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.
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.
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. At Domex, we provide a rapid response and, during the Covid-19 pandemic, we’re offering support for NHS workers which you can read about here to find out more.