If your washing machine door has jammed, you need to find a repair quickly. Leaving your humid clothes in the wash can cause your laundry to smell. There are possible explanations why your washer’s door will not open, so read on, and I will give you some ideas on how to unlock the washing machine. But first things first, remember to turn off your machine and unplug it before performing your fix.
Reasons Your Washing Machine Has A Jammed Door
Keep in mind that all washing machine models vary, and there are various reasons a washing machine does not open. Following the fixes might not be the solution to unlocking each door of the washing machine. The issues below are the most common complaints preventing the opening of a washing machine door.
Your Washer Doesn’t Drain Properly
If there is some block in the drainage system that prevents your washing machine from working, the door will remain locked. Look inside your unit. There will seem to be a drainage problem if you see that it’s still filled with water. Opening the machine now would cause all the water within to rush out, so it is best to drain it first if possible. The most likely way to identify a blockage is the filter
Washing Machine Handle Is Jammed
You can find that your washing machine has no draining issues, but the door handle is shaky or floppy. Fortunately, there are ways on how to unlock the washing machine manually.
You might be able to retrieve the catch using a garden cable or wire trimmer line threaded across the edge of the door if your machine lever faces out. To unlock the door catch, pull the wire or line sideways, gently but firmly, toward the handle.
Thermal Lock Is Preventing the Door From Opening
After the cycle ends, the thermal lock should open the washing machine’s door after about two minutes. It operates by heating up and expanding, so the door will not automatically open even when you turn off the washing machine. The trick is to keep the washing machine detached for about five minutes so the latch can cool and unlock. You should then have the opportunity to open your door by striking the catch to unlock it.
Pressure Switch
It may also be a pressure switch issue, as the washing machine will not reset to clear and open the door while the machine lock. Try to turn the unit off for 5-10 minutes on the mains, and then unlock the door again.
How To Unlock Washing Machine
The front-loading washing machines have a safety feature, which is also called an interlock or door bolt. This safety feature makes it easy how to unlock the washing machine door. The door locks when the washing cycle starts so that it can not be unlocked mid-cycle. The door should open minutes after each wash cycle. If the door does not release at the end of the loop, the interlock may pose a problem.
It’s best if you are careful when trying to manipulate the washing machine door. It’s easy to cause more damage.
- If your washer has a door on the front and facing into the door circle, you should try adding force to the catch to unlock the door to spring. Wrap gardening wire or thick composite string across the door edge and cross over toward the door hinge.
- To unlock the door catch, pull strings strongly – the door should burst open, and you’ll retrieve your washing.
- If your washer handle faces a different direction, unwind the washer’s top and raise it if off to catch the door back. To open the door or use a screwdriver, press on the catch.
The Washer Smells
Over time, the washing machines get filthy and moldy. We then pass the same tell-tale scent onto our clothing, and we end up having to spend money cleaning them again.
A simple washer clean includes running a process while the unit is empty, leaving the nooks and crannies to pass through the water and cleaner solution. A dedicated Drum Clean cycle also features much-advanced equipment, or you can choose a Hot Cycle as a replacement. Learning how to unlock the washing machine will not just help you fix your washer in case of emergency, but it can also help you maintain its cleanliness, thus avoiding bad odor.
How To Clean Your Washing Machine
These steps will help you clean the washing machine and open the front-loader and top-loader doors.
Materials Needed:
- 2 cups of vinegar
- ¼ cup of baking soda
- Next, ensure to scrub away the remaining scum or mold around the opening of the washer.
- In a small tub, combine the water and baking soda. Connect this to your laundry washer’s detergent compartment.
- Directly pour the vinegar into the drum of the washing machine.
- Choose the hottest washer setting available and start the cycle. Any mold and mineral build-up will break down the mixture of vinegar and baking soda and make your washer smell fresher.
Conclusion
This article gives you some ideas on how to unlock the washing machine. Sadly, you can’t revive a 14-year-old washing machine. It’s probably time to purchase a brand new one. There are several new features to make your life simpler and make your clothes smell super fresh. Find out more about washing machines.