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Life happens. Maybe you are traveling, moving, renovating, or just not doing laundry as often. Many people wonder how long a washing machine can sit unused without problems. The good news: most washers handle short breaks well. The risk grows when moisture, humidity, and time work together. This guide gives you clear timelines, simple prep steps, and an easy restart plan so your washer stays healthy and odor-free.
Short Answer: How Long Can a Washer Sit Unused?
Up to 2 weeks: Usually no problem
Most modern washers can sit for one to two weeks with no special steps. If your last load finished properly and the door is left slightly open, you should be fine. Try to avoid leaving wet laundry or water in the drum.
1 to 3 months: Low risk if stored dry and ventilated
This is still safe for many homes, especially if you leave the door and detergent drawer open to air out. Run a cleaning cycle before the break if possible. In very humid areas, a musty smell can start to form, especially in front-loaders.
3 to 6 months: Rising risk of odors, stuck parts, and residue
Mold and mildew can grow if moisture is trapped. Door gaskets may dry or stick. Mineral deposits can harden in valves and pumps. A careful prep before storage and a cleaning cycle before use help a lot here.
6 to 12 months: Needs prep and a careful restart
At this stage, problems like sour smells, stiff seals, and slow-filling valves are more common. If the washer was not cleaned and dried before storage, expect extra cleaning when you return. Avoid freezing conditions unless you properly winterized the washer.
12+ months: High risk without proper storage
After a year, lack of use can lead to stronger odors, more limescale buildup, and rubber wear. If it sat in a damp or freezing place, damage is more likely. Plan on a full inspection, hose check or replacement, and deep clean before use.
Why Idle Time Matters
Trapped moisture and mold
Washing machines, especially front-loaders, keep small amounts of moisture in gaskets, hoses, and pumps. When the door stays closed, that moisture has nowhere to go. Warm air plus detergent residue feeds mold, causing odors and black spots around the door seal.
Drying seals and gaskets
Rubber parts like the door gasket and inlet valve seals can dry and stiffen over time. They seal better when used regularly. Long idle time, sun exposure, or high heat can age rubber faster, leading to leaks or squeaks.
Stuck pumps and valves
Mineral deposits from hard water can dry and harden inside small passages. When you start the washer again, the water inlet valve may open slowly, and the drain pump may be noisy or stick. Often, a few cycles will loosen things up if there is no severe buildup.
Standing water and rust risk
Some water remains in hoses and the pump. If the washer sits in a damp garage or basement, internal metal parts may corrode faster. While stainless drums resist rust, other parts can still suffer.
Factors That Change the Timeline
Humidity and climate
In humid climates, mold grows faster. A washer in a dry, climate-controlled home can sit longer with fewer issues. In damp basements or near the coast, expect odors sooner.
Water quality
Hard water leaves limescale inside valves and heaters. If your water is very hard, buildup happens faster during normal use and can harden while the machine sits. A descaling cycle before storage helps.
Previous condition
A clean, well-maintained washer stores better. If it already smelled or had residue, time makes it worse. Always fix odor problems before long breaks.
Storage location
Indoors in a dry, cool room is best. Garages, sheds, and damp basements increase risk. Direct sun can age rubber. Storing near chemicals (like pool supplies) can also harm rubber parts.
Freezing temperatures
Freezing can crack plastic parts and damage pumps. Even one freeze-thaw cycle can cause leaks. If there is any chance of freezing, you must winterize the washer or store it in a heated space.
Preparing a Washer for Unused Time
If you will be away up to 1 month
1) Run a cleaning cycle on hot using a washing machine cleaner or 2 cups of white vinegar. If you use bleach, do not use vinegar at the same time. Run one or the other, then rinse.
2) Wipe the door gasket, drum, and detergent drawer until dry. Check the folds of the gasket for lint and hair.
3) Leave the door and detergent drawer slightly open to air out.
4) Shut off the water supply valves if you like, especially if you live in an older home or will be away.
5) Unplug the washer to protect against power surges.
If you will be away 1 to 3 months
1) Do all the steps above.
2) Remove, rinse, and dry the detergent drawer and any removable filters or mesh screens.
3) If your home standpipe has a P-trap, pour a few cups of water into the standpipe before you leave to keep sewer gases out. If you will be away more than a month, a tablespoon of mineral oil on top of the water helps slow evaporation.
4) Place a dry cloth or paper towel between the door and the frame so it stays slightly open.
If you will be away 3 to 12 months
1) Deep clean: run a hot cleaning cycle, then a hot rinse. Wipe everything dry.
2) Turn off water supply valves and disconnect the inlet hoses. Drain residual water from hoses and the inlet screens. Keep hoses in a dry place.
3) Run a short drain/spin cycle to clear water from the pump and sump. If possible, tilt the washer slightly forward for a moment (carefully) to encourage any remaining water to exit the tub opening, then dry the gasket again.
4) Leave doors and drawers open. Consider placing moisture absorbers (like desiccant packs) nearby if the room is humid. Do not place packets inside the drum unless you are sure they cannot spill or break open.
5) Unplug the washer. If it is in a high-humidity space, consider a small dehumidifier in the room.
If you are storing over 12 months or moving to storage
1) Follow the 3–12 months steps.
2) Reinstall shipping bolts on front-loaders before moving or long storage to protect the suspension. Check your manual for bolt locations.
3) Label and store inlet hoses. If hoses are older than 5–7 years, plan to replace them with braided stainless hoses when you return.
4) If storage may reach freezing temperatures, winterize the washer (see detailed steps below).
Winterizing for Freezing Temperatures
Why winterizing matters
Water trapped in valves, the pump, or the drain hose can freeze and expand, cracking parts and causing leaks later. Winterizing protects these parts.
Winterizing steps (general)
1) Unplug the washer. Turn off water supply valves.
2) Disconnect the inlet hoses and drain any water from them. Check and clean the mesh filters.
3) Run a brief drain/spin cycle with the water supply off to clear as much water as possible from the tub and pump. If the machine will not run without water, select a drain-only program if available.
4) Pour 1 to 2 cups of non-toxic RV antifreeze (propylene glycol, not automotive antifreeze) into the empty drum. Start a short tumble or drain program for 10–20 seconds to move the antifreeze through the pump and hoses, then stop. This coats internal passages and helps prevent freezing.
5) Leave the door and detergent drawer slightly open. Tape a note to the door that antifreeze is inside so no one runs a load by mistake.
6) When you return, run two hot empty cycles before washing clothes to flush out antifreeze.
How to Restart a Washer After It Sat Unused
First inspection
1) Check the power cord and outlet. Make sure the cord is not pinched or damaged.
2) Inspect water supply hoses for cracks, bulges, or rust at the fittings. Replace if older than 5–7 years or if you see wear.
3) Look around and under the washer for signs of leaks or rodent damage if it was stored in a garage or shed.
Reconnect and test water flow
1) Reconnect inlet hoses tightly by hand, then snug with a wrench without over-tightening. Make sure hot and cold are not reversed if your washer matters for that.
2) Turn on water valves slowly. Watch the hose connections and the back of the washer for drips.
Run a cleaning cycle first
1) Run a hot cleaning cycle with a washing machine cleaner or 2 cups of white vinegar. If there is visible mold or strong odor, you can use bleach instead (about 1/2 cup in the dispenser). Do not mix bleach and vinegar in the same cycle.
2) Wipe the gasket and drum after the cycle. Clean the detergent drawer and any filters.
Do a test load
1) Wash a few old towels on a normal cycle to confirm filling, draining, spinning, and heating all work. Listen for unusual noises (grinding, loud buzzing, or repeated clicking).
2) If the washer is slow to fill, run a few more cycles. If still slow, clean inlet screens and consider descaling.
Fixing persistent odors
1) Run two back-to-back hot cleaning cycles.
2) Scrub the door gasket folds with a soft brush and a vinegar solution or a mild bleach solution (never both at once). Rinse and dry thoroughly.
3) Leave the door open between uses to prevent future odors.
Front-Loader vs Top-Loader: Does It Matter?
Front-loaders
Front-loaders are more likely to develop odors when idle because the door seals and design trap moisture. They need more care: wipe the gasket, leave the door and drawer open, and clean more often.
Top-loaders
Top-loaders usually dry faster and smell less. Still, standing water can remain in the pump or hoses. Follow the same basic prep and restart steps for best results.
Simple Maintenance During Long Breaks
Monthly quick care
1) If someone can visit the home, open the laundry room door for airflow and check for humidity.
2) Pour a cup of water into the standpipe to keep the drain P-trap filled. This blocks sewer smells.
3) Rotate the drum by hand a few turns to keep seals flexible. Make sure the machine is unplugged while you do this.
Before long breaks
1) Replace old hoses with braided stainless steel models. They resist bursting during long idle times.
2) Label shutoff valves so helpers know which way to turn them if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Closing the door tightly
Keeping the door closed traps moisture and feeds mold. Always leave the door slightly open when storing.
Leaving detergent inside
Liquid detergent left in the drawer can thicken and clog. Remove and rinse the drawer, then let it dry.
Skipping the cleaning cycle
Detergent residue and body oils are food for mildew. One hot cleaning cycle before and after storage prevents most odor problems.
Storing in freezing areas without winterizing
Even one freeze can crack parts. If the space is not heated, winterize the washer or move it indoors.
Forgetting shipping bolts for moving
If you transport a front-loader without shipping bolts, the drum can bounce and damage the suspension. Always reinstall the bolts before a move.
When to Call a Pro
Signs you need service
1) Water leaks from the door, hoses, or under the washer after restart.
2) The drum will not turn, the pump will not drain, or breakers trip repeatedly.
3) Strong burning smells, smoke, or error codes you cannot clear with a reset.
4) The washer was stored in a flood-prone, very damp, or rodent-exposed area and you see damage to wires or insulation.
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Do washers go bad if not used?
Not usually in the short term. Most issues are about mold, stuck valves, and dried seals. Proper prep and a cleaning cycle on return prevent most problems.
Can I just run it after months of no use?
You can try, but it is smarter to inspect hoses, run a hot cleaning cycle, and watch for leaks. This small effort can save you from a messy surprise.
How do I keep sewer smells away while I am gone?
Keep the standpipe P-trap wet by adding a few cups of water before you leave. If gone for months, add a little mineral oil on top to slow evaporation.
What about hard water buildup?
If you have hard water, descale before and after storage using a washer cleaner made for mineral buildup. Running hot cycles helps, too.
Example Timelines You Can Follow
Weekend to 2 weeks
Do nothing special. Just leave the door ajar after your last load.
1 to 3 months
Run a cleaning cycle, dry the gasket, leave doors and drawers open, and consider shutting off water. Unplug the washer.
3 to 6 months
Deep clean, disconnect and drain hoses, run a drain/spin, leave open to air. On return, inspect and run a hot cleaning cycle before washing clothes.
6 to 12 months
Do the above, and avoid damp or freezing storage. Replace old hoses on return. Expect to do extra cleaning.
12+ months
Full prep with hose removal and, if needed, winterization. Reinstall shipping bolts if moving. On return, inspect, reconnect, flush, deep clean, and test with towels first.
Conclusion
How long can a washing machine sit unused? In a clean, dry, indoor space, a few weeks to a couple of months is usually no problem. After three months, the risks of odors and stuck parts rise, especially for front-loaders and homes with hard water or high humidity. With simple steps—cleaning, drying, leaving the door open, shutting off water, and unplugging—you can safely store a washer for many months. For freezing storage, winterize to prevent damage. When you are ready to use the washer again, inspect the hoses, run a hot cleaning cycle, and test with old towels. A little care before and after storage keeps your washer fresh, safe, and ready for the next laundry day.