Quick notes
- Learning how to re balance your washing machine is a valuable skill for any homeowner, and it can save you money on costly repairs.
- If you cram clothes into one side of the drum, or if you have a few heavy items like towels or jeans clustered together, the weight distribution will be uneven.
- If the floor is uneven, you can try placing a piece of wood or a leveling pad under the feet of the machine.
Are you tired of your washing machine sounding like a runaway train every time you try to do laundry? A noisy washing machine is not only annoying but can also be a sign of a bigger problem. One common cause of a noisy washing machine is an imbalance, which can lead to damage to your appliance over time. Learning how to re balance your washing machine is a valuable skill for any homeowner, and it can save you money on costly repairs.
Why Does My Washing Machine Shake and Vibrate?
Before we dive into the steps on how to re balance your washing machine, let’s understand why it happens in the first place. Washing machines are designed to spin rapidly to remove water from your clothes. This spinning motion creates centrifugal force, which pushes the clothes outward. If the clothes are not evenly distributed inside the drum, the force will be uneven, causing the machine to shake and vibrate.
There are a few key reasons why your washing machine might be out of balance:
- Unevenly loaded washing machine: This is the most common reason. If you cram clothes into one side of the drum, or if you have a few heavy items like towels or jeans clustered together, the weight distribution will be uneven.
- Loose or damaged suspension system: The suspension system in your washing machine is made up of springs and shock absorbers that help to dampen vibrations. If these parts are loose or damaged, the machine will be more prone to shaking.
- Uneven floor: If your washing machine is sitting on an uneven floor, it will be more likely to vibrate.
- Foreign objects in the drum: Sometimes, small objects like coins, pins, or even socks can get lodged in the drum, throwing off the balance.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Re Balance Your Washing Machine
Now that you understand why your washing machine might be shaking, let’s learn how to fix it. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to re balance your washing machine:
1. Stop the machine: Immediately stop the washing machine if it’s in the middle of a cycle. Do not attempt to open the lid while the machine is spinning.
2. Unplug the machine: For safety reasons, always unplug the washing machine before you start working on it.
3. Check for obstructions: Open the lid and check for any foreign objects in the drum. Remove any items you find.
4. Redistribute the clothes: If you have a large load of laundry, try to redistribute the clothes more evenly throughout the drum. Avoid bunching clothes together. If you’re washing a small load, make sure the clothes are spread out evenly.
5. Check the suspension system: Look for any loose or damaged springs or shock absorbers. If you find any problems, you’ll need to contact a repair technician.
6. Level the machine: Make sure your washing machine is sitting on a level surface. You can use a level to check. If the floor is uneven, you can try placing a piece of wood or a leveling pad under the feet of the machine.
7. Run a test cycle: Plug the machine back in and run a short spin cycle to see if the problem is resolved. If the machine is still shaking, you may need to repeat steps 4-6.
Preventing Imbalance in the Future
Now that you know how to re balance your washing machine, let’s talk about how to prevent it from happening again. Here are a few tips:
- Load the machine evenly: Always try to distribute the clothes evenly throughout the drum. Avoid overloading the machine, as this can also cause imbalances.
- Sort your laundry: Separate your laundry into smaller loads based on fabric types and weights. For example, wash towels and jeans separately from delicate fabrics.
- Check the drum for obstructions: Before every load of laundry, check the drum for any foreign objects.
- Maintain the suspension system: Have your washing machine serviced regularly to ensure the suspension system is in good working order.
- Keep the floor level: Make sure your washing machine is sitting on a level surface.
When to Call a Professional
While rebalancing your washing machine is a relatively simple task, there are times when it’s best to call a professional. If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your washing machine is still shaking, it’s possible that there’s a more serious problem with the machine. Here are some signs that you should call a repair technician:
- The machine is making loud noises: If the machine is making any loud banging or clanging noises, it could be a sign of a broken suspension system or a damaged drum.
- The machine is leaking: If you see any water leaks, it could be a sign of a broken hose or a damaged drum.
- The machine is not draining properly: If the machine is not draining properly, it could be a sign of a clogged drain hose or a faulty pump.
- The machine is not spinning: If the machine is not spinning, it could be a sign of a broken belt or a faulty motor.
The Importance of Maintaining Your Washing Machine
Maintaining your washing machine is not just about keeping it running smoothly. It’s also about extending its lifespan and saving money on costly repairs. By following the tips above, you can help to ensure that your washing machine is running efficiently and effectively for years to come.
Final Thoughts – Keep Your Laundry Day Peaceful!
A noisy washing machine can be a real headache, but by understanding the causes of imbalances and learning how to re balance your washing machine, you can keep your laundry day peaceful and efficient. Remember to always prioritize safety and unplug the machine before working on it. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: What if I can’t find any foreign objects in the drum?
A: If you can’t find any foreign objects, the problem might be an uneven load. Try redistributing the clothes more evenly or washing smaller loads.
Q: How often should I check the suspension system?
A: It’s a good idea to check the suspension system at least once a year, or more often if you notice any unusual noises or vibrations.
Q: How do I know if my washing machine is level?
A: You can use a level to check if your washing machine is level. Place the level on top of the machine and check if the bubble is centered. If the bubble is not centered, you’ll need to adjust the feet of the machine until it is level.
Q: What if the floor is uneven?
A: If the floor is uneven, you can try placing a piece of wood or a leveling pad under the feet of the machine to level it out. However, if the floor is significantly uneven, you may need to contact a professional to install a new floor or to level the existing floor.
Q: What if I’ve tried everything and the machine is still shaking?
A: If you’ve tried everything and the machine is still shaking, it’s best to call a professional. There may be a more serious problem with the machine that requires expert attention.