This Simple Trick Can Help
Better Homes & Gardens recently highlighted a clever tip: leaving your washing machine door slightly open after a wash brings plenty of benefits. Amanda Abraham, Integrated Brand Manager at Maytag Laundry, shared why this works and how it helps. She revealed some handy insights.
“Leaving the washing machine door open when it’s not in use helps dry out the inside and prevents unpleasant odors. Fresh air evaporates leftover moisture after the cycle, stopping buildup that causes bad smells.”
Moisture often lingers in the drum, rubber seals, and detergent dispensers after washing. If it can’t evaporate, it creates the perfect environment for mold and bacteria, which can harm your health and damage your machine. Worn seals, rusty parts, and musty smells can quickly ruin even the newest models.
Front-Load or Top-Load? It Matters!
Amanda also pointed out the difference between front-loading and top-loading machines: “Top-loaders are generally easier to keep clean. They rarely develop mold or odors from leftover water after a cycle. Front-loaders, however, are more prone to smells if they aren’t regularly aired out and cleaned monthly.”
Because front-loaders seal tightly, they trap moisture inside. That’s why it’s especially important to leave the door slightly open after use! But airing out top-loaders is beneficial too.
“It’s generally recommended to leave the door or lid open after every wash to keep the machine fresh, odor-free, and working well.”
Many modern machines are designed to keep the door slightly ajar automatically, but if yours isn’t, you can use a door stopper or a special vent clip made for this purpose.
These Tricks Can Help Too
Finally, Amanda shared more tips that protect both your clothes and your washing machine:
- Wipe the seals dry! After each cycle, a simple dry cloth wipe of the door seals helps reduce buildup and keeps your machine running smoothly.
- Clean the detergent dispenser and other parts! “It’s important to clean the detergent drawer, agitator, drum interior, and machine exterior regularly,” Amanda advised. Use a damp cloth or vinegar. The detergent drawer usually comes out for easy rinsing under warm water.
- Don’t forget the filter! Your washing machine’s lint or hair filter needs regular cleaning too — otherwise, your clothes might come out dirty or smelly.
- Schedule a monthly deep clean! “Running an empty, hot water cleaning cycle every 30 washes or once a month is recommended,” Amanda said. You can use special cleaning tablets or a mix of vinegar and hot water.
Paying attention to these simple steps and always leaving your washing machine door slightly open after use benefits not just your machine but also the cleanliness and scent of your clothes and even the air quality in your home. Need more reasons to make this your new laundry routine?
