How to open the washing machine door if it is locked?

Like any technology, automatic washing machines have problems. A common problem is that the door does not open after completing the wash cycle. In this article we will tell you what to do if the machine completely refuses to open the door after washing.

Relevant for all popular car brands: AEG, Ardo, Bosch, Beko, Candy, Daewoo, Gorenje, Electrolux, Haier, Hansa, Hotpoint Ariston, Indesit, LG, Samsung, Siemens, Vestel, Whirlpool, Zanussi, Alenka, Atlant, Vyatka and others, including models with a touch screen and without a display.

Reasons not caused by malfunctions

There may be several of them:

1. In the first option, the phenomenon is more reminiscent not of a failure, but of a simple precaution used in the process of washing things. When you start a work process on your machine, naturally, for safety reasons, the hatch is automatically locked. And if you urgently need to open the door, you have to stop the operation of the unit and even turn it off completely.
2. Another option, also caused not by a breakdown, but by the design features of individual models, is blocking the loading hatch due to an unexpected power outage. And this happens from time to time. Nothing serious happens to the washing machine. In order for her to open the hatch without problems, it is necessary to activate the spin and drain program. Such measures should help.
3. There is another situation that does not imply repair work, because it is not considered a breakdown. These are just natural features of the operation of a certain model. More specifically, the machine will not provide the opportunity to remove laundry for a certain time after the process is completed. As a rule, this interval reaches three minutes, but there are units in which the blocking operates for another five minutes after the process is stopped. In such situations, you should not worry - wait the allotted time and get your things.

Emergency opening methods

If neither rebooting nor draining the water helps, then the problem is more serious, and the door must be opened emergencyly. Despite the scary name, most methods are simple and will not lead to further damage.

Restart the program

If the cycle has completed and there is no water in the loading hatch, try starting a new wash program - for example, rinse or drain. Before starting a new program, the door will unlock briefly and then lock again. It is important not to miss the characteristic click, open the door and cancel the set program.

Emergency opening cable

At the bottom of the washing machine, in the same place as the drain hatch, under the plastic cover inside there is an emergency opening cable. Most often it is bright in color, such as orange, light green or red. Simply pull it and the hatch will open.

With a rope

If your car model does not have an emergency release cable, you can open the door using a regular rope or cord. It should be strong, but thin and flexible enough to fit through the hole in the lock. Place the cord so that it goes under half the length of the door, and the middle is where the lock is. Pull towards the loops and the cord will open the lock.

How this is done in practice, watch the video at the end of the article.

If the handle is broken

If you overdid it a little and broke off the handle of the washer, good old pliers will come to the rescue. Carefully pry the locking device with them and the hatch will open. If there is nothing to pry or it doesn’t work, it’s better to contact a specialist.

Disassemble the unit

If the UBL (hatch locking device) is faulty, it must be dismantled, the door, hook and loops must be completely removed, and new parts must be purchased. Repair is impossible here - most often these mechanisms break down due to overheating or jamming and must be completely replaced. Replacing the mount, hook and blocker is easy - you just need a regular Phillips screwdriver and straight hands.

How to open a locked door?

Sometimes this needs to be done while the process has begun. For example, they didn’t put something in the washing machine that needed immediate washing, or they didn’t take out a bunch of keys from their pockets, which began to rattle in the drum.

Just pause the washer and wait a few minutes. If the door does not open, remove the plug from the electrical outlet. Many devices at such moments begin to drain the water on their own, then open the hatch to load.

If this measure does not help, turn on the washer again and start the “drain” function; it should start immediately. If the reason for the failure of the blocking device lies in the clogging of the filter element, water remains in the drum. Because of this, a special sensor prevents the hatch latch from opening.

This problematic issue can be resolved by simply cleaning the filter. As a rule, it is located at the bottom of the machine and is closed with a plug. If everything is in order, then screw the plug into place and try to set the “rinse and spin” modes. If such actions do not help, disconnect the washing machine from the power supply and wait at least a quarter of an hour. If this does not help, you will have to remove the top cover and try to open the lock from the inside.

It happens that the washing machine does not want to open the hatch when the button that blocks the door from small children is accidentally pressed. In such a situation, all you have to do is hold down the “start” button for about five seconds to unlock the washing machine.

How to unlock the door if there is water in the car?

In many models of washing equipment, the automation is designed in such a way that the washing machine does not open while there is water in the drum. There are several ways to drain the water manually. After this, you can safely open the hatch and remove washed items or laundry from it without any problems.

First of all, try to drain the water from the tank by disconnecting the drain hose from the sewer pipe. To do this, simply take the drain hose and lower its end into a basin, which should be below the level of the tank.

Try draining the tank through the drain hose.

If water does not flow from the drain hose, the next step is to drain the water from the filter, which is located on the bottom front panel.

How to drain water from a SM tank through a drain filter

Unscrew the filter, tilt the MCA and substitute the pelvis.

To drain water through the filter, tilt the CMA slightly and place a container under it

Wait until the container is full and screw the filter back on.

If even after this procedure there is still water in the drum, there is probably a blockage in the drain pump pipe. To get to the pipe, you will have to place the machine with its back wall on the floor. To avoid damaging fragile equipment, place something soft on the floor under the car in advance.

How to drain water from a pipe

Once access to the bottom of the device is gained, finding the pipe is not difficult. Unscrew the fastener, pull off the hose and drain the water. Return the SMA to its original position.

Mechanical breakdowns

When these actions are unsuccessful, it is not normal failures that should be diagnosed, but mechanical damage. The locking mechanism or handle is probably worn out and needs to be completely replaced.

It happens that children hang on an open hatch and begin to swing. Such entertainment causes the loading door hinges to bend. The element stops closing or opening normally, and the mechanical latch often jams.

In this case, it is recommended to change the hinges or the lock itself. To change the locking mechanism, you have to remove the top panel of the washing machine, find the locking element, and open the latch. The lock mechanism will immediately unlock. After the hatch allows penetration into the drum, the blocker is changed.

With loops the situation is somewhat more complicated. If you do not have the necessary skills, then it is recommended to invite a specialist to perform such work, who will promptly correct the breakdown.

Replacing the locking device

Those owners who have the skills to repair home appliances can independently replace a failed UBL.

To do this you need to do the following:

1. Remove the retaining rim and release the right segment of the door cuff.
2. Unscrew the two screws that secure the UBL and carefully remove it.
3. Install a new UBL and, performing the steps in reverse order, fix it.

It is very important to remember the order of disconnecting the wires from the UBL, so that later when connecting a new device you do not disturb it. After the new UBL is installed and connected, the operation of the machine should be tested

Top loading washing machine

Unpleasant moments also happen with such models. Most often the drum is locked in them. This happens when cranking is done open. In order for the machine to start working again, you must:

• move the washing machine away from the wall,
• disconnect all connected communications,
• on the back wall, determine the installation location of the heating element, disconnect and remove it,
• spin the drum by hand.

The hatch in a top-loading washing machine opens in almost the same way as in models with a front door. They turn off the machine, then try to start one of the programs again.

Measures to prevent problems with hatch blocking

In order to encounter unexpected blocking of the laundry loading hatch as little as possible, you need to follow a few simple recommendations for operating the washing machine.

Firstly, you need to take care of the relative cleanliness of the loaded laundry. Washing overly soiled items can lead to clogged drain hose and subsequent malfunction of the equipment. Before putting your shoes into the machine, be sure to remove all dirt from the soles. Linen sent for washing should be checked for the presence of metal parts and decorations; all these little things can get stuck inside the unit and thereby cause damage to the locking mechanism and even the drum itself.

Secondly, it would not be superfluous to use special water softening agents to minimize limescale deposits on the parts of the unit.

And thirdly, do not be lazy to read the operating instructions for the purchased equipment. With its help, you can eliminate many simple problems in the operation of the machine without calling a technician. In addition, the instructions describe key combinations that enable and disable functions such as Child Lock. It is better not to put documents on the operation of equipment in a distant drawer. Being at hand, they will help you quickly and correctly solve this or that problem in the operation of your machine.

And one more important point that you definitely need to remember: if your equipment is under warranty, do not under any circumstances try to repair faults yourself, including forcibly unlocking the washing machine. Such interference with the operation of the device may cost you denial of warranty service and free repair of your washing equipment.

LG Unlock Procedure

It is most often possible to disable the system that blocks the loading hatch in machines from this company using the usual measures applied to other machines - Indesit, Samsung and other brands.

The factory version is applied exclusively to the method involving child locking. To install it, press a couple of buttons at the same time - “super rinse” and “prewash”. The program is canceled by the same action, after which the process can be continued by pressing the “pause/start” key.

What actions are prohibited when blocked?

It is not advisable to check and correct problems if the machine is under warranty, but even if it is no longer possible to use the service or there is no money for a technician, some things to do when blocked are strictly prohibited:

• If a jammed door needs to be opened, but the household appliance is turned on and the drum continues to spin, then any attempts to open it mechanically can lead to serious damage to the mechanism, flooding of the bathroom with water, and serious hand injuries are possible.
• when the reason that the door does not swing open is a malfunction in the equipment program, you should not rely on your own intelligence - you need to be very well versed in electronics in order to fix the software yourself;
• In case of malfunctions in the module, the manufacturer recommends contacting a service center rather than carrying out repairs - this will also aggravate the situation.

Recommendations from professionals

There is no natural way to open the door when the locking mechanism is broken, because the door is automatically locked. Here it will take a lot of time and effort to perform a natural opening using additional devices. Most often, this method is used for front-loading machines, where the latch moves to the side when activated.

To avoid causing damage to the laundry washing unit, it is recommended to call a professional. It will perform the following manipulations:

• take a strong cord or thread,
• inserts them into the space of the door and body,
• the thread clings to the hook of the locking device,
• Now all that remains is to carefully pull the thread.

All actions must be carried out as carefully as possible; with their help, the lock will come out of the grooves and the loading door will unlock.

There is a more universal way to open the machine door, but to do it you will have to remove the top panel by unscrewing a couple of bolts.

The machine tilts back a little, which causes the drum to tilt and gives access to the locking mechanism. Use a finger or a screwdriver to press the hook. It will unlock. Now you can take things out. But here it is necessary to remember one feature. Further operation of the machine is prohibited; a specialist should be called to fix the problem.

Instructions if the door does not open after washing in the washing machine

To unlock the machine after washing, it is important to remember that if the product is under warranty, then it is strictly prohibited to independently install or, in other words, repair the device

Some believe that it is impossible to open the hatch of a modern automatic washing machine using the old method, since a simple blow to the hatch or its side will not give any result at all. The methods should be gentler and, most importantly, professional, which will avoid other serious damage.

• Indesit;
• Bosch;
• Samsung;
• Ariston;
• Lji and others.

First you need to figure out why the door is blocked. It is worth noting that the natural locking of the washing machine during the washing period is a completely normal phenomenon, however, the period of inactivity of the lock for each model may be different. For example, some keep the lock closed for 2-3 minutes, while in other cases the blocking can last up to 15 minutes.

There may be delays in the functioning of the blocking element, which depends on:

• Module serviceability;
• Mains voltage;
• Water in the tank, because if there are problems with draining and it is very slow, then the unblocking will be appropriate.

In order to prevent the door from blocking due to loss of electricity or interruptions in its operation, it is advisable to install special surge protectors. Thus, you can not only avoid problems in the operation of the module, but also maintain the functioning of the entire device for a long time. This also helps to extend the service life.

As for the door blocking due to remaining water in the tank, this is a completely natural process, since it is a banal safety feature of the equipment. This point allows you to avoid consequences such as flooding of the apartment and the floors below with subsequent investments.

The door in the automatic machine, as already noted, is blocked quite often. The owner of a Bosch, Samsung, Indesit and other brands may encounter this problem. If you cannot forcefully remove the lock yourself, you do not need to use a heavy tool to open the hatch. The door to the drum can be blocked for a completely insignificant reason, but vandalism will entail repairs to both the door and the locking system.

What to do if the washer hatch located on top is jammed? To open it and take things out, you can’t just remove the cover, as is the case with front loading; you need to entrust the washing machine to a specialist. Why? Only a master has an idea about the large number of laundry products, their configuration and repair. The top hatch is blocked most often when the drum does not turn over.

To return the product to normal operation, you need to:

• Moving equipment away from the wall;
• Disconnection from power and water supply;
• Heating element detection;
• Unscrewing and pulling out the heating element;
• Drum spinning.

The procedure must be performed as carefully as possible to prevent damage to the internal parts of the washing machine. If the tilt of the washing machine is sharp or too strong, then it is quite possible that in addition to unlocking the door, you will need to replace the pump, since it can be damaged in a couple of seconds.

Features of unlocking by machine of other brands

• Samsung. If this machine does not open the hatch after five minutes, it must be turned off and wait about a third of an hour. At this time, the set program is completely reset, and the locking mechanism can open automatically. When the wash is completed and there is water in the drum, it is recommended to activate the spin process. Water that does not drain is a sign of a problem with the pump or hose responsible for draining. You will have to use the emergency option - there is a hose near the drain filter, which is used in case of accidents. As soon as the water recedes, the lock will open. Note that the manufacturer has provided a special cable that allows you to force the door to open.
• Samsung Eco Bubble. This machine is childproof, and any user who has not thoroughly studied the instructions may accidentally activate it. In this case, at the end of the washing process, the hatch will not open; a lock and a smile will appear on the screen. In this case, you will have to press two buttons located on each edge of the drawn human figure.

• Ariston Hotpoint. The manufacturer clarifies that a similar situation with the hatch occurs after an emergency power outage. To fix the problem, you will have to drain the water, working in manual mode, open the hatch by pulling the emergency cable. All options are located below, near the drain filter. There are several other options to open the hatch on this model. Having selected the Baby or “low ironing” mode, after the process is completed, the washing machine rotates the drum at a slow pace. You will have to press the start/pause key, or activate the “easy ironing” function. Having determined the “silk” mode, the washing unit will finish working without pouring out the water. To perform this action, press the start button. These features are provided by the manufacturer and represent the distinctive features of the washing machine.

It should be noted that each washing machine has a special cable designed for unforeseen situations. As a rule, it is located at the bottom, near the drain filter, and is colored reddish or orange. It must be pulled carefully, without strong jerks, so that the loading hatch is forcibly unlocked.

Calling a specialist: the price of the issue

In case of breakdowns and malfunctions that cannot be eliminated on your own, the help of a specialist is needed. To do this, you need to call a specialist from a household appliance repair company. Information about such companies can be found on the Internet, read the price list in advance, and read reviews.

Machines that are under warranty must be serviced by a specialized service center. Contacts of such companies are provided to the buyer at the time of purchase of the goods.

The call to the repairman is made by phone, specifying what kind of breakdown occurred , the brand of the device, a convenient time for the repairman to arrive, etc. The cost of repair includes payment for labor, the price of new parts and consumables, if they are needed.

The cost of payment is calculated in each specific case, and may differ by city and company providing services.

Average price for work:

• replacing the handle on the hatch door – from 700 rubles;
• replacement of the locking device – from 800 rubles;
• repair of the control module - from 1,000 rubles, etc.

After completing the repair and test running the device, the technician issues a warranty.

If you call for help from a random craftsman who works privately, then there can be no confidence in the quality of the work. Such an employee does not issue a guarantee, may not have experience or qualifications, and in the worst case, he will turn out to be a fraudster who will lure money supposedly to buy new parts and simply disappear.