6 Things You Can Do To Fix A Noisy Washing Machine

Split image of two washing machines: a green front-loader on the left and a white top-loader on the right, perfectly capturing the front load vs top load debate.

If you’re like me, you probably use your washing machine more frequently than any appliance besides your refrigerator! If you’re running your washer regularly, it won’t be long before any shaking, thumping, or rattling starts to get on your nerves!

Luckily, this common washing machine problem is often fairly simple to fix. In this post, you’ll learn how to locate the source of the problem and how to solve it to silence your noisy washing machine.

Jillee’s Take:

When troubleshooting your washer, dryer, or any other appliance, try simple fixes like #1-5 before assuming it needs a major repair. Simple troubleshooting can often help you avoid unnecessary and costly services!

How To Fix A Noisy Washing Machine

1. Remove Anything Leaning Against It

Stepladders, drying racks, and anything else you store next to your washing machine could be knocking against it during the spin cycle. Find another place to store those items to ensure they don’t contribute to the racket.

A washing machine designed for small loads houses a white towel and a beige bath mat inside, with water droplets glistening on the drum.

2. Balance Unbalanced Loads

Washing a limited number of bulky items like towels or blankets can throw the wash drum out of balance, and unbalanced loads can be noisy. The easiest fix is to add one or two towels to the load before resuming the spin cycle — it usually does the trick!

3. Clean The Drain Filter

If the noise coming from your machine is more of a rattle than a thump, it could indicate that coins or other small objects are caught in the drain filter. Your user manual will tell you how to access the filter. If something did end up trapped in the filter, make sure to check pockets more thoroughly in the future to avoid a repeat!

4. Check For Transit Bolts

If your washing machine was installed recently, make sure the transit bolts were removed by lightly pressing on the tub from the inside — it should move easily. If it doesn’t, the bolts that prevent the tub from moving around during transit may still be in place.

Transit bolts will be easy to spot and remove on the back of front-loading machines or underneath top-loading machines. (This isn’t a common situation, but it’s worth mentioning just in case!)

Person using a smartphone level app on a washing machine lid to check its balance.

5. Ensure The Machine Is Level

If your washing machine shakes and makes a lot of noise frequently, it may be out of level. Place a bubble level on top of the machine — if the bubble isn’t centered, you may need to adjust the feet to level the machine.

Most models have adjustable feet, and the user manual will detail how to adjust them to level your machine.

6. Call A Professional

If you’ve gone through the five steps above and your washing machine still makes a racket, it may require repair. Check whether your washing machine is still under warranty, then call a reputable appliance repair service to get a professional diagnosis.

Conclusion

If your washing machine shakes, thumps, and generally causes a racket when you use it, you may simply need to balance an uneven load or level the machine itself. If the machine rattles but doesn’t shake, check for anything leaning against the machine and inspect the drain filter.

These simple steps will solve most (though not all) of the causes of noisy washing machines. Give them a try and enjoy the peace and quiet!

Have you ever dealt with a noisy washing machine?

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Jill Nystul (aka Jillee)

Jill Nystul is an accomplished writer and author who founded the blog One Good Thing by Jillee in 2011. With over 30 years of experience in homemaking, she has become a trusted resource for contemporary homemakers by offering practical solutions to everyday household challenges.I share creative homemaking and lifestyle solutions that make your life easier and more enjoyable!

About Jillee

Jill Nystul

Jill’s 30 years of homemaking experience, make her the trusted source for practical household solutions.

About Jillee

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