Owners of the same model and make of a front-loading washing machine decided to file a class action suit against the manufacturer after their machines accumulated excessive mold and mildew. The manufacturer had engineered residential washing machines with ribbed, convoluted bellows, and a rubber gasket that caused water to be retained at the end of cycles. When product feedback noted the excessive mildew the washing machines created, the manufacturer created an entirely new gasket without replacing the defective models of the original model. In the ensuing court case, an expert familiar with the manufacturing industry was asked to opine on water retention issues in similarly designed residential washing machines.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. What is your experience with front-loading washing machines?
2. Have you come across situations where a rubber gasket causes a front-load washing machine to retain water?
Expert Witness Response E-015900
I have many years of experience working with front-loading washing machines, and have owned my own manufacturing company for over a decade. I have come across many situations where a rubber gasket causes a front-loading washing machine to retain water. I'm assuming the machines need gaskets without a drain; most have a drain where the water will process through but not other material, making it very easy to create mold. There are simple tips for this not to happen and to prevent mold and mildew from occurring.
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