Washing machine door won’t open: causes and safe checks

Check carefully

Quick answer

A washing machine door that won’t open is usually locked for a reason: there’s still water in the drum, the child lock is on, or clothes are jammed in the door. Check for a drain code and drain the machine, turn off the child lock, and never force the door. A faulty door lock needs an engineer.

Also covers: washing machine door locked · washing machine door won’t close · door stuck after wash.

Likely causes

What you can safely check yourself

Stop and call a qualified engineer if:
  • The door still won’t lock, or still won’t open, after the checks. Door locks are an engineer repair. Never force the door.
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.
  • The appliance is still under warranty. Contact the manufacturer first, because DIY work can affect your cover.

Work through these in order. Stop as soon as one of the signs above applies.

Check the child lock isn’t on

  1. Look for a padlock or key symbol, or a message such as CL, on the display.
  2. Turn the lock off by pressing and holding the marked button (or two marked buttons together) for about 3 to 5 seconds. Your manual shows which buttons your model uses.
  3. Some models have a mechanical child lock on the door instead. Your manual explains how to release it.

Clean the drain pump filter Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  • Water inside can be hot after a hot wash. Wait for it to cool before opening a filter.
  • Expect water to come out. Put towels and a shallow tray or baking dish down first.
  • Never force a locked door, a stuck filter cap or a seized part. Forcing it usually causes more damage.
Where the drain pump filter usually is Filter flap bottom front, one side Shallow tray + towels drain slowly, a bit at a time Filter cap turn anticlockwise slowly Some models have a small emergency drain hose here too
Where the drain pump filter usually is. Positions vary by model — check your manual.
  1. Find the small flap at the bottom front of the machine. Your manual shows the exact location and whether there is a small emergency drain hose.
  2. With towels and a tray in place, release the water slowly, using the emergency hose if there is one, or by turning the filter cap a little at a time. Expect more water than you think, and empty the tray as often as you need to.
  3. When the water has stopped, unscrew the filter fully and remove fluff, coins, hair grips and other debris. Rinse it under the tap.
  4. Look into the opening to check the pump blade can turn freely. If you can see it, manufacturers suggest turning it gently with a pencil, never with your fingers.
  5. Refit the filter firmly in its locked position and close the flap. Check for drips the next time the machine runs.

For this fault: Only if there is water in the drum. Draining it through the pump filter lets the door unlock on most machines.

Don’t reach in with fingers past the filter opening.

Don’t open the filter while the machine is running or the water is hot.

Close the door properly and check for trapped laundry

  1. Open the door and look around the rubber seal for socks or other items caught between the seal and the glass.
  2. Take a few items out if the drum is packed tight. An overloaded drum can stop the door closing.
  3. Push the door firmly shut until you hear a click, then start the programme again.

Don’t force the door or the handle.

Showing an error code?

These codes are related to this problem. Codes differ by brand, so pick yours:

Related problems

Questions people ask

Can I force the door open?

No. Forcing the handle or the door can break the lock and the hinge. If the door stays locked after the machine has drained and the child lock is off, book an engineer.

Is there a recall for Hotpoint or Indesit door locks?

Hotpoint’s and Indesit’s UK error-code pages link a safety notice about a door-lock recall on certain washing machines. Check your model number on their sites and the GOV.UK recall register.

Brand guides: AEG, Bosch, Hotpoint, Indesit, LG, Samsung, Zanussi. More washing machine problems and codes, or use the fault finder.

Sources

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We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.