Why is the Washing Machine Moving Around and Shaking?
Few household annoyances are as alarming as a washing machine that suddenly decides to take a walk across your laundry room floor. That loud thumping, the violent shaking, and the sight of your appliance inching its way toward the wall can be both mystifying and frustrating. While a dancing washing machine might seem like a serious problem, the good news is that most causes are simple to diagnose and fix.
The Most Common Culprit: Unbalanced Loads
The primary reason washing machines shake and move is an unbalanced load. When heavy items like towels, jeans, or bedding clump together on one side of the drum during the spin cycle, they create an uneven distribution of weight. The machine spins at high speeds—sometimes over 1,000 RPM—and even a small imbalance becomes magnified by centrifugal force. This causes the drum to wobble violently, and that motion transfers to the entire machine.
The solution is straightforward: redistribute the items more evenly in the drum. Many modern machines will automatically sense an imbalance and pause or reduce spin speed, but older models may simply power through, creating quite a spectacle. Mixing large and small items together and avoiding washing single heavy items alone can prevent this issue.
Improper Installation and Leveling
A washing machine must sit level and stable on the floor to function properly. If your machine is new or was recently moved, there’s a good chance it wasn’t leveled correctly. Most washing machines have adjustable feet that can be screwed up or down to compensate for uneven floors. Even a slight tilt can cause excessive vibration during the spin cycle.
To check if your machine is level, place a spirit level on top of the machine from front to back and side to side. Adjust the feet until the bubble is centered in both directions. Some machines also have lock nuts on the feet that need to be tightened once you’ve achieved the proper level. A properly leveled machine should not rock when you push down on the corners.
Shipping Bolts Still Installed
If your washing machine is brand new and shaking excessively, check whether the shipping bolts are still in place. These bolts secure the drum during transportation to prevent damage, but they must be removed before the first use. If left in, they restrict the drum’s natural movement and cause violent shaking. Check your owner’s manual for the location and removal instructions for these bolts—it’s a surprisingly common oversight.
Worn Shock Absorbers or Suspension
Like a car, washing machines have shock absorbers or suspension springs that cushion the drum’s movement during operation. Over time, these components wear out, especially in machines that handle frequent heavy loads. If your older machine has progressively gotten worse with shaking, worn shock absorbers might be the culprit. This repair typically requires a technician, though handy homeowners can tackle it with the right parts and instructions.
Overloading the Machine
Stuffing too many clothes into the washer might save time, but it’s a recipe for movement and shaking. Overloading prevents clothes from moving freely and distributing evenly, creating the same imbalance problem mentioned earlier. It also strains the motor and other components. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for load capacity—generally, the drum should be no more than three-quarters full.
Floor Surface Issues
Finally, consider the floor itself. Washing machines need a solid, stable surface beneath them. Placing a machine on a weak wooden floor or linoleum can allow too much flex, amplifying vibrations. Anti-vibration pads placed under the feet can help absorb movement and protect your floors.
Addressing a wandering washing machine usually requires nothing more than a few simple adjustments, saving you from unnecessary repair costs and giving you peace of mind during laundry day.