Written by Angela Reviewed by Daniel

Experts warn not to ignore your shaking washing machine (the reason will surprise you)

Imagine that you’re sitting in your living room, enjoying some quiet time, when suddenly your washing machine starts dancing the Macarena in your laundry room. It’s loud, it’s wobbly, and it’s unsettling. Is it possessed? About to explode? Or just throwing a tantrum?

While a little vibration is normal, a washing machine that’s shaking excessively is waving a big, bold red flag. Ignore it, and you’re not just risking your laundry, you could damage the machine, disturb your neighbours, or even create a safety hazard.

The good news? Most causes are simple and easy to fix. But if left unchecked, that rhythmic thumping could lead to expensive repairs (or a whole new machine). Let’s get right into why your washer’s shaking, how to stop it, and what you should do to keep it running smoothly. Trust us, the answer might surprise you.

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Why You Should NEVER Ignore A Shaking Washing Machine

If your washing machine shakes excessively, it’s not just an annoyance, it can lead to significant damage. Here are some specific issues caused by excessive vibrations:

Worn Out Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers are designed to dampen vibrations, but excessive shaking accelerates their wear and tear. When they start to fail, the machine vibrates even more, causing it to walk forwards.

If it isn’t repaired, the excessive vibration can cause other internal components to get damaged as well.

Loose Or Broken Mounting Bolts

If the bolts securing your washing machine to its base become loose or break, the machine’s stability is compromised, leading to more violent shaking and potential structural damage.

This could lead to heavy repairs bills or even the need to replace the appliance altogether.

Damaged Drum

An unbalanced load combined with excessive shaking can cause the drum to hit the interior casing, potentially resulting in dents or cracks.

This damage can be costly to repair. Or in some cases be beyond repair!

Damaged Motor & Transmission

Constant vibration puts undue strain on the motor and transmission components, increasing the likelihood of malfunctions or failure.

This could mean the washing machine drum would be unable to rotate, or the drain pump could fail to remove water from the drum.

Floor Damage

A violently shaking washing machine can damage the flooring beneath it, especially if the surface is fragile or uneven. In severe cases, the machine may even move out of position, posing safety risks.

Plus there is a greater risk of potential flooding if the machine is shaking so violently as to cause a hose to become loose or dislodged.

What Causes Washing Machines To Shake?

person changing the program on washing machine

Before we get into how to fix it, let’s tackle the mystery of why your washer’s dancing like it’s on a spin cycle of doom. Nine times out of ten, the culprit is something trivial you can fix in minutes. But sometimes, the issue could be more serious. Here’s a breakdown of common causes:

Unbalanced Load

Ever noticed your washing machine wobbling after tossing in a single heavy blanket? That’s because the drum becomes unbalanced when the load isn’t evenly distributed. Who would’ve thought that something as simple as an unbalanced load could cause such a large problem!

Wash heavy items like blankets, pillows, or jackets in pairs to balance the weight. Avoid overloading the machine; clothes need room to tumble and distribute evenly.

Machine Not Level

Even the most expensive washing machines can’t fight gravity. If the floor beneath your machine isn’t level (and most aren’t), your washer may rock back and forth during cycles. An unlevel floor could be causing your washer to walk across the room.

Use a spirit level to check the machine’s balance. Adjust its feet by loosening the locking nuts, turning the bolts clockwise or counterclockwise, and re-tightening the nuts once level.

Using A Stacking Kit Incorrectly

Stacking your dryer on top of your washer saves space, but it can’t be done haphazardly. You need a proper stacking kit designed for your specific washer and dryer models.

Never place the washing machine on top of the dryer. Washers are heavier and could crush the dryer, even with a stacking kit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

Not Removing Transit Bolts

If your washing machine is brand new, those transit bolts on the back which are designed to protect the drum during shipping, need to go. Otherwise, the drum can’t move freely, and the entire machine will shake like it’s possessed.

Remove the bolts with a wrench before the first use. Don’t throw them, though; you’ll need them if you ever move.

Forgotten Polystyrene Strips

Polystyrene strips are often tucked under new washing machines for transit protection. Forget to remove them, and you’ve got a wobbly washer on your hands.

Double check the base of the machine for any leftover packaging before installation.

Clogged Pump Filter

A clogged pump filter doesn’t just disrupt drainage; it can also throw your machine’s balance off, leading to unnecessary shaking.

Locate the small panel at the front of your washer, unscrew the filter, and clean out any debris like coins, buttons, or bra wires. Don’t forget to place a bowl underneath to catch any water!

Worn Shock Absorbers

Front loading washers have shock absorbers to keep the drum steady. Over time, these wear out, causing more dramatic shaking, especially with an uneven load.

If your shock absorbers are worn, call in a professional to replace them before further damage occurs.

How To Stop Your Washing Machine From Shaking

Now that you know the culprits, let’s talk about solutions. Here’s how to stop your washing machine from becoming the noisy neighbour everyone complains about:

Always Load Your Laundry Evenly
Washing bulky items? Pair them up. Keep loads balanced and avoid overstuffing the drum. If your clothes can’t move freely, the machine can’t either.
Adjust The Feet
Grab a wrench, loosen the locking nuts, and adjust the machine’s feet until it sits level. Don’t have a spirit level? Use a clear bowl of water to eyeball it.
Remove Transit Bolts & Polystyrene Strips
Check and double check, those sneaky bits of protective packaging can cause chaos. If your washer’s new and shaking, this is likely the issue.
Clean The Pump Filter
Pull out the filter, clean it, and remove any obstructions. This quick fix can save you from bigger problems down the road.
Call An Engineer
If all else fails, don’t despair. Contact your machine’s manufacturer to see if it’s under warranty, or hire a qualified engineer to assess the problem.

So There You Have It

A shaking washing machine doesn’t have to spell disaster. Most fixes are simple, but addressing them quickly is crucial.

So the next time your washer throws a tantrum, don’t ignore it, tackle the problem head on, and you’ll have peace and quiet (and clean clothes!) in no time. Who knew laundry could be this exciting?

Don’t wait for your washer to become a full blown problem! Share this guide with friends and family who might be dealing with their own laundry room mayhem.

Got questions or tips of your own? Drop them in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you!

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