Washing machines may inadvertently move during the wash cycle, causing unpleasant vibrations and noises. If you are experiencing this issue with your device, several solutions can help stop it from moving.
You can stop your washing machine from moving by removing the shipping bolts, leveling it, adjusting its wheels, or ensuring a balanced load. You could also replace your suspension rods, dampening straps, or bearings. Finally, you should replace your shock absorbers if damaged.
With a bit of preparation and minor adjustments, you can stop your washing machine from moving and keep it in one spot. This article will discuss why your machine may be moving and some simple tips and tricks to prevent it from moving again.
Why Does Your Washing Machine Move?
Washing machines move during the wash cycle to clean your clothes thoroughly. As the drum spins and agitates, the machine may begin to rock slightly from side to side due to the force of the water and clothing, causing vibrations and noises.
Increasing the RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) causes the machine to move more quickly and may cause even more vibrations.
While this movement is normal, it can be disruptive and damaging for a machine not adequately anchored to the floor. If your washing machine moves more than usual or is more wobbly than it should, its parts may become damaged, or wear and tear may cause the washer to malfunction or break.
More expensive models include special stabilizers or anti-vibration features that help prevent the machine from moving during use. However, even these machines may start to move if you do not anchor or adjust them properly.
Easy Ways to Stop Your Washing Machine From Moving
If your washing machine moves more than usual or seems to be moving around more than it should, there are a few simple steps to prevent it from moving again. These include:
Remove the Shipping Bolts
Washing machines are heavy and often moved from place to place by the delivery people when you purchase them. As a result, manufacturers provide shipping bolts that hold the machine in place during transit.
The bolts hold different machine parts together to keep them stable and sturdy. You will usually remove these bolts before installing the machine—to prevent vibrations or damage when used.
To do this:
- Locate the shipping bolts on your machine. They will be visible once you lift the lid of your washing machine, or you can check the owner’s manual if you’re unsure where they are.
- Use a screwdriver or wrench to loosen them and remove them entirely from the machine. You may need to hold your washing machine in place as you do this, as it may be heavy and move when you loosen the bolts.
- Fit the holes with the supplied plastic covers and place your washing machine in its permanent location.
By taking these steps, you can stop your washing machine from moving and keep it stable during use. If it continues moving even after removing the shipping bolts, read on for other potential solutions.
Make Sure Your Washing Machine Is Level
Washing machines usually work best when placed on a level surface. If your device is vibrating or moving, it may be because the floor underneath it is uneven.
To check if your machine is level:
- Place a bubble level on top of the washing machine lid
- Adjust the machine until the bubble is in the center
If you find that your machine is not level, you may need to move it to a new location or place a piece of wood underneath it to create a level surface.
Place Anti-Skid Pads at the Bottom of Your Washer’s Legs
If your washing machine is still moving even after removing the shipping bolts and leveling it out, consider placing anti-skid pads underneath your machine’s legs.
These pads help keep your washer stable and come in various shapes and sizes to fit different machine models.
To install the pads, peel off the adhesive backing and place them underneath each of your washing machine’s legs. These additions will help keep your device in place and prevent it from moving while it is in use.
Adjust the Casters or Wheels on the Base of Your Machine
Some washing machines have adjustable casters or wheels on their base. These small metal pieces help to stabilize your device, so if they are uneven or damaged, it may cause your machine to move.
To adjust the casters, follow these steps:
- Loosen the lock on each caster and turn it clockwise or counter-clockwise to make any necessary adjustments.
- Once your machine is level, tighten the lock and test it to see if it continues moving.
Some washing machines have locking casters or wheels that also help to keep them stable. If yours does not have them, you may be able to purchase them separately and install them yourself.
Balance Your Washer Load
An unbalanced load can also cause your washing machine to move while it is in use. Too much weight on one side of the device can cause it to vibrate as it spins, which can make it unstable and cause it to move around.
It’s best to balance the drum in your washing machine throughout the entire load, so ensure you evenly distribute your clothes and items as you add them to the device.
Front-loading washers tend to be more prone to balance issues since their drum lies in the front of the machine, so be sure to check these machines for signs of imbalance more often.
Don’t Overload Your Machine
Washing machines handle a specific weight, so if you exceed this capacity by using too many clothes or heavy items at once, your device may start to vibrate and move during use.
Be mindful of the size and weight of your items, and try to avoid overloading your machine with large or heavy items. You can also use a smaller load setting for your wash if you notice that your device is vibrating or moving.
It’s best to place bulky or heavy clothes toward the edges of the drum and be sure to remove any items that are stuck or hanging on the door before you start your wash. You can also break your clothes into smaller batches and wash them in separate cycles to avoid overloading your machine.
Replace Missing or Worn-Out Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers help keep your washing machine stable by absorbing the vibrations caused by spinning and moving. If your device is missing or has damaged shock absorbers, it may not be able to moderate these vibrations, causing it to move during use.
You will find the shock absorbers at the bottom of your washing machine, typically covered by a small panel. You may need to remove this panel to access and replace your shock absorbers.
Be sure to take extra care when removing or replacing the panel, as the machine may connect to a power source. You should also check your shock absorbers regularly to ensure they are functioning correctly and aren’t damaged or worn out.
Replacing your shock absorbers may require the assistance of a professional, so you may want to consult with one if you are unsure about how to do this yourself. However, with some essential tools and a little time and effort, you should be able to replace your shock absorbers and keep your washing machine from moving during use.
Fix Your Washer’s Suspension Rods
Finally, if your washing machine continues to move after trying the above solutions, you may need to check your suspension rods. These metal rods connect your device to its base and help keep it stable while spinning.
Over time, your suspension rods may become loose, worn out, or bent, contributing to your machine moving during use. To fix this issue, replace your suspension rods or re-attach them if they have fallen loose.
To do this:
- Disconnect the power supply from the washing machine.
- Remove the front panel of your device, being careful not to damage the drum.
- Locate your suspension rods and inspect them for wear or damage.
- Replace or re-attach any damaged suspension rods, ensuring you insert them into their sockets.
- Re-attach your washing machine to its base and connect it to the power supply.
- Test your washer for signs of movement or vibration, and adjust your suspension rods as needed.
Replace Tub Dampening Straps
Some washing machines use dampening straps to help keep the tub from moving during spin cycles. You will find these straps in your device’s center, which you can replace if they become damaged or worn out.
To replace your dampening straps:
- Disconnect your machine from its power supply and remove the front panel.
- Locate and remove your old dampening straps, using a screwdriver as needed to loosen any screws or bolts.
- Replace your old dampening straps with new, high-quality ones, ensuring they are attached securely to their mounting points.
- Reconnect your machine to its power supply, and test it for signs of movement or vibration.
You can watch this Youtube video for a step-by-step guide on replacing your tub dampening straps:
Fix Your Washers Bearings
Sometimes, your washing machine may move or vibrate due to worn-out bearings. Bearings help keep your machine’s drum and tub spinning smoothly as the wash cycle progresses.
To determine if your bearings are causing your machine to move:
- Put the machine on a spin cycle without any clothes. If the washer moves or produces a loud noise, this may be a sign that you need to replace your machine’s bearings.
- Check the amount of movement between the drum and the outer tube. Significant movement in the outer drum and the inner tube may indicate a problem with your machine’s bearings.
If your bearings are worn, you may be able to replace them yourself or have them replaced by a professional. However, this can be complex and time-consuming, so you may want to consult a repair technician or appliance specialist for help.
How a Moving Washing Machine Affects You and Your Home
There are several effects that a moving washing machine can have::
- A moving machine increases energy consumption. Increased vibrations can cause the device to work harder and use more energy than usual. You may see an increase in your utility bills as a result.
- A moving washer increases wear and tear. More agitation and movement can damage certain parts like the drum, drive belt, or bearings. These problems can also shorten the lifespan of your washing machine over time.
- Inefficient washing. The constant moving and agitation of your device can also prevent it from cleaning clothes thoroughly and efficiently, leading to poor wash performance. Your clothes may end up dirty and in need of rewashing.
- Damage to floors and walls. While most machines move somewhat, constant and excessive vibrations can cause damage over time. This damage may include cracks in your floorboards, wallpapers, and even holes through the drywall.
- Disrupted sleep. A moving washer can cause quite a racket if your washing machine is installed in a smaller room or along a wall. Suppose your laundry room is near your bedroom or another room where you spend a lot of time resting or relaxing. In that case, the machine’s movement may disturb your sleep or relaxation.
- Startling pets that may be near the washing machine. Even if you are used to your washing machine’s movement, and noise, a pet unused to the sounds may become scared.
A Word or Two In Closing
Your washing machine moving or vibrating during use can be a frustrating and disruptive problem. Fortunately, following the simple steps above, you can quickly troubleshoot and fix this issue, making your laundry days more enjoyable and worry-free.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance guidelines for your specific machine to ensure that it operates properly and stays stable during use.
With some patience and effort, you should be able to get it working again in no time and keep it from vibrating or spinning out of control during use. Good luck!
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