There might be a simple reason the machine is rattling
If you put a wash on and your machine keeps making a racket, you’re not alone. There are a few reasons it could be doing this, meaning it may not be a sign of an old washing machine after all.
So before you panic and budget for a new appliance, Which? recommends checking some things first. Urging people “don’t ignore the signs that something’s wrong with your machine”, the experts say that while fixing the issue may resolve the noise, “if your washing machine spends more of its life being repaired than it does washing clothes, it might be time to buy a new one.”
My washing machine makes a loud noise
Which? says that if your washing machine won’t stop vibrating or starts moving across the room during a cycle, it likely needs to be levelled. All washing machines should sit evenly on a flat surface – if they don’t, they can shake significantly, especially during spin cycles.
It says: “Check if the machine is aligned using a spirit level. And if need be, adjust the feet underneath accordingly. If the feet are level, then it might be the surface causing the issue. Uneven flooring can create a shaky machine, so try sitting it on a sturdy piece of wood or old desktop and manoeuvre the corners to even it out.”
Other causes might include unbalanced washing loads. It explains that washing a single heavy item, such as a cotton towel, or pairing it only with lighter clothes, can lead to problems.
As the towel absorbs water and becomes heavier, it may be thrown against the drum during the spin cycle, causing the machine to shake and make noise. To prevent this, try washing heavy items together and avoid overloading the drum, as overloading can create similar imbalances.
If you’ve recently moved house or have a new washing machine, you should also check that the transit bolts have been removed. These bolts are usually located on the back of the machine and are used to secure the drum during transport. Most machines have three or four bolts that must be taken out before use. If they are left in place, they can cause excessive vibration and may eventually lead to serious, potentially permanent damage.
How to level a washing machine?
According to appliance expert at Bosch, there are a few simple steps to follow. It adds: “Washing machines that are not balanced can result in loud thumping or knocking sounds, especially when operating at high speeds.
“To remove these loud noises, check the feet to ensure that the washing machine is evenly balanced and resting on a flat surface. Also, check that the washing machine is parallel to the ground by using a spirit level. If it is not level, adjust the feet accordingly and tighten them in place.”
To level your appliance:
- Place a spirit level on the appliance.
- Turn the feet on the appliance until the spirit level is aligned.
- Secure the feet with the lock nuts by following the instructions in the installation guide.
- If the appliance is standing on a base, secure the feet with the clip holders. The clip holders are available as an accessory.
