements to their machines, and experts said the new front-loaders have virtually eliminated mold with special vents in the back, hold-open doors to get air inside, and self-cleaning cycles.
Experts say you can cut down on mold by removing damp clothes immediately, only using HE detergent, running a cleaning cycle and leaving the door open when not in use.
Copyright 2016 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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FAQs
The Whirlpool lawsuits claimed that the front-loading washers did not adequately clean themselves of laundry residue, and resulted in mold or mildew buildup, bad odors, and ruined laundry. Owners of these funky front-loaders may qualify for $50, or a cash rebate of 20 percent off the purchase of a new washer or dryer.
What is the Electrolux washing machine class action lawsuit? ›
The lawsuits claim that these washers tend to accumulate bacteria and mold, creating odors and damaging fabrics, according to the proposed settlement notice. About 2,882,000 front-loaders bought from Jan. 1, 2004 through Dec. 31, 2011 are affected, says R.
What is the Whirlpool washing machine settlement? ›
Under the settlement: Customers who had a mold or odor problem within five years of purchase can claim $50 cash or a 20 percent cash rebate on the best-negotiated retail purchase price of certain washers or dryers made by Whirlpool.
What is the Maytag washer mold settlement? ›
CALL 6: Class action settlement reached in stinky, moldy washers case. INDIANAPOLIS -- If you own a Whirlpool, Kenmore or Maytag front-loading washing machine manufactured between 2001 and 2010, you may be eligible for up to $500 in cash or a voucher toward a new washer as part of a class action settlement.
What are the symptoms of mold exposure in washing machines? ›
"Mold can trigger allergic symptoms—including sneezing, itching, runny nose, and congestion—and can also be an irritant to the airways." Molds and bacteria can occur together, though their odor may help you tell them apart in the laundry room.
Can a moldy washing machine be fixed? ›
If you've noticed mold accumulating on the inside of the tub, give it a thorough cleaning by running a hot wash cycle. Pour two cups of white vinegar into your empty washing machine tub and select the hottest and longest available cycle. Once the cycle is complete, open the lid or door and allow the tub to fully dry.
How do I claim my washing machine? ›
Determine business use percentage: If you use an appliance for both business and private purposes, calculate the percentage of business use. You can claim a deduction for the portion of the appliance's cost that relates to your business activities.
How do I check if my washing machine has been recalled? ›
To check if a washing machine is potentially affected, customers will need both the model number and the serial number of the appliance. Both of these codes can be found inside the door, or alternatively on a label on the rear of the appliance.
What washing machines were recalled? ›
Whirlpool announced this week that it is preparing to recall up to 519,000 Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines. The machines are being recalled owing to a fault with the door lock, which results in them posing a fire risk.
What washing machines are being recalled by Whirlpool? ›
The model numbers are:
- WMAQB 641P UK.
- WMAQB 721P UK.
- WMAQB 741G UK.
- WMAQB 741P UK.
- WMAQF 621P UK. L.
- WMAQF 641G UK.
- WMAQF 641P UK.
In this case, you have the right to a repair, replacement and if this fails, a refund. Your legal right to reject faulty goods outright and get a full refund, runs for 30 days only. If a fault develops after six months, the burden is on you to prove the fault existed when the product was supplied.
What is the average lifespan of a Whirlpool washing machine? ›
The lifespan of a washing machine, no matter the brand, is typically 11-14 years. This number is found assuming one load of laundry is done every day.
Can you save a moldy washing machine? ›
If using bleach, pour it into the compartment designated for bleach. If using vinegar, pour it into the detergent slot. If your machine has a self-clean cycle, you can use that setting. This should kill any hidden mold that you may have missed.
Can mold spores survive washing machine? ›
Most mold spores will die at temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), so cold and warm water cycles won't work. Add laundry detergent (regular detergent is fine). Add any other disinfectants, like vinegar, bleach or baking soda. Run two complete cycles on hot water.
How bad is black mold in washing machine? ›
If left untreated, black mould can eat away at the rubber seal and deteriorate. Over time, this may cause your washing machine to leak. While you probably already clean your washing machine drum and drawer, you may have forgotten about the seal that runs around the frame or the door.
Can you sue if you get sick from mold? ›
California tenants who believe they have been harmed by the presence of high concentrations of black mold in their residential rental unit may sue their landlord in court for damages to compensate them for their losses. As in the case of other personal injuries, they would claim negligence on the part of the landlord.
Is it safe to use a Mouldy washing machine? ›
All types of mould are dangerous to be exposed to. When inhaled, ingested, and touched, mould can trigger a range of health issues including an allergic reaction and respiratory infections.
Can black mold in washing machine make you sick? ›
Yes. Just like any mold, mold in the washing machine can make you sick. Symptoms are dependent on what type of mold is growing, but a general set of symptoms accompany almost all mold types.
What is the lawsuit against LG washing machines? ›
LG has agreed to a preliminary settlement of a class-action lawsuit that alleges that LG front-loading washers were prone to developing mold, odors, or both. About 700,000 to 800,000 washers bought in the U.S. between 2002 and 2006 are affected, according to one of the lawyers representing consumers.
