Why front loaders lock the door
The door lock stops the door opening while there is water, heat or a spinning drum inside. After the cycle, most machines wait one to a few minutes before releasing it. A child lock or a paused programme can also keep it locked.
Common causes
These are the usual causes, starting with the ones you can check yourself.
At a glance
| Cause | Who fixes it |
|---|---|
| The cycle has not fully finished | You can check this |
| Child lock is on or the programme is paused | You can check this |
| Water is still in the drum | You can check this |
| The door lock has failed | Technician |
| The handle or latch is broken | Technician |
- 1
The cycle has not fully finished
You can check thisThe lock releases a short time after the end of the programme. Wait a few minutes and check the display.
- 2
Child lock is on or the programme is paused
You can check thisThe child lock or a paused programme keeps the door locked. Check the manual for how to switch off child lock on your model.
- 3
Water is still in the drum
You can check thisThe door will not open with water inside. A blocked pump filter, kinked drain hose or failed drain pump stops the machine draining. See our guide on a washing machine not draining.
- 4
The door lock has failed
TechnicianIf the drum is empty and the machine has power but the door stays locked, the door lock has failed. It needs testing and replacing.
- 5
The handle or latch is broken
TechnicianA broken handle or latch means the door cannot be pulled open even when unlocked. The handle often turns or feels loose.
What you can safely check yourself
- WaitWait a few minutes after the cycle ends and listen for the lock click.
- Check the displayLook for a child lock symbol, a paused programme or an error code.
- Run a drain or spinIf there is water in the drum, select drain or spin only.
- Clean the pump filterSwitch off at the wall, put towels down and drain the water through the small hose or filter at the bottom front before unscrewing the filter.
- Switch off and onSwitch off at the wall for a few minutes and back on. Some machines release the lock on restart.
When to stop and call a technician
The drum is empty and the door still will not open, the handle is broken, there is a burning smell, or the machine trips the power. Do not force the door. You can break the latch or the hinge and turn a small repair into a big one.
Still having trouble with your washing machine?
Our technician comes to your home, usually the same day. The R450 call-out falls away if you go ahead, and you get a fixed price in writing before any work starts.
How a technician diagnoses it
- Safe openingThe technician opens the door safely without damaging the latch or seal.
- Lock testThe door lock is tested for power and operation.
- Drain checkIf water was trapped, the drain pump, filter and hose are checked.
- Fixed priceYou get a fixed price in writing before any part is replaced.
Is it worth repairing?
Usually worth repairing when
- The fault is the door lock or handle
- The machine washes and spins normally
- The drum bearings are quiet
Consider replacing when
- The drum bearings are also failing on an older machine
- The door glass or hinge is broken
- The control board has failed and parts are scarce