Do You Need to Leave Your Dryer Door Open?

You’ve probably heard before that you should leave the door to your washing machine open when it’s not in use. But what about your dryer? Should you leave a dryer door open even after your clothes are dry and you’ve taken them out? While there might seem like a big difference in moisture levels between a washer and dryer, this small extra step can make a big difference in the longevity of both machines.

In short, yes. You should keep a dryer door open when it’s not in use.

The reasons why are very similar to why you should keep your washing machine lid open. It can help to maintain your machine and keep it running effectively and efficiently.

The main reason to leave your dryer open is to get rid of moisture and heat. Again, there’s not going to be as much moisture in a dryer as in a washing machine, but it’s still there, and even trace amounts of moisture left behind can lead to mildew, mold, and rust. It can also create a bad smell in the unit that will quickly transfer to your clothes every time you dry them.

In addition to smells, mold, and mildew, any moisture left in your dryer could cause bacterial growth that could be harmful to your family and your home.

The machine itself could also be compromised due to moisture, especially if you have hard water. Over time, limescale will build up inside the machine and cause certain parts of it to clog up. In a washing machine, this can cause a blockage in water pathways. In a dryer, it means your clothes might take longer to actually dry, and running more cycles isn’t good for the environment or your machine.

When it comes to getting rid of heat, leaving the door open will cool things down much faster. If you shut the dryer door after taking your clothes out, the heat will stay “trapped” inside and can end up damaging the machine.

Should you leave a washing machine lid open? Yes. Should you leave a dryer door open? Yes. In fact, you should promote as much airflow in your laundry room as possible when your machines aren’t in use. Doing so will dissipate moisture and heat quickly, improve the air quality of your home, and boost the longevity and efficiency of your machines. Consider even leaving the laundry room door open so you’re not trapping moisture and heat in one room.

Beyond keeping heat and moisture at bay, you can maintain your dryer by regularly cleaning out the vents to make sure there are no clogs or blockages, and don’t hesitate to call a maintenance service if you feel like the appliance isn’t performing the way it should.