Washing Machine Door is Stuck: Top 5 Problems and Fixes for Top-Loading and Side-Loading Washers (With Video!)

Is your washing machine door stubbornly refusing to budge, leaving you with a laundry pile-up? Worry no more! Our step-by-step guide will help you unlock that pesky door, and we’ve included a handy how-to video just below to walk you through the process effortlessly. Dive in and get your laundry routine back on track!

There are many reasons that a washing machine door can become stuck, making it impossible to complete the laundry. The first has to do with the door handle itself. Before starting any repairs, you should make sure the washing machine has been unplugged or the circuit breaker is off. The hot and cold water supply should also be turned off while troubleshooting. Once your washing machine is safe to work with, follow this easy guide to learn how to release a stuck washing machine door.

When you have identified the part needed for your washing machine, search below using your specific washer model number to identify the exact part needed:

1. Door Handle

For front-loading washers, the first thing to check is the door handle. This is the part that you would pull on to open the door. Various washers come with several styles of door handles, but all of them are responsible for doing the same thing. In most cases, the handle is made of plastic and will be located on the left or right side of the washer’s door.

Take a look at the handle. If it has been damaged or is missing, it will need to be replaced. Handles that face out may be opened using a garden wire that is threaded around the door. Pull the wire sideways in a firm but gentle manner to release the door catch and open the door. The door handle will still need to be replaced, but an individual can access the contents of the washer until the new component is shipped.

If the handle faces the other way, unscrewing the top of the washer and lifting it off can offer access to the door catch. Pushing on the tip of it will release the door so you can open it. A flathead screwdriver can be helpful if the door doesn’t open easily using your fingers. This is another way to open the door, but the handle will still require replacement.

2. Door Latch Assembly

Another common cause of a washing machine that won’t open is the door latch assembly. This part is made to make using the washer safe. It determines if the door is closed and locks the washer while it is going through the washing cycle. Similar to door handles, the door latch assembly can come in a variety of styles. Regardless of whether your washer is top or front-loading, a damaged or broken door latch assembly will not release. This leads to a situation where the washer lid or door cannot be opened.

With a front-loading washer, the door latch assembly is going to be found behind the front panel, while top-loading washer door latch assemblies will be found underneath the washer top. If the door of a front-loading washer doesn’t open, and the latch seems to be stuck, it can be released manually. Most washers offer a manual release button that you can reach in and activate. This requires removing the access panel or top panel, reaching in, and pulling the release mechanism.

For a front-loading washer or a top loader with a control board, an error code may be present. If it’s not physically jammed, the user manual for the washer will include the codes and troubleshooting guides for each of them. In some cases, you may need to check the lock solenoid for ohms. A multimeter can be used to handle this issue. 

3. Door Strike

The door strike is the next component that should be checked. This is a part that the door latch connects to in order to lock the door and keep the washer safe during use. In most cases, a door strike will be made out of plastic, but strikes can be found in a variety of styles. With a top loader, the strike will be mounted to the lid while front loaders have strikes attached to the door.

A damaged door strike has the possibility of being caught up in the door latch. This leads to a washer door that cannot be opened. If this is the case with the washer’s strike, it will need to be replaced immediately. This isn’t a part that can be repaired so replacing the part is the only option available.  

The manual release under the lock or in the detergent dispenser housing can be used to examine the door hook. It is going to be attached with one to two screws. For machines that have a lid rather than a door, the main top can be lifted if the lock is still on. The switch lock assembly and door stroke will protrude through the main top. The strike needs to be replaced if it is warped or broken. Most washer doors and lids need to shut completely for the washer to operate and clean clothes.

4. Hinge

The next thing to consider is the door hinge. This is the part where the lid or door rotates on while it closes or opens. Various types of hinges exist, and they come in all different sizes. However, each of them is responsible for doing the same thing. The hinge supports the lid or door while it opens and closes. If the hinge is binding up or damaged, the door lid on the washer may not open properly.

With front-loading washers, the hinge is on the outer edge of the door and may be mounted on either side. Top-loading washers typically have two hinges that attach to the rear corners of the lid. If the hinge is damaged and preventing the lid or door from opening, it will need to be replaced. 

Door hinges can wear out over time or can snap through hard use, which means that the lid will no longer open. Lifting the main top of the washer to reach the hinge and pins may be required if they are installed on the underside. At this point, the hinge can be replaced so the washer works the way that it should. 

5. Main Control Board

The final component to look at when a washer door is stuck and will not open is the main control board. After making your washing selections, it controls the functions that a washer goes through. The main control board gets input from the user interface control board and collects bits of information from switches, sensors, and other controls. It initiates and times the cycles and monitors the functions of the washer.

If the main control board has failed, it can lead to a washer door that will not open. Front-loading washers typically have a main control board located inside of the control panel or underneath the top of the washer. For a top-loading washer, the control board will be found inside of the console. A board that fails in this manner is unusual, but it’s a possibility if all other components have been tested.

In most cases, the user manual can recommend replacing the main control board if all other components have been tested and are working correctly. 

Where To Find Us 

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

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