@Chris Powchuk I don't agree with that at all. I had an Electrolux front load. Crappy machine. Bio-stink built up on clothing. You would think after running a 2 hour cycle with warm water, on heavy cycle with extra rinses would result in clean clothing. Nope. The machine was also clean as a whistle inside and out. I kicked that machine to the curb and got an LG. Much better machine. Clean clothes and clean smelling clothes. So I do not believe they are all built the same or operate the same. I used to dry the boot and leave the door open on my Electrolux. Never any mold. I have gotten lazy with my LG and do not dry the boot but do leave the door open and again no mold. I run affresh on the tub clean cycle every now and then and that's about it. And top loads are not exempt from mold. I had a Fisher and Paykel top load at my previous house. That machine built up mold all around the outside of the tub where you couldn't see it but boy could you smell it. We had to take the whole tub out and drag it into our shower to clean it.

I have a Miele Novotronic that has served me well for many years. Never, ever did I have a mould or stinky laundry problem. What I think is happening is that the newer washers have plastic drums. That the hottest temperature cycle is not very hot (mine is 90Cel). People use liquid detergent which gums things up. People use liquid fabric softener. I am sure there are more reasons for why your washer may smell but having to clean your washing machine is ridiculous. But having looked into other front loaders for a rental unit some years ago I discovered all the current models have odor issues. Why doesn't my Miele have these issues? For one, it's not a large capacity machine -- Miele has since stopped producing large machines for the American market; I can see why. Building the large one in the same manner mine was built would basically make the unit unaffordable. Also, I would imagine that certain parts, such as the drum, to accommodate a larger load, need to be lighter. My point, to do such a machine right, it would have to cost a whole lot more than for what it sold. No current front loader marked for the home market in this country appears to be free from the odor issues. Try to use powdered detergent. You can order "Persil" through Miele, both for white clothing and for "colors". The Persil for white clothing can be bought in a larger economy size. I usually buy a package once a year. Of course, I use different products for different materials. Miele's silk/fine fabric liquid, etc. Whenever possible, buy powder instead of liquid. Don't use fabric softener. Unless you plan to airdry your laundry, there really is no need for fabric softener. It only helps to gum things up. Also, use the minimum amount of detergent; measure, don't just add. The environment will thank you as well. Don't just wash cold, wash cycles that require very hot temperatures (I am afraid in the large Miele's you may not be able to wash hotter than 70F, but it's better than nothing). When you are done, wipe the interior and especially where the water collects in the rubber part. Then leave the door slightly open. See whether this works. Perhaps you can let me know?

millmacc, I wonder if it is your water supply. I know where I live in TX there is so much limestone and the water is extremely hard. Even with a water softener there is more buildup than I would like. I have kicked around installing a whole home water filtration system. We have a filter on the refrigerator and I notice the difference in taste in water from it versus other faucets. We do have a water osmosis system but I have never really delved into why they installed it since it seems to be only at the refrigerator and kitchen sink.

I forgot that one of my favorite things about the Electrolux dryer (although you say you didn't get the dryer) is the lint trap. The mesh is so fine, the design is quite efficient, so I feel pretty confident that not much lint is escaping into the vent. My old set didn't filter as well; the filter didn't sit snugly into its slot, so I could see build up down in the machine that I couldn't even get out with a vacuum.