Can I open the dishwasher while it's running?

Modern dishwashers, unlike their predecessors, offer a lot of user flexibility. For example, many manufacturers claim that you can reload dishes even after the wash cycle has started by opening the door. However, doing so can be scary, as water might spill onto the floor. We decided to find out whether it's safe to open the dishwasher while washing dishes, or if this is just a marketing gimmick. Let's find out.

If you open the door?

In a normal situation, after collecting all the dirty dishes and placing them in the baskets, the user closes the door and activates the wash program. This begins a lengthy process, resulting in a clean pile instead of a pile of dirty dishes. But things don't always go smoothly. Let's say we forgot a few dirty glasses, "hiding" somewhere behind the kettle or coffee maker. Of course, you can save yourself the effort and wash them by hand, but if you're looking for a more straightforward approach, open the dishwasher door.

1. Simply pulling the door handle may not open it at all, as some models are equipped with a locking device. To unlock it, you'll have to stop the wash cycle first and then open the door.
2. The door may open, but thanks to a special sensor, the program will immediately reset and the wash will stop.
3. The model can be equipped with a special button for emergency stop of the dishwasher.

By pressing this button, the user can safely open the door after 3 seconds and put in additional dirty items, but this “trick” will only work within the first 35-40 minutes after the start of the wash.

4. The machine may allow the door to be opened, but the special sensor that resets the program fails to activate, potentially causing a flood. In this case, it's likely a malfunction, although such an occurrence is rare.

The latter situation can create problems for the user. The spray arms will partially spray water out of the dishwasher through the open door, flooding the floor in front of the dishwasher. This should not be allowed. Let's try to figure out what's going on.

If the blocking didn't work

What happens if a dishwasher is running and you allow the door to be opened while the door is running, but the special sensor fails to stop the process? Hot water will splash directly onto the user and the floor in front of the dishwasher. This is unavoidable. At such a moment, you'll regret the lack of a door lock on this model.

In these admittedly less safe dishwashers, the door locking device replaces the emergency shut-off sensor. But even if the machine has a door locking device, it doesn't guarantee complete safety, especially in the event of a breakdown that requires a quick shut-off. dishwasher lock repairSo, no matter what, in both cases, you'll need to run diagnostics. It's best to have a technician do all the work, so the next time you open the door out of habit, the machine doesn't give you a hot shower.

Typically, the kill switch fails during a power surge or a major internal failure.The wiring or contacts that power the sensor may be damaged. In half of these cases, the self-diagnostic system is activated. It promptly disables all systems.

In any case, don't be afraid to try opening the dishwasher door. In 99% of cases, nothing critical will happen. As a user, you need to fully understand how your "home assistant" works. Once you do, you'll be able to use it much more confidently and effectively. Good luck!

   

2 reader comments

1. July 6, 2018 at 5:18 PM

   Masha:

   The "problem" of a hot "shower" from the dishwasher when you open the door while it's running is just a hoax! Don't worry about your customers any more than they worry about themselves. 🙂 I have an Electrolux dishwasher—open the door any time if you suddenly find extra dirty dishes. You can use the Start (aka Pause) button or not (it'll just squirt a little)—it's incredibly convenient! It's been running for six years now, and (pah!) there are no odors or other problems. My sister has a Bosch dishwasher—the door locks during washing. And it's already been in for repairs twice…

   Answer
   • December 25, 2020 at 8:49 PM

     Vityai:

     I've had a Bosch dishwasher for about six years now. And it lets you add more dishes whenever you want. So no need to bother grandma.

     Answer