Leaving the washing machine door open after every cycle is one of the most effective ways to prevent mould and help the appliance clean clothes better, according to appliance experts at Beko. The 5-second task increases airflow, drying out the drum and rubber seal before mould spores can settle.
Why washing machines grow mould
The average UK family does around 260 loads of laundry per year, according to the Office for National Statistics. Because of this, the staple home appliance needs to be cleaned after four to five uses, say the experts at Beko. For washing machines to clean clothes and other laundry items properly, the appliance itself needs to be clean and free of the possibility of mould.
Mould grows in washing machines because the drum stays warm and damp after a cycle ends. Residual moisture, detergent build-up, and a lack of airflow create the right conditions for mould spores to settle and multiply.
When a washing machine door stays closed after a cycle, humidity is locked inside the drum, the rubber seal, and the detergent drawer. Over time, soap residue feeds mould growth, producing that grey-black stain and musty odour that may be familiar to many households.
What the experts recommend
The pros said: "Leaving the door ajar after every wash cycle is one of the most effective ways to prevent mould.
"Airflow dries out the drum and the rubber seal before mould spores can settle. Even cracking the door a few centimetres makes a measurable difference."
To improve conditions further, they recommend placing a small fan nearby to speed up drying time within the washing machine between loads.
How to remove bad odours
Washing machine smells come from mould and bacteria living in the drum, the door seal, and the detergent drawer. Removing the smell means removing the conditions that allow it to develop.
Get your washing machine smelling clean by first running an empty cycle at 60C or 90C with no laundry or detergent, once a month. Add 250 ml of white vinegar to the drum before a maintenance wash for extra odour control. Wipe the door seal dry after every use and always leave the door open between washes.
