How to Open a Washing Machine Door That's Stuck Closed

Your washing machine door lock and hook are important for keeping your washing machine door securely closed during cycles. However, it can be a big problem if they refuse to release again when the cycle is over. A stuck washing machine door isn't just a hassle but can also be costly due to trapped damp laundry quickly building up mould and bacteria.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can solve this issue. Read on to learn how to release a stuck washing machine door and get your appliance back in action.

First things first, always make sure your machine is switched off and unplugged from the wall before beginning any work.

Also, please be aware that not all of the methods below will work on all machines due to differences in designs and parts.

Let's start! To learn how to open a stuck washing machine door, simply watch the video or follow the step by step guide below.

• Protective gloves
• Nylon line or cord
• Old credit card (or a similar old card)
• A screwdriver

Most washing machines use a thermal lock that releases the door two minutes after a cycle is complete. If your door handle is feeling stiff and won't move, the problem will be with the lock. First, try keeping the machine turned off for five minutes, then try opening the door again.

If this doesn't fix the issue, you can gently strike the door over the area where the lock is with the palm of your hand. This can sometimes activate and release the lock. However, if the problem continues, you will eventually have to replace the lock itself.

If your door is stuck and you have a washing machine with a door handle that's positioned inside the door rim, it means the hook is pushed towards the door.

In this case, you can release the hook with a nylon line or cord such as a trimmer line or a fishing line. First, feed the line inside and around the door (starting at the top), keeping it nice and taut as you do so, as pictured below.

Then tie a knot in the line so that you can firmly pull on it without it slipping out of your hands.

Then firmly pull on the line, which will activate the door lock and open the door.

Another trick you can use to release a door with an inwards facing handle is sliding an old credit card (or any kind of firm card you don't mind potentially getting bent or damaged) between the door and the frame, where the lock and hook are positioned. You can then push the card in until the hook releases and the door opens.

Please note that door locks on washing machines often have a ridge that can obstruct the card. It may take some manoeuvring to get the card beyond that ridge with the door closed, but when you do, you should be able to push the hook free.

If you have a handle that points outwards on your washing machine, you will need to access the lock from inside the machine. To do this, remove the top of the washing machine. Remember to put on your protective gloves before carrying out any work inside of the machine.

You should now be able to see the lock inside, as well as the tip of the door hook. For reference, the photo below shows the black tip of the door hook with metal on the top.

If you touch or press the door handle, you should see the door hook moving and releasing.

Here, you can use a screwdriver to move the tip and manually open the door from the inside.

And there you have it! How to open a stuck washing machine door. Hopefully, your washing machine should now be back in action.

However, while these are useful methods for releasing a stuck door lock or hook, they are not permanent solutions. If you find that your door lock or handle are consistently failing or getting stuck, you will need to replace them. Check your handle and, if it needs replacing, head over to our guide on how to fit a washing machine door handle. If the handle isn't damaged and the lock is the issue, you can also replace it with our article on how to replace your door lock.

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