Should you leave your washing machine door open between washes?

Author: Dr. Kolby Torphy Sr.  |  Last update: Thursday, October 16, 2025

DO leave your washing machine door open after use. This will allow it to air out and help prevent mould and mildew from growing – so no more nasty smells lingering in the kitchen.

Should you leave the washer door open when not in use?

You should leave the washing machine door open anytime you're not using the washing machine. It helps it dry out and helps prevent mold from growing in it.

Is it better to keep the washing machine door open or closed?

You should keep the washing machine door open for 3-4 hours after a wash/dry cycle. This will let the moisture escape, keep your machine dry, and will not lead to foul smell and mould formation inside the tub. Detergent tray should also be kept open for some time; it will help air circulation and dry it out.

Should I let my washing machine rest between loads?

You can use as many times as the day allows. But it is recommended that you let the washing machine rest for half an hour after previous cycle. So this allows the motor to cool down and . That is a recommendation and not a limitation. Also don't overload it otherwise you'll shorten it's life.

Should you leave your washing machine door open to prevent mold?

Front-loading washing machines, unlike top-loaders, must form an air- and water-tight seal around the door to prevent water from leaking out. This means that it's critically important to leave the door open a bit so that the inside of the machine can dry out and prevent mold and mildew from growing.

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How do I keep mold from growing in my washing machine?

Keep the door open: After each wash cycle, open the washing machine door to allow air to circulate and dry out the drum. This helps to prevent moisture buildup, which can contribute to mold growth. Remove wet laundry promptly: Promptly remove wet clothes from the washing machine as soon as the cycle is finished.

Why leave the washing machine door open?

'Washing machines are dark, damp places, which, without proper ventilation can be the perfect environment for mold growth. As a result, your laundry may develop musty mold or mildew smells,' explains Yessica Bello, owner and principal cleaner at Bello's Cleaning.

What are four of the common mistakes people make when using a washing machine?

10 washing machine mistakes you probably don't even know you're making
  • Washing in warm water. ...
  • Using fabric softener. ...
  • Using too much detergent. ...
  • Closing the door between washes. ...
  • Not loading the washing machine properly. ...
  • Choosing the wrong program. ...
  • Assuming a pricier detergent will get your clothes cleaner.

How to prolong washing machine life?

9 Ways You Can Prolong the Lifespan of Your Washing Machine
  1. Always Check Your Pockets. ...
  2. Clean Your Washing Machine. ...
  3. Check Lint Filters and Vents. ...
  4. Do Not Overindulge in Detergent. ...
  5. Know What You Can Put in. ...
  6. Quickly Remove Wet Clothes. ...
  7. Wash the Right Amount of Clothes. ...
  8. Keep the Appliance Level.

Should you air out your washing machine?

Let it air

Leave the door and the detergent drawer slightly open between washes as it allows the machine to aerate and dry out and prevents mould growth, as well as stopping musty mildew smells.

When should I open my washing machine door?

If you want to open the door during the washing cycle, press Stop button. If the tub is full of water or too hot, it will remain locked for a while for your safety. In this situation, do not force to open the door. Wait until the unit cools down.

Should I leave my dishwasher open to dry?

After you've emptied your dishwasher it's best to leave the door open. Even after you've removed everything from the dishwasher, there will still be some moisture clinging to the warm surface of the tub. Keeping the door open allows the moisture to naturally evaporate, and for the tub to dry.

Should you leave your washing machine on overnight?

Turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on – like your fridge or freezer. Don't leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher on overnight and unattended.

Can you open washing machine door during cycle?

The door can be opened normally at the beginning of a wash cycle by pressing the start / pause button. Warning: If the door can be opened during a wash or spin cycle, when the washing machine is filled with water, turn off the power immediately.

Should you turn off water when not using washing machine?

To prevent any wear on the valve the water will need to be turned off at the main water valve. This won't cause any problems and can save potentially save you hundreds of pounds from water damage.

Can you leave washing machine open to dry?

Leaving the washer open helps prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can contribute to corrosion or rusting of internal components. By allowing the machine to dry thoroughly, you reduce the risk of damage and ensure that it continues to function optimally for years to come.

How many years does the average washing machine last?

The lifespan of a washing machine, no matter the brand, is typically 11-14 years. This number is found assuming one load of laundry is done every day.

How long can a washing machine sit unused?

A washing machine can be typically kept in storage for several months to a few years without significant issues, given it is stored correctly. However, to ensure smooth functioning after a long-term storage period, you must take good care of the cleaning appliance.

How many times a week should you use a washing machine?

Depending on how you fill your washing machine, the sort of clothes you wear and how fresh you like your clothes, the average person does laundry anywhere between one to three times a week. While this may not seem like a lot, it adds up to between 50 and 150 laundry loads every year.

What should you not wash in a washing machine?

15 things you should never put in the washing machine
  • Suits. “Many suits are made of high-quality fabrics that can either shrink or tear, even in a delicate cycle,” says Stapf. ...
  • Embellished garments. All that glitters... ...
  • Clothes with zippers and buttons. ...
  • Swimsuits. ...
  • Baby socks. ...
  • Excessive detergent. ...
  • Bras. ...
  • Throw blankets.

What usually fails on a washing machine?

A broken motor coupler, failed lid switch or bad timer could also prevent this type of washer from spinning. On top-load, vertical modular washers (washers whose lid is always locked during the entire wash cycle), a failed shifter assembly or worn drive belt can prevent the washer from spinning the wash load.

Should you let a washing machine rest?

The durability of washing machines is directly related to how often you use them. In fact, the unit will fail very quickly if you don't let it rest. It is not uncommon for washing machines to have technical issues after being used continuously for several hours.

Should I air out my washing machine?

Leave your washing machine door open after use to allow it to air out and help prevent mold and mildew from growing.

How to clean mold in a laundry machine?

Washing machine has a mildew smell or visible mold
  1. Run a Spin-only cycle. ...
  2. Add chlorine bleach. ...
  3. Choose a Self Clean cycle. ...
  4. Wipe down the tub. ...
  5. Run a Rinse+Spin cycle. ...
  6. Allow the washing machine to dry. ...
  7. Clean the pump filter (front load models only). ...
  8. Request service.

Should I leave washer door open with wet clothes in it?

Leave the clothes in the washer but open the door or lid to allow air circulation. Pull the clothes from the washer and place them on a drying rack where they can sit until you are ready to place them in the dryer.

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