Lawsuit: Electrolux Washing Machines Cause Mold Buildup

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Electrolux Home Products, Inc. was hit with a class action lawsuit in a Florida court, alleging that certain models of its front-loading washing machines are prone to mold and mildew as the result of a design defect.

According to plaintiffs Wendy and Nicholas Grasso, the Electrolux washing machines at issue are also sold under the brand names Frigidaire and Kenmore.

They allege in their Electrolux class action lawsuit filed in the Miami-Dade County circuit court on Jan. 2 that the design defects of the Electrolux washing machines lead to mold and mildew accumulation which causes an “odor that can permeate a consumer’s home.” In addition, this mildew odor also affects the clothing that is washed.

The Grassos explain in their Electrolux washing machine class action lawsuit that these mold and mildew problems are caused by four factors: “(a) the failure of the washing machines to drain properly and to eliminate moisture following wash cycles, (b) the failure of the washing machines to rinse away and remove dirt, detergent, fabric softeners and oils that accumulate and contribute to mold and mildew, (c) the failure of the washing machines to prevent the accumulation of residues that contribute to the formation of mold and mildew, and (d) the failure of the washing machines to clean themselves in manner necessary for the proper functioning of the machines for the purpose for which they are intended.”

In addition to the horrible odor allegedly caused by the buildup of mold and mildew in the Electrolux washing machines, the class action lawsuit also alleges that “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.”

The Grassos allege in their front loading washing machine class action lawsuit that Electrolux knew before “marketing and selling the washing machines, that the machines were inherently defective,” and that they did not work according to their intended use.

“Electrolux was in the exclusive possession of this information . . . and Electrolux had a duty, under all circumstances, to disclose the defect to plaintiffs and class members,” the class action lawsuit adds.

The Grassos claim that they purchased a Frigidaire washing machine made by Electrolux in 2010. In February 2012, they began to notice a smell on their clothes even after they had been washed, but they were not aware that “the odors were caused by biofilm that had developed in their Frigidaire washing machine.”

By May 2012, they allegedly began to notice black streaks on their clothes and towels, which is when they started to notice that there were “mold and mildew deposits on the steel drum inside the machine.”

They claim in their Electrolux class action lawsuit that they bought several cleaning products to try “to rid the machine of the mold, mildew and odor problems, all to no avail, and several of their garments have been ruined by the biofilm.”

The Grassos explain in their class action lawsuit they contacted Electrolux about the mold issues and told them to wipe around the gasket and keep the washing machine door open to help prevent mold buildup, which they say made no difference. In fact, it only led to additional problems, because it caused the plastic around the door to dry out and crack.

Electrolux would not replace the washing machine because it said that the manufacture warranty does not cover mold, according to the class action lawsuit.

The class is for all individuals in the state of Florida “who purchased Electrolux washing machines primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, and not for resale.”

They are charging Electrolux with breach of express warranty, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, and declaratory relief.

The Grassos are represented by John A Yanchunis and Laura V. Yaeger of Morgan & Morgan PA and Edward A. Wallace and Amy E. Keller of Wexler Wallace LLP.

Counsel information for Electrolux is not yet available.

The Electrolux Washing Machine Class Action Lawsuit is Grasso et al. v. Electrolux Home Products Inc., Case No. 2015-58-CA-01, in the Circuit Court for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida.

UPDATE: On Oct. 10, 2017, consumers will be offered coupons or reimbursements, according to a settlement agreement offered by Electrolux to end two class actions over moldy washing machines.

UPDATE 2: January 2018, the Electrolux, Frigidaire, Kenmore moldy washer class action settlement is now open. Click here to file a claim.