In many households, the washing machine door remains ajar almost non-stop. The goal is clear – to prevent mold, odor and moisture retention. However, experts raise a warning finger: this common habit can cause other, often more expensive problems, and even permanently damage the appliance. What are the risks of constant ventilation and what do they advise?
Pay attention to hinges and seals
A constantly open door represents an additional mechanical load for the washing machine. Long-term exposure to the weight of the door can lead to sagging or displacement of the hinges. Even a minimal deviation subsequently causes problems not only when closing, but also with leakage, damage to the lock or starting the washing cycle itself. The technicians also strongly warn that you should never hang wet laundry or towels on the open door – the extra weight puts extreme strain on the hinges.
When is ventilation safe?
So is the solution to close the door immediately? Not quite. Experts recommend a golden middle path: leave the washing machine open immediately after washing, but only for the necessary time. In this way, the drum has time to cool down, the greatest moisture evaporates and condensation is avoided. However, after about an hour (or when the inside is dry), you should close the door and leave it until the next wash.
Modern appliances are full of sensors that respond sensitively to changes in the surrounding environment. Long-term exposure of the internal mechanisms to dust or accidental impacts with the door open it can lead to their damage, which is manifested by errors in the work cycle or increased energy consumption.
Whether you belong to the “open” or “closed” team, the key to a long washing machine life is regular maintenance. Do not forget to clean the inside with vinegar or a special disinfectant and pay special attention to the rubber seal around the door. Its regular drying is often more effective than all-day ventilation.
This article comes from the Ringier publishing partner website. The content and data contained in it were taken without editorial intervention.
