Why summer humidity is making your washer work harder (and what to do about it)

The hidden summer stress on your washing machine

July humidity in Metro Vancouver averages 60–70%, and your washing machine feels every percentage point. Unlike winter, when dry air naturally wicks moisture from fabrics, summer humidity means clothes stay damp longer inside the drum. Your washer's motor compensates by spinning harder and longer to extract the same amount of water—and that extra strain adds up fast.

The problem isn't just the spin cycle. Trapped moisture inside the drum and pump housing creates the perfect environment for mould, mineral buildup, and corrosion on metal components. If you've noticed a musty smell from your washer lately, humidity is likely the culprit.

What humidity does to your washer's parts

Your washing machine's rubber door gasket is designed to keep water in during the wash—but it also traps moisture when the machine sits idle. In Surrey's summer heat, that sealed environment becomes a breeding ground for mould and mildew. The gasket deteriorates faster when constantly exposed to dampness, leading to leaks and water damage to your flooring.

The motor bearings and pulleys are equally vulnerable. Humidity causes metal components to corrode slightly, increasing friction. A motor that should run smoothly begins to work harder, drawing more power and generating heat. Over months, this cumulative stress shortens the machine's lifespan.

Leave the door open—it's not optional

After every load, prop your washer door open for at least 30 minutes. This simple step allows air circulation inside the drum and gasket area, evaporating trapped moisture before mould takes hold. In a humid laundry room, leaving it open for an hour is even better. If your washer has a vent option or "airing" cycle, use it.

Run a monthly hot cleaning cycle

Use your machine's cleaning or self-cleaning function once a month (check your manual for the exact cycle). If your model doesn't have one, run a hot water wash with no clothes and add two cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. This flushes out detergent residue, mineral deposits, and mould spores that humidity traps inside.

Check your laundry room ventilation

Many Surrey homes lack proper laundry room exhaust—a window that opens, or ideally, a dedicated vent to the outside. If your laundry room feels warm and damp in July, that's your signal. Stagnant air means humidity lingers around your washer. Open a window during and after laundry days, or consider installing a small exhaust fan if you don't have one.

Inspect your seals and hoses

Once a month, look inside the rubber gasket around your door. Pull it back gently and check for dark spots, slime, or a strong odour. These are early warnings. Wipe the gasket dry with a cloth after every few loads during summer. Check inlet hoses too—humidity can corrode the metal connectors where they attach to the machine.

The takeaway

Summer humidity isn't just uncomfortable for you—it's an extra workload for your washing machine. By keeping the door open, running monthly cleaning cycles, and ensuring good airflow in your laundry room, you're protecting a major appliance from preventable wear. A few minutes of attention now can add years to your machine's life.