Hello there, . I went to open the washing machine door and I heard a snap. I believe it’s broken and the door is locked. The clothes are wet and locked inside. I guess it’s my responsibility to fix it somehow. im in the uk, I’m from Canada. can I go ahead and just get it fixed, or do I have to let the homeowners know?
First thing is to let the owners know.
Unless you had applied really a lot of force, this cannot have been your fault. Wear and tear.
At home, the pump of my own washing machine broke last week.
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Is there a button to press that says “door” ?
Our Current sit in U.K. has this on the washing machine. The door can’t be opened until you press it .
Have the owners left manuals for the appliances ? Is there anything in the Welcome Guide about the w/m ?
If not you can looking on internet for the manual for that brand & model of washing machine - and how to troubleshoot common problems. You may be able to find an answer yourself .
If you can’t fix it - best to tell homeowner as they may have someone that they use or can recommend for the repair. The T&Cs say that third parties can only come to their home with their agreement .
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We had a washi g machine break when we were sitting in Denmark. We messaged the HO, they video called us back and admitted the on button had been faulty for years. We hotfooted it to the launderette.
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Follow @Silversitters advice and look for the Door button. Make sure you have pressed the On button before the Door one so the door will be released.
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Some modern washing machines will have a door release, it is usually a red plastic pull located next to the filter at the bottom of the machine, you may have to take off the cover to see it.
If there isn’t one, There is a way to open a broken washing machine door by using a length of string wrapped around the door and giving a quick pull on the string.
It works 70% of the time depending on the type of locking mechanism
Have a look at you tube for better instructions.
If either of those work, you will then be able to see the lock and will be able to better see what the problem is.
If neither of them work I would contact the home host, fess up and let them tell you the next move
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Happened to me once, a clothes dryer. I sent for new parts and replaced the door myself and told the homeowners what I did. Reply was, oh that old thing, my mother gave me that years ago and I’m surprised it didn’t happen to me and sooner. Don’t worry I’ll pay you back - and they did.
Contact the HO’s and you just might get the same response. Good luck with the door, usually if the power is turned off completely, the door will open, but all good suggestions from the other members.
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I would contact the homeowner as the machine may be under guarantee or covered by a service plan (certain repairs are free).
Google the model number and check where the emergency release switch is located.
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Thanks everyone! I got the door open and I will go from there. Appreciate all of your support!
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This happened to me in the UK 30+ years ago while staying with my sister. I didn’t know that on European washers there is a delay between the end of the wash and when the door latch is unlocked. I tried to open the front loader as soon as it was done. Had to pay a repair guy 30£ to get it fixed. Live and learn, I’m afraid.
Thanks, I got the door off and the handle out and I got a replacement part coming for tomorrow. I will definitely tell the homeowners what happened. I’m not worried. It’s just plastic, didn’t take much to break, but I know for next time not to pull!!
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Got it!!
thx
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Well done @LauraJ 
We all need to be “hands on” sometimes and work things out ourselves, which you did (maybe with a little help from our THS friends) 
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Well done @LauraJ - hopefully you will get 5 stars for self- sufficient category.
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