I posted these pictures in an ongoing thread that has some references to moldy frontloaders and figured I should place them as a separate topic for better notice.

For people who believe that mold/smutz accumulation is a frontloader problem that doesn't occur in toploaders ... this is a typical "old-style" Kenmore toploader with the outer cabinet removed. The outer tub is translucent so the mold accumulation is visible through it.

The brown strip is on the inside of the outer tub.

The larger shaded section is accumulation on the outside of the inner basket.

The whole thing should be clear like the lower section, which is where the water reaches for small- and medium-size loads.

Too much cold water washing, insufficient detergent dosage plus moderately hard water causes laundry soils (food soils & grease, body oils/sebum, and general dirt) to adhere and accumulate on the surfaces at the water line instead of dissolving and flushing away in the wash water.

I completely refurbed this machine six years ago, it was pristine at that time. Relatives bought it and have been using it for the duration.