10/01/2026
Should You Actually Leave Your Washer Door Open After Each Wash?
Keep musty odors away.
Why You Should Leave The Door Open
How Much Is Enough?
What About Front-Loading Machines?
Keep Your Machine Smelling Fresh
Odors and mildew can be a problem in the laundry room. Moisture and warm air in small spaces creates an environment that’s ideal for mildew, mold, and their subsequent odors. Your washing machine isn’t safe either. If you wash laundry frequently, your machine may never have the time to dry between loads. In addition to regular cleanings, there’s one simple thing you can do to help prevent musty odors and worse: Leave your washer door open after each wash. And that’s not the only reason. Doing so can actually help extend the life of your appliance. Read on to learn why you should start leaving the washer door open, how much is enough, and whether it works on every machine.
Why You Should Leave The Door Open
Leaving the washing machine door open after each load gives it time to dry out between washes. If you close the door and trap moisture inside, it creates the humid environment that mildew, mold, and bacteria thrive in, causing funky odors that can end up leaving your clothes smelling not-so-fresh. If moisture isn’t allowed to evaporate, mold and bacteria spores can have an impact on your indoor air quality too and lead to allergies, skin irritation, and other health issues.