Are Washing Machines Meant To Shake A Lot?
When you put your laundry into the washing machine and hit the start button, you might expect a bit of rumbling and spinning. After all, washing machines are supposed to agitate your clothes to get them clean.
But should they shake a lot? The answer is simple: not really. If your washing machine is giving your laundry room a wild dance routine, it’s likely that you need to do something about it.
In this article, we’ll look into why washing machines shake, and more importantly, how to resolve these issues.
Why Is Your Washing Machine Shaking?
Washing machines vibrate as they work, thanks to the spinning drum inside. However, when this vibration becomes excessive, it’s a cause for concern.
If your washing machine is literally walking around your laundry room or making so much noise that it could wake the dead, there’s likely an issue. Here are some common culprits behind this unwelcome shaking act:
Incorrect Installation
If you’ve recently purchased a new washing machine and it’s shaking excessively, the culprit may be improper installation. It’s also possible that the transit bolts used to transport the machine are still in place, causing it to be unlevel and resulting in vibrations.
What To Do
Make sure your appliance is correctly installed. Refer to your washing machine’s user manual and compare the setup to ensure all necessary bolts are in place.
Check the back of the machine to see if transit bolts are still present, and if they are, remove them. Transit bolts serve the purpose of securing the wash basket during shipment, and there’s no need to keep them once the appliance is in your home.
Uneven Flooring
The floor on which you place your washing machine can significantly affect its efficiency and performance. An unstable washing machine on a wonky floor can cause it to vibrate or even move slightly in your laundry room.
What To Do
If your laundry room’s flooring is uneven or not sturdy, consider moving your appliance to a level and stable area.
Also on some washing machine models, you can adjust the legs to make it stable. Check the user manual to see if leg adjustment is possible.
If moving or adjusting the legs is not an option, consider placing your washing machine on a platform or using anti-vibration pads to mitigate the shaking.
- Easy installation: no screws, drilling or gluing. LouMaxx washing machine vibration mat is simply placed under the corresponding device.
- Box contents: washing machine mat set of 4, 10 x 10.1.5 cm.
Uneven Loading Of Laundry
Another common reason for a shaky washing machine is an unbalanced load of laundry.
This happens when heavy fabrics are loaded on one side of the drum, while lighter items are on the other side, resulting in an unbalanced drum and excessive shaking.
What To Do
Balancing your load is simple. Ensure you distribute the weight evenly on both sides of your washing machine. If one side is lighter than the other, add more items to balance the weight. This simple adjustment can make a significant difference in reducing vibrations during a wash cycle.
Overloading
Overloading your washing machine is a common mistake that leads to excessive shaking.
Putting too much fabric into the washer causes strain on the drum, making it off-balance and resulting in a shaky appliance.
What To Do
Instead of attempting to cram all your laundry into one load, it’s better to do multiple smaller loads.
Overloading not only leads to a shaking machine but also decreases the efficiency of the washing process, leaving your fabrics less clean after the cycle.
Clogged Pump Filter
A clogged pump filter can be a sneaky source of washing machine vibrations.
When foreign objects or gunk block the filter, it disrupts the water flow and can make your washing machine vibrate excessively.
What To Do
First, unplug the appliance. Then, consult your washing machine’s user manual for instructions on locating and removing the filter properly. Check for foreign objects, such as loose coins and buttons, and remove them.
Clean the filter by rinsing it with warm water, and use a mixture of white vinegar and warm water to scrub the filter’s surface with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse it thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a microfibre cloth before replacing it in your washing machine.
Worn Or Damaged Washer Parts
When various parts of your washing machine become worn or damaged, it can lead to increased vibrations and other issues.
What To Do
Regularly check your machine’s components and replace any that appear worn or damaged. If the problem persists or you’re uncertain about DIY repairs, consider consulting a professional technician to assess and fix any issues.
Extend The Lifespan Of Your Washing Machine
While it’s normal for washing machines to vibrate during their cycles, excessive shaking is a sign that something isn’t right.
By addressing the common issues such as improper installation, uneven flooring, unbalanced loads, overloading, clogged pump filters, and worn or damaged parts, you can enjoy a quieter, more efficient laundry experience. So, the next time your washing machine starts to jump around your laundry room, you’ll know just how to put a stop to it.
SEE ALSO: Washing Machine Not Cleaning Clothes? (this might be why)
Frequently Asked Questions
Washing machines should not shake excessively. Some vibration is normal, but excessive shaking is a cause for concern.
If your washing machine is moving a lot, it could be due to issues like incorrect installation, uneven flooring, unbalanced loads, or overloading.
Yes, continuous and excessive washing machine vibrations can potentially lead to structural damage to the house over time.
A banging noise during the spin cycle may be due to unbalanced loads or damaged washer parts.
Most washing machines have safety features that may stop the cycle if the load is too heavy or unbalanced to prevent damage to the machine.
