Colorado family is speaking out about child safety features on washing machines

Last Tuesday, a Colorado family awoke to find their 3-year-old daughter locked inside their washing machine.

She’s going to be okay, now the family hopes their story serves as a warning for other parents.

"It was a terrifying experience," said father Allan McIver.

The McIver’s installed a new front–loading washing machine just one day before their daughter Khloe became trapped inside.

The scary experience prompted her mom to share the story on Facebook in a post that now has more than 230,000 shares and more than 100,000 likes.

Their story was even featured on Good Morning America.

Their washing machine was so new, they said, they had not yet read the entire manual yet.

Appliance specialists say that was a mistake.

"It’s very important to read the owners manuel because there have been so many changed over the past few years that they work differently. For child safety, it’s very important to know what your buttons are for," said Doug Prewett, Appliance Specialist at Schaefer’s.

LG, the company who makes the McIver’s washing machine, applauded the family for trying to spread the word about the child safety lock feature.

All new models posses it and once you learn how to use it, it’s quite easy.

"When you hit the start button, you hold it for three seconds then it automatically will lock the door," said Prewett.

Schaefer’s appliance specialists say there have been many new changes to the menu bar and operating panels on the front of new washing machine models.

If anyone has questions or concerns, they want to hear from you.

"One thing I like to tell people to do, if bought here at Schaefer’s, please call us back because we are here to help you," said Prewett.