Why Do Washing Machines Have Locking Lids? (Explained)

By - Hs Saini

Updated -

Naturally, you would want to spend your weekend resting until you discover you have a pile of laundry waiting for you.

To this extent, over 85 percent of American citizens use washing machines.

However, imagine doing your laundry, and while you attempt to put on another dress, you discover the lids have locked up. 

The washing machine manufacturers install lid locks as a safety measure. With this lid lock, you cannot access the washing machine while the machine is running. This keeps the operator safe and prevents the content from spilling.

Do All Washing Machines Lids Lock?

You should note that not every washing machine has a locking lid.

However, as of early 2015, researchers discovered many washing machines with the lid lock feature. 

Note that the lid lock switch controls the operation of the washer by deactivating it when the lid is open.

The lid lock feature, on the other hand, the lid lock feature automatically locks the washing machine during different washing cycles.

This marks a clear distinction between the lid lock switch and the lid lock feature.

Since the lid lock is a safety measure, many washing machines have the feature.

For instance, the Hisense 6kg Front Loader Washing Machine has the quality, with an additional child lock feature, empowered by the lid lock. 

How Does the Lid Lock Operate in the Washing Machine?

Unlike the lid lock switches, the lid lock feature kicks in the various washing cycles. These cycles are: 

#1. The Load Sensing Cycle

Have you ever wondered how much water you would need to fill your washer with? With the load sensing cycle, you do not need to worry about this.

The machine would automatically fill the washer with water, ensuring the amount of water is equivalent to the load.

Thus, the load sensing cycle would calculate the weight of the load and fill the washer with an equal amount of water.

The washer lid lock automatically activates to prevent you or anyone else from interrupting the calculation process. 

#2. The Spin Cycle

Understanding the spin cycle would require you to know how the whirlpool washers rotate the washing basin to drain your laundry of excess water.

Once this cycle begins, it locks the whirlpool washer to prevent casualties in the washing process.

Due to how fast the whirlpool washer is could cause severe bodily harm to anyone who accidentally puts his hand through the washing machine door.

Keep in mind that specific washers have a particular fill feature. Models that possess this feature tend to lock during the load sensing cycle.

However, models that do not include this feature do not close during the load sensing cycle. However, the particular fill feature does not affect the spin cycle.

How Do You Bypass the Lid Lock on the Washing Machine? 

You can bypass the lid lock feature on the washing machine, though it is not advisable. To circumvent this feature, there are specific steps you must take. These steps include:

  • Turn off the washer and ensure it is not connected to any power source.
  • Ensure that you can view the rear side of the washer. Finally, move the machine away from the wall to make this more convenient.
  • Remove the screws and tabs that are keeping the horizontal panel in place. Once this is done, remove the flat panel.
  • Locate the lid lock switch; it is usually located at the bottom side of the washer, and it is connected to the washing machine with its port.
  • Place a magnet between the switch and its port. The presence of the magnet is sure to disrupt the connection between the lid lock switch and the port.
  • Connect the washer to a power source and watch your lid successfully open while the washer is still in operation.

Alternatively, you can press the Start/Pause button, which automatically stops the washing cycle and allows you to lift the lid.

New washing machine models, such as the Bosch 8 kg Fully Automatic Front Load Washing Machine Grey (WAT2846SIN), have the Start/Pause button. 

Although resetting the washer may or may not bypass the lid lock, you shouldn’t attempt this, as you may end up damaging your washer. 

Is It Possible for a Locking Lid to Fail?

Like any other machine part, the locking lid of your washer may fail. Failure of the locking lid can be attributed to the door lock, door latch, switch assembly, or door lock motor.

To fix your locking lid, you need to fix these other parts first. Contact a licensed technician to handle this.

Conclusion

While bypassing the lid lock feature in your washer is possible, you shouldn’t take this step.

The manufacturers of these machines install this feature as a safety measure, and completely waving aside this precaution is detrimental to you.

However, exercise extra caution while operating the device if bypassing the feature.

Sharing is caring! Spread The Love!

Why Trust Our Information

At Homeguideinfo.com, we are dedicated to delivering precise and trustworthy information. Our content is meticulously developed and validated by a panel of Expert Contributors, adhering to strict Editorial Guidelines. Our commitment is to ensure that you receive thoroughly researched and expertly crafted information.