The best way to avoid front loader smell is to leave the front door open all the time. I know this is difficult for people who have space constraints. Try running an empty hot water cycle first and then add a cup of white vinegar and a cup of baking soda. White vinegar eliminates molds and mildew in your washer while baking soda diffuses smell. After the cycle, immediately wipe the drum dry. Leave the door open until all moisture have been dried up.
There was a thing about this on the local news chanel. Usually the cause of the smell is fungus and bacteria growing on the back side of the door seal. Even using bleach in the wash does no good because the machines are designed to have very little water get to that point but enough does to always keep it damp. Their conclusion is that the only effective method of getting rid of the smell is to remove and clean and or replace the seal. Look to see if there is a way to manually add water and bleach to the washer with the door closed to raise the water level to a point that it will soak the seal.
If you have a front loader there are certain things you need to know about maintaining it to avoid odors. Click on the link below and go to the page indicated. It is full of good ideas for your problem!
