Use trisodium phosphate, otherwise known as TSP (1/4 cup per load). It will make your clothes cleaner, and remove the mildew from the seal area that smells.
Next time, don't buy a front loader.
Source: http://elcheapocooks.com
By El Cheapo from Chattanooga, TN
How to clean mold from a front load washing machine?
I have a front load washing machine and on the rim when you open the door, it gets moldy. I never saw such a thing on the regular top load machines.