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AIBU?

washing machine door - open or shut?

51 replies

yespeeps · 31/05/2016 00:31

when not in use!

there's some black stuff round the rubber rim inside, I've been told to keep my door open, does it make a difference? I'm concerned it'll trip me up due to its location

don't have time to clean the black stuff, v busy single parent

OP posts:

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Sinkingfeeling · 31/05/2016 00:32

Open, always, even if it's just ajar a little. The black stuff is mould.

MovingOnUpMovingOnOut · 31/05/2016 00:34

Open but not wide open.

I'd give the rim a clean. Nobody's so busy they want mouldy clothes.

Primaryteach87 · 31/05/2016 00:35

Open

Iamalltheyhavenow · 31/05/2016 00:37

Definitely open. And the powder dispenser drawer too if you can.

GiddyOnZackHunt · 31/05/2016 00:37

Open. Ajar will do as long as there's air getting to the seals and drum.

SnuffleGruntSnorter · 31/05/2016 00:38

Open, but it's out of the way of passing traffic. Must remember to open the drawer more often.

80sMum · 31/05/2016 00:55

In my 38 years of washing machine ownership, I have always found that simply keeping the door slightly ajar is 100% effective at preventing any mould or mouldy smells from forming!

Gwenhwyfar · 31/05/2016 01:04

My clothes all come out of the machine covered in fluff. It's not the machine as the previous one did the same thing so I think it might be the water pressure or something. Does anyone have any ideas? (sorry, don't know about open or close, but I would walk into mine if the door was open).

ExtraHotLatteToGo · 31/05/2016 01:13

I dry the glass (the lime scale is hideous here) and leave it open for a few hours, but due to the location it gets shut before I do too much in the kitchen (bloody old fashioned english house without a utility) because otherwise I'd be constantly bashing into it, even just 'ajar'.

If I had a cat or small children it would be shut & locked - sod the black stuff.

FabFiveFreddie · 31/05/2016 01:17

Door and detergent drawer always left ajar

Topseyt · 31/05/2016 01:21

Open. Always. It needs air circulation in order to dry out as much as possible inside and not go mouldy and smelly.

MadamDeathstare · 31/05/2016 03:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Obviouspretzel · 31/05/2016 07:01

Oh my God I didn't know you were supposed to leave it open! It makes complete sense though, I've just always kept it shut because it looks tidier.

MsJamieFraser · 31/05/2016 07:05

Open, however not understanding you saying you don't have time to clean, if you've got time to MN, you've got time to clean a washer, it takes less then 5 mins to use a scourer and some hot water.

branofthemist · 31/05/2016 07:06

Open. Just a little.

You do have time to clean it. It takes a few minutes. If not you are washing clothes in mould. We got rid of ours by putting it on a 90 degree wash, so it takes the time to switch the washing machine on.

SemiNormal · 31/05/2016 07:14

Obviouspretzel Same here! Ooops! I do always clean the black scummy stuff off it though so that's okay?

acasualobserver · 31/05/2016 07:17

Open. If you're worried about tripping over it then just leave it open overnight.

Didn't know about the detergent drawer though - thanks people!

peggyundercrackers · 31/05/2016 07:18

I've always closed mine, never had a problem with mould either.

BertieBotts · 31/05/2016 07:19

Open! Not sure about worrying about cats and children. I always check mine for stray socks etc before putting a new wash load in anyway so I think I'd spot them.

Gizlotsmum · 31/05/2016 07:19

I always leave it ajar...Hubby always closes it! so we are both camps in our house. Ajar stops it staying damp and getting mouldy in my opinion. If you already have mould clean it and start leaving the door ajar

Pollyputhtekettleon · 31/05/2016 07:20

Shut! Found my 1 yr old in it the other day. My 3 yr old would not find turning it on impossible and he might shut the door on his sister b cause she annoys him. So definitely shut at all times.

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeG0es · 31/05/2016 07:21

Open, always (ours is in a corner though, so not in the way). I've never bothered leaving the detergent drawer open though, we use tablets and no FC and it stays spotless. I also do a 90C wash every now and then.

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firesidechat · 31/05/2016 07:24

I always leave the door open, however another cause of the nasty black stuff is using liquid detergent. You get a lot less if you use powder instead.

NicknameUsed · 31/05/2016 07:31

If you run a few hot washes using bio powder it will get rid of the mould anyway. I used to use laundry liquid on low temperature washes and my washer developed mould and stank the kitchen out. I now use Ariel bio and do the odd 60 degree wash. The mould and the smell have gone, and also DD's eczema (it was caused by the mould apparently).

I always leave the washer door ajar, and remove the powder drawer, and clean and dry it before putting it back. It takes seconds to do.

PirateFairy45 · 31/05/2016 07:32

Open. Otherwise it gets stinky and mouldy

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