Should You Leave Your Washing Machine Lid Open? What I Do in Japan

I usually leave the lid of my washing machine open when I’m not using it.

We have a top-loading washing machine at home in Japan, and leaving the lid open after doing laundry has become such a normal habit that I never really thought about it.

Recently, though, I closed the lid because I wanted to put a few things on top of the machine.

When I moved them later and opened the washer again, I noticed something.

It seemed to smell a little different inside.

It wasn’t a strong odor, and I couldn’t say that closing the lid had caused it. But because I normally leave the machine open, it made me wonder:

Should you leave a washing machine lid open after use?

Woman beside an open top-loading washing machine in a Japanese home

The simple answer is yes, at least for a while.

Letting the inside dry after a wash can help reduce the damp conditions that may contribute to mold and odors. Once the inside is dry, it’s fine to close the lid.

You don’t need to leave it open all day, and there isn’t one universal rule such as “leave it open for exactly two hours.” Drying time can vary depending on the washing machine, room ventilation, humidity, and season.

Why I Leave My Top-Loading Washing Machine Open After Laundry

Even after the spin cycle finishes, the inside of a washing machine can still be damp.

If you look inside right after taking out your clothes, you may notice moisture around the drum or other parts of the machine.

That can be especially noticeable during Japan’s rainy season and humid summer months.

At home, my routine is simple. I take the laundry out and leave the lid open for a while instead of closing it immediately.

My recent experience made me pay more attention to a habit I had been doing without thinking.

That said, leaving the lid open isn’t a substitute for cleaning your washing machine.

If your washer smells, moisture may be only part of the problem. Detergent or fabric softener residue, lint, buildup inside the machine, or the drainage area can also contribute.

So if you notice an odor after the lid has been closed, I wouldn’t automatically assume the lid itself is the cause.

How Long Should You Leave a Washing Machine Lid Open?

This was the part I wanted a clear answer to, but an exact number of hours isn’t very useful.

Washing machines are different, and so are homes.

A washer in a well-ventilated laundry area may dry faster than one in a small, humid washroom. In Japan, the difference can also be noticeable between a dry winter day and the middle of the rainy season.

Washing machine drying conditions during humid and dry weather in Japan

Instead of focusing on a specific number of hours, I find this much easier to remember:

Remove the laundry, check that nothing is left inside, and give the washer time to dry before closing the lid.

Once the inside is dry, you can close it.

Simple guide showing when to leave a washing machine open and when to close it

Some washing machines also have tub-drying, automatic tub-cleaning, or similar maintenance functions. If yours does, check the manual for your particular model rather than assuming every washer should be treated the same way.

What to Check If Your Washing Machine Smells

If you notice an unpleasant smell, leaving the lid open may help the inside dry, but I wouldn’t stop there.

I would also check a few basic things:

  • Is wet laundry being left inside for a long time?

  • Does the lint filter need cleaning?

  • Are you using more detergent or fabric softener than recommended?

  • Is it time to clean the washing machine tub?

  • Could the smell be coming from the drainage area?

I also try not to think of “more detergent” as “cleaner laundry.” Using the recommended amount is a better habit.

And even though I normally leave my washer open, ventilation doesn’t remove detergent residue or replace regular maintenance.

If the smell keeps coming back even after basic cleaning, check your washer’s manual for the recommended tub-cleaning method and whether the drain area needs attention.

Areas to check when a washing machine odor keeps returning

Be Careful If You Have Children or Pets

I wouldn’t tell everyone to keep a washing machine open whenever it isn’t running.

Safety comes first.

If you have small children or pets that can access the laundry area, an open top-loading washing machine may not be the safest choice.

What works in my home may not be the safest setup in a home with a curious toddler or pet.

Check the safety instructions for your particular model, including any child-lock features, and choose a routine that fits your household.

It’s also better not to use the washing machine lid as a permanent storage surface or place heavy items on top of it if the manufacturer doesn’t recommend doing so.

What I’ll Keep Doing at Home

My own routine hasn’t changed much.

After doing laundry, I take everything out, check the drum, and give the inside some time to dry before closing the lid.

What has changed is how I think about it.

I no longer assume that leaving the lid open is enough on its own.

If I notice a smell again, I’ll also check the lint filter, washing machine tub, detergent use, and drainage area instead of focusing only on the lid.

So if you’re wondering whether to leave your washing machine lid open, the easiest answer is this:

Let the inside dry after use, then close the lid when it’s dry.

You don’t need to keep it open permanently, and you don’t need to follow an arbitrary number of hours.

Keep up with regular cleaning, follow the instructions for your particular washing machine, and put household safety first.

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