Leaving a washing machine on pause for a short period, such as a few minutes to an hour, is generally safe and is a feature provided by many modern washing machines to allow users to add or remove clothes mid-cycle or make adjustments before resuming the cycle. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind:
Power Consumption: Even when the washing machine is on pause, it may still consume some electricity, as the electronic control panel and other components might remain active. While the power consumption in pause mode is usually minimal, it's more energy-efficient to turn the machine off completely if you won't be resuming the cycle soon.
Prolonged Pausing: Leaving the washing machine on pause for an extended period, such as hours or days, is not recommended. The longer the machine remains in pause mode, the more likely it is to develop issues or malfunctions when the cycle is resumed.
Potential Odors and Mildew: If you leave damp clothes sitting in the washing machine for too long, especially in a warm and humid environment, they may develop unpleasant odors or even grow mildew. It's best to remove the clothes promptly or resume the cycle if you've paused it.
Safety Precautions: If you have young children at home, keep in mind that they might inadvertently resume the washing cycle while the machine is on pause, which could be potentially hazardous. Be sure to keep the control panel out of their reach or use child lock features if available.
To summarize, using the pause function on your washing machine for short periods, such as adding or removing clothes, is safe. However, it's essential to avoid leaving the machine on pause for an extended time to prevent potential issues and to promptly remove clothes after pausing to avoid odors or mildew. If you don't plan to resume the cycle soon, consider turning the machine off completely to save energy. Always refer to your washing machine's user manual for specific guidance on using the pause function and other features.