Prevent Your Washing Machine's Seal from Breaking: Talk to a Technician

Hello everyone! I'm Pepe, a technician at Electrotodo.es , and today I want to address a topic that generates many queries in our store: Why does the washing machine's lock break and how can we prevent it?

Understanding How the Washing Machine Shuts Off

The washing machine door lock is one of those parts that we take for granted until it fails. Its main function is to lock the washing machine door while it is running, preventing accidents and ensuring that no water spills during the wash cycle.

In addition, the lock has a safety system that prevents the door from being opened immediately after the washing machine has finished, forcing us to wait a few minutes until the drum stops completely and it is safe to open it.

This safety system is crucial to the operation of the washing machine, as the drum can spin at high speeds during the spin cycle, and opening the door while this is happening could be dangerous.

For this reason, manufacturers install a delay device in the closure, which is responsible for keeping the door locked until the drum is at rest .

Why does the washing machine seal break?

There are several reasons why a washing machine's closure may fail:

Force the Door

As I mentioned earlier, one of the most common mistakes is trying to open the washing machine door before the retarder releases the lock. This usually happens because of impatience or because we are in a hurry, and causes premature wear of the part.

Natural Wear and Tear

Like any mechanical component, the washing machine seal is subject to wear over time. If your washing machine has been in use for several years, it is possible that the seal has simply reached the end of its useful life.

Electrical Problems

Some washing machine models rely on an electrical system to release the lock. If there is a problem with the wiring or power supply, the lock may not work properly, becoming stuck or not securing properly.

Accumulation of dirt and waste

Sometimes, a buildup of detergent, fabric softener or even lint can interfere with the shut-off mechanism, making it difficult to operate and eventually causing it to fail.

How to Prevent the Zipper from Breaking?

Although some failures are inevitable over time, there are steps you can take to extend the life of your washing machine seal:

Be Patient : After the washer finishes its cycle, wait the recommended two minutes before attempting to open the door. This simple habit can prevent many problems.
Regular Maintenance : Regularly clean the rubber on the door and make sure there is no debris that could interfere with the closing. It is also a good idea to check the closing mechanism from time to time to make sure it is working properly.
Avoid Overloading Your Washing Machine : Overloading your washing machine not only affects the quality of the wash, but also puts additional stress on all components, including the door. Always respect the maximum load capacity indicated by the manufacturer.
Check the Wiring : If you suspect the problem might be electrical, check the washer's wiring or consult a technician. In some cases, a simple electrical problem can be easily fixed before it causes further damage.

What to Do If the Zipper Breaks?

If you find yourself with a broken lock, don't worry. Fortunately, changing it is a fairly simple task that you can do yourself with a few basic tools. At Electrotodo.es we have a wide variety of locks for different models and brands of washing machines, such as Bosch , Balay , and many others.

Steps to Replace the Closure :

Disconnect the washing machine from the power supply before starting any work.
Remove the screws that hold the lock in place. These are usually easily accessible from the front or side of the door.
Disconnect the wires from the old lock. In most cases, the wires are connected by a connector that only fits one way, making it easy to reconnect them.
Install the new lock making sure to properly connect the wires and secure the screws in place.
Test by opening and closing the door several times to make sure the new lock works properly.

Final Thoughts

The washing machine seal is an essential component that we often overlook until it stops working. By understanding how it works and taking some simple precautions, you can extend its life and avoid major problems. And if you need to replace it, remember that at Electrotodo.es we have everything you need to keep your washing machine in perfect working order.

I hope you found this article useful. If you have any additional questions or need advice, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help you keep your appliances in top condition!

See you next time!