Mold build up around ribber gasket . Heavy, black and hard

Saturate an old cloth with white vinegar. Alternatively, you might use petroleum jelly on the cloth to remove the mold.Pull the gasket out gently with your hands to reveal the mold and mildew buildup inside the folds of the gasket.Wipe the mold away from the gasket with the cloth. Continue working to wipe away all mold from the folds of the rubber gasket.Dry the folds of the gasket with a dry cloth when you finish removing the mold.Repeat this procedure at least once per month to prevent mold and mildew from forming. If you notice mold occurring more frequently, clean it off when you see it.

Tips for Preventing Mold & Smelly Problems:

• Always leave the door and dispenser unit slightly ajar after the laundry is done. Front-load washers and the detergent/softener dispenser drawer must dry out.
• Never leave a wet washload in the washer overnight; remove it when the washing cycle is complete and leave the door open.
• After a load is done, always rotate the drum with your hand to see and remove all items. Some could be sticking to top or sides of the washer drum.
• Use softener sheets in the dryer instead of liquid softeners in the washer.
• Liquid detergents may leave less residue than powdered formulas which may not dissolve properly.
• Use less than the recommended detergent level for your load. Too much detergent can cause a residue build up. Experiment until you find a minimum measurement that delivers a clean wash. This is also a money saver.
• Occasionally wash some loads such as whites, linen and towels in warm or hot water to help flush out wash residue.
• Always clean your washer as per your product manual. High efficiency front-load models have a cleaning cycle and it's imperative that you periodically run this cycle as directed.
• Check the gasket just inside the door opening and remove any visible debris. You can also wipe it to speed the drying process.
• Always use HE detergents with high efficiency front-load washers. Specially marked HE laundry detergent is low sudsing and is recommended for these low-water washers.
• If this advice was helpful a vote with the thumbs up would be appreciated. Thanks.

Use a s.o.s pad to remove mold there will still be staining but it will gey the bulk of.Now to get rid of the smell ( this has been a mixture I have used for about ten yers works every time) put the washer on hot heavy wash start when done filling drain what you want to do is make sure the water is the hottest it can be. now start washer again on hot wash when you see water in bottom of tub stop machine to open door ADD two cups of dish washing power( brand does not matter I tell most people to buy cheap stuff at walmart) start machine let it run till you see powder disolve then stop washer and add 1 cup bleach. let unit go through complete cycle..If your washer has a clean cycle use that instead of the heavy or normal cycle. The most I ever had to do this treatment was 2 cycles and it worked every time.Note all front load washers the door must be left open to pervent odor/bellows should be wiped clean after each use/and a good cleaning at least once a month. anyhow if this helped please vote if you need more help please ask

NOTE the dish soap is the stuff for a dish washer

Hi- If it smells like mold then it is most likely the Tub Boot (bellows). This is the large rubber gasket that goes around the front of the washer basket. This is a huge issue with front loaders and there is really no solid remedy. You can run your hand inside the folds and see if there is a bunch of refuse in there that is stinking. Usually one will see black mold all over the rubber. A diluted bleach solution can help a bit, just be careful not to pierce the gasket or you will have a flood when the washer runs. Really the best remedy it to replace the rubber but this is often not a cheap part and often takes at least an hour for the tech to do. If the smell is more of an electrical smell (burnt rubber, plastic) then I'd get someone out to look at it. The motor or one of the electrical controllers may be shorted out. If this is the case I wouldn't use it until you determine the cause.

Hi,
Here is a tip that I wrote about that problem...it tells you how to clean your washer and also how to prevent it from coming back...
I will also include a tip I wrote on washer maintenance...

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3993813-stop_washing_machine_smell_mold_mildew

http://www.fixya.com/support/r4312694-washing_machine_maintenance

heatman101

Front loaders are known for building up mold and the smell.
It’s caused by using liquid detergent which is made from animal fat. Use powder. And use the minimum amount.
It’s caused by using fabric softener. Dilute it 50/50 with water.
It’s caused by the water remaining in the tub between washes. Leave the door open to allow it to dry. .
Pull the rubber door seal back and clean the mold off .
affresh is recommended by some manufacturers. You run it through a wash cycle with it.

there is a product u can buy to put through a cycle to remove all build up mold etc. go to a parts distributor they carry it

Buy affresh washer cleaner. You can order it over the internet and this should take the mold off and then if you use this regularly like the package explains it will keep the washer from molding. I use this stuff on all the front loaders that come into my shop. This stuff works great.

A solution of bleach and water will do. Just wet the rag and rub it down well. When this is done you may still have the marks but the mold is dead. If you want it to be completely clean you may need to replace.it.

Contact the Manufacturer ASAP