Why do washing machines prevent opening the hatch just after the washing cycle ends?
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?
You are viewing a single comment
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.
There are high efficiency top loaders too. I have an old style one because I couldn't afford to keep repairing my HE, and 400 for a new top loader was cheaper than replacing the motherboard in my HE for the 3rd time.
Fair dos
Are you sure you're talking about a washing machine and not a dish washer?