It's a particularly frustrating scenario... You put your laundry in the machine, turn it on and leave for work, hoping to get home and get the clean laundry out, then you find that the washing machine door is stuck and won't open!
Washing machines rarely have problems opening the door before a wash. The problem usually occurs when the wash cycle is over, the machine decides not to open anymore without you being able to retrieve the laundry inside.
What to do when the door of your washing machine does not open?
The first step is to check if there is still water in the machine drum. If there is, check the filters (which could be dirty if the water runs out). There could be a blockage.
It is important to know that some brands and models of washing machines lock the door closed if there is water in the drum. Try to start a spin/drain cycle to get rid of the water.
Once the water drains out, the door should open. If it does not, or if there was no water in the machine, it is likely that there is a problem or defect with the door lock switch.
This could be due to a faulty pressure switch, which does not allow the cycle to reset to empty, so it cannot be released. You can try turning the power off and leaving the machine for about 10 minutes before turning it back on to see if the door unlocks.
You should also check the door and handle (they may be fragile), as the power to the machine is turned off for safety reasons, try to manipulate the handle gently to open it.
A last resort would be to break the lock to retrieve your laundry, but we recommend that you call in a washing machine repair technician: Hoovernez specializes in this area (Washing machine repair).
Reasons why a washing machine door gets stuck
Rather than forcing the door open, and thus causing more problems, if your washing machine door gets stuck, it's best to call a professional to diagnose and solve the problem. This will save you from paying unnecessary repair costs.
We usually find that a stuck washing machine door is caused by one of the following:
- Drainage problems - this may be due to a blocked filter or drain hose or a faulty pump.
- Pressure switch - this component of your washing machine identifies the water level inside the drum and controls the filling and emptying cycles. If this does not work properly, the door lock will not be released.
- Faulty locking circuits: the washing machine door latches are secured by an electric coil mechanism for delayed opening to protect users from moving parts. The latch circuit can become defective for a variety of reasons - usually loose, burnt or overheated wiring.
- The door locking mechanism is broken.
How do I fix a washing machine door?
It is not recommended that you try to repair a washing machine door yourself, as you may cause more problems and incur additional costs.
The problems mentioned above are relatively inexpensive and quick to repair by our professional technicians. Hoovernez guarantees that your defective appliance will be repaired in no time at all.
The advice we can give you
However, it is possible to take preventive measures to ensure that the door of your washing machine runs smoothly. By keeping the filters in your washing machine clean and checking each load of laundry for foreign objects that could block the filters or hoses.
Also be patient and wait for the door lock to unlock at the end of each wash. Forcing the door of a washing machine could break its handle or the locking mechanism. Do not overload the washing machine to avoid disturbing the pressure switch.
Contact Hoovernez if you need help or advice regarding the operation of your washing machine door. We intervene quickly and are available anywhere in Geneva and its surroundings. You can contact us by phone or by filling out our contact form.