While the drum inside your washing machine must move during cycles to wash and spin clothes, you can stop excessive or unwanted movement of the entire machine, which often appears as violent shaking or "walking."
Excessive movement is usually caused by imbalances or an unstable base, not a fault with the drum itself moving internally during operation. Addressing these issues will help stabilize your machine.
Key Methods to Reduce Washing Machine Movement
Stopping your washing machine from shaking excessively involves ensuring it's properly balanced and stable. Here are the main ways to achieve this:
1. Use Anti-Vibration Pads
One effective solution is to place anti-vibration pads under the washing machine feet. As stated in the reference:
These rubber or foam pads placed under the washing machine feet can absorb vibrations and add stability, further reducing noise and movement.
These pads act as a buffer between the machine and the floor, absorbing much of the energy from the spin cycle that causes shaking and noise.
2. Ensure a Balanced Load
An unbalanced laundry load is one of the most common culprits for a vibrating machine. If clothes are unevenly distributed in the drum, especially heavy items like towels or bedding, the drum spins off-center during high-speed cycles, leading to violent shaking.
- Solution: Stop the cycle, open the door (if possible and safe), redistribute the laundry evenly around the drum, and restart the spin or rinse cycle. Avoid overloading the machine.
3. Level the Washing Machine
A washing machine that isn't perfectly level on the floor will inevitably vibrate and move, particularly during the spin cycle.
- Solution: Use a spirit level to check if the machine is level both front-to-back and side-to-side. Adjust the adjustable feet located at the bottom of the machine. Most machines have feet that can be screwed in or out to raise or lower each corner. Ensure all four feet are making firm contact with the floor.
4. Check for Transit Bolts (New Machines)
If you have a relatively new washing machine and it's shaking excessively right from the start, check if the transit bolts (or shipping bolts) have been removed. These bolts secure the drum during transport to prevent damage but must be removed before operating the machine.
- Solution: Locate the transit bolts (usually at the back of the machine) and remove them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Store them safely in case you need to transport the machine later.
5. Inspect for Mechanical Issues
Less commonly, excessive vibration can be a sign of internal mechanical problems, such as worn drum bearings or issues with the suspension system that supports the drum.
- Solution: If the above steps don't resolve the issue, and you suspect a mechanical problem, it's best to contact a qualified appliance technician.
Quick Solutions Summary
| Cause of Movement | Solution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven Floor/Machine | Adjust adjustable feet, use a spirit level | Ensure all feet are firm on the ground |
| Unbalanced Laundry Load | Redistribute load evenly in the drum | Avoid overloading the machine |
| Floor Vibration | Use anti-vibration pads under feet | Absorbs vibration, adds stability |
| Transit Bolts (New M/C) | Remove shipping bolts before first use | Essential for safe operation |
| Internal Mechanical Issue | Contact a professional technician | Bearings, suspension, etc. |
By addressing these potential causes, you can significantly reduce or eliminate unwanted movement and vibration from your washing machine during its operation.
