My GE Front load washer (WBVH6240) has an odor that smells like mildew in it. If the is left closed the odor is really bad. Do you know how to fix this or what is comes from?

Try a motor reset.

This is the electronic washer. Unplug for two minutes, plug it in then open and close lid 7 times. This will reset motor. Also make sure belt is not broken.

https://www.google.com/search?q=GE+front+load+Washer+WBVH6240+BEEPS+TWICE

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If this is a Kenmore Elite front loader, such as the one you posted this question under, the odors generally come from mold, mildew, and/or debris in the drainage system. The following link explains some preventive measures you can try that will minmize odor problems and prevent the develpment of harmful mold and mildew:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3608512-getting_rid_front_loader_mildew_odor

If you have a serious mold or mildew problem on the door bellow and cleaning doesn't help, you may need to replace the seal to get rid of the problem. The following link explains how:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3574186-installing_a_door_bellow_on_a_front_load

Replacement parts (if required) can be purchased at any of the following websites:

searspartsdirect.com
pcappliancerepair.com
appliancepartspros.com
repairclinic.com

Prices vary between sites, so shop and compare. The first three sites listed also have helpful exploded view parts illustrations to assist you with locating and properly identifying the parts you may need.

If you have any questions, please post back and let me know. I hope this information is helpful to you.

Is the smell of mildew?

Run the washer on empty with beach and soap.

This is a common problem when the front door is left closed after use.

When the washer is not in use leave the front door cracked open. This will help in preventing mold & mildew.

There is no filter in your washer that would cover the odor issue.
The website link below will give you all the information concerning odors in a Maytag Washer

http://maytag.custhelp.com/app/answers/list/kw/odors/p/293/r_id/108284/sno/1/search/1/session/L3NpZC9RRDdZdDhEag==

How old of a unit? The new high energy effeciency washers are known for their "odors" due to the fact they dont drain out all water and it can mildew inside. Some solutions...leave door ajar after wash cycles , water will evaporate, there is products you can add every so many loads, one product being "affresh" ,,,some other people will run strong bleach load every so many loads it will kill mildew. These washeres have been out for years in Europe and they have same problems, its just inherent with product

The following link explains how to minimize wash tub odor, and what generally can cause it:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r513372-front_loader_mildew_odor

I personally own one of these washers and have followed this same regiment since I purchased it new 9 years ago. I have never had a mildew or odor problem. Consumers that are not in the habit of using hot water very often will also run into odor and mildew problems, because detergent alone does not always kill bacteria. It is recommended that you run a "Clean Cycle" from time to time, to sanitize. Some newer models have a clean cycle added on the control panel.

NOTE: It is normal to have residual water in the drain lines and in the drain pump. If you need to clean, or check the drain pump, please follow the advice in this next link:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r385845-checking_drain_pump_in_whirlpool_duet

Debris caught in the drain pump reservoir can often cause some unwanted odors.

If the rubber door bellow develops mildew and mold, use a non abrasive pad (the little green pads are considered non-abrasive) and scrub the rubber with bleach diluted with water (50/50 mix). This will often kill and remove unwanted mold and mildew. If the door bellow becomes embedded with mold or mildew, it may have to be replaced in order to get rid of it.

If you establish and maintain a diligent routine, these washers will not mold or smell. Often what seems to be a dream appliance that is supposed to make your life easier, may actually require more attention in order to maintain it properly.

If you have questions or comments, please let me know. I hope this helps you.

more likely due to using liquid detergent - change to powder

The brand of your front loader is not that material on this issue. What is happening is that your old top load washer may have used as much as 45 gallons of water per cycle, while some front loaders use as little as 12. Because of the low water use, you must cut back on the additives you are using. Use only 1 tablespoon of HE detergent (even less if 2x or 3x detergent) per load. If you use fabric softener, use only 1 teaspoon per load. Odor on clothes after wash is indicating that the detergent and or softener has not been fully rinsed out. If you throw a load of washed towels into your machine and start a cycle without any soap, then stop the cycle, you should not see any suds. If you do, there is obviously soap left in the clothes. With bath towels, the towels are used to absorb clean water off a clean body. They do not need soap when you wash them, and never use fabric softener on towels.
If your washer is a LG WM-1832 it has a assessable filter behind the access door on the lower left front of the machine. Clean that out first, and if it has a tub clean or sanitary cycle use that cycle (if not, use hottest longest cycle available) with 3 Affresh tablets or use whirlaway to clean out the washer outer tub (the not visible tub that holds the water). You might want to use another cycle like that with bleach to head off mold or mildew growth. Use of proper amount of detergent and fabric softener should really help the clothes odor issue from then on. Also check the tub seal at the bottom of the door area to clean out any lint from drain hole areas to help prevent water from remaining in the tub seal area.

First, clean out the filter behind the access door on the lower left front of the machine. Residue left in the filter can contribute to odor issues. Second, buy a package of AhFresh or Whilaway and run a cycle with that, hot water, longest cycle. (unfortunately you do not have the sanitary cycle or the tub clean cycle on your model) Third, and most importantly, USE LESS DETERGENT. Top load washers use up to 45 gallons of water per cycle. Your machine uses 12. Use one tablespoon of HE detergent and one teaspoon of fabric softener (if you use softener) per cycle. My personal LG washer is now over 5 years old, and have only had an odor issue one time. I leave the door closed after I wash. (the tub is vented) Never have had any mold or mildew issues with my washer. Was doing several loads per day when I had 7 at home, now only doing 3 loads a week with all the kids, their spouses, and grandkid gone. Still no odor problems. Great machines if used properly. Note: the odor / mold / mildew issues are basically the same with any front load machine, regardless of brand, and most can be solved following the above advise. Good luck.

I Talked with a retail appliance sale's person about two weeks ago because I had the same problem. Buy a can of country time lemonaide and put three scoops into the drum and run it through a regular wash cycle. This removes the odor. Also around the rubber door seal you can pull the rubber back from the drum side and wipe around the seal with lemon juice due to water and detergent being trapped in the seal. Once every month should do the job. It works for me.