A washing machine that shakes, walks across the floor or rattles during the spin is a common problem. The cause is usually simple, and most of the checks below take a few minutes.
It is usually one of five things
- An unbalanced load. Heavy things such as towels, bedsheets or jeans gather on one side of the drum, and the machine swings as it spins.
- The machine is not level. If one foot sits lower than the others, the whole body rocks with every turn of the drum.
- The transit bolts are still fitted. A new front-loader arrives with bolts at the back that hold the drum still on the way to your home. Left in, they stop the drum moving on its springs, and the machine shakes hard.
- The floor is uneven or smooth. Many bathroom and balcony floors slope a little towards the drain, and smooth tiles give the feet little grip.
- The feet are worn or missing. Rubber feet harden and crack with age, and a missing foot leaves one corner standing on bare metal.
Five checks, in order
Switch the machine off and unplug it before you start.
- Open the door and spread the load evenly around the drum. If you are washing one heavy item, add a couple of towels so the weight is shared.
- Check the level. Place a spirit level on top of the machine, front to back and then side to side. If you do not have one, a glass of water filled close to the brim and set on the lid shows which way it leans.
- On a new front-loader, look at the back panel for the transit bolts. The manual shows where they are. Remove them with a spanner and keep them safe for the next time the machine is moved.
- If the machine stands on a loose mat or a wooden board, move it onto the floor itself. A soft or sliding base lets it walk.
- Look at each foot. Turn the adjustable feet until the machine sits level and firm, and replace any foot that is cracked or missing.
Run a short test
Run a short rinse and spin with a normal load and watch. A little movement during the fastest part of the spin is normal. The machine walking, knocking against a wall or rocking from corner to corner is not.
When it is time to call a technician
If the machine still bangs or grinds after these checks, or the noise comes from inside the drum rather than from the floor, the trouble may be in the springs, the shock absorbers or the drum bearings. Stop using the fast spin and call the service centre or a technician you trust. Do not open the machine yourself.