That headline is another fear-based cleaning myth / clickbait oversimplification.
“Never leave the washing machine door open: this is a serious mistake”
What it’s really trying to do
It’s usually reacting to a real but small concern and turning it into an absolute rule.
In reality, the advice depends on your situation and machine type.
What actually happens
👍 Leaving the door open can be helpful
For most front-load washing machines:
- It helps the drum dry out
- Reduces mold and mildew growth
- Prevents musty smells
- Is commonly recommended by manufacturers
👎 When it can be a problem
There are a few exceptions:
- Small children or pets could climb inside
- It can be inconvenient in tight laundry spaces
- In some rare cases, hinges can be stressed if something bumps it (not common)
The real “best practice”
- Leave the door slightly open after washing to allow airflow
- Also wipe the rubber seal occasionally
- Clean the detergent drawer and run a maintenance wash sometimes
Bottom line
The headline “never leave it open” is misleading. A more accurate version would be:
“Leaving the washing machine door open after use is often recommended to prevent mold, except in situations where safety or space makes it impractical.”
If you want, I can also tell you the most common washing machine mistakes people believe online (there are quite a few of these myths).
