Washing machine stuck

OopsyDoodle

Hi, does anyone have any hacks for moving a washing machine that danced behind the door when it was in its spin cycle? We now can't get in the cupboard or move the washer. The door handle is on the left and the door opens in. Then the washer is 'usually' on the left in a little cubby. Is there something I can slide under the door to try to push the washer back?? All I can think is to go into the cupboard behind the washer and cut a hole in the joining wall, to then pull the washer back into place. Ideally I don't want a hole between the cupboards. I can't post a pic to better explain because I'm a newbie. Thanks in advance for any advice.

CliveOfIndia

I can't quite visualise the situation, but on the face of it can you remove the door?  As long as you can get to the hinges then it's a simple matter to unscrew the hinges and remove the door.  Depending on the hinge design you may not even have to remove the hinges - quite often there's a pin that you can just lift out (with a bit of gentle persuasion from a pair of pliers and/or a flat-bladed screwdriver).

400ixl

If the door opens inwards then the pins in the hinges would be on the inside of the cupboard.

I wouldn't be making holes in walls, replacing the door would be cheaper if it comes to the worst. Interesting choice of topic for a money forum, I would have thought you would be better off asking on a DIY forum.

If the door opens to the left and the washing machine is that side I assume it is right up against the door? How far does the door open?

Jonboy_1984

What sort of cupboard is it behind the washer?

What height do you have to play with under the door if you are talking of pushing something under?

goldfinches

All I can think of is to ask whether the door has any panels you could remove?

The other thing you could do is to pop round to several of the other boards on this forum and post there as well to get your clearance to post photos on here, I'm not sure how many you need but when I was new it was fewer than 10 I think. 

[Deleted User]

Hi,

stick up a broken link for pic and somebody will post it.

Lorian

Tricky. Reminds me of an episode of Jonathan Creek.

If the door has no panels then mark up a nice big square on the door. Drill the 4 corners with a 8mm drill. Neatly cut the 4 sides with a jigsaw listening out to avoid hitting the washer. Pull the cut panel towards you. Move the washer back left and secure it. Glue that panel back in and glue over the joins with some nicely mitered 25mm half round and paint/stain.

frostysaver

Kitchen units would normally have a plinth at the bottom that's just a board clipped in.

Do you have one, have you tried pulling it out? It would give access to the bottom of the machine.

victor2

Lorian said:

Tricky. Reminds me of an episode of Jonathan Creek.

If the door has no panels then mark up a nice big square on the door. Drill the 4 corners with a 8mm drill. Neatly cut the 4 sides with a jigsaw listening out to avoid hitting the washer. Pull the cut panel towards you. Move the washer back left and secure it. Glue that panel back in and glue over the joins with some nicely mitered 25mm half round and paint/stain.

^^This^^

Even if you destroy the door, they aren't that expensive to replace.

Once you get in and move the washing machine back to its rightful home, make sure there is something in place to stop it wandering out again!

goldfinches

Lorian said:

Tricky. Reminds me of an episode of Jonathan Creek.

If the door has no panels then mark up a nice big square on the door. Drill the 4 corners with a 8mm drill. Neatly cut the 4 sides with a jigsaw listening out to avoid hitting the washer. Pull the cut panel towards you. Move the washer back left and secure it. Glue that panel back in and glue over the joins with some nicely mitered 25mm half round and paint/stain.

I was thinking about this last night and wondered whether once you'd sorted it out this time it might happen again so I'm suggesting fitting a cat/dog flap or even a fairy door in the hole rather than repairing it might be a better solution. You could make it look like a charming whimsicality.