Necessity is the mother of invention.. after stating that above, as a last resort, I lay mine on its back, after undoing all the plumbing and electric, like when you take it out of packaging....
Simply (mmmm well you dont get stuck but it is fiddly)slide your hand up to where the door mechanism is and press the catch ( you will have to have a feel around for it, but its there. )
Press it lightly towrds the door area, and voila, the door will open.... to the applause of the whole house, because by now, the smell will be terrible.... hehe..
hope that helps someone...
andi
August 2008