Why do washing machines prevent opening the hatch just after the washing cycle ends?
Most washing machines have a timer that prevents you from opening the hatch just after the washing cycle ends. Instad you must wait for the timer to go off, usually a minute or two, before you can open the hatch.
Why? Would letting the user open the hatch immediately after washing ends pose any safety or other issues?
It checks if the water is really truly out so opening the hatch is safe (as in no water coming out causing water damage). And for that it waits a time so the water has time to gather in the bottom.
Mine beeps when the door unlocks, but I've seen many that beep before the final check. Either to satisfy some "1 hour wash cycle" target or perhaps they expect people to walk to the machine when it beeps and the check isn't that long so it's probably going to be unlocked when you get there?
Mine beeps and simultaneously unlocks the door. Beeping befor you can open it truely does sound stupid… Never had that with any washing machine here in Switzerland though.