If you open the washing machine halfway between a cycle to put in an extra piece of clothing, it will likely interrupt the normal washing process. Here's what you can expect to happen:
Pausing the cycle: When you open the washing machine door, most modern washing machines are designed to pause the cycle automatically for safety reasons. This is to prevent any accidental spillage of water or detergent that could occur if the door is opened while the drum is spinning or filled with water.
Water drainage: If the washing machine is in the middle of the wash cycle and you add an extra piece of clothing, the machine might not be able to accommodate the additional load, and it may lead to an imbalance. In response, some washing machines may drain the water to avoid excessive movement and potential damage to the machine.
Restarting the cycle: After you close the door and address any potential imbalances, you will likely need to restart the washing cycle from the beginning or, if your machine supports it, select a specific phase of the cycle to continue from.
Extended washing time: Depending on the type of washing machine and the cycle you were originally using, the interruption and restart may lead to an extended overall washing time. Some washing machines may try to compensate by adjusting the cycle duration to reach the desired level of cleanliness for the new combined load.
Cleaning effectiveness: Interrupting the wash cycle and adding an extra piece of clothing may also impact the cleaning effectiveness. The interruption can disrupt the rhythm and flow of the cycle, potentially affecting the distribution of water, detergent, and agitation.
To avoid such interruptions, it's best to make sure you have all the laundry ready before starting the washing machine. If you forgot to add a piece of clothing or need to add something urgently, it's recommended to wait until the current cycle is finished before opening the door and adding the extra item. However, some modern washing machines do come with features like "Add Garment" that allow you to pause the cycle briefly to add more laundry, but it's essential to check your washing machine's user manual for specific instructions on how to use this feature safely.