DENVER (CBS4) –  Some of the top washing machine manufacturers have settled class action lawsuits after consumer complaints about problems with mold and odors.

Michael Vogler was one of the lead plaintiffs who told CBS affiliate KTVT in Dallas his front-loader washing machine was a “clothes soiler instead of a clothes washer.”

Vogler said he noticed his allergy problems worsening, his clothes smelling, and he found a mold streak on one of his clean shirts. That’s when he discovered a black slimy film inside the machine.

The lawsuits claim the front-loader machines are defective because the machines were designed with air-tight seals that created a breeding ground for slimy bacteria or “biofilm.”

Photo credit: CBS

The lawsuits involve 5.6 million Whirlpool, Maytag and Kenmore front-loaders made by Whirlpool purchased from 2001 through 2010. Those washing machine owners who opt-in to the settlement by October could be entitled to a $50 cash payment, a rebate on a new machine, or reimbursement for repairs. Visit washersettlement.com for more information. The company says it is also notifying customers about the class action lawsuit. Call 1-844-824-5781 for more information.

Full list of affected Whirlpool machines: http://www.washersettlement.com/pdf/Eligible_Washer_Models.pdf

Photo credit: CBS

LG has also reached a settlement involving 800,000 front-loaders purchased between 2002 and 2006. Owners could receive $35 or a cash rebate on a new machine. Visit http://www.lgwashersettlement.com/ for more information.

Class action lawsuits against other manufacturers are still pending.

Mark Ackerman is a Special Projects Producer at CBS4. Follow him on Twitter @ackermanmark