I downloaded and read the owners' manual on my new machine. You CAN soak clothes and there s a PAUSE button to interrupt the cycle and unlock the lid. Reading the Troubleshooting section really expains a lot of scenarios and how to remedy some of the "challenges" mentioned in this thread. I actually look forward to doing laundry! Well.....maybe.
it is a Maytag Bravo with "Centennial" on the control panel....for what it is worth.
sandy