Why You Should Leave the Washing Machine Door Open After Washing (Samsung Advice)

After a wash, not all the water disappears straight away. Some moisture can remain in the drum, the door seal and the detergent drawer, particularly in front-loading machines. Samsung advises leaving the door and the detergent drawer open after use to encourage airflow and help the inside of the appliance dry out.

Why leave the door open after washing?

If the door is closed as soon as the cycle finishes, there is very little air movement inside the machine. Moisture trapped on internal surfaces can take longer to evaporate, especially when there are traces of detergent or fabric conditioner.

For that reason, leaving the door slightly ajar after washing makes it easier for air to enter the drum. This simple habit helps any remaining moisture dry and may reduce the build-up of unpleasant smells.

Where can moisture stay hidden?

The drum is not the only area worth checking. The rubber door seal on front-loading machines can hold small amounts of water, lint and other residue after a cycle.

The detergent drawer can also stay damp once the wash has finished. So, as well as keeping the door open, leaving the drawer partially open improves ventilation and allows the compartment to dry.

How to help the washing machine dry after the cycle

As soon as the wash ends, take the clothes out and leave the door ajar. If your model has a detergent drawer designed to be left open, keep it partly open too, as this helps air circulate.

It is also worth checking the seal regularly, removing any visible debris and following the cleaning steps set out in the manual. Routine maintenance of the seal and the detergent compartment helps reduce the build-up of dirt.

Does this habit completely remove the risk of mould?

No. Leaving the door open helps reduce trapped moisture, but it does not replace regular cleaning of the machine. Detergent residue, grime and water that collects in certain areas can still contribute to odours if the appliance is not properly maintained.

It is also important to consult your model’s manual, as cleaning and maintenance steps can vary. In that sense, leaving the washing machine door open after a cycle is a simple habit that helps the inside dry, but it works best when combined with regular cleaning and care.