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Home and Garden
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Washing Machines and Dryers
How to Unlock a Whirlpool Washer Download ArticleExplore this Article methods 1 Opening a Front-Loading Washer 2 Accessing a Top-Loading Washer 3 Unlocking the Door Manually Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Homer Flores and Janice Tieperman
Last Updated: October 5, 2023 References
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Homer Flores and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Homer Flores is an Appliance Repair Specialist and Training Manager at PreFix, a home maintenance company out of Austin, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Homer specializes in home improvement, remodeling, and construction. Homer’s dedication to the PreFix mission of providing hassle-free one-stop-shop service for home care, in addition to their completion of the Capital Factory and Techstars Accelerators, has contributed to their growth of service to over 50 zip codes throughout the greater Austin area. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 293,574 times.
Whirlpool washing machines make laundry day much simpler—until you realize you forgot to add a few items of clothing to the current cycle. It’s not difficult to unlock your washer door, but depending on your model, it could take a few minutes. If you have a front-loading washer, add clothes while the “Add Garment” light is on or cancel the cycle altogether. If you have top-loading washer, all you have to do is pause the cycle.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Opening a Front-Loading Washer
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1 Hit Cancel to stop the load and unlock the door. Press and hold the Cancel button to turn off the load and cancel the cycle. This bypasses any locking mechanism, including the Control Lock. Once the machine is turned off for several seconds, press the Power button to turn the machine back on.[1]XResearch source
The Control Lock button freezes your control panel so none of your settings can be altered during the cycle. While this lock is effective when the washer is turned on, it turns off when the machine is powered off.
If your machine doesn’t have a Cancel button, press and hold the Power button instead.[2]XResearch source
2 Select a new cycle and start the load as normal. Wait several minutes for any remaining water to drain out of the machine before selecting your cycle settings again and restarting the load. Make sure that all of your clothing is in the washing drum before starting the new cycle or selecting Control Lock.[3]XResearch source
Control Lock won’t activate unless the button is held down for 3 sequential seconds. If you remember to add something before those 3 seconds are up, then the lock won’t activate.
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3 Open the door while the “Add Garment” light is on to access the washer. Check to see if the “Add Garment” LED is lit up on the control panel of your washing machine. If this light is still on, then your washer might not be locked at all. This feature gives you a few minutes at the beginning of the cycle to throw in a few extra items. It can save you some time in the long run, especially if you were going to cancel the load.[4]XResearch source
The “Add Garment” light will be on for about 8 minutes.[5]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Accessing a Top-Loading Washer
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1 Push the Start/Stop button to unlock the washer door during the spin cycle. Pause the machine by quickly pressing the Start/Stop button once. After a few seconds, the washer will halt and you’ll hear the door unlocking. Add any extra garments into the washing drum at this time, if necessary.[6]XResearch source
Since a top-loading washer is upright, you don’t need to cancel and drain the current cycle to add in new clothing.
2 Hit the Start/Stop button again to resume and finish the cycle. Throw in any extra linens or clothing that still need to be washed and close the washer lid. Make sure that the lid is securely closed before hitting the Start/Stop button to unpause the cycle.[7]XResearch source
Wait a few seconds and listen for the washer door to relock.
3 Open the lid during the agitation process to pause the cycle. Lift the washer during the early stages of the washing process to automatically pause the load. The clothing and other laundry will be agitated by the spinning drum before the spin cycle begins. It’s safe to open the washer at this point, and the machine will pause as soon as it senses the lid opening.[8]XResearch source
This occurs in the first few minutes of the wash cycle. An LED near the Start/Stop button will indicate once the door locks.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Unlocking the Door Manually
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1 Power down the washer. Press and hold the Power button to turn off the machine. This is especially important if you’re trying to unlock your washer door mid-cycle. Once the machine is completely off, remove the three-pronged plug from its adjoining socket in the wall.[9]X Expert Source Homer FloresAppliance Repair SpecialistExpert Interview
2 Seal off the faucet. After the washer is completely unplugged, close the water faucet that feeds into the machine. If you can’t find the faucet, try looking for the water line that connects to your washer.
3 Get to the drain pump access door by unscrewing the cover. Kneel down and look for a small compartment on the bottom right corner of your machine. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the single screw connecting this compartment to the washer. Be sure to keep the loose screw nearby once you’ve removed the cover.[10]X Expert Source Homer FloresAppliance Repair SpecialistExpert Interview
If your washer was in the middle of a cycle, wait until the water has cooled off to prevent any burns or injury.
4 Tug on the plastic cord in the compartment to unlock the washer door. Pull on dangling plastic cord or strap on the top right of the access compartment.[11]X Expert Source Homer FloresAppliance Repair SpecialistExpert Interview This unlocks the door and allows you to access the washer. Once you’re finished with the washing machine, be sure to put the screw back into place.
Make sure the access compartment is securely closed before plugging in and powering on the washer.
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Question How do I take the child lock off my Whirlpool Washer? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Turn on your washer, then hold down the child lock button for 3 seconds. This should turn off the child lock feature! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 26 Helpful 16
Question How do you bypass a Whirlpool Cabrio lid lock? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This isn’t recommended, since the lid lock is meant to prevent injuries caused by the washer running with the lid open. However, if you’re really interested in bypassing the lock, turn off and unplug the washer, then disconnect the wires that are attached to the lid switch and reconnect them to themselves. When you turn the washer back on again, you should be able to operate it without the lid lock. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 2
Question Why does my Whirlpool washer say “Locked”? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This means the control lock on your washer is on. To deactivate it so that you can use the controls again, hold the control lock button down for 3 seconds. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 80 Helpful 12
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Tips
Newly installed Whirlpool washers might be locked after you first plug them in. After the LED lights on the washer flash for the first time, wait 1 minute before you try opening the door. If the door is still locked, wait another 8 minutes, as the washer might be running a test cycle.[12]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
If your washer door is stuck after completing a cycle, contact a repair person or a Whirlpool representative about your problem. If you live in the United States, call Whirlpool at 1-800-253-1301. If you’re a Canadian resident, contact Whirlpool at 1-800-807-6777.[13]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Homer Flores Appliance Repair Specialist This article was co-authored by Homer Flores and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Homer Flores is an Appliance Repair Specialist and Training Manager at PreFix, a home maintenance company out of Austin, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Homer specializes in home improvement, remodeling, and construction. Homer’s dedication to the PreFix mission of providing hassle-free one-stop-shop service for home care, in addition to their completion of the Capital Factory and Techstars Accelerators, has contributed to their growth of service to over 50 zip codes throughout the greater Austin area. This article has been viewed 293,574 times. 22 votes - 5% Co-authors: 3Updated: October 5, 2023 Views: 293,574 Categories: Washing Machines and Dryers In other languages French Japanese
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Homer Flores Appliance Repair Specialist 22 votes - 5% Click a star to vote 5% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 3Updated: October 5, 2023 Views: 293,574
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Samsung Washer Door Locked and Not Opening? Try One of These SolutionsHow to Release a Stuck Washing Machine DoorHow to Reset Your Whirlpool Washing MachineHow to Bypass a Magnetic Lid Switch on a Whirlpool Washer
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Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Opening a Front-Loading Washer 2 Accessing a Top-Loading Washer 3 Unlocking the Door Manually Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Homer Flores and Janice Tieperman 
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Co-authored by: Homer Flores Appliance Repair Specialist This article was co-authored by Homer Flores and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Homer Flores is an Appliance Repair Specialist and Training Manager at PreFix, a home maintenance company out of Austin, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Homer specializes in home improvement, remodeling, and construction. Homer’s dedication to the PreFix mission of providing hassle-free one-stop-shop service for home care, in addition to their completion of the Capital Factory and Techstars Accelerators, has contributed to their growth of service to over 50 zip codes throughout the greater Austin area. This article has been viewed 293,574 times. 22 votes - 5% Co-authors: 3 Updated: October 5, 2023 Views: 293,574 Categories: Washing Machines and Dryers In other languages French Japanese 
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1 Hit Cancel to stop the load and unlock the door. Press and hold the Cancel button to turn off the load and cancel the cycle. This bypasses any locking mechanism, including the Control Lock. Once the machine is turned off for several seconds, press the Power button to turn the machine back on.[1] 
2 Select a new cycle and start the load as normal. Wait several minutes for any remaining water to drain out of the machine before selecting your cycle settings again and restarting the load. Make sure that all of your clothing is in the washing drum before starting the new cycle or selecting Control Lock.[3] 
3 Open the door while the “Add Garment” light is on to access the washer. Check to see if the “Add Garment” LED is lit up on the control panel of your washing machine. If this light is still on, then your washer might not be locked at all. This feature gives you a few minutes at the beginning of the cycle to throw in a few extra items. It can save you some time in the long run, especially if you were going to cancel the load.[4] 
1 Push the Start/Stop button to unlock the washer door during the spin cycle. Pause the machine by quickly pressing the Start/Stop button once. After a few seconds, the washer will halt and you’ll hear the door unlocking. Add any extra garments into the washing drum at this time, if necessary.[6] 
2 Hit the Start/Stop button again to resume and finish the cycle. Throw in any extra linens or clothing that still need to be washed and close the washer lid. Make sure that the lid is securely closed before hitting the Start/Stop button to unpause the cycle.[7] 
3 Open the lid during the agitation process to pause the cycle. Lift the washer during the early stages of the washing process to automatically pause the load. The clothing and other laundry will be agitated by the spinning drum before the spin cycle begins. It’s safe to open the washer at this point, and the machine will pause as soon as it senses the lid opening.[8] 
1 Power down the washer. Press and hold the Power button to turn off the machine. This is especially important if you’re trying to unlock your washer door mid-cycle. Once the machine is completely off, remove the three-pronged plug from its adjoining socket in the wall.[9] 
2 Seal off the faucet. After the washer is completely unplugged, close the water faucet that feeds into the machine. If you can’t find the faucet, try looking for the water line that connects to your washer. 
3 Get to the drain pump access door by unscrewing the cover. Kneel down and look for a small compartment on the bottom right corner of your machine. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the single screw connecting this compartment to the washer. Be sure to keep the loose screw nearby once you’ve removed the cover.[10] 
4 Tug on the plastic cord in the compartment to unlock the washer door. Pull on dangling plastic cord or strap on the top right of the access compartment.[11] This unlocks the door and allows you to access the washer. Once you’re finished with the washing machine, be sure to put the screw back into place. 
wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 
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