Is it possible to open the washing machine during washing and how to do it safely?

The design of the washing machine is designed in such a way that it is impossible to open the doors during washing. This is done so that the water in the drum does not spill out if the hatch is opened at the wrong time. However, there are situations when this is necessary. The need to stop the machine arises to add a few more things or to remove something that got into the drum by mistake.

For example, an item that can fade and gets into the wash along with white linen can ruin it irrevocably. It is not surprising that in this case every housewife will try to unlock the door and get out the “uninvited guest”. If a phone or credit card gets into the wash, this is another reason for an emergency stop. To prevent such an emergency stop from ending in a small flood or equipment breakdown, you need to adhere to a certain procedure.

The girl turns off the washing machine

Pause mode

At the very beginning of the wash, while the washing machine tank is not yet completely filled with water, there is an easy way to stop the program. This can be done using the “Pause” mode. It is available in all models. To temporarily turn off, without draining the water, just press the on/off button (some models have a separate “pause” button).

It is important to take into account one nuance - the pressure should be single and fast. If you press the button and hold it in this position for several seconds, instead of pausing, the selected program will turn off. If you press with one touch, the program will be paused, and after a while the door will unlock. After this, all that remains is to take out random things or add more and start the machine by pressing the power button.

Advice

Masters involved in machine maintenance and repair do not recommend frequently pausing or reprogramming equipment during washing. Abuse of this feature over time leads to program failures and premature repairs.

Items in the washing machine drum

How to open the door using software settings

The algorithm of actions may vary slightly depending on the model and configuration of the washing machine, but experts recommend doing the following:

How to open a washing machine during washing

  • First of all, you need to interrupt the washing program. Most models have a Pause button that allows you to temporarily stop the process. Sometimes it is separate, sometimes this function is performed by briefly pressing the “Start” button during operation. If such a function is not provided by the manufacturer, the machine can be de-energized by disconnecting it from the network. But this should be done only in extreme cases, since such actions can cause damage to electronic boards. Also, to stop the program in some models, you can return the washing mode selection knob to its original position.

If not much time has passed since the start of the wash, and water has not had time to fill the tank, perhaps this will be enough - after a few minutes the door will unlock and it can be opened.

  • If there is already a lot of water in the drum, then before opening the door, it will need to be drained, otherwise the factory settings will not allow you to unlock the lock mechanism. At what amount of water the door will open after stopping the machine depends on the parameters specified by the manufacturer, and not only the amount of water, but also its temperature can be taken into account. Sometimes it is enough that the water level does not reach the bottom edge of the door. It also happens that the blockage is removed regardless of how much water is inside; it is enough to simply turn off the power to the device. Therefore, after the machine has been stopped, you should wait a few minutes and make sure that the lock is unlocked. If the water in the tank still prevents you from opening the door or there is too much water, you need to get rid of it. The easiest way is to use a special function, which is usually called “Drain”.

Once the water has drained from the drum, opening the door will not be difficult. If the “Drain” button is not provided in the design, you can use the “Spin” function.

If there is a lot of water in the drum

If the need to open the washing machine arises when the water level in the drum is high, the water must be drained. This is also not difficult to do. In this case, you need to perform the following steps.

  • Stop the machine with the power off button.
  • Turn on the “Drain” program (the “Pump” button), and if it is not there, “Spin”.
  • After the water has drained, the door will be unlocked.

We recommend: Instructions for using citric acid to clean a washing machine

In some cases, the hatch must be opened immediately. In this case, an emergency drain will do. It is performed manually, through a filter. Usually this part is located in the front part, in the lower right corner, behind the panel. Opening the panel reveals the filter hose. By placing a water container in place, you can pull the hose out of the socket, open the plug and drain the water.

Some models do not have such a hose. In this case, you need to pull out the filter plug. After an emergency stop with draining the water, it will not be possible to finish washing according to the old program; you will have to reprogram the machine again.

Cases when you need to quickly stop washing


Something important was left in the machineFor example, you remembered that you left something in your pocket or saw a foreign object in the drum, and the machine has already started the program.
Or suddenly it turned out that a white item got in with the colored linen and could be irretrievably damaged.

And if your phone or credit card gets erased, an emergency stop is urgently needed!

Emergency opening rope

Many models of washing machines are equipped with a special cable to unlock the lock. You need to look for it from the front side near the filter, behind the decorative panel at the bottom of the machine. It is painted bright orange, so it is impossible not to notice it after removing the decorative panel. Just pull the cable and the door should open. If the machine does not have such a device, you will have to move on to more complex methods.

Synthetic cord

What to do if the door is jammed after an emergency shutdown?

It is not advisable to open the hatch after starting the washing program. There are situations when, after an urgent shutdown, the door gets jammed.

The problem is easily solved if there is an emergency cable. It is located next to the drain hose. If it is not available, you can use a thin spatula.

They should grab the door and pull it towards themselves. An alternative option is to use a boot cord. Let's take a closer look.

Emergency opening with a cable

Some automatic washing machines are equipped with a cable. It can be used to open a locked door. It is located below, near the filter. Manufacturers most often make the cable contrasting so that it can be easily found. The hatch lock will unlock if you gently pull it.

Expert opinion

I work in the household appliance repair industry. Extensive experience in restoring washing machines and dishwashers.

Note that it is present only in expensive models with an electronic sunroof lock.

emergency opening of the washing machine hatch

Emergency opening of the washing machine hatch

Open using cord

If there is no cable included, you can replace it with a thin synthetic cord or strong fishing line. This method doesn't always work, but it's worth a try. It is necessary to determine whether the design of the lock allows it to be opened in this way.

You can use it in a situation where the latch lock is located in the direction of the body. If he “looks” in the other direction, then you won’t be able to open the machine this way.

The cord should be wrapped around the circumference of the hatch so that it fits between the body and the door. Then gently pull it towards you. If you can’t open it, then you shouldn’t bother.

Are you unplugging your washing machine?

Oh yes! No

Open with a spatula

A simple and reliable way to open the hatch of a washing machine using a spatula. Thin and flexible will do. We repeat the steps described above.

They should pry the hatch and pull it towards themselves. There is no need to put in excessive effort. If the method does not work, it is better to use another method.

Press the hook from the inside

In some lock designs, this method is not possible. For example, if the UBL is a closed structure. But this is rare. The essence of the method is to get to the lock hook from inside the car.

UBL washing machine

UBL washing machine

To do this, you need a tool, certain technical skills and physical effort. First you need to drain the water in any available way. After this, turn off the power supply to the device.

Expert opinion

I work in the household appliance repair industry. Extensive experience in restoring washing machines and dishwashers.

Attention! Sometimes removing the panel is the only option to open the washing machine. It is advisable to read the instructions first.

First you need to remove the top cover and move the machine away from the wall. Using your hand, remove the lock latch from the inside and open it. After unlocking the hatch, put the device back in its previous position and return the cover.

Are you using citric acid?

Oh yes! No

Detailed step-by-step instructions:

  • Remove the top cover.
  • Armed with a flashlight, we determine the location of the lock on the body. And also the location of the hook. It is usually made of silumin alloy, shiny silver color.
  • Then, take a short metal object with a rather thin end. A screwdriver will do.
  • We put our hand in. We find a lock and a hook. Then use a screwdriver to pick it up and move it left or right.
  • In this case, you need to simultaneously pull the hatch.

Special wrenches may be needed to remove the panel. As a rule, simple screwdrivers are sufficient, but sometimes Torx screwdrivers are needed.

Important! All of the above methods should be used as rarely as possible. Therefore, it is necessary to follow the operating rules to avoid emergency situations.

Basically, washing machines have the function of stopping the program, draining the water and unlocking the door. Unfortunately, not all models have this option.

If it is missing, there is no need to worry. You can use one of the options described above and open the washing machine hatch .

Forced opening using a cord

A thin synthetic cord can help open the machine hatch if previous actions have not brought positive results. The disadvantage of this method, invented by folk craftsmen, is that it is not always suitable. The reason is the design of the lock. If the tongue snaps towards the body of the machine, it will open, but if it snaps away from the body or upwards, this method will not yield anything.

We recommend: How to easily get rid of smell and mold in an automatic washing machine?

Step-by-step instruction

  • Prepare a piece of thin and strong cord or fishing line the size of the hatch circumference with a small margin.
  • Position yourself on the side opposite the castle.
  • Insert the cord into the gap between the body and the hatch around the entire circumference, and hold both ends in your hands.
  • Pull the cord until it presses against the latch.

If as a result of this the door does not open, then the lock design is of a different type and there is only one option left - remove the top panel.

Advice

If you have a flexible spatula at home, you can use it instead of a cord - insert it into the gap between the door and the body and press on the tongue.

torx key
Torx key

Emergency situations

There are times when the machine door does not open either after draining the water or after stopping the program.

If possible, call a technician who can diagnose and open the washing machine.

Otherwise, you will have to force open it yourself. Several methods are known.


  • Orange rope for doorUsing an emergency opening cable . It is located in front behind the panel at the bottom of the car. The cable is usually orange. To open the door, simply pull it.

  • Door opening thanks to a thin cord . Take a cord in accordance with the circumference of the hatch, maybe a little longer. You need to put a thread between the body and the hatch. Pull it until it presses against the latch. Failure may occur if the lock is of a different design.
  • You can use a spatula. It is inserted between the door and the body and pressed onto the latch.
  • A universal way to open any machine. To open the lock using this method, you will have to remove the top cover by unscrewing the bolts. The lid moves back and the door latch is pressed by hand.

Having this information, you can open the machine in any situation, but if you have doubts about your abilities, it is better to contact a specialist.

TOP stores of washing machines and household appliances:
  • mvideo.ru / - household appliances store, large catalog of washing machines
  • holodilnik.ru – Inexpensive store of household appliances.
  • techport.ru - profitable modern online store of household appliances
  • citilink.ru is a modern online store of household appliances and electronics, cheaper than offline stores!
  • ru.aliexpress.com - spare parts for washing machines

Universal method suitable for all models

By removing the top panel of the washing machine, you can unlock the hatch in any model. So this method is the most universal. However, it requires some skills and tools. In some machines, the panel is secured with two bolts that can be removed with a regular screwdriver, but this is a rare case. Usually, in order to remove the panel, you have to use TORX keys, and their size is not the same for different models. These could be the following options:

  • T 15;
  • T 20;
  • T 25.

After unscrewing the bolts on the back wall, you need to slide the cover back and then remove it. After this, you need to stick your hand into the part where the lock is located (on the side of the tank) and press the latch. Before removing the cover, be sure to turn off the equipment by unplugging the cord from the outlet and drain the water.

By following the recommendations outlined here, you will be able to open the machine both during washing and during emergency situations. However, if you do not have the skills to service equipment and are not confident in your abilities, call a specialist, and he will definitely open your machine.

Is it possible to open the machine door while washing?

After starting the wash, unusual situations may occur that require emergency opening of the washing machine door. So, for example, poor inspection of the pockets of things for the presence of large and small objects can lead to the fact that a phone, bank card, etc. ends up in the drum. In such a situation, you need to immediately stop the car and remove such things. After all, a stuck phone can damage the drum door.

how to open the machine while washing

But what to do, is it possible to stop the washing machine at all, and will it be possible to open the door? There are several ways to stop the car. The easiest one is to disconnect the machine from the network. However, such a sudden shutdown can lead to damage to the electronic board or control device.

The second method is suitable for those machines in which the “Start” button has a dual purpose of start/pause. By pressing this button, the washing process will stop, but you will not be able to open the door. To open the door you will still have to turn off the power to the car.

Another way is that if the machine does not have a “Pause” button, then you can turn the mode selection knob to its original position, and then the machine will stop. To open the door after this, you need to select the “Drain” or “Spin” mode so that the waste water leaves the machine. You can use emergency water drain.

Experts advise that if there is a “Pause” button, first stop the machine and only then turn it off from the network.

It is impossible to open the machine door after the wash has started; this is why there is a lock on the door. After all, water that has accumulated in the drum may spill out when opened. But all this applies to machines with front-loading laundry. Top-loading washing machines are designed differently. After the wash starts, in most models it is possible to open the lid and add laundry to the drum or remove anything that got there by accident. In this case, the water will not flow out.

Methods for opening the hatch in different cars

In different models of washing machines, emergency door opening during washing is carried out differently. Let's look at the most common options.

unlocking the washing machine door

  • Samsung washing machines. In these machines, everything depends on a sensor that determines the remaining water level in the tank. Therefore, the manufacturer recommends that when stopping during washing, open the door and drain the water through the drain filter or emergency drain.
  • Washing machines ATLANT. These models provide a special emergency door opening. To do this, manufacturers have introduced a cable to open the locking lock; it is located in the same place as the drain filter.
  • Washing machines Electrolux and AEG. These machines have a Pause button that, when pressed, stops the machine. Moreover, if the water temperature in the tank is below 50
    0

    C, the water level is below (in frontal models) and the drum does not rotate, then the locking lock is unlocked automatically.

  • Washing machines LG and Beko. In these machines, to stop and open the drum hatch, you need to set the machine to pause mode. Then turn off the power and wait 1 to 3 minutes. After which a click will be heard, indicating that the hatch is unlocked.
  • Bosch washing machines with additional loading. These are front-facing machines in which the “Start” button also includes the function of reloading laundry. If, after turning on the mode, there is a need to stop the process and open the hatch door, then you need to press this button. And if the message “YES” appears on the display, then you can open the door. If the message “No” is displayed, the hatch cannot be opened.

Thus, it is necessary to force open the drum door during washing only in particularly urgent cases . After all, in most machines you will have to disconnect the equipment from the network, and this may affect the performance of the electronic board. Therefore, before you pull the plug out of the socket, think about what is worse - a coin dangling inside the drum or repairing the board...

Causes

If 5 minutes after the washing is completed the LG machine does not give any signals and the door remains locked, you need to understand the causes of the malfunction.

Among them:


  1. Power surge or power outage.
    During voltage surges, the program could malfunction, resulting in the door being blocked. If the power is turned off and the device does not have time to complete the cycle, the hatch will remain locked.

  2. The water drainage system is broken.
    This will leave some liquid in the drum, although it may not be visible. The control board does not receive a signal about the completion of the wash, which is why it does not open the door.
  3. The hatch locking device is broken.
  4. The Child Lock function is activated.
  5. The control board is broken, which is why it cannot issue commands correctly.

Once the cause of the violation is discovered, we begin to eliminate it.

Tips: how to unlock a washing machine

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.

You can find out which buttons you can use to unlock the washing machine from the instructions

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.

Call the master

The hatch blocking is not always caused by a failure in the electrical network or in the program. If the breakdown is serious, you will not be able to fix it on your own. In this case, you need to contact a specialist. The cost of repair depends on its complexity.

Approximate prices:

  • replacing or cleaning a hose – from 1200 rubles;
  • UBL repair – from 1900 rubles;
  • repair or replacement of the control board – from 3200 rubles.

If parts need to be replaced, their cost will be paid separately. When the machine is under warranty, it is repaired free of charge at a service center.

You can find a master by looking at advertisements on the Internet or in the newspaper . To minimize the risk of encountering scammers, you need to ask a specialist in advance whether he takes money for a visit and approximately how much the repair will cost.

You only need to pay upon completion. Under no circumstances should you transfer money to the card immediately after calling the specialist.

Lock or handle?

Often the desire to quickly open the hatch door ends with a damaged handle and a broken lock. This is exactly how the machine will react to attempts to bypass the blockage with force and pressure. For those who have not calculated their power, an alternative option is offered for opening the washing machine.

  1. Measure the circumference of the door.
  2. Prepare a cord with a diameter of less than 5 millimeters and a length that should be equal to the circumference of the door plus 25 centimeters.
  3. Carefully insert the rope into the gap between the door and the body (if necessary, you can use a flat-head screwdriver or other similar tool).
  4. Pull slowly on both ends of the lace.

It is worth understanding that opening the door will not solve the problem of a broken locking mechanism. A faulty lock will have to be replaced. It will not be easy to cope with such a matter on your own: you need to find a suitable part, partially disassemble the unit and return everything to its original place. Therefore, it is better not to experiment with DIY repairs and entrust the lock change to a specialist from the repair service.

Don’t despair if the machine refuses to open the door during washing. Moreover, there is no need to panic and try to forcefully solve the problem: the blockage can be removed quickly and easily. The main thing is to be patient and consistently follow all the steps described. And only after you’ve tried all the options yourself and haven’t found a solution, you should contact a Samsung washing machine repair technician.

Interesting:

  • How to open the door of a Bosch washing machine?
  • How to unlock an Ariston washing machine
  • How to open an Atlant washing machine if it...
  • Rating of Samsung washing machines
  • How to open the door of a Haier washing machine?
  • The door does not open after washing in a Bosch washing machine

1 reader comment

  1. 03/31/2020 at 09:10
    Lily:

    Thank you, you helped

    Answer

Panel lock

When waiting doesn't bring results, you need to pay attention to the control panel. Almost all modern Samsung cars are equipped with a child lock option, which is activated by simultaneously pressing two buttons. Each model has its own combination, but most often it consists of “Rinse” and “Temperature”.

You can find the exact set of keys in the corresponding section of the instructions or carefully inspect the machine - there is a “lock” drawn between the required buttons. All that remains is to press the keys simultaneously and hold them for 10 seconds. Afterwards the door should open without difficulty.

All the described methods “work” only when the tank is empty. If the problem with a locked hatch is complicated by the presence of laundry inside in undrained water, you will have to act in other ways. They will be discussed below.

How to avoid problems with the LG washing machine in the future?


To avoid blocking the hatch after washing, you should follow the operating instructions for the LG washing machine. Do not pull the handle until the machine has completed the wash cycle.

You can protect the device from voltage surges by using stabilizers or high-quality surge protectors .

To prevent blockage from occurring due to a clog in the drain system, before putting things in the wash, you need to carefully check the pockets, fasten the zippers and buttons.

Rating
( 1 rating, average 4 out of 5 )
Did you like the article? Share with friends:
For any suggestions regarding the site: [email protected]
Для любых предложений по сайту: [email protected]