Most washing machines have a timer that prevents you from opening the hatch just after the washing cycle ends. Instad you must wait for the timer to go off, usually a minute or two, before you can open the hatch.
Why? Would letting the user open the hatch immediately after washing ends pose any safety or other issues?
My washing machine can be opened when running at any time so no idea what washing machines you have. Considering I want it to be going already when I add detergent.
Well, imagine someone opening the door if the water hasn’t fully drained out and the ensuing mess. If you’re wondering if someone is stupid enough to do that, then the answer is unequivocally yes. There is a reason the door locks for that amount of time - so somebody doesn’t brain fart, open the door, and flood the laundry room.
So why not make the washing cycle end when the water has fully drained? I get the impression the timer starts after the drain.
Maybe that’s your machine being oddly programmed. Every machine I’ve seen unlocks right after it finishes it’s cycle. It can also be stopped and unlocked anywhere halfway, but it takes some time to drain the water (usually a few seconds, not a full minute like you mentioned originally).
There’s still water in the drum. Ew wet clothes.
Am I missing something? I’ve opened the lid multiple times while the washer was going. All that happens is the water shuts off until you close the lid again. Never seen a washer that locks actually.
You’re probably talking about a top loader whereas the question relates to front loaders.
Many top loaders will lock at certain points in the wash. Most often during the spin cycle. A top load with an agitator is just begging to break an impatient child’s arm.
Yeah, makes sense. They’re not very popular in Australia anymore (use way more water) so I haven’t used a top loader since the 90s. The old ones used to just slow down to a stop once you opened the lid, but they literally didn’t have a lock on the lid.
My bet would be it’s waiting for temperature to drop.
Edit for the downvoting folk: Some of the profiles of my washing machine have temperatures of up to 90°C