They can but they don’t have to.
A realistic concern for consumers and a problem that has plagued front load washers for years is how to prevent the formation of mold and mildew without the need to dry the rubber seal and drum after each use and leave the door open.
One very simple yet effective improvement is the use of a spring loaded magnet that holds the door in slightly open position when it is not in use to allow for air. Some brands also developed an anti microbial treatment that becomes a permanent part of the rubber seal.
The addition of steam cycles in many front load washers not only removes stains, sanitizes, removes wrinkles and refreshes clothing but can also clean the drum and seal helping to remove odors.
Several brands have options that will continue to tumble intermittently at the end of the cycle helping to keep the load from souring in the event you return late to empty the load. Expanding on this great idea, at least two top rated brands have added a fan so that in addition to the tumble at cycles end a fan will blow cool air to not only keep the laundry fresh but will even dry a smaller load. Possibly even more importantly you can turn on the fan when your work is done and it will dry the drum and seal. A dry environment is the best way to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
While all of the high efficiency (h.e.) washers require you to regularly run a cycle especially to clean the drum (about one cleaning every 40 loads) most require the use of bleach or special chemicals. One popular brand however provides a drum cleaning cycle that does not require chemicals. Instead they clean the drum with a hot water high speed cycle. This potentially is a significant savings over the life of the washer when compared to those that require chemicals every month for drum cleaning.
Whatever brand you choose the regular cleaning of the drum is critically important to keep the washer smelling fresh and clean
So do front load washers smell?
The bottom line is very simple. If you are aware that you cannot close the door and leave a wet washer until the next time you wash you probably won’t have a problem. If your washer manufacturer has a built in feature to prevent odors such as a fan or magnet to hold the door open then use it and you won’t have a problem.
If you don’t have built in features to combat odors then simply wipe the seal dry when you finish your laundry and leave the door open for the same “no problem” result.
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