Why Does My Washing Machine Shake? Top Causes and Solutions

Why does my washing machine shake? That’s an interesting question which you will find the answer to here.

Has your washing machine ever started shaking violently, leaving you wondering what might be causing such a disturbance?

This common issue is experienced by many homeowners and can be quite unsettling.

One potential cause of your washing machine shaking could be an uneven distribution of clothes inside the drum. Ensuring that your laundry is evenly spread out in the washer can help prevent this issue.

Another possible reason is overloading the machine with too many clothes, which can put additional strain on the appliance and cause it to shake.

In this article, we’ll discuss the all the various reasons behind your washing machine’s shaking and how you can resolve them.

Understanding Why My Washing Machine Shakes

Causes Of Shaking

When you notice your washing machine shaking, it could be due to several reasons. The most common cause is an uneven distribution of clothes inside the washer.

To prevent this, always make sure to spread out your clothes throughout the machine when loading it.

If the shaking continues, you may have overloaded your washer, and removing some items can help alleviate the issue.

Another common reason for a shaking washing machine is an unlevel or unbalanced appliance due to improper installation.

Uneven floors can also contribute to an off-balance washer. To check if this is the problem, try using a spirit level or see if you can visually detect any unevenness.

Lastly, your washing machine may shake due to an overloaded tub, particularly during spin cycles. Shaking in this case can typically be attributed to an unbalanced washer.

Effects Of Excessive Shaking Of Washing Machine

Excessive shaking of your washing machine can lead to several unwanted consequences.

First and foremost, it can result in damage to your appliance, as the persistent vibrations may cause internal components to loosen or wear out sooner than expected.

This can ultimately lead to more costly repairs or even the need for a replacement.

Aside from the potential damage to your washing machine, excessive shaking can also have an impact on the performance of the appliance.

An unbalanced washer may not effectively clean your clothes, leading to less efficient washing cycles and potentially unsatisfactory results.

Moreover, a shaking washing machine can be rather noisy, which may disrupt your home environment and potentially cause disturbance to your neighbours.

To avoid these issues, it is essential to address the causes of a shaking washing machine promptly to maintain the efficiency, performance, and longevity of your appliance.

Balancing And Levelling The Washing Machine

Adjusting The Feet

To balance and level your washing machine, start by adjusting the feet. Uneven feet can cause the machine to shake, impacting its performance.

First, check to see if your washing machine has self-levelling legs or manual adjustment options. If it has self-levelling legs, tilting the machine should automatically adjust them.

For manual adjustment, use a wrench to raise or lower the levelling legs until they’re level. Ensure that all four corners of your appliance are equally touching the floor.

Don’t forget to tighten the lock nuts against the base of the washer once you’ve made the adjustments.

Assessing The Floor

An uneven floor can also be a culprit behind a shaking washing machine. To assess the floor, use a spirit level and check for balance in multiple directions.

If you discover that the floor is uneven, consider placing a piece of plywood beneath the washing machine to create a more stable surface.

Alternatively, you can add rubber or foam anti-vibration pads beneath the appliance’s feet to minimise vibrations.

Using A Spirit Level

A spirit level is a handy tool for ensuring your washing machine is correctly balanced. When using a spirit level, follow these steps:

1. Place the spirit level width-wise on top of the washer.
2. Ensure the bubble in the level’s tube stays between the two centre lines.
3. Repeat the process, positioning the level front to back.
4. Adjust the feet as needed in order to keep the bubble in the centre.

By following these steps, you can effectively balance and level your washing machine, reducing shaking and promoting optimal performance.

Load And Drum-Related Issues

Proper Laundry Load Distribution

To prevent your washing machine from shaking, it’s essential to distribute your laundry load evenly within the washer basket.

Uneven weight distribution can lead to the washer shaking violently during the spin cycle.

On laundry day, make sure to sort your garments by type and size to ensure optimal weight distribution.

Spending a few extra moments organising your laundry will help maintain your washing machine’s stability.

Avoid Overloading The Washing Machine

Overloading your washing machine can also cause it to shake. Adding too many clothes in a single load may cause the washer basket to become imbalanced, thus leading to intense vibration.

To prevent overloading, follow your washing machine’s guidelines regarding maximum load capacity.

Consider dividing your laundry into smaller loads to ensure efficient cleaning and reduce the risk of shaking issues.

Inspecting Drum Bearings

Damaged or worn-out drum bearings can contribute to your washing machine shaking. The drum bearings are critical components that allow the washer basket to rotate smoothly.

Inspecting these bearings should be part of your regular maintenance routine. To check the condition of the drum bearings, turn off the power supply and access the drum from the washer’s back or bottom panel.

Turn the drum by hand, and if you notice any grinding sounds or excessive movement, it may be time to replace the bearings.

Regularly checking and maintaining drum bearings will help prolong your washing machine’s lifespan and prevent shaking issues.

Suspension, Absorption, And Stabilisation Techniques

In this section, we will explore various techniques to address the shaking of your washing machine.

These techniques involve checking shock absorbers, inspecting suspension rods and springs, and using anti-vibration pads and platforms.

Checking Shock Absorbers

Shock absorbers are crucial components in your washing machine, designed to reduce vibrations and ensure smooth operation. To check their condition, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect your washing machine: Before performing any inspection, make sure your washing machine is unplugged and disconnected from the water supply.
2. Locate the shock absorbers: These components are typically found at the base or near the bottom of the appliance.
3. Inspect the shock absorbers: Look for signs of wear or damage, such as fluid leaks or broken parts. If necessary, replace any faulty shock absorbers to improve the stability of your washing machine.

Inspecting Suspension Rods And Springs

A washing machine’s suspension rods and springs play a vital role in absorbing motion during the spin cycle. To inspect these parts, follow the steps below:

1. Remove the appliance’s covers: Carefully unscrew and remove any external covers or panels to access the internal components.
2. Find the suspension rods: These metal rods are usually located at the top corners of your washing machine, connecting the drum to the frame.
3. Check the suspension springs: Usually attached to the suspension rods, examine the springs for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any broken or worn-out springs to maintain the stability of your appliance.

Using Anti-Vibration Pads And Platforms

Anti-vibration pads and platforms can be used to reduce the vibrations of your washing machine, particularly for front-loading models.

To employ these solutions, follow the steps below:

1. Purchase anti-vibration pads: Choose high-quality pads made from durable materials, such as rubber or foam, which effectively absorb vibrations.
2. Place the pads under the washing machine feet: Ensure the pads are appropriately sized and fit securely under the feet of your appliance.
3. Consider using an anti-vibration platform: These platforms can provide further stability by evenly distributing the weight of your washing machine, further reducing vibrations.

By implementing these suspension, absorption, and stabilisation techniques, you can effectively address the shaking issue in your washing machine and ensure a smoother, quieter operation.

Transit Bolts And Installation Issues

One common reason for a shaking washing machine is the presence of transit bolts, which are used by the manufacturer to secure the appliance during transportation.

These bolts need to be removed before using your washing machine. If not done correctly, this can lead to various installation issues causing your machine to shake.

Removing Shipping Bolts

When installing your washing machine, make sure to locate and remove all shipping bolts. These are typically found on the back of the machine and should be clearly labelled.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper removal of these bolts.

Keep in mind that failing to remove or incorrectly removing the shipping bolts can result in your washer shaking and potential damage to the appliance.

Securing Stacked Washer And Dryer

If you have a stacked washer and dryer, it’s crucial to use a proper stacking kit to secure the laundry pair.

This will help minimise vibrations and ensure the stability of both appliances. Here are some steps to follow when securing your stacked washer and dryer:

1. Acquire a stacking kit compatible with your washer and dryer model.
2. Place the washer on a levelled surface or a washer pedestal if available.
3. Follow the instructions provided with the stacking kit to attach the dryer securely to the washer.
4. Check the stability of the stacked appliances and adjust as necessary.

Professional Installation Services

If you’re not confident in your ability to install your washing machine and remove the transit bolts, or if you continue to experience shaking after attempting to resolve the issue on your own, consider hiring professional installation services.

These experts can ensure that your washing machine and stacked laundry pair are installed correctly and securely, reducing the risk of improper installation and shaking issues.

By addressing transit bolts and installation issues, you can help prevent your washing machine from shaking and ensure a smoother, more efficient laundry experience.

Maintenance And Troubleshooting Tips

Keeping The Washing Machine Clean

To maintain optimal performance of your washing machine, it’s essential to keep it clean.

Make sure to regularly clean the filter as it can collect debris, including lint, hair, and small objects, which may hinder smooth operation.

Additionally, run an empty wash cycle with a washing machine cleaner or a mix of vinegar and baking soda to remove any build-up of detergent residue, mould, and mildew.

Addressing Excessive Shaking Of Washing Machine During Spin Cycle

Excessive shaking and vibration during the spin cycle can be distressing and may damage your washing machine.

Now, let’s go through some steps to address this issue:

1. Check the machine’s balance: Place a spirit level on top of the washer to ensure it’s levelled correctly. If needed, adjust the feet to achieve proper balance.
2. Avoid overloading the tub: An overfilled washing machine can become unbalanced, causing it to shake violently during the spin cycle. Make sure to load the washer wisely and distribute the clothes evenly.
3. Examine the springs: Inspect the suspension springs of your washing machine, as they might be damaged, loose, or stretched. If you find any issues, replace the faulty springs to ensure stability of the tub during spin cycles.

Contacting The Manufacturer

If your washing machine continues to experience excessive shaking and vibration after trying the maintenance and troubleshooting tips mentioned above, it’s best to reach out to the manufacturer or a qualified technician for further assistance.

They can help diagnose and resolve any issues that may be causing your washer to shake, ensuring its performance and longevity.