A washing machine failure can flood a laundry room, and front-loaders are notorious for musty odours. Simple maintenance prevents both and keeps the machine running for years.
Check the hoses
The rubber fill hoses are a top cause of major water damage when they burst, often while you're away. Inspect them for bulges and cracks, replace them every few years (braided steel hoses are more durable), and shut the water off if you're away for a long time.
Run cleaning cycles
Front-loaders trap moisture and detergent residue that breeds mould and odour. Run the machine's clean cycle or an empty hot wash with a washer cleaner monthly, wipe the door gasket, and leave the door ajar between washes to dry out. Don't overuse detergent — excess feeds buildup.
Level it and clean the filter
An unlevel machine walks and vibrates, stressing components. Adjust the feet so it's stable. Many machines have a drain pump filter that should be cleared of lint and debris periodically to prevent drainage problems.