It's the Little Things...

My top loading washing machine is underneath some cabinets and they jut out just far enough that the washing machine cover won't stay open on it's own.  The previous owner used a cup hook on a string from the knob to keep the washer top open.

It worked, but it looked really stupid. Every time I'd open the cabinet the hook went flying around, and if I didn't get the laundry detergent out of the cabinet first, I had to unhook it, close the washer, etc, etc.  There had to be a better way.

 A magnet seemed the perfect solution, but I couldn't get a magnet to stick to the cabinet. The bond between the magnet and the washing machine was stronger than the bond between the glue and the magnet.  When I wanted to hang the welcome banner to the side door, my friend Julie said Larry (her husband, an engineer and A-1 solver of problems) had a great source for "rare earth magnets."

Now I have no freaking clue what a rare earth magnet is, but I checked out the website and found just what I needed, a small 1/2" square magnet with a countersunk hole for a screw.  Bingo!

It works like a charm, and has the added advantage of being able to have the cabinet door open while the washing machine is open, so I can reach the laundry detergent inside.