Tom
I don’t know which model Maytag TL you have, but I have an MCVW415EW, and from what I’m reading in your posts, yours sounds similar to mine.
Mine has never smelled, but I do use the Afresh cycle once a month too, but I don’t think it’s really necessary if you use mostly hot water and LCB with whites. The main reason I do the monthly clean cycle is that I read on the Maytag website that this cycle used regularlly, as recommended somehow keeps the software refreshed so everything continues to function as it should as far as spin speed, balancing, water temps, fill levels, ect., so I just do it as insurance that the washer keeps functioning flawlessly like it has for 14 mo. now.
For whites I use the Powerwash cycle, hot, max soil level, pre soak option selected, no extra rinse, 2/3 cup LCB, Persil Intense Fresh and no FS. My whites really come out cleaner than any washer I’ve ever owned before and this cycle, even with the presoak option completes in 60 mins.
I’ve really been pleased with this Maytag TL. I can get a fill to the top on Bulky, but I mostly use either the Power Wash or Deep Water cycles. These cycles use about the same amount of water that an old school FL, like a Westinghouse would have used, so there is enough water to thoroughly wash and rinse and load.
From what I’ve read online the PowerWash and Deep Water cycles on these machines use the hottest water, which is supposed to be 120F, which is hot enough to satisfy my needs. I wash just about every load on Hot, Max Soil level, and every load comes out great. And there is never any lint left on the clothes and the dryer lint filter never has much lint either. In fact, once my husband left a Kleenex in a pocket that I missed when sorting. but even that load wasn't covered in lint. I really think that people need to give these machines a chance, my experience with them has been very positive.
I hope that you will eventually grow to like yours too.
Eddie