After finishing a load of laundry, most of us take out the clothes, shut the washing machine door, and move on to the next chore. It seems like the natural thing to do, especially if you like keeping your laundry room neat and organized.
But closing your washing machine door immediately after every load might be doing more harm than you realize. Even after the wash cycle ends, moisture can remain trapped inside the drum, around the rubber seals, and in other areas you probably don’t think to check.
Over time, that leftover moisture can contribute to mildew, unpleasant odors, and a washing machine that doesn’t smell nearly as fresh as it should. So, should you leave the door open or closed? The answer is pretty simple, although it depends a little on the type of washing machine you have.
Why You Shouldn’t Close the Door Right Away
Your washing machine may have finished its cycle, but that doesn’t mean the inside is completely dry. Small amounts of water can remain in the drum, seals, and other areas long after you’ve removed your laundry.
When you shut the door right away, you trap that moisture inside with very little airflow. Over time, those damp conditions can encourage mildew and bacteria to grow, which may explain why some washing machines develop a musty smell even when they’re used regularly.
Front-Loading Washing Machines Need Extra Attention
If you have a front-loading washer, leaving the door open after a wash is especially important. These machines have a tight rubber seal around the door to prevent leaks, but that same seal can trap moisture after the cycle finishes.
Water, lint, detergent residue, and even small items can collect inside the folds of the rubber gasket. After removing your laundry, check the seal, wipe away any standing water, and leave the door slightly open so the inside can dry.
What About Top-Loading Washing Machines?
Top-loading washers don’t usually have the same tightly sealed door as front loaders, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely free from moisture problems. Water can still linger inside the drum and around areas that don’t get much airflow.
Leaving the lid open for a few hours after washing allows the interior to dry naturally. Once everything is dry, you can close it again without worrying about trapping as much moisture inside.
So, Should You Leave Your Washing Machine Door Open or Closed?
For most washing machines, leaving the door or lid slightly open after each load is the better habit. You don’t need to leave it wide open all day, just long enough for the inside to dry and any trapped moisture to evaporate.
If you have a front-loading washer, it’s also worth wiping down the rubber seal with a dry cloth, especially around the folds where water, lint, and debris tend to collect. Once everything is dry, you can close the door again, particularly if you have children or pets at home.
A few small changes to your laundry routine can help prevent musty odors, reduce moisture buildup, and keep your washing machine smelling fresh.
