Tumble dryer door won’t stay shut or keeps popping open (Hotpoint & Indesit)
✅ Safe to check yourself
This is a common, low-risk check most people can do safely. Always unplug the appliance (or isolate power) before touching internal parts.
Quick TipTake a photo of the appliance's model/serial number sticker now — you'll want it if this does end up needing a part or an engineer.
A dryer door that won’t latch, or pops open mid-cycle, usually comes down to the door catch/hinge alignment or a worn latch mechanism rather than anything electrical.
What to check first
- Check nothing (clothing, lint) is caught in the door seal preventing a full, flush close.
- Look at the door hinges for visible looseness or sagging — over time hinges can wear enough that the door no longer lines up squarely with the catch.
- Check the catch/latch itself (usually a small plastic hook on the door that engages with a switch on the machine body) for visible cracking or wear — this is a very common failure point and often the actual cause even when “the door won’t shut” seems like a bigger problem.
- Try closing the door slowly and firmly rather than with a quick push — on some models a worn latch needs slightly more deliberate pressure to engage.
When to call an engineer
The door catch/latch assembly is a routine, inexpensive part to replace, but does involve removing the door or front panel on most models — a straightforward job for an engineer if you’re not confident doing it yourself.