This is a problem most commonly found in front loaders, as top loaders don’t need to lock their doors to keep water inside.
Front loaders need to stay tightly sealed during operation. It’s not until the end of the wash cycle that the machine will unlock automatically. However, sometimes a front loader will malfunction and remain locked, trapping clothes and water in the machine.
There are a few possible reasons for this:
- The locking mechanism could have jammed (maybe some clothes have gotten in the way).
- There could be a glitch in the washer’s computer.
- The washing machine may not be draining properly, leaving the washer door locked and the drum filled with water.
Solutions
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Restart it: If you think it might be a digital problem, try the old reset trick.
Turn the washing machine off at the powerpoint for at least 60 seconds, and then turn it back on. With a little luck, the master reset should restart the wash programs. -
Run a short cycle: If you think the problem is your clothes physically jamming the lock, you can set the washer to run another short cycle. This should get the clothes moving and hopefully unjam the lock. Sure, your clothes will get washed twice, but it saves calling out a technician for a simple solution!
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Check the drainage hose: If the machine isn’t draining, it may be time to inspect the drainage hose for clogs. A kinked drain hose can also affect wash cycles.
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Contact the manufacturer: If all else fails, contact the manufacturer – they can provide you with advice, and if your machine is under warranty, arrange for a professional repairer to drop by for a visit.
Note that while there are solutions online that involve taking the machine apart, attempting this can void the warranty or limit your ability to have the machine repaired by a service technician in future.
