I've had my LG front load for almost 3 years. I've never had 'the smell.' I use tide he liquid for sensitive skin and Nordstrom liquid for swimwear. I use the pull out tray for detergent. I have never been promoted to clean it or use the Affresh. When Sears comes to check it per maintenance agreement, the repairman comments that I'm one of the few with no smell and no mold. He says the smell is from rotting detergent and detergent overuse.