Want a fresh-smelling front-load washer? Don’t close the door

Why front-load washers are more prone to mold

If you own a front-load washer, you’ve already got the upper hand in energy and water efficiency. These machines use less water, spin faster, and are generally gentler on clothes. But there’s one downside that comes with the sleek, horizontal design: they don’t dry out as easily as top-loaders.

Why? It all comes down to airflow, or the lack of it.

• The rubber door seal creates a tight, watertight closure, but it also traps moisture against the drum.

• Horizontal drums tend to hold water around the lower edge of the door after each wash cycle.

• Residual detergent, fabric softener, lint, and grime love to settle into the folds of the door gasket.

Add all that up, and you’ve got a cozy, damp environment that mold and mildew love.

Translation? Front-loaders need all the help they can get drying out between loads. Keeping the door open gives moisture a chance to escape before it becomes a moldy mess, and is your easiest line of defense.

• Lets moisture evaporate, instead of staying trapped in the drum and gasket

• Prevents musty smells by allowing airflow to reach damp areas

• Discourages mold and mildew growth, especially around the rubber seal

• Helps your washer dry out naturally between uses

Other ways to prevent mold in a front-load washer

Don't stop with just leaving the door open. A few other simple habits can help your washer stay fresh and mold-free

• Leave the detergent drawer slightly open, too. That little space loves to hang onto leftover soap, and mold loves to hang out there.

• Wipe the door gasket after each load. Mold hides in the folds and underside of the rubber flap.

• Use HE detergent, and go easy. Too much soap = more residue = mold buffet.

• Run a monthly cleaning cycle. Use your washer’s cleaning setting or toss in a cleaning tablet like affresh® or Cascade®.

• Clean the drain pump filter every few months. It catches lint, water, and mystery gunk. Don’t let it sit and stew.

If your washer’s already smelling funky or you’ve spotted black marks on the gasket, follow our guide on how to get rid of mold in a front-load washer to reset things.

What happens if you don’t leave the door open?

Short answer? Mold happens.

Longer answer: When you shut the washer door right after a cycle, you’re basically sealing in all the moisture, warmth, and leftover suds. This creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Over time, that leads to:

• A musty smell that clings to towels, clothes, and the washer interior

• Black or brown spots growing on the rubber gasket and inside the drum

• Buildup that can clog hoses or interfere with sensors and drainage

• In more serious cases, mold-related damage that affects performance, or even requires replacing parts like the door gasket or control board

Think of it like stuffing damp gym clothes in a bag and zipping it shut for a week. Not great. Leaving the door open gives your washer a chance to air out and stay fresh between loads.

Helpful tools and accessories to stay ahead of mold

A few affordable accessories can help keep mold at bay:

• Washer cleaning tablets (like affresh® or Cascade®)

• Gasket cleaning brushes

• Door props to keep the washer cracked open without the door getting in the way

You can more washer accessories in our laundry accessories collection, great for building a low-effort cleaning routine.

Still having trouble?

If your washer still smells or seems to be growing something unsavory, mold might not be the only problem. A clog, drain issue, or failing gasket can cause water to collect where it shouldn’t.

Visit our DIY washer repair help section for troubleshooting tips, part replacement guides, and cleaning walkthroughs tailored to your washer model.