📞 Need a technician? Call or WhatsApp Refitec Kenya: 0704 843 613

⚡ Quick Answer Guide: What’s That Noise?

⚠️ WARNING: If the noise is severe, persistent, or accompanied by leaking or no-spin — stop the machine immediately and call Refitec Kenya on 0704 843 613.

🔍 Detailed Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Banging or Thumping Noise

What It Sounds Like

A loud, repetitive thud during the wash or spin cycle — sometimes violent enough to shake the machine.

Common Causes

• Overloaded or unevenly distributed laundry
• Worn or damaged drum bearings
• Failing shock absorbers or suspension springs
• A loose or broken drum paddle (lifter)

How to Fix It

Step 1: Stop the machine mid-cycle and open the door.

Step 2: Redistribute the laundry evenly around the drum. Never wash a single heavy item (e.g., one duvet) alone — add a few towels to balance the load.

Step 3: Avoid overloading — fill the drum to no more than 80% capacity.

Step 4: Restart the cycle and listen. If the banging continues with a balanced load, the problem is likely worn drum bearings or shock absorbers.

Step 5: Bearing and suspension repairs require disassembly and professional tools. Contact Refitec Kenya on 0704 843 613 for a professional fix.

2. Grinding or Scraping Noise

What It Sounds Like

A harsh, metallic scraping sound — most noticeable during the spin cycle.

Common Causes

• A foreign object (coin, bra wire, button) trapped between the drum and tub
• Severely worn drum bearings
• A damaged drum seal rubbing against the drum

How to Fix It

Step 1: Always check your pockets before loading the machine — coins and metallic objects are the leading cause of this noise in Kenya.

Step 2: Run your hand slowly along the drum wall and inside the rubber door seal to feel for any trapped objects.

Step 3: If nothing is visible but grinding continues, the drum bearings are likely worn out. This is especially common in areas with hard water.

Step 4: ⛔ Do not continue running the machine with a grinding noise — it can destroy the drum spider arm, which is a costly repair.

Step 5: Call or WhatsApp Refitec Kenya on 0704 843 613 for a bearing replacement diagnosis before the damage gets worse.

3. Squealing or Squeaking Noise

What It Sounds Like

A high-pitched squeal or squeak — typically during the spin cycle spin-up.

Common Causes

• A worn or slipping drive belt (on belt-driven machines)
• Dry or failing drum bearings
• Worn motor brushes on older machines

How to Fix It

Step 1: Note exactly when the squeal happens — during agitation, at spin-up, or throughout the cycle. This narrows down the faulty component.

Step 2: If your machine is belt-driven and the squeal is during spin, the drive belt is likely stretched, cracked, or slipping off the pulley.

Step 3: ⛔ Do not apply oil or lubricant to any part yourself without knowing exactly what you are lubricating — oil on a drive belt will destroy it immediately.

Step 4: Belt and bearing replacements require the rear panel to be removed. Contact Refitec Kenya at 0704 843 613 for a quick and affordable fix.

4. Rattling Noise

What It Sounds Like

A loose, shaking rattle — either rhythmic or random — during washing or spinning.

Common Causes

• Coins, buttons, or small objects inside the drum
• Loose inlet or drain hoses knocking against the machine
• Loose side panels or screws
• Items placed on top of the machine vibrating

How to Fix It

Step 1: Empty all pockets before loading — this is the number one cause of rattling in washing machines.

Step 2: Check behind and underneath the machine. Secure any loose drain or inlet hoses that may be vibrating against the wall or cabinet.

Step 3: Press gently on each side panel. If a panel vibrates when touched, tighten the screws with a screwdriver.

Step 4: Clear the top of the machine — detergent bottles, fabric softener, and other items stored on top will rattle during spin.

Step 5: If the rattle comes from inside the machine and you cannot locate the object, call Refitec Kenya — the object may have entered the pump or sump area and could cause serious damage.

5. Loud Vibration Noise

What It Sounds Like

The entire machine shakes excessively — sometimes “walking” across the floor during spin.

Common Causes

• Machine not sitting level on the floor
• Worn or collapsed anti-vibration feet
• Unbalanced laundry load
• Transit bolts not removed on a newly installed machine

How to Fix It

Step 1: ⚠️ Check the transit bolts first — on a newly installed machine, the red or yellow bolts at the back must be removed before first use. Failure to remove them causes violent vibration and can wreck the drum.

Step 2: Place a spirit level on top of the machine to check if it is level front-to-back and side-to-side.

Step 3: Adjust the levelling feet by turning them clockwise (down) or counter-clockwise (up) until the machine sits perfectly level. Lock each foot in place with the locking nut.

Step 4: Place an anti-vibration mat beneath the machine — available at most hardware stores in Kenya and very effective at reducing noise and movement.

Step 5: If the machine still vibrates on a level surface with a balanced load, the suspension springs or shock absorbers are worn and need professional replacement. Call Refitec Kenya on 0704 843 613.

6. Clicking Noise

What It Sounds Like

A rhythmic clicking or ticking that repeats with each rotation of the drum.

Common Causes

• A solid object (coin, button, bra underwire) trapped in the drum or door seal
• A cracked or loose drum lifter (paddle)
• A damaged drum seal

How to Fix It

Step 1: Run your hand slowly inside the drum and feel along every surface and in the folds of the rubber door seal. Coins and small objects frequently hide in the door seal creases.

Step 2: Inspect the drum lifters (paddles) — the plastic fins inside the drum. If one is cracked or loose, it clicks on every drum rotation.

Step 3: Drum paddles can usually be replaced without full disassembly and at low cost.

Step 4: ⛔ Do not ignore clicking — continued operation can push the object into the pump, causing a much more expensive fault.

Step 5: If you cannot find the source, contact Refitec Kenya on 0704 843 613 for a thorough inspection.

7. Humming or Buzzing Noise

What It Sounds Like

A continuous electrical hum or buzz — sometimes with the machine failing to drain or spin.

Common Causes

• Blocked pump filter or pump impeller
• Faulty or seized drain pump motor
• Electrical issue with the motor or start capacitor

How to Fix It

Step 1: Locate the pump filter — on most front-loaders, it is behind a small access panel at the bottom front of the machine.

Step 2: Place a towel on the floor, open the panel, and slowly unscrew the filter cap. Let the trapped water drain into a shallow tray or bowl.

Step 3: Remove and clean the filter thoroughly — lint, hair, coins, and debris commonly block it.

Step 4: Inspect the pump impeller (the small fan inside the pump housing). Spin it with your finger — it should rotate freely. If stuck, carefully clear any wrapped debris.

Step 5: If the pump is clear but humming and non-draining continues, the pump motor is likely seized or burned and needs replacement.

Step 6: Call Refitec Kenya at 0704 843 613 — pump replacements are one of our most common and fastest repairs.

🛑 When to Stop the Machine and Call a Technician Immediately

Stop using your washing machine right away and call a professional if you notice any of the following:

• ❌ The noise is accompanied by leaking water
• ❌ The machine fails to spin or drain
• ❌ You notice a burning smell
• ❌ The drum does not turn at all
• ❌ The noise came on suddenly without any obvious cause

Attempting DIY repairs on electrical or mechanical components without proper training can cause further damage, create safety hazards, and void any remaining warranty on your appliance.

🛠️ Why Choose Refitec Kenya for Washing Machine Repairs?

Refitec Kenya provides fast, reliable, and affordable home appliance repair services across Nairobi and surrounding areas. Our certified technicians diagnose and repair all washing machine makes and models, including:

Samsung | LG | Bosch | Miele | Whirlpool | Ramtons | Hotpoint | Zanussi | Ariston | Beko

What We Offer

• ✅ Fast response — same-day or next-day service available
• ✅ Genuine spare parts — sourced and verified
• ✅ Transparent pricing — no hidden costs
• ✅ Certified, experienced technicians
• ✅ Repairs done at your home — no need to move the machine

📞 Book a Repair Today

Don’t let a noisy washing machine become a costly breakdown.

📱 Call or WhatsApp: 0704 843 613

Refitec Kenya — Your Trusted Appliance Repair Experts