This was never an issue since washing machines aren't part of the real estate... although they are often included in a sale as personal property.   It makes me think twice about getting a front load washer, though.  I do want a new, non agitating, washer (when mine dies) but think I'll stay away from the front loader.  Thanks for the heads up, Jeff Pearl 

I have never trusted those front loading washing machines.  They don't use nearly enough water to get your clothes clean.   Thanks for vindicating me.

Personal property. No.

He does not have to look at someone's dirty laundry.....

Ways to avoid this problem: remove front gasket and clean it out after about every 10 loads. Run a cycle hot with EITHER a 1/2 cup white vineyar OR household bleach.  NEVER have damp clothing sitting in there all day.  Use a laundry basket that has air vents of some kind and do not use the washer as a laundry basket. If you don't have small children or kittens leave the door open when not in use.  Since washing machine is personal property an inspector for a real estate transaction might recommend buyers read about older front loading washing machines but doing an actual mold test seems excessive. If the machine smells funky don't sell it with the house and avoid complaint or problems

Those new ones are really bad about it. Sometimes you can smell them a mile away.

Yes they do check & no moldy ones so far.

Passed the link along to a friend with a stinky washer lol.

washing machines are personal property and I hate to see those items as part of the home inspection.....

I don't inspect anything.  In our state inspectors are not required to inspect personal property.

Seller's who leave those Should Not Guarantee them !!!

I'm not a mold expert so no

Yes, you can smell it. Some top loader stackable models suggest you leave the door open. I have seen washers ruined from doing this. Also it is a good idea to do a bleach load once in a while.

Never.

I am always very specific that the appliances are freebees, not part of the sale (or rental).

We have had that happen so usually, we do not include the washer as included except by sellers convenience.

It's not come up at an inspection as far as I know but I will be on the watch now. Often washers and dryers do not convey in our transactions so it's a non issue. Off to read the article!

No! I wouldn't ever have thought of that. They do check that the machines work though.

I don't inspect so i wouldn't and it is rare for a washing machine to be part of the sale. I have never seen it on any inspection report.

In PA washer /dryer are considered personal property and therefore not inspected.  Thanks for information about mold in front loading washers.  Good to know how to prevent.

I do not think so.

In Texas washing machines are considered personal property..no inspection needed.

No, because washers and dryers here are personal property and do not convey with sale of home.

I didn't know this was a thing until I bought a front loading machine.  A friend of mine had one and advised me to wipe it down and to leave the door open to let it dry out.  I've never had an issue.

Don't see why a home inspector would check that though.  It's personal property and usually doesn't transfer with the house.

I have never had an inspector check a washer, dryer or refrigerator.   They are typically considered personal property in my market and if they convey, they are included "as is".   

That is a great place to look, Yes, he does check that area.

Jeff Pearl Since the wash machine is personal property and normally not part of the offer, I don't see a need for an inspector to look inside.

I don't.  It depends whether they are conveying with the property...

In my experience inspectors do check as to whether the machine works, but if they look for mold, I cannot say - have never seen mold in a washing machine.

I have not seen inspectors do it but i am well aware of what goes on inside them. 

Good idea.

I don't, can't speak for the inspector

This is a good reminder to check them.

I do!

It is true, they have these issue if not maintained properly. 

Jeff Pearl - now that's something that my home inspectot has rarely done - to best of my knowledge.

I've noticed that on my last few inspections, there was a little sniff test in the washing machine.  I figured that was coming up in the new continuing ed curriculum for inspectors!

I don't know but if there is an area of water there will be a certain amount of mold

Good question.  I have not. I am not sure about the inspector, but I don't think so.

Often the washer isn't included in the sale...it's excluded. But even when it's included the inspector will check it to make sure it works. 

I hadn't thought of that, but it is a good idea.

No, I have never heard of that before Jeff Pearl.  We seen mold in a garage ceiling/wall because of a roof leak, but have never checked the inside of a washer.  Something that I will look at in the future, just to check it out! 

I never would have thought about that either. I guess I'll be on the look out in future and won't be buying one of those.  What a costly mistake for them.

Hi Jeff - I don't think I've ever seen that come up on an insection, but I'm personally all to familiar with the problem. Thanks for the link - maybe we have some money coming :)