Should You Close the Lid after Washing Clothes?

Nowadays, almost every household has a washing machine, with some households even having two. Washing machines are highly varied, with options ranging from top-load to front-load, and their feature sets are constantly expanding.

Should you close the washing machine lid after finishing a load?

Washing machines help lighten our workload by cleaning and disinfecting bedding, clothing, etc. They are durable appliances, with many households using a single washing machine for up to 20 years. However, this longevity is dependent upon maintaining the machine through proper usage and care. If you know how to maintain it, not only will your washing machine last longer, but also it will rarely malfunction or break down—which means you won’t have to call a repairman very often.

One issue that many users wonder or worry about is whether or not they should close the washing machine lid after finishing a load. The answer is no, you should not.

After finishing a load, many people make a habit of closing the lid to prevent dust and insects from entering or simply to get it out of the way. However, this is not advisable. If space is limited and you cannot open the lid completely, ensure that it is at least partially open, allowing a small amount of air to circulate.

However, leaving the washing machine lid open at all times is also discouraged as external dust will accumulate in the drum, compromising hygiene. It is best to close the lid once the machine has completely dried after the wash cycle.

What are the consequences of closing the washing machine lid after finishing a load?

The internal environment of a washing machine is inherently sealed, and a front-load washing machine becomes even more sealed because the rubber gasket obstructs airflow. Therefore, closing the lid after washing can lead to various negative consequences.

Mold and mildew growth, affecting clothing

Mold and mildew thrive in humid, poorly ventilated, and unsanitary environments. Therefore, if you always close the lid of your washing machine after use, you are essentially creating an ideal environment for them to grow.

Additionally, mold and mildew that accumulate in the drum can cause clothes to develop a strong musty odor. Over time, these can manifest as tiny black dots on your clothing, which are notoriously difficult to remove once they have penetrated the fabric. In the long run, your clothes will suffer in both quality and appearance.

Reduced lifespan of washing machine

Bacteria and mold can easily form in the airtight environment created by the rubber gasket around the washing machine lid. This contamination will affect the water that is pumped into the machine, which in turn can impact the drainage system.

When mold and bacteria accumulate excessively, you may notice irregularities in the water and drainage system, such as foul odors or cloudy or dark-colored water. Therefore, if you do not clean your washing machine regularly and properly, you will reduce its lifespan.

Health implications

Mold and mildew can develop without being immediately visible to the naked eye and can contaminate the water used to wash clothes, which then adheres to the clothing. Together with environmental factors and weather conditions when drying clothes, this can have a direct impact on people’s skin, especially those with sensitive skin or allergies.

It can even affect the respiratory system, causing sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, etc. That is why you should not close the washing machine lid after finishing a load. Allow the machine to dry completely before closing it.

How to prevent and eliminate mold and mildew

To keep your washing machine clean and minimize mold and mildew growth, in addition to not closing the lid after finishing a load, you should observe the following:

Remove clothes immediately after washing

One of the factors contributing to mold and mildew growth is leaving damp clothes in a sealed space. Therefore, hang or dry clothes as soon as the machine finishes its wash cycle.

Washing machines typically have a spin cycle included in their preset wash programs. However, to dry clothes faster and preserve the quality of the fabric, select the appropriate spin speed.

For thick items like towels or bed sheets, choose a strong spin speed to save time. For thin, delicate clothes, select a gentler spin speed to ensure adequate drying and preserve the fabric quality.

Choose the right location for your washing machine

To prolong the lifespan of your washing machine, avoid placing it in a humid environment. Also, ensure that it is placed on a flat surface to prevent water from leaking into the detergent dispenser or the drum from tilting and causing noise.

Prevent water from dripping onto the washing machine’s control panel and wipe it dry immediately if it does.

Use bleach to eliminate mold and mildew

If mold and mildew have already appeared in certain areas of the drum, use a mixture of warm water and bleach in a 10:1 ratio to wipe them down or run a wash cycle with this mixture. Repeat the cycle, but substitute the bleach with 2 cups of white vinegar to remove the bleach smell. Finally, run the cycle again with just hot water until the odor disappears.

Experts recommend following this procedure once a month to prevent mold and mildew from returning. Consider seeking professional assistance from washing machine cleaning services to ensure proper cleaning.