Washing machine emits noises and shakes while spinning

Issue

• The washing machine emits noises and shakes while spinning
• The washing machine is noisy
• Why does my washer vibrate during the spin cycle?

Applies to

• Front loader washing machine (integrated and freestanding)
• Top loader washing machine

Resolution

A washing machine that emits loud noises or shakes during the spin cycle is often caused by transit bolts not being removed, an unlevel installation, unbalanced or overloaded laundry, loose hoses, or foreign objects trapped in the filter or drum.

We recommend checking that the appliance is level and stable, removing all packaging and transit bolts, loading laundry correctly, securing hoses, and inspecting filters and the drum for small items. Some sounds are part of normal operation, but following these steps can significantly reduce excessive vibration and noise while spinning.

1. Make sure that the transit bolts are removed from the back of the appliance.

Refer to the installation instructions in your user manual or separate installation leaflet supplied with your appliance.
Download the user manual. 

2. Make the washing machine level by raising or lowering the feet.

• Use a spirit level to check whether the machine is level on all its feet.
• The appliance must be stable on a level, hard floor.
• You can adjust the feet using a spanner.
• It is important that the appliance does not “rock”, otherwise, it will vibrate while spinning.

3. Make sure that all the hoses are securely fitted and attached to the back of the appliance’s housing.

Loosely fitted hoses can vibrate against the appliance during spinning, producing a “knocking” noise.

4. Check if the laundry is loaded correctly and make sure that there is no fabric caught between the door and the drum.

• Shake the items before you put them in the appliance. ​
• Button up cushion covers, close zips, attach hooks, and lock snap fasteners. Do up belts.
• Empty pockets and unfold clothing.
• Use a laundry bag to wash small and/or delicate items (e.g. underwired bras, belts).
• Put the laundry in the drum, one item at a time. Make sure not to put too much laundry in the drum.

5. Check the drain filter (if the machine has one that is visible).

Loose coins, lighters, buttons or other small objects can get stuck in the drain filter. You can get instructions on how to clean the filter from the user manual.

6. Check the holes for loose straps from bras in the drum / between the drum sections.

7. Check if the noises are not the result of normal appliance operation.

Normal noise – can occur anywhere during a wash. This noise can be caused by buckles and zips knocking against the window, vibrations during spinning, the pump and motor running, water inflow during filling cycles, a heating element which is warming up, fans operating during drying cycles (washer dryers only), beeps coming from the electronics when changing cycle, starting and ending a wash.

Remember: A single item can make the appliance unbalanced during spinning in the same way as an overloaded drum can.