cleaning a front-loading washer

[red and lulu]

I remember seeing a thread about this here ages ago, but I can't find it in a search so my apologies for being repetitive!

There is nasty strip of mildew build-up on the rubber ring in the washer and it's starting to smell a little funky. I'm thinking I can just wipe down the ring with vinegar or bac-out, but then how can I clean the rest of the machine, since I'm sure there's mildew in places I can't see? Anyway to prevent this sort of build-up?

Thanks!

[chel]

my whirlpool duet has a clean cycle that recommends bleach.  you can also buy powder packs for this.

i do a packet about once a month with additional bleaching for the rubber seal that gets dirty by the holes at the bottom.

[MsFortune]

Airing it out helps.  At least once a week I leave mine open for 24 hours.  

[JesKace]

My washer has a cleaning cycle.  It's listed in the manual, it doesn't just have a "clean" button on the front.  To get it to go I have to push a specific series of buttons and it will go into the clean mode.  It says to use bleach and tells me when to add it in.  I've used vinegar instead with the same results.  It doesn't make a difference that I can see though.  The rubber ring around the door I have to wipe down myself but since I didn't do it for a long time the mildew left a stain and it won't come clean now.

I have found that by not using fabric softener anymore, the washer doesn't stink nearly as bad as it used to.  The stink was completely gone when I used home made laundry detergent, but I felt my clothes weren't getting as clean.

I also leave the door open on mine when it's not in use which is suggested in the manual as well.

[stelly]

I clean mine by pulling the rubber gasket all the way back (not just enough so you can see the drainage holes, but completely back as far as it can go) which reveals the plastic around the drum. This gets all slimy and black if you don't clean it.  I wipe it out with a cloth then go around with an old toothbrush dipped in bleach and "paint" all the surfaces that get gungy.  I leave it for 5 minutes then put an old white sheet in there with a bit more bleach in the drawer and do a hot wash.

This combined with leaving the door open when not in use has worked nicely.  I grew up with front loaders though and we never, ever had to do this so I can't understand why US he washers are such a hassle...