How to open a washing machine if the handle is broken

The handle of a front-loading washing machine is made of plastic, and often low-quality plastic. There is nothing to be surprised by the fact that such a handle can break at any moment.

This is where the problem arises, because in order to repair the handle you must first somehow open the hatch, while it is advisable not to scratch the body of the washer, but how to do this? We will try to answer this question, at the same time talking about how to remove the old handle and replace it with a new one.

Ways to open the hatch

Don’t be surprised, but in order to open the door of a washing machine whose handle has broken, it is not necessary to pick at it with a screwdriver, use an awl, or carry out other brutal manipulations. It is enough to resort to one of the available and simple methods, which we will soon talk about, and open the ill-fated hatch in a minute. Let's list these methods.

• If you have a fishing line or thin nylon rope on hand, you can use it to open the washing machine hatch. We take a flat-head screwdriver and thread the rope into the gap between the body and the hatch. We take the ends of the rope and drag it under the hatch. Then we pull the ends of the rope with noticeable force - the door will open.
• Pick up the instructions that came with your front-loading washing machine model. Some washing machine models have a special emergency hatch opening lever. Usually, this element is located near the garbage filter. If you have one, the problem can be solved simply: pull the lever and the washing machine door will open.
• If you don’t have a rope at hand, and there is no emergency lever that would allow you to open the hatch on your model of washing machine, you can open the hatch through the top cover of the washing machine. Let's unplug the washing machine. Remove the top cover of the washer. At the front of the case there is a gap between the front wall and the top counterweight. We put our hand in there and try to get the hatch closing mechanism. In principle, it is very simple to open the hatch of a washing machine in this way, with the proper skill.

Removing the damaged part

If we managed to safely open the hatch of a front-loading washing machine, this does not completely solve the problem, because the handle is broken and needs to be repaired. Repairing an old handle is not worth it, and most often it is impossible, so the only solution is to replace the broken part.

First, let's remove the damaged handle by performing a series of simple manipulations. Take a screwdriver, open the washing machine hatch wide open and unscrew the two screws that hold the hatch in place. We lay the hatch on the floor with its front side down and unscrew all the screws located around this part. Take a photo of the sunroof glass along with the hook to remember the location of these parts. If you don't do this, problems will arise later.

We disassemble the hatch into two parts and remove the glass to the side. We photograph the inside of the hatch so as not to remember the location of the mechanism parts. We remove the pin, spring and hook of the damaged handle and put them aside. Dismantling the damaged handle can be considered complete.

Installation

We purchase a new handle, which consists of a set of parts: a plastic part, a hook, a spring, and a pin. Referring to the previously taken photograph, assemble the handle mechanism and place the handle itself in the correct position. The most difficult thing is to install the pin, because it must fit through all the holes. You will have to sweat, pushing it gradually and at the same time shaking it with pliers.

Checking the position of the handle. The washing machine hatch handle should be spring-loaded, but at the same time move relatively easily and return to its original position without problems. If the return is difficult or does not exist at all, you need to reinstall the handle mechanism. If everything is fine, assemble the hatch and install it in place. We check the operation of the hatch handle and successfully complete the repair.

In conclusion, we note that breaking the washing machine hatch handle is not a big problem. However, to solve it, you must first open the hatch itself, and only then carry out simple repairs. There are many opening methods and all of them are available to anyone, even those who do not have the skills to repair household appliances. All that remains is to apply one of these methods. Good luck!