Ask the expert about washing machines

Ask the Expert appears each month in CHOICE Magazine. Subscribers can write to our experts with their niggling questions. We’ll publish a selection of these online for members.

Door dilemma: Leave open or closed?

Subscriber question: We have a front-loading washer. I leave the door open between loads so that the washer does not get musty. My husband insists that the door should be left closed to protect the rubbers. Who is correct? In a similar vein, we have a camper – again, between trips I leave the refrigerator door open, while my husband says it should be closed.

Front loader making cottons ‘crunchy’

Subscriber question: When testing washing machines, does gentleness equal fluffiness? I recently bought a second-hand front loading washing machine, which has destroyed all my fluffy bath towels and made many of my cottons feel crunchy. I’ve reduced the spin cycle and only wash in cold water but it hasn’t helped. I’ve also tried vinegar as softener, to no avail. Is there any way I can reduce the damage to my towels? Is this a front loader characteristic?

Members can log in below to see how our expert Ashley Iredale answers these reader questions. 

Not a member? There’s plenty of free information available in our buying guides and other articles.