You can keep the door closed on Whirlpool’s new self-drying washers

Whirlpool has announced a new feature for its front loading washing machines. Called the FreshFlow Vent System, it will dry the appliance’s drum, door, and rubber seals after a wash cycle. The system will reduce the risk of mold and bacteria growth, and will save you from having to remember to leave the washer’s door open to passively dry its interior.

The new FreshFlow Vent System is being introduced on a pair of new Whirlpool washing machines ranging in price from $999 to $1,199 that are available now. The new feature doesn’t run automatically once a load of clothing has been washed; instead, the system requires you to close the washer’s door and start a “Dry Drum,” cycle, which uses a fan to completely dry out the interior of the washer.

Front load washing machines are often smaller than traditional top loading designs and use less water, but the complex rubber seals used to ensure water doesn’t leak out during a wash can trap moisture afterwards, leading to mold and bacteria growth. It’s why appliance makers recommend leaving a front load machine’s door open so its interior can dry out, but that’s a much slower process. The “Dry Drum” cycle will use more power than letting a machine air dry, but could be worth the extra monthly bump to your power bill if it prevents a washer from getting moldy and smelly.

Other features include an antimicrobial treatment on the machine’s rubber seal to further inhibit the growth of bacteria, and a new “FanFresh” option which uses that newly added built-in fan plus additional periodic tumbling cycles to keep a forgotten load of wet laundry fresh (and not needing a rewash) before it’s removed.

And because it seems like every new product needs to introduce AI functionality, Whirlpool’s new washers now have an “AI Intelligent Wash” option which uses sensors to detect the size of a load and the types of fabrics it includes. The machine can then automatically adjust settings like temperature and water levels for optimal cleaning and fabric care. That could be a useful feature for those of us too lazy to sort our clothing properly, or who can’t tell the difference between cotton and polyester.