Should I close the washing machine lid when finished washing?

Nowadays, almost every family has a washing machine, some families even buy two. Washing machines are very diverse, from top-loading to front-loading, and the features are also increasing day by day.

Should I close the washing machine lid when finished washing?

By cleaning and disinfecting blankets, clothes, etc., washing machines help free up human labor. This is a device with a long life span, many families use a washing machine for nearly 20 years, but that is when the machine is well maintained by proper use and maintenance. If you know how to maintain it, your washing machine will not only last longer but also rarely break down or malfunction, you will not have to call a technician to check and repair it frequently.

One of the things that makes many users wonder and wonder is whether they should close the washing machine lid after washing? The answer is no.

After using the washing machine, many people often have the habit of closing the lid because they are afraid of dust or insects getting in, or simply closing it to avoid getting in the way. However, this is not recommended. If the space is limited and you cannot open it all the way, you just need to make sure the washing machine lid is left slightly open, enough to let a small amount of air through.

However, it is not advisable to leave the washing machine lid open all the time because the dirt from the outside will stick to the washing drum, causing unhygienic conditions. The lid should be closed when the machine is completely dry after the washing process.

Is it harmful to close the washing machine lid after washing?

The environment inside the washing machine is inherently a closed environment, especially the front-loading washing machine becomes even more closed due to the rubber gasket that blocks the air flow. Therefore, closing the lid after washing can lead to various negative effects.

Mold growth, affecting clothes

Mold easily grows in humid, unventilated and unhygienic environments. Therefore, if you always close the washing machine lid after use, you create an ideal living environment for them to grow.

In addition, mold accumulated in the washing machine will cause clothes to have an extremely unpleasant musty smell. If this condition persists, they will "paint" tiny black dots on the clothes. This is one of the "stubborn" stains, very difficult to remove when they have penetrated deep into each fabric fiber. In the long run, the clothes will not guarantee both quality and aesthetics.

Reduce washing machine life

With an airtight environment protected by a rubber gasket around the washing machine lid, bacteria and mold can easily form here. They will pollute the water pumped into the washing machine, thereby affecting the drainage system.

When mold and bacteria accumulate enough, you will notice abnormalities in the water and drainage system. For example, the water will smell bad or appear cloudy and dark in color. Therefore, if the washing machine is not cleaned regularly and properly, the life of the washing machine will be reduced.

Impact on human health

Mold formation and development in the early stages is very difficult to detect with the naked eye, but it will secretly penetrate the water source directly used to wash clothes, from there sticking to the clothes. Along with that are environmental factors, weather when drying clothes, in the long run can directly affect everyone's skin, especially those with sensitive skin or allergies.

It can even affect the respiratory system, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis... That's why you shouldn't close the washing machine lid after washing. Let the machine dry completely before closing it.

Ways to Prevent and Remove Mold

To keep the washing machine clean and limit mold growth, in addition to not closing the washing machine lid after washing, you need to note:

Pick up clothes immediately after washing

One of the factors that contribute to the growth of mold and bacteria is leaving damp clothes in an airtight space. Therefore, hang or dry clothes immediately after the washing cycle has finished.

In washing machines, the spin mode usually comes with pre-set washing programs. However, if you want your clothes to dry faster without compromising the quality of the fabric, choose the appropriate spin mode.

For thick clothes or bed linens, choose the spin cycle to save time. For thin, light clothes, choose a gentler spin cycle to ensure dryness and fabric quality.

Choosing a space to place the washing machine

To prolong the life of the washing machine, you should not place the machine in a humid place. In addition, make sure to place the washing machine on a flat surface to avoid water from flowing into the detergent tray or the washing drum from tilting, causing noise.

It is necessary to prevent water from dripping onto the keyboard of the washing machine and dry it promptly if an accident occurs.

Use bleach to remove mold

If mold has developed in some areas of the drum, use a 10:1 mixture of warm water and bleach to wipe or run a wash cycle with this mixture. Repeat the cycle but replace the bleach with 2 cups of white vinegar to remove the mold smell. Finally, repeat the cycle again with only hot water until the odor is gone.

Experts recommend doing this once a month to prevent mold from coming back. You can seek the help of a washing machine cleaning service to ensure that the cleaning process is done correctly.