Ariston AWD 120 Door Handle is Loose

Any one else have problems with the handle on the door of the Ariston AWD 120? My clothes are being held hostage by poor design as the door is locked. I have run it through an extra cycle with no luck of the door opening. The previous person living in the condo and myself have both encountered problems with the handle on the Ariston. I called ABT where it was purchased and learned the manufacturer is out of business and ABT doesn't have any of their parts. So I am considering whether I want to pay someone $200 to tell me they need a part they don't have. If there is some trick that can fix the loose handle I would appreciate it. Unfortunately the washer's manual doesn't explain how to handle this handle problem.