The model number would be helpful to determine the features.

Some Samsungs have a machine-cleaning cycle. My sister's has that, it heats to 130°F and runs at distribution-spin to slosh the water all around the tub.

Using chlorine bleach on a regular basis (weekly whites load) helps ward-off mildew.

Also run a FULL HOT wash on a regular basis, on the Heavy cycle (perhaps that weekly whites load) or Sanitary if the machine has it with onboard heating ... the designated Normal cycle dumbs-down the temperatures such that warm may be 75°F to 80°F and hot 95°F. That's not sufficient to keep the machine clean of accumulated "greasy" soils.

Avoid liquid fabric softener.

Katz, what powder detergent do you use?

I recently moved into an apartment with a front loader with mold on the boot and gunk built up on the 'outer' drum. Thanks to all the tips on this board I was able to get it cleaned up. I used affresh tablets on maintenance(hot) cycle to get all the gunk out (affresh recommends running 3 consecutive cycles for built up dirt). Went through 4 packages of affresh. Switched out the boot even though it looked much better since it wasn't worth my time to scrub it to death although some people have mentioned scrubbing the boot with chlorine bleach worked for them. For my previous front loader, I took care of it by making sure to use HE detergent and measuring it (requires very little, 1-2 TBS? depending on load size). Don't use fabric softener. I used to run a hot cycle / sanitize monthly with vinegar (manual for my machine advised against using chlorine bleach in machine). After use, must wipe dry the outside of rubber boot and reflect the boot to get the inner portion dry as well. Remove the detergent tray to air dry. I always leave the door open to air it. Occasionally wipe down the detergent tray, rubber boot, and spray nozzles above detergent tray with vinegar.

Greeny - I've used Sears detergent ever since I got my first FL. Sadly it's been discontinued but I have enough inventory to get by for a couple years I think.

I have a Samsung FL and my wife and I use an old towel to wipe the rubber door seal after every wash. We also lift the seal from the drum and wipe that area dry. Then the only mold will be internal where a cycle with Chlorox will kill the mold.

Katz, Sears is what we used my entire childhood. It's a good detergent.

I have been using a front loader since 1998, and have had no problem with smells or mold. I always leave the washer door wide open between uses, always use powdered detergents, and never use fabric softener of any kind. I wash everything in warm or hot water, even items that call for cold. I just don't think cold water gets anything clean. Most likely these various habits help me to avoid mold problems.

Also, it is dry here in Colorado. That probably helps too.

I have had front loaders all my life. Growing up, the Miele washer was in the kitchen. It was never left open. I have never left mine open for over 20yrs. There is no mold or mildew. I wash with hot water often and mostly use powdered detergent but I use liquid for lacks and silk.

Good luck!

My routine is:

• Leave door open at least the minimally required amount.
• Pull tray out at least half way between loads.
• Empty excessive water from tray that won't evaporate within a reasonable time.
• Run extremely little cold loads if ever.
• Run hot loads and sanitize when needed.
• Occasionally wipe down door and boot.
• Run Affresh on the 1st of every month, regardless if my Elux 617 tells me or not.

Drum is still extremely shiny and fresh.

My Speed Queen front loader has been remarkably trouble free for almost two years now, and I have been remarkably lazy. I expected the worst, but I have needed to do nothing to maintain it or clean it. We wash almost exclusively on hot, alternate liquid and powder about 50/50. We leave the door wide open for at least an hour after using, then close it not quite shut. I wipe out the boot once in a while, and clean the detergent drawer quarterly, but never leave the drawer pulled out. No smell, ever. No mold. Just . . . No problem.

I've ha had my whirlpool duet for over 10 years now and have no mold problem or smell. I use mostly liquid detergent, wash in eiether warm or hot, and leave the door and detergent tray opened a little after each load. I also run the clean washer cycle with bleach every 6 weeks or so. This helps keep my machine clean and fresh.

I know it's a bit late but the model is BOSCH AXXIS, and I am posting a photo (hopefully). I think the Affresh definitely sounds like a good suggestion.

sheilaaus122 I'd recommend running an empty Sanitize cycle with Original Clorox. Once done, clean the drum, door and boot with a scrubbing sponge. Then run the cleaning or sanitize cycle with Affresh or you cleaner of choice.

Sheila,

Not sure about Bosch but Miele recommends that you don't use bleach in their machines. I would start out with Affresh or another washer cleaner with the hottest wash that the machine can handle. It looks like the previous owners over dosed detergent and fabric softener. Remove the soap dispenser and clean that throughly. I would also scrub the rubber boot with a cleaning solution like clorox before running the affresh through the unit. It may take several runs with Affresh to clean the washer. Does the washer have a soak setting?

I went through 4 packages of affresh to clean my newly inherited machine. If it's showing up on the outer part of gasket then if you flip the lip there probably is a lot more- plus whatever is built up on outer drum. Lots of gunk and brown water.

I used to have a Bosch Axxis- replacing the rubber boot on that is quick as the machine doesn't need to be taken apart just pop in and out - you can call Bosch to arrange a technician and order the part. For the newer Bosch machines they need to remove the front panel and some other parts to replace the boot. It may be worth it to replace as some of it will extend to the backside of the gasket which is not accessible unless it's removed.