I have an LG front loading washer which I bought in April 2008. I absolutely hate it. It didn't start smelling until after about a year. I have only used HE Tide liquid detergent and HE clorox. I ran the tub clean cycle, wiped out the seal and the door, emptied out the drain line and left the door open. And yes it still developed a disgusting musty smell on the clothes and towels- not the actual machine.
When Tshirts and towels got damp, they absolutely smelled horrible. However my machine did not smell. I use extra water and extra rinse thinking that would help with the horrible smell. It didn't matter if I used hot water or cold water. The musty smell would not go away. I tried everything to get rid of it and nothing worked until reading a few suggestions above. This is what I did 2 weeks ago, and nothing smells anymore.
First empty the water from the drain pump tube and drain pump filter in the front of the machine(on the lower left side). Run the tub clean cycle twice with HE clorox.Empty the drain pump tube after each tub clean cycle. Then run the tub clean cycle again with Affresh(sold at Krogers). Then only use Tide HE powdered detergent, NO liquid detergent. My clothes and towels no longer stink. There is no smell which is great. I am still emptying the water from the drain pump after every one or two loads because I am paranoid that the smell might come back. ... View related article.
