We bought the WM 0642 HW in 2011 and after using it nearly daily for 5 years, thought we would offer some thoughts. We have our 85+ y/o mother and her attendant (and attendant's husband) as well as two college age children all using this machine, and it gets nearly daily use. It has run strong for five years with a couple minor problems which can be repaired by a handy homeowner. The pluses: -uses very little water or soap -gets clothes clean and just damp at cycles-end so drying time is short -Can do a few loads a day with no noticeable wear/tear -Washes a lot of clothes at one time - can fit several large towels and get them clean -Quick cycle can do a complete load in about 34 minutes The problems: -Have replaced the thermister twice. It is only about $10-15 so no big deal, but there is a flaw in the design of the potted connection into the device that causes the wire to wear out - It seems like LG/Tromm buys out this item, so i suspect that other washers have similar issues. -The door gasket got a small tear and leaked all over the floor after about 4 years. A new gasket was about $60, but easy to replace. It seems LG/Tromm has improved the design of the gasket as the new one had some improvements that have made a big difference - see below. A number of people on other websites have complained about mold and odor from the gasket. This is a problem if you don't keep the machine clean. A few things we've learned: First, after every day's wash, you need to wipe down the gasket and behind the gasket with a dry rag. Second, if you're not using the machine again, you need to leave the door open for an hour or two to let it air out. Third, lint can build up in the sump, so every few months you should pull the drain plug and let it drip empty - that will get a bunch of lint out of the machine - if you smell an odor inside the machine (not in the gasket), then you definitely need to do this.

GBinNY

New York

This machine is garbage. Go online Google LG washers, you will see many many testimonials of leaks from the cheap hoses they use and they wear out fast causing leaks. Ruined a very expensive sweater. Washed it after I washed white. It came out bleached. Going back to regular machine, no more front loaders for us.

CharlesH16

Amherst Ohio 44001

We've had our LG front load washer for roughly 4 years now. There are several things I like about it. First off you can program different cycles so that you only need to push a button to start the wash cycle. I'm not sure how easy this was to do as the appliance delivery guy set it up for us. I did notice that it was a push of a few buttons and that was it. You can specify the soil level so that it cleans a bit more if they're extra dirty, you can set the spin cycle speed, hand wash, delicate, extra tub rinse (sanitize) and more. I love that when my clothes come out of the washer, they're really not all that wet anymore so they're in my dryer for a short amount of time. In the 4 years we've had the washer/dryer I haven't had any problems or needed any type of repair work done to it. We ended up purchasing these as floor models so they were much cheaper than the "full price". They've been awesome and I highly recommend this to anybody in the market for a new one!

selinaken

Hughson, CA

This LG was simply not the washing machine for our family. We have had nothing but problems with it. It constantly malfunctions and has required several repairs. Calling customer service has been nothing but a hassle and it is like pulling teeth to get them to help. There are no LG certified repair people in our area which has added even more to our misery. The clothes do not get wet enough. They also do not come out clean. I have had to rewash loads very frequently. The machine always malfunctions and I get so sick and tired of hearing the malfunction beeper go off. It leaks water under the bottom. I honestly have had nothing but trouble with this machine and wish I could get another one, but feel I have to stick this one out until it dies for good and for that- the sooner the better.

apple3

In Upstate, NY

I have nerve problems in arms and legs and my son talked us into getting this washer so I could accesss the cleaned clothes easier. I am so grateful to him for that. It uses so much less water and soap and I have absolutely no problems getting to any area of the tub. It has a cycle for cleaning tub so I don't mind using it for some of my husbands "dirtier" clothes that he can get.

jodubbs

Cairo, NE

I didn't think I'd like this product but I was pleasantly surprised. It's fast and energy-efficient. However, it leaves a musty smell and every once in a while I forget to throw something into the wash and would like to throw in an errant sock or underwear. Can't do that with this model.

jonihar

Des Plaines, IL

When I purchased my LG front loader it worked great. Then I had an issue with the order, maintenance person advised, "Always leave door open" "use a cleaner once a month". (cleaner 7.99 for 3-tabs) Then it was taking a much longer time to wash, maintenance again "must check hoses for build up, they tend to get clogged". Also, LG a horrible company to deal with. I will never purchase another LG product again. I have other LG appliances with issues spent over 5000.00. Never again.

terryga54

Penryn, CA

I love my front loader!! It is really gets the clothes clean and and smells so fresh. You only need a small amount of laundry detergent. With the traditional washing machine I would fine that I was using more to get the clothes clean. Our laundry room is unfinished due to my husband getting deployed so it was put on hold but I am able to still do laundry then in the basement of our house which was very inconvienient. My only complaint is the room gets really cold below a certain temperature the residual water will freeze where you put the soap in and then it doesn't work. So we keep an area heater to keep the room warm. I do fine myself once in awhile to leave the door open so there won't be a musty smell.

bri123

Kearney, NE

I've had multipe problems with this washer. First, it doesn't seem to wash clothes all that well and it takes forever (58mins / load!!). I bought it because its supposed to save water AND was my clothes properly, however it doesn't seem to do that all that well. Second, the washing machine started to grow mildew all over it. I had to take the whole thing apart clean the outside of the steel drum and flush all the pumps. It was a HUGE PITA and took me almost 3 days to complete. Third, do not use tide HE detergent, it causes mildew to grow. Use some other brand like ECOS, for some reason this works much better. Also, put in about 1/2 cup white vinegar, this will prevent future mold. In addition, run empty with chlorine once a month (make sure to use extra rinse otherwise chlorine doesn't get fully pumped out) and then drain the washer by opening the drain thing on the bottom. Keep the washer door open while its not in use so mildew doesn't grow.

ceven77

Arcadia, CA

My dryer went out, and I figured my washer was getting old, so why not buy both at the same time and get a matching set. The goal was to get a new set, so I wouldn't have to worry about repairs for quite some time, and no headaches. RIght? Wrong! My LG Washer went out 1 year to the day. Luckily, LG did have good customer service and I did get it fixed right away under the warranty. Whew! However, the repair guy did something wrong, and when I started the "fixed" unit up, water went everywhere. They had to come back out and fix their mistake. I do notice it is kind of smelly, but had chalked it up to my well water. After reading some other reviews, I find others have the same problem. I've done more research since I've purchased this unit, and if I were to buy again today, I probably wouldn't even buy a front loader. They tend to wear out faster due to the design of a front loader. Gravity pulls on the big open tub (no agitator) and causes the unit to die. Oh, I have problems with the dryer now, too. How was this helping my headache?

beckymcatee

Brighton, MO