Clothes come out, the door clicks shut, and the laundry area looks tidy again. Inside the washer, though, moisture remains around the opening and rubber seal. Closing it straight after unloading can keep those areas damp, creating conditions that favor mold and a musty smell.
An Empty Drum Does Not Mean a Dry Washer
Finishing a cycle removes water from the clothes, but it does not dry every surface inside the machine. In front-loading washers, moisture can remain within the folds of the door gasket even when the drum looks empty.
Leaving the door open gives that moisture a chance to evaporate. EPA WaterSense includes this habit in its washer maintenance guidance, with particular emphasis on front-loading models.
Check the Seal Before Closing the Door
Rubber folds around the opening deserve attention because they can conceal moisture and small objects. LG advises checking the groove at the bottom of the gasket, removing debris, and wiping moisture from the seal and door glass with a dry towel.
That wipe reaches areas that may take longer to dry through ventilation alone. Follow the cleaning instructions for your model rather than pulling hard on the seal or applying a homemade mixture.
The Detergent Drawer Can Stay Damp Too
Leaving the main door open does not address moisture inside a closed dispenser. LG also recommends opening the detergent drawer after use so that its interior can dry.
Check your manual before removing the drawer for cleaning. If residue has collected inside, ventilation will help with drying, but it will not remove the deposit.
How Long Should the Door Stay Open?
Use dryness as the guide rather than a fixed number of minutes. Room humidity, airflow, and moisture left around the seal affect how long drying takes.
LG recommends leaving the door open until the gasket and door-side glass are dry. Follow any model-specific ventilation instructions, and keep children and pets from accessing the drum while the door is open.
An Open Door Will Not Remove Existing Buildup
If the washer already smells, airing it out is one part of the response. Inspect the gasket and dispenser, then follow the manual’s cleaning routine and drum-cleaning cycle instructions.
EPA also recommends using the appropriate amount of detergent. Adding more detergent to tackle an odor can leave the underlying maintenance problem unresolved.
The useful habit starts after unloading: check for trapped items, wipe away moisture, and give the interior time to dry before closing it.
Sources
- EPA WaterSense — Home Maintenance: Washer ventilation, detergent use, and manufacturer maintenance guidance. US EPA
- LG — Door Gasket Care: Moisture retention, dispenser ventilation, gasket inspection, and drying instructions. LG USA Support
- LG — Washer Owner’s Manual: After-wash care and precautions concerning children and pets.
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