Has ruined my clothes since I day 1 - tears holes or stains

ComplaintsAppliancesWhirlpool Duet Front Loading Automatic Washer

Complaint

0
kristi
Country: United States
I purchased WFW 9470WL01 washer last year and have had problems with it ever since.  
At first it had error signals, then it stained all of my towels and bath mats (that's at least $500), and now it is literally ripping holes in all of my clothing.  
I starting documenting the ruined items (with pictures) 9 months after purchase because I thought I was going crazy.  I kept having repair guys out and they first said it was because the water pressure wasn't high enough, thus the stains and holes being caused by items rubbing together without enough water.  But I am still getting holes in my clothes.  The most insulting part is that the repair guys now suggest I am tearing holes in my own clothing by rubbing against my counter tops or wearing belts.  fyi, I wear an apron every time I cook, and I don't wear belts.
I called Whirlpool and they were unsympathetic and would offer no concessions because the appliance is 1 yr and 5 months old.  
As a business owner, I would want to know if they food I served made someone sick or if the service my business provided frustrated them to the level I have reached.  I would also make it right no matter what it cost me.
I have read reviews on the whirlpool duet online and found the overwhelming majority of people are having myriad problems with this machine.
I only bought the new whirlpool because my previous whirlpool duet was so great.  
Every representative I talk to swears they aren't hearing complaints about this appliance.  I can't believe that.
I think it should be recalled.  I want it OUT of my house.  It is the devil and can't be trusted with anything important.
What else can I do when I place my brand new $60 shirt inside FOUR linen wash bags, set it on delicate, select "no spin" and it comes out with a hole in it?  I bought this shirt yesterday to replace one of many shirts that have been ruined this summer. I didn't cook in it, I didn't wear a belt with it, I put it in 4 linen bags on delicate, no spin and it is ruined.
What are my options?  
Never again Whirlpool.  I will never buy your products again.  And every chance I get I will tell people to stay away from this manufacturer that doesn't stand behind it's products.

Comments

  • 0
    WP2008
    Hi kristi.  My name is Melanie and I am a representative with Whirlpool. We apologize about the frustration you have experienced with your washer.  If you would like us to look into this further, please provide your name, the name of the site you were contacted on (Complaintwire), your user ID name (kristi), your phone number, your address, the full model and serial number, and email the requested information to Whirlpool.Digital@whirlpool.com.  We would be happy to review your concerns further. Sincerely, Melanie.
  • 0
    Ernie
    My Whirlpool has ruined all my Christmas tablecloths.  I had 6 of them.  I brought them to school to use for our school's potluck.  I took them home and washed them and the machine pulled all the threads and bunched up the tablecloths.  I couldn't believe it.  I experimented and washed 1 tablecloth with a sheet and used the delicate cycle and it still pulled the threads and ruined it.  I have wasted several hundred dollars which I cannot afford to do.  I can't believe I have to go back to handwashing.  I am very disappointed in this product and my husband is absolutely fed up with me complaining.
  • 0
    val henderson
    My whirlpool is doing the same thing chewing up clothing . My wife is fit to be tide. Went to the store where we bought it, and they say there is nothing wrong with it.  This machine is 13 months old, how convenient whirlpool puts a 12 month warranty. I had whirlpools before with out any problems, but this is the last one for me. Kristi if your out there would like to hear from you to help us out with this nightmare. You can reach me at valhen@optonline.net
  • 0
    disgusted Michelle
    I too have had nothing but problems with my Whirlpool Washing machine.  My model number is WFW9050XW00.  It has ruined shorts, shirts, pillow cases, sheets, you name it, it's ruined it.  I can't believe the money that you pay for appliances these days and the horrific quality.  And of course, since it's over warranty, there is nothing that can be done about it, what a crock!  I won't ever buy a Whirlpool appliance again - I can assure you of that.  The money that we were to "save" buy this purchase on energy costs, water costs etc. has easily been thrown out of the window for all of the clothing and other washables that I have had to replace.

    Disgusted...
  • 0
    jim
    We also have a Whirlpool Model: wfw9050xw00 that's been nothing but trouble. It gave errors and small socks get clogged. It's about 2 years old and it's shredding our clothes too. Want to start a campaign on social media against Whirlpool. Looks like I have lots of company.
  • 0
    Laura
    I am having the same problem.  I think I am going to have to throw in  the towel (No pun intended! ) and get a new washer altogether.  I will never buy a Whirlpool again!
    BTW, Jim, I have had the mysterious sock sucking issue, also.
  • 0
    kristi
    | 1 reply
    Hello all,

    Since you asked how my whirlpool duet front loader clothes shredder is progressing I'm happy to report back...but it's not good.
    Whirlpool called me after my rant (see above) and suggested that I have a hairline fracture in my gasket (the rubber ring around the edges) and to have it replaced.  I did, and it worked....for about 8  months.  Now my front loader is ripping holes in my clothes all over again.  I discovered 18 holes in my expensive sheer tshirt at the airport - unable to do anything but steam about it for the next 12 hours, I'm ready to fix or fight this problem.
    Valhen - another solution offered that might work for you is to only wash on the bulky cycle, as that cycle provides the most water in the tub (according to whirlpool) and could alleviate some of the tearing issues.  Didn't work for me, but maybe for you?
    I called today and spoke with a supervisor who assured me she's the highest level I can reach to resolve this problem.  She didn't have much to offer, besides have it repaired again.  So for the fourth time I will have a repair guy come tell me he doesn't see anything wrong with it....however, she did suggest that whirlpool can provide a discount for a replacement if you purchase directly through them.  I'm debating... but I can tell you I'm leaning towards a top loader, as it seems obvious to me that the front loader machines have a lot more issues than old fashion top loader.
    All in all, I think it's a shame Whirlpool can't own up to this obvious problem.  The supervisor I spoke with said she'd never heard of this problem.  I just can't believe Whirlpool isn't painfully aware of these issues. These duets should be recalled or we complainers should all get free replacements if we are brave enough to dare subject our wardrobes to these machines again...  Personally I could literally use some psychological therapy as this has got to be the most frustrating/unresolvable issue I've ever had.  Marital counseling would be appreciated too, Whirlpool, as my husband doesn't find it economically feasible to replace a washer after 2 years...
    Honestly though, if anyone is as seriously motivated about this as I am, I would start a class action suit or some sort of litigation if you'd join me!
    Thanks!
    • 0
      Samia replies to kristi
      Hi, just wondering if you got this problem solved.  It turns out that the tears in the clothing are happening due to a tear in the rubber and as a result clothes were getting stuck.  I believe the tear is in the gasket.
      You can email me back at tan.samia@gmail.com

      Looking forward to your response.
      Thanks
  • 0
    steph
    I Have also had problems with my whirlpool duet washer.....It has ruined at least ten items of clothes...I have tried every cycle...Its random..its like my clothes are chewed up....Very disappointed!!!!!!Will Never buy Another Whirlpool washer!!!!!!!!
  • 0
    sandra
    I have the same problem!  And have found no solution!  I will also never buy another whirlpool product again!
  • 0
    Leslie
    My Whirlpool WFW9050XW00 purchased Aug 2011 is also shredding random clothing, today a brand new dri-fit shirt - looks like an angry cat went psycho on the bottom third. Debating whether to call service since it sounds like it could be a wasted effort. Definitely sucks to be afraid to wash my clothes.
  • 0
    April
    | 1 reply
    My Whirlpool WFW9050XW00 purchased Feb 2011. I have had issues with clothes being shredded and it won't spin for the final spin even without clothes in it it beeps 3 times and then pauses and beeps till we go turn it off. I have tried leaving it unplugged all night to reset  the washer. There is nothing in the pump. I have for kids and the laundry just keeps piling up.
    • 0
      robin replies to April
      We had that problem!!!!!  Take the bottom off and empty the pee trap!  There was 3 socks in ours!  My husband even did it himself! now it works! youtube it.
       Still rips clothes though!!!!!!! :(
  • 0
    Bryan
    Same washer  (WFW9050XW00) ... same story.  Purchased 3 years ago and has been tearing clothes for about a year.  Contacted Whirlpool several times and... what a surprise, they've never heard of this problem.  Not sure I believe that.  And now... just this week the drain pump went.  At least it can't tear any clothes if we can't use it.  What a piece of junk.  Will never buy another Whirlpool appliance.  Wouldn't even want one if they gave it to me for free.

    Sounds like a class action lawsuit to me.
  • 0
    Carole
    We've had our Whirpool Duet for for nine years.  When it was 4 years old we had a three month period where they replaced different boards (which was quite an ordeal) but overall it has served us well. However, last night my son took his brand new  wicking t-shirt out of the washer and went to lay it to dry and it was full of holes and had dark stains all over it.   This was an expensive, specially screen printed shirt we can't just reorder as it was done for a sports team.  Reading some of the other posts it sounds like a lot of the clothes were these light weight kind of things.  Not excusing it, but wondering if they more easily get caught.  I am assuming it somehow got caught between the drum and the housing.
  • 0
    Braxwell
    I wish I had researched the model before buying a few years ago.... have the same model mentioned above WFE9050XW00 and it has been destroying clothes for some time now. I think I have lost at least 6 articles of clothing. It twists the shape out of shirts and can leave big holes and shred clothing.
    The older it gets the more it seems to be happening. I'm scared to have a repairman come and pay massive fees to have nothing resolved.
    At this point I don't think I'll buy Whirlpool again! I have an email in to their customer service but seeing as it's 3 years old now they probably can't do anything which is ridiculous as I wanted a washer that would wash clothes for a few years... not tear them up and force me to buy a new set.
  • 0
    Steven
    I have been having the same problems with this washing machine.  I call it the clothing eater.  These washing machines are not cheap.  I am more than willing to join in a class action lawsuit as Whirlpool doesn't seem to be doing much to help.  Shame on them.  You would think that a reputable company would stand behind their products.  My guess is that they are not that reputable anymore.  They obviously know that they have a problem.  Hey WHIRLPOOL, here's idea.....its called a recall notice.  Remember a happy customer tells 10 people, an unhappy tells 100.  Think about it.  As a builder I offer many of my clients appliance packages.  I have removed Whirlpool and any other products that they manufacture under a different name from my list of recommendations.  Anyone interested in starting a class action lawsuit feel free to contact me at wrillc68@live.com.
  • 0
    April
    I have also had the same problems.  It has ruined sheets, sweaters, clothes....urg!  So, nobody has had any luck with whirlpool offering a refund?  I haven't contacted them yet, but I plan on contacting them soon.  And yes, Steven, I am with you!
    They should issue a recall!!!  I have owned many other whirlpool products and never had a problem.  I think this is just a poorly designed washer.
  • 0
    CMM
    I am also having the same issue. In Febuary of 2013 the front door of the washer was replaced. The A&E service man informed me there was a service bulletin for the machine at that time. The cost was placed on me, the consumer, because the product was months outside of the warranty. It took serval appointments before the problem was resolved. The customer service department at Whirlpool has been less than helpful as was the service representative at Lowes. The machine has occassionally torn clothing since then, however upon taking out the last load, my clothing is again shredded with huge holes. I also have documented all of the distorted clothing and linens with photos.
  • 0
    Lonnie
    Having the same problem with my Whirlpool in the basement … know it is not water pressure because I also have a whirlpool upstairs that is running fine. Have never had a washing machine eat holes in my clothes until now.

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