A door locking mechanism for a sterilizer that minimizes the occurrence of jamming during operation, and that can be manually actuated if necessary. The door locking mechanism abuts the door of the sterilizer, and comprises a hingedly connected locking arm to permit the locking arm to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. A sensor arm arranged adjacent to the locking arm detects pressure from from an extendible portion of the door as it engages the locking mechanism. The sensor arm causes the actuation of a motor that permits the locking arm to move from the unlocked position to the locked position, in which the locking arm engages and retains the extendible portion to secure the closure of the door.