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?

0 points

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.

permalink
report
reply
8 points

Front-loaders usually restrict you from opening the door before they’re drained, or else some idiot would flood their apartment.

permalink
report
parent
reply
56 points

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.

permalink
report
reply
31 points

So why not make the washing cycle end when the water has fully drained? I get the impression the timer starts after the drain.

permalink
report
parent
reply
2 points

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).

permalink
report
parent
reply
1 point

what device would you use to check the water has drained?

permalink
report
parent
reply
1 point

I have been saved by that washing machine lock on a number of occasions

permalink
report
parent
reply

There’s still water in the drum. Ew wet clothes.

permalink
report
reply
4 points

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.

permalink
report
reply
0 points

Are you sure you’re talking about a washing machine and not a dish washer?

permalink
report
parent
reply
9 points

You’re probably talking about a top loader whereas the question relates to front loaders.

permalink
report
parent
reply
5 points

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.

permalink
report
parent
reply
2 points

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.

permalink
report
parent
reply
32 points
*

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

permalink
report
reply
7 points

I would bet that the water for the rinse cycle would be cold though.

permalink
report
parent
reply

Asklemmy

!asklemmy@lemmy.ml

Create post

A loosely moderated place to ask open-ended questions

Search asklemmy 🔍

If your post meets the following criteria, it’s welcome here!

  1. Open-ended question
  2. Not offensive: at this point, we do not have the bandwidth to moderate overtly political discussions. Assume best intent and be excellent to each other.
  3. Not regarding using or support for Lemmy: context, see the list of support communities and tools for finding communities below
  4. Not ad nauseam inducing: please make sure it is a question that would be new to most members
  5. An actual topic of discussion

Looking for support?

Looking for a community?

Icon by @Double_A@discuss.tchncs.de

Community stats

  • 9.8K

    Monthly active users

  • 5.6K

    Posts

  • 308K

    Comments