I have a front loader and yes, it's a must to keep the door open when not in use. Didn't know about the soap tray. I just got done cleaning out the darn thing with my wheel woolies the other week
. Nasty in there.
My only beef with our side by side is that it needs to be on a platform. Currently, it sits on the floor and you have to stoop down to get anything in/out of it. Kind of a pain. I've got an old office chair that we use to sit and transfer laundry. I think our next purchase if these die will be top load wash, front load dry. With steam. Cause, well, steam in a dryer means I won't have to iron wrinkly shirts.