Balancing a load washer involves ensuring the machine itself is level and that the clothes inside the drum are distributed evenly before or during a cycle.
A properly balanced washing machine operates more efficiently, reduces noise and vibration, prevents excessive wear and tear, and ensures optimal spin performance. An unbalanced load or a machine that isn't level can lead to disruptive shaking and potential error codes.
There are two main aspects to balancing a load washer:
- Leveling the Washing Machine: This is crucial for the machine's stability and proper operation, especially during the spin cycle.
- Balancing the Load: This refers to how the items are placed inside the drum.
1. Leveling Your Washing Machine
Ensuring your washing machine is perfectly level is the first step to preventing excessive vibrations and movement. Most modern washing machines have adjustable legs for this purpose.
Here's how to level your machine based on standard procedures:
- Locate the Adjustable Legs: Washing machines typically have two or four adjustable legs at the bottom.
- Assess the Current Level: Use a spirit level placed on top of the machine (front-to-back and side-to-side) to determine if it's level.
- Adjust the Legs:
- Loosen the Lock Nut: As shown in video references, first loosen the lock nut located just above the adjustable foot on the leg. This nut secures the leg in place.
- Turn the Adjuster: Turn the adjustable leg itself clockwise or counterclockwise to raise or lower that corner of the machine. Turn the adjuster to look for the desired setting to level your washing machine.
- Re-check Level: Continually check with your spirit level as you make adjustments until the machine is level in all directions.
- Tighten the Lock Nuts: Once the machine is level, tighten the lock nuts against the machine's frame. This prevents the legs from vibrating loose during operation.
Steps for Adjusting Legs (Summary)
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Loosen Lock Nut | Turn the nut above the foot counterclockwise. | Allows the leg to be turned. |
| 2. Adjust Leg (Adjuster) | Turn the leg/foot clockwise (up) or counterclockwise (down). | Raise or lower the corner of the machine. |
| 3. Check Level | Use a spirit level on the machine's top surface. | Ensure the machine is flat. |
| 4. Tighten Lock Nut | Turn the nut clockwise back against the machine frame. | Secure the leg position. |
Note: Always refer to your washing machine's user manual for specific instructions regarding your model's leveling process.
2. Balancing the Load Inside the Drum
An uneven distribution of clothes, especially heavy items like towels or jeans, can cause the drum to become unbalanced during the spin cycle, leading to shaking.
- Load Evenly: Distribute items loosely and evenly around the agitator (top-load) or drum (front-load). Avoid piling clothes only on one side.
- Mix Item Types: Wash a mix of large and small items together if possible. This helps the smaller items fill the gaps between larger ones, creating a more balanced load.
- Avoid Overloading: An overloaded machine makes it difficult for clothes to move freely and distribute themselves evenly.
- Avoid Underloading (for certain items): Washing just one or two large, heavy items (like a single blanket or bath mat) can be problematic. These items can easily shift to one side and unbalance the drum. It's often better to wash these with a few other items or use a specific bulky item setting if available.
If your machine becomes unbalanced during a cycle (often indicated by loud banging or shaking and sometimes a pause or error code), you may need to:
- Pause the cycle.
- Open the lid/door (if it allows).
- Manually redistribute the clothes inside the drum.
- Close the lid/door and resume the cycle.
By ensuring both the machine's levelness and the even distribution of laundry, you can significantly improve your washer's performance and lifespan.
