A washing machine has internal mechanisms that must agitate and spin to get your clothes clean. Because of all the moving parts, some degree of shaking during a wash cycle is standard. Yet too much vibration could indicate a problem.
A loud, shaking washer is not just an annoyance to you and your neighbors. It can also cause damage to the washing machine itself. Damage can reduce the washer’s effectiveness and shorten its lifespan.
DIY fixes might help you reduce the shaking on your own; however, the root issue could make this a challenge. In these cases, you may need a professional’s help.
What Causes a Washing Machine to Shake?
A washing machine gets your clothes clean by agitating them in soapy water. Your clothes go into an interior “drum” that shakes and spins, loosening dirt and washing it away. The drum moves separately from the machine, with shock absorbers inside that stabilize the frame.
When the Drum Fails to Move Independently
Sometimes issues can prevent the drum from moving independently. When this happens, the vibrations that are supposed to be contained within the drum cause the whole machine to vibrate instead.
When Your Machine Is Unbalanced
Despite this, your washing machine can shake even if its drum is functioning correctly. For example, if your washer isn’t level or if the load is unbalanced, excessive shaking can reverberate throughout the frame.
With enough movement, your washer can even inch away from the wall as it rocks back and forth.
Appliance Repair Services Near Me
253-486-9072
If You Have a Compact Washer
Compact washers and dryers are smaller versions of their full-sized cousins and are often stacked in tight spaces like closets or kitchens. When Consumer Reports tested 10 front-loader machines, they discovered vibration was a huge issue and that they all shook more than the full-sized models.
Can I Fix My Washing Machine Myself?
If you hear loud banging noises coming from your machine or see that it has moved from its previous position after running a load, check to see if it is also shaking excessively during a cycle. A shaking washer needs to be addressed as soon as possible to protect its components from damage.
Try these simple do-it-yourself fixes first before calling a professional:
- Look for and remove shipping bolts: Brightly colored plastic bolts are used to hold the drum stable during shipping and may have been left on accidentally during installation. If the drum doesn’t move when you push on it, look on the back or bottom of your washer for these bolts and remove them.
- Make sure your washer is level: Place a level on top of your machine to check for proper balance. You can also gently rock the washer to see if all four legs contact the ground. If it is askew, adjust the feet either by turning them or lifting the washer so they can self-adjust.
- Try smaller loads: If you overload your washer past its capacity, your clothes will not be able to move, and the drum could shake excessively. Try running a load only half full to see if the shaking continues.
- Keep your loads balanced: When your entire load is gathered on one side of the machine, your washer will rock more during the spin cycle because of centrifugal force in the drum. Redistribute bulky blankets if they become bunched up and add extra items for balance when washing sneakers or a single pillow.
When to Call a Professional
If none of these DIY fixes do the trick, there could be something else wrong inside your washing machine. Unfortunately, these issues are harder to diagnose and fix because the defective part often hides behind the service panel or other components.
You will probably need to call an appliance repair company to fix your shaking washer in this case. A professional will be able to look inside your machine to determine if any shock absorbers or springs are broken or worn out.
There are many variations between machines, each with its own system for reducing the impact of the drum’s movements. For example, the inner workings of a front-load washer are very different from a top-load model. Be sure to find a repair person experienced in working with your particular washer type.
Top Shelf Services Can Help
With years of experience working with all washer types and models, Top Shelf Services is the best choice when you need to repair or replace your washing machine in South King and Pierce counties. We won’t stop until we get to the bottom of whatever’s making it shake.
We offer same-day and next-day appointments because your time is valuable to us. Plus, when you hire us to fix the problem, we’ll automatically waive our diagnostic fee. So, contact Top Shelf Services today to get responsive and knowledgeable service in the Tacoma area.
Click to contact Top Shelf Appliance Repair Services today
