The Affordable Washing Machine Gadget That Helps Prevent Mold & Mildew

For a device that's supposed to keep your things clean, washing machines sure do get dirty. In fact, washing machines can stink and make your clothes stink, too. Often that's because of a buildup of mold and mildew, which you can prevent with a simple one-time buy: a door stopper.

Washing machines may get moldy because of the high levels of moisture and humidity in the drum. Combine that with leftover laundry residue and a lack of airflow, and you have all the ingredients you need to create a mold problem. Front-load washing machines are especially prone to this issue because of the rubber gaskets in the door, which are necessary to create a tight, leakproof seal while the machine runs.

There are many ways to treat mold, including mold removers, bleach, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and lemon juice. But the easiest mold prevention method is to simply leave the washing machine open between washes. This keeps the machine dry, and mold can't thrive without moisture. However, it's easy to forget to leave the door open if you're not used to it. Some doors will even swing shut automatically if you attempt to leave them partially open. That's where door stoppers come in.

There are several washing machine door stoppers on Amazon that all work similarly, such as this $10 Front Load Washer Door Prop. They feature a magnetic base that securely attaches to the front of the washing machine, right next to the door. The base is screwed to a flexible rubber hose, which you can bend to hold the door in place. It comes in black, white, blue, and orange, so you can either match it to your machine or let it stand out.

One caveat is that it won't work with stainless steel or plastic washing machines since the magnet is attracted to iron; you may have to experiment to find where it will stick on your machine. If your washer isn't compatible with this door stopper, there's also the $15 Magoog Washer Door Prop. It comes with metal discs that you can suction onto any surface if your machine isn't already magnetic. This model is more of a traditional door stopper — instead of a rubber hose keeping the door in place, it just props the door open.

Both models have hundreds of legitimate five-star reviews, with customers saying that the designs are simple yet effective. They're easy to use, won't damage or scuff your washing machine, and make a noticeable difference in improving ventilation and preventing mold and mildew.