Pull the machine out so that you can access the drain hose. Get a washing up bowl or similar then lift the hose out of the waste pipe and as you lower it into the bowl the machine will drain by gravity. Once you have the water level below the drum lip you can open the door safely. Happy Christmas.
Richard, December 2008
Power off, drain machine by running the outlet pipe into a bucket at floor level or run the outlet pipe out of the back door if it'll reach.
Repair and service your own washing machine. Go to www.2ndwave.co.uk/manual.html