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The lock on your washing machine is an important component of the appliance as it makes sure that the door isn’t accidentally opened during the wash. This is also a common area in which faults can arise, meaning that washing machine repairs are necessary.
One of the most frequent things we find is that a lot of people are left wondering how to unlock a washing machine door long after the wash and spin cycles are complete. At the opposite end of the spectrum, sometimes the problem is that the washing machine won’t lock and start the washing program.
Whatever the issue with your washing machine door, in this article we’ll help you to identify the issues with your washing machine so you can choose the best course of action to keep this much-needed appliance working.
Firstly, let’s take a look at what might be happening if your washing machine won’t unlock when a program has finished. As with any electrical appliance, we advise you seek professional assistance, but if you’re going to attempt a repair or remedy yourself, ensure you turn off the appliance to avoid serious injury.
Common reasons washing machine doors won’t open
1. Drainage issues
If you can still see water inside, the machine will stay locked to prevent flooding your floor. This could happen for a number of reasons, including blocked filters and pumps, but if you’re unsure, always use a professional engineer.
2. Faulty pressure switch
The pressure switch tells your washing machine how much water is in the drum and therefore controls whether the door will unlock. Ultimately, you may need to turn the machine off to open the door but the fault will remain until you have the washing machine repaired.
3. Overheated interlock
Some washing machines may use an interlock mechanism which, if the appliance is used a lot in a short space of time, may stop functioning properly due to overheating. You can let the machine cool down before trying to unlock the door, but it may need repairing or replacing if you still can’t get in or the problem is recurring.
But what if you have the opposite problem and you can’t use your washing machine because it won’t start due to the door not closing properly?
Common reasons washing machine doors won’t close
1. Faulty interlock
Just as with the case of a door jammed shut because of a faulty interlock, it can also mean your washing machine won’t lock properly. This will require a replacement part to ensure your washing machine can lock safely and securely.
2. Broken latch
The small latch which clips the door in can often be stuck or broken. A replacement part may be needed if it has snapped, but a stiff latch could simply need loosening a little (always be gentle to avoid snapping this component).
3. Machine too full
Check that you haven’t overloaded the drum, as this could prevent the door from catching and the program then cannot start. Don’t forget the glass in your door protrudes inwards, reducing space inside the drum when the door is closed.
Finally, here are some other common issues with washing machine handles and doors which could impact the locking mechanism:
The locking mechanism and the internal workings of your washing machine might be fine, but it could affect the integrity of the door handle itself causing issues. If your door handle is flimsy or feels loose, it may have broken – or it may be about to break – and therefore won’t work properly in any scenario. This could require replacement parts depending on the make and model of your washing machine. As soon as you notice your washing machine door handle becoming loose, have it looked at by an expert engineer for a diagnosis.
A jammed washing machine door could be a faulty interlock (as covered above), but it may also mean part of the handle itself has broken. If you have a fragile handle it may be easy to break part of it resulting in a jammed door. If you’re going to attempt to open a door with a broken handle it’s advised that you turn the power off first and avoid using too much force. Please remember, most washing machines require up to 2 mins for the door to release open once the cycle has finished. Attempting to open the door or simply forgetting this simple fact may result in breaking the handle.
When should I call out a specialist kitchen appliance repair company?
While it might be tempting to have a go at fixing a washing machine fault yourself, it’s always better to get the assistance of a trained engineer who can use their experience to rectify the fault or replace parts easily using their years of experience. There are plenty of videos which claim to give guidance, but it’s still an electrical appliance at the end of the day, so it’s always safer to use an engineer to get the job done swiftly. It’s important to remember that other issues could arise once you attempt repairs yourself, something which might ultimately cost you more in the long run.
If your machine is under warranty or you have a service plan such as our Repair & Care plan, then don’t struggle with your appliance, have a professional deal with it. This will ensure you don’t damage the appliance further and could prevent the voiding of any warranty you may have.
With over 50 engineers covering London, Epsom and South East England (now including Brighton, Redhill and Guildford) at Domex we’re always on hand – plus, we’re an award-winning kitchen appliance repair company so you know you can rely on us. Our commitment to our customers means you can see the difference our services make in the reviews we’ve received across Reviews.co.uk and Trustpilot.
Essential to your daily routine and upholding hygiene, a washing machine is something which is difficult to live without. If you’re experiencing any difficulty with your machine – whether it’s the power, the door or the drum itself – call in the experts today.