Malbers use a thermal (heat acting) latch to hold the door closed, so it stays latched for about 2 mins after being turned off. This is to give you time to think before you open the door and possibly spill water all over your feet. When the little bi-metallic piece cools off, it bends to one side (inside the latch assy) releasing the catch, and the door can be opened. Sometimes, the bi-metallic part bends OK, but the latch catches and won\'t release. It just needs a little vibration to free it up. A smack to the latch area (on door or face of Washer) will free the latch.
I tell my customers: Don\'t pull too hard on the white door handle. If you can\'t open it with your little finger (seriously) it\'s not ready to open!
Answers & Comments
Malbers use a thermal (heat acting) latch to hold the door closed, so it stays latched for about 2 mins after being turned off. This is to give you time to think before you open the door and possibly spill water all over your feet. When the little bi-metallic piece cools off, it bends to one side (inside the latch assy) releasing the catch, and the door can be opened. Sometimes, the bi-metallic part bends OK, but the latch catches and won\'t release. It just needs a little vibration to free it up. A smack to the latch area (on door or face of Washer) will free the latch.
I tell my customers: Don\'t pull too hard on the white door handle. If you can\'t open it with your little finger (seriously) it\'s not ready to open!