I don't have this model of washer but I always remove the detergent drawer and wipe it down to dry it after washing all of my loads. This way much of the water causing mold can be removed. I leave the drawer out so that air can circulate around and through the dispenser. I guess you could spray mold remover throughout the drawer, but it can be a caustic type of solution so be careful with what you wear while doing this.

Thanks Jerrod, but it defeats buying the “load and go” feature if I can’t load and go

Not that I'd necessarily recommend one, but the brand new 2019 Whirlpool models have a redesigned load and go feature. There is now a drawer at the bottom of the washer to put up to 40 loads worth of detergent and in some models, fabric softener. The new models also have access to the coin trap at the pump. I'm unimpressed with the build quality of the new Whirlpools though. The glass window in the door was replaced with plastic and the dispenser drawer feels flimsy.

Whatever you ultimately choose, you should probably remove the dispenser drawer, empty it and leave it out between loads. That will eliminate any possibility of mold or mildew growing there.

I have the load and go, and it’s the problem. But thanks for trying.

I thought you said the store would take that defective washer back and you could get a replacement. I misunderstood.

Yes, but the Whirpool rep says it is a design flaw and a replacement of the same model will not fix the problem. Sorry for the confusion,

Mold in the dispenser drawer is not a unique problem with WP machines. All brands are subject to it.

All front load detergent drawers stay wet so I am not surprised you have mold. I have an electrolux and always remove the drawer and empty it into washer tub and leave it in the tub. I also dry out the inside of the drawer compartment.

The new 2019 Whirlpool washers have a different design than the one you have although I'm assuming you have a WFW92, so maybe one of their 2019 models will work for you? I suggest going to a retailer and looking at the new models in person. Here is the new model, I assume it's different than what you already have?

https://www.whirlpool.com/laundry/washers/front-load/p.5.0-cu.-ft.-front-load-washer-with-load-and-go-xl-dispenser.wfw8620hc.html

We have the new Miele w1 with TwinDos and have zero mold problems. The difference may be that the Miele system is closed. The chemical pumps have zero water that goes through them. The bottles are inserted and the system is sealed. Detergent and oxygen bleach are the only things that are ever in the pumps and lines.

We have had Bosch or Miele washers now for almost two decades and have never had mold in the dispenser tray or anywhere else for that matter. We routinely do 60C and sanitize washes so that keeps mold from growing.

The W1 might be smaller than you are used to and the cost will be top end. We do laundry for 14 people now with one set and we can keep up. If your family is smaller I am sure they would work fine.

I use vinegar in every load, putting it where the fabric softener would go. I've had front-loaders for about 15 years and never had any mold.

Any updates?

I’m late to this conversation but found it while googling my mold issues with the Maytag front loaders. The load and go feature is unreliable as the tray is always filled with water. I never know how much detergent is in the compartment. Not to mention I removed the tray and found so much mold. Like it was covering the entire removable tray on both sides and the inside where the tray sits. The smell was horrible. My model is Maytag 8630. Not impressed.

Me too, I wipe it down after a few washes. Take the tray out and leave it to drain in the sink. Ridiculous, could have been solved with making the tray drain down. At least it
would help.