Not sure photo posted.

If you don't see the photo then it didn't post.

Now the pic is there.

I suppose the hose could be shortened but it's not necessary.

Just make sure it's not pushed too far down into the standpipe such that the end is lower than the machine's highest water level.

Thank you! I figured if it was a recommended part of installation, the instructions would have said so.... However, it seems that longer hose leaves more places for water to sit and rot after a wash. When the old machine was disconnected, I was a little surprised the end of the hose was pretty gross!

There will *always* be some residual water in the machine ... in the pump and related hoses beneath the tub. 99.9% chance there was some scum, smutz, and mineral residue (unless you have 100% softened water) in the outer tub and on the outside of the inner drum where you couldn't see it without disassembly.