Have you done a wash with vinegar added to the water (put in soap dispenser)? That might kill off the stink.

I replaced my smelly front loader last summer after it broke. I got a Whirlpool top loader with no agitator. It is great for washing lots of sheets, towels, comforters (with kids who still wet the bed occasionally, this is wonderful). However, it does not get stains out nearly as well as my front loader did.

I hated my Samsung front loader. Did everything right -- wiped down the gasket, left the door open anytime it wasn't running. It still got moldy and stinky.

Replaced it with a GE with microban gasket (mold/mildew resistant) and a vent feature that dries the machine out when you are done washing. 3 years in and I still love my washing machine. Never have to leave the door open and there's absolutely no mold. Would highly recommend.

Love my LG top loader without agitator. Bought it at Costco. I got a huge capacity, and our babysitter is short and has to use a step stool. Maybe get lower capacity?

We use these once a month... https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00132Q9M2/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=b80cda472993b3fb04b0097476882d75&hsa_cr_id=0&qid=1695834639&sr=1-1-9e67e56a-6f64-441f-a281-df67fc737124&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_lsi4d_asin_0_img&pd_rd_w=HPMfU&content-id=amzn1.sym.cd95889f-432f-43a7-8ec8-833616493f4a%3Aamzn1.sym.cd95889f-432f-43a7-8ec8-833616493f4a&pf_rd_p=cd95889f-432f-43a7-8ec8-833616493f4a&pf_rd_r=M5HSRCFW0RWCAGX1ZSH0&pd_rd_wg=SrIUa&pd_rd_r=bdb00e49-bc06-46d5-8e5b-78b5acd26d25

Plus wipe the gasket and detergent tray with a vinegar soaked rag periodically. Not thrilled about the need for regular maintenance but the smell went away

I have a Samsung top loader with no agitator post and it works great. I'm 5'8", so I can't tell if it would work for you.

Anecdotal info: About 10 years ago, I got a Maytag washer that died in about two years. Then got a Whirlpool that died in about a year. Samsung is eight years and no problems.

The last two times I bought a house, I had to replace the washer/dryer due to the previous owners not taking proper care of it, and the one owner must have used a ton of fabric softener because those machines stunk.

Whatever you do, don't get a non-agitator top loader. I tried that and returned it the next day.

Due to placement - stackable then counter over top, I've been using front loaders again. Adding some water at the start helps get a better wash on light loads. I sometimes miss how well top load with agitator cleaned but do not miss balancing/re-balancing.

I'll probably stick with front, but don't have smell issues unless the door gets closed. I just leave it open a crack.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We switched from a front loader to a top loader for all these reasons OP. I'm not super tall but not super short and don't find it to be a problem. My DD sometimes uses a heavy stool to remove laundry from the machine if my DH or I are not around.

Agree it's fantastic to be able to wash bulky items like comforters and pillows. We do have to be careful about balancing the washer when we do this, but I've gotten the hang of it.

We are moving soon and if we wind up in a house with a front loader, I plan to just replace with a top loader because I don't want to go back.

I feel wasteful because I think this machine would last another 10 years and I shouldn't replace, but then I think about having to do my laundry in this thing for a decade and get frustrated!

Donate to someone willing to clean it out -- it won't be wasted, so you don't have to feel guilty

Got a Speed Queen about 2 years ago and best decision! I replaced a POS Samsung non agitator top loader which was really awful at washing clothes and took forever to run through a cycle. The Speed Queen actually cleans my clothes and the cycle is fast. Have not had any damage to clothes. Note though the Speed Queen is not as cavernous as the Samsung, so can't fit as many clothes, but that might work to your advantage since you are short.

We have an LG top loader and matching dryer that work great. I don't know the model name but it was mid priced. I use a plastic fork to get things out from the bottom.

Anonymous wrote:Front loaders are awful. You don't have to participate in this nonsense.

I bought a speed queen top loader and am living my best life.

+1

Top loader, no agitator, stepstool. All problems solved. Front loaders are the literal worst.

we had a front loader that stank (i think there was mold collecting on the inside of the washer, not just the seal.

I upgraded to an excellent front loader (Miele) and we have no problems now. And, both it cleans very well and is gentle on the clothes.

I was reading the Steve Jobs biography recently and saw that he bought the same one, after doing loads of research, and I felt very vindicated.

It's more expensive, but so worth it.

Anonymous wrote:We switched from a front loader to a top loader for all these reasons OP. I'm not super tall but not super short and don't find it to be a problem. My DD sometimes uses a heavy stool to remove laundry from the machine if my DH or I are not around.

Agree it's fantastic to be able to wash bulky items like comforters and pillows. We do have to be careful about balancing the washer when we do this, but I've gotten the hang of it.

We are moving soon and if we wind up in a house with a front loader, I plan to just replace with a top loader because I don't want to go back.

I feel wasteful because I think this machine would last another 10 years and I shouldn't replace, but then I think about having to do my laundry in this thing for a decade and get frustrated!