Washing Machine Door Won't Open

What's happening?

A washing machine locks its door before the cycle and releases it at the end. AEG says the door can usually be opened about three to five minutes after the cycle ends, once the bimetal in the door lock has cooled, and that this is normal. The door will also stay locked while water remains in the drum, which prevents flooding. A machine that did not drain, an overload, a blocked pump filter or a kinked drain hose keeps the door locked. A power cut or a fault in the lock or the board can leave it locked with the cycle over. If the machine did not drain, see the page on washing machines that will not drain.

What usually causes it?

• The lock has not cooled yet in the first minutes after the cycle
• Water left in the drum because the machine did not drain or spin properly
• A blocked pump filter or a blocked or kinked drain hose
• A power cut or a reset that has left the door locked mid-cycle
• A faulty door lock, interlock or control board

Is it dangerous?

Low, but do not force the door. Beko says to unplug the machine first and make sure there is no water in the drum before you try to open it, and the water can be hot. Forcing a locked door can break the handle or lock, and opening one with water inside floods the floor.

Can I fix it myself?

Wait three to five minutes after the end of the cycle. AEG says some models show a lock symbol on the display: check it is not lit. If there is water in the drum, run a drain or spin programme. If it will not run, switch off and unplug the machine, put a shallow tray and towels down, open the pump filter slowly and let the water out, and clean the filter. Check the drain hose is not kinked. Many machines have an emergency release: Beko says it is the handle behind the pump filter cap, pulled down with a tool once the water is out. Check the manual for yours.

When should you call an appliance repair engineer?

Call an appliance engineer when the door stays locked with the drum empty and the power off, when the lock does not release after the emergency release, when the machine does not drain even with a clean filter, or when it happens again.

What will the appliance repair engineer actually do?

• Drain the drum safely and release the door without breaking the lock
• Test the door lock, interlock and wiring, and replace a failed lock
• Clear the pump, filter and drain hose if the machine did not drain
• Check the control board and fit parts if the lock is not being told to release
• Test a full cycle and check the door opens at the end

Who fixes this

• Washing machine repair

Questions people ask

Sources & References

1. AEG: the door of the washing machine cannot be opened
2. Beko: how to fix and unlock a washing machine door that won't open
3. Beko: my washing machine door won't open