After you’ve finished washing your clothes, do you leave the lid open or do you close it right away?
This is one of those things in life that people can’t seem to agree on, so we did some research and what we’ve learned may help settle this debate once and for all.
Washer door open or closed after use?
First, why leave the lid or door open to begin with? If you’ve ever dealt with a stinky washer, you already know the answer.
It’s more common for mold and mildew to develop in front-loading washers, but Better Homes and Gardens says it can happen in top-loaders, too — especially in warm, humid climates.
For this reason, Consumer Reports recommends leaving the door or lid open in between loads to give the machine time to dry.
Young children or pets may be tempted to play around the washing machine, so you want to keep the door to the laundry room shut while you let the washer air out.
Finally, don’t let your clothes sit in the washer for hours! Always move them to the dryer promptly.
Poll: Do you leave the washer door/lid open or closed? Vote below!
— Clark Howard (@ClarkHoward) July 26, 2017
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