Do I need to leave the dryer door open to prevent mold growth? (2024)

FAQs

Should you leave your dryer door open when not in use? ›

This can also encourage mold and mildew to grow in your dryer. It's always best to empty and ventilate the machine, leaving the door open after a cycle. This way, residual moisture can escape.

If you can leave your washing machine door open the whole time between washes, it will dry out throughout the day; however, even just opening the door for a few hours, perhaps while your laundry is drying, will help avoid mold growth.

Another issue that arises from trapped heat and moisture in the dryer is mold and mildew growth. Fungi thrive in warm, moist areas, and if heat and moisture are not properly vented from your laundry area, mold and mildew may begin to grow in your dryer, dryer vents, on clothing, and in and around the laundry area.

5. DO leave your washing machine door open after use. This will allow it to air out and help prevent mould and mildew from growing – so no more nasty smells lingering in the kitchen.

The dryer's door seal prevents cool air from entering the unit and hot air from leaving it. A worn or damaged door seal will significantly impact temperatures within the dryer drum, resulting in longer drying times.

If the dryer's new, it is burning off the oil residue from shipping. Run the dryer empty for about 15 minutes to dissipate the odor. You should periodically clean the lint trap and the exhaust vent. Make sure you're using the right settings for the clothing you are drying.

“Wet clothes release moisture into the home as they start to dry which can develop into mould and damp, causing mild allergies, aggravating asthma or worse.

To effectively remove mold from your clothes, you can use either Borax or white vinegar in the washing machine for a thorough cleaning. Check the instructions on your laundry detergent and set the washing machine to a hot water cycle as directed.

While some home designs include another form of ventilation for the room, “closet-style” laundry rooms should allow heat to escape through a vented door. If you don't go with a vented door, keep the laundry room door wide open while you run the machines.

Is it bad to leave washing in the machine overnight? ›

If your laundry has been waiting in the drum for 8 to 12 hours, then we would strongly recommend re-washing. In this space of time, bacteria and mould may have easily begun spreading. You should try to stay one step ahead of it. Don't worry, if your laundry was only left for just a few hours, it will be totally fine.

It is not recommended to leave a dryer running at night or when you are not at home. The risks of fire and overheating are too high, even though it does not happen very often. It is always better to be present when using household appliances that could pose a potential risk.

Other high-power appliances are the water heater, the refrigerator, and the washer and dryer. These aren't appliances that you can unplug to save energy. Instead, you should look for energy-efficient models that consume less water and power.

Give your dryer a break

If you have a large household or you find you do laundry often, space out your loads to avoid churning your machine for hours on end. Not only will this reduce the sudden pile of clothes waiting to be folded, but it can also get you more usage out of your dryer for years to come.

“Because mold likes dark, humid places, you need to try and do the exact opposite: introduce constant ventilation and, if possible, sunlight,” he says. Every time you finish a load in your washer, keep the door open instead of closing it — yes, even if you're not using it.