In tests reported in June 2007, we found that some top-loading washers left stain-soaked swatches nearly as dirty as before washing. Now our tests have revealed that two models in a new line of high-capacity, high-efficiency General Electric front-loaders added schmutz to the wash. We’ve rated them Not Recommended.

Door seals in the GE WCVH6600H[WW], $900, and WBVH5100H[WW], $750, frequently trapped washcloths during the high-speed spin cycle. The seals were abraded and deposited ground-up rubber on the cloths. We tested one unit of each washer before they were sold at retail and one unit each bought at stores anonymously. Door seals in all four washers left the residue, and we couldn’t completely remove the resulting stains with further washing.