Can Clothes Sit in the Washer Overnight?
If you don’t have time to move clothes from the washer to the dryer, it is natural to wonder if you can leave your wet items in the washing machine overnight. Is it safe to do so, or can that cause the clothes to suffer damage?
The Good News
The good news is that, generally, it is alright to leave clothes in a washing machine, even for a couple of days, provided you take a few simple precautions.
The Precautions You Should Take
To ensure the clothes don’t spoil while left in the washer, you should take the following precautionary steps:
- Shut off the water fill valves.
- Unplug the power cord.
- If possible, move the washer to an area with less moisture.
- Gently spin the clothes one last time in the washing machine’s rinse cycle.
- If you can, leave the lid open so there is air circulation.
By taking the listed precautions, you can reduce the risk of mildew, microbial growth, and bad odors building up. In addition, the clothes should not suffer any damage if left in the washing machine overnight.
Conclusion
It is perfectly safe to leave clothes in the washer for a short period, provided you take the appropriate precautions outlined above. Just remember to check the washer before you plug it in and re-start it, to make sure nothing is stuck to the inside.