Should you close the washing machine lid after finishing a wash cycle? This is a common cleaning dilemma faced by many households. According to discussions on PTT and insights from Japan's renowned cleaning brand 'Kao,' closing the lid immediately after washing traps residual moisture inside, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth and mold, which can lead to unpleasant odors. Experts advise leaving the lid open to allow the interior to dry, helping avoid costly professional deep cleaning.

Should You Close the Washing Machine Lid After Washing? Kao's Official Answer

A PTT user once posted about noticing their roommate always left the washing machine lid open after use, sparking curiosity. They wondered: closing the lid prevents dust and foreign objects from entering, but leaving it open risks mold and odors—so which is correct?

In reality, many people, fearing dust or debris, or worried about rain splashing in if the machine is on a balcony, habitually close the lid right after washing.

However, numerous users have reported that keeping the lid closed leads to mold and foul smells, ultimately forcing them to pay high fees for professional disassembly and cleaning.

Users of front-loading washing machines have also shared: 'I use a front-loader, and the manufacturer recommends not closing the door after use to maintain ventilation and dryness. This not only prevents bacterial growth inside but also extends the lifespan of the door's rubber seal.'

Cleaning product manufacturer 'Kao' has explained on its official social media: after a wash cycle, significant moisture remains inside the machine. If the lid is kept closed for long periods, this moisture cannot evaporate, making it easy for bacteria to grow and unpleasant odors to develop. Therefore, Kao recommends leaving the door open after use—and ideally, pulling out the detergent drawer as well—to allow moisture to escape.

1. Open the washing machine door: After washing, keep the lid open to allow residual moisture to naturally evaporate.

2. Pull out the detergent drawer: Also pull out the drawer where laundry detergent and fabric softener are stored to ensure thorough internal drying.

3. Extended drying time: Some users suggest leaving the lid open for over 24 hours, ensuring the interior is completely dry before closing it.

Other users have shared their practices: 'I wash every few days, so I leave it open to ventilate for a day before closing it,' 'After washing, I leave it open for ventilation and dehumidification, then close it after about three hours to prevent dust,' and 'I personally roll up a towel and place it in the gap of the lid to allow airflow—leaving it fully open brings in too much dust.'

What if the washing machine is already moldy or smelly? Experts Share 2 Home Remedies

If you notice mold or odor inside your washing machine, you don't need to immediately spend money on professional cleaning. Try these two common household cleaning methods:

1. Baking Soda Empty Cycle Cleaning: Pour baking soda directly into the washing machine drum and run an empty cycle on high temperature to remove dirt and sanitize.

2. Bleach Wet-Pack for Rubber Seals: For mold on the rubber gasket around the drum, soak a paper towel in undiluted bleach and place it on the moldy area for 2–3 hours. Then run a rinse cycle to clean.

If these methods fail to completely eliminate mold and odor, consider hiring a professional cleaner for deep disassembly.

Q1: After washing, should the washing machine lid be open or closed?

It should be open. Both Kao's official guidance and self-service laundries recommend leaving the lid open after use to allow moisture to escape. Closing it promotes bacterial growth, mold, and odors.

Q2: Won't leaving the lid open let in dust?

Most experts and users point out that washing machines go through multiple rinse cycles, so any dust that enters will be washed away. However, if mold develops due to keeping the lid closed, it is much harder to remove and poses health risks.

Q3: Besides opening the lid, should the detergent drawer also be pulled out?

Yes. Kao recommends pulling out the drawer where detergent and softener are stored after each use. This improves air circulation and ensures the entire interior dries thoroughly.