Originally Posted by
lass
My sister bought front loader and she has to 1) keep the door open so that it dries out thoroughly or it smells and 2) has to use a special product to "was" the machine every so often. She said she would not buy it again. She is short 5'2" so bending was not so much of an issue and she does have back issues, but did not complain about that. Good luck with your choice.
Even on a top loader they suggest you leave to lid open to dry out the tub. As for the "wash" to clean the nasties out. Depending on your water, whether it is city or well, the cleaning cycle usually has to be done every three months or so. It's like keeping the oven clean, every once in a while you have to use the self cleaning cycle.