Leaving the washing machine door open after a cycle prevents trapped moisture from causing mold and

Miele and Siemens Reassure Users on Open Doors

Many households face the daily choice of whether to shut the washing machine door after a load or leave it ajar. Concerns about damaged rubber gaskets or worn-out hinges often drive people to close the appliance immediately. However, major appliance manufacturers are putting those fears to rest.

Miele reported that leaving the door open for extended periods is completely unproblematic and actually recommended from a hygienic standpoint, allowing residual moisture to escape the drum. Left closed, a warm and humid climate builds up inside, creating ideal conditions for unpleasant odors, organic residue, and mold growth, as reported by chip.de.

Technical testing at Miele shows the door hinges easily support the weight of an open door over many years. A door opened at a 90-degree angle must withstand a load of 150 newtons—equivalent to about 15 kilograms—to account for users leaning on it during loading and unloading.

Siemens also advises leaving the door open after a wash cycle to let residual moisture dry properly, confirming that open doors cause no damage to hinges or the door seal, known as the turmanschette.

Direct Sunlight Risks and Extra Maintenance Steps

While open doors are generally safe, Siemens points out one specific exception. Direct sunlight, extreme heat, or intense dryness can place long-term stress on the door seal. In households facing these conditions, leaving the door open just a crack is enough.

Beyond the main door, additional maintenance prevents buildup. The Verbraucherzentrale NRW consumer protection group advises wiping down the detergent drawer and the rubber gasket grooves with a cloth after washing, as water, hair, and detergent residue frequently collect there. Leaving the detergent compartment open also aids in drying.

Consumer Advice on Preventing Laundry Odors

Consumer protection organizations emphasize that damp laundry should never sit in the drum for hours, a habit that transfers a musty smell directly to clothes. When washing machines already develop an odor, the Verbraucherzentrale recommends running a 60-degree Celsius cycle using powder detergent containing bleaching agents, which effectively dissolves the accumulated biofilm.

Families with small children or pets face a distinct safety hazard with open appliances. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recorded more than 3,000 emergency room visits involving children under five and washing machines since 2014, including three fatalities. Samsung addresses this in its customer support by designing door latches that naturally hold a slight gap, reducing the risk of a child becoming trapped inside an airtight drum.