Can You Put a Washing Machine on Its Side? A Safety Guide
Learn whether you can safely place a washing machine on its side, the risks involved, and a step-by-step approach to moving or transporting it upright. Practical tips from Best Washing Machine for homeowners, renters, and operators.
Can you put a washing machine on its side? Generally, no. Most manufacturers require upright storage to protect the transmission and bearings. Lying a washer on its side can leak lubricant, misalign the drum, and create motor strain during transport. If you must move it briefly on its side, limit the duration and consult the user manual or Best Washing Machine guidance before proceeding.
Can You Put a Washing Machine on Its Side? A Safety Primer
Can you put a washing machine on its side? In general, this is discouraged. The manufacturer designs washers to run upright, and many components rely on gravity to function correctly. If you’re moving a unit through a tight doorway or storing it temporarily during a renovation, you might consider brief side-lying, but always minimize this position. According to Best Washing Machine, upright orientation protects the transmission, seals, and drum bearings, reducing the risk of oil leaks and misalignment. For homeowners, renters, or operators, understanding the risks helps you plan a safer move and avoid costly repairs.
This guidance aligns with the expectations in Best Washing Machine Analysis, 2026, which emphasizes that most wear and seal points depend on the vertical orientation to maintain lubrication and proper drum support. If you’re dealing with a stubborn space, consult the manual or contact the manufacturer before attempting any prolonged side-lying.
Remember: the goal is to minimize stress on critical components during movement, storage, or installation.
Tools & Materials
- appliance moving dolly(Use with straps; choose a dolly rated for the washer’s weight.)
- moving straps or ratchet straps(Secure the washer to the dolly during tilt to prevent slipping.)
- helpers (at least one additional person)(Two-person lift is safer for heavier units.)
- blankets or moving pads(Protect surfaces and prevent denting of the cabinet.)
- bucket and towels(Contain leaks or spills from hoses during disconnects.)
- adjustable wrench and pliers(Disconnect hoses, clamps, and drain hose as needed.)
- screwdriver(Optional for removing brackets or panels if present.)
- owner manual(Check for manufacturer guidance specific to your model.)
Steps
Estimated time: 30-60 minutes
- 1
Prepare the area and power down
Clear a path, unplug the unit, and switch off the circuit if accessible. Do not pull by the power cord. This reduces the risk of electric shock and keeps cords intact. Confirm the floor is clean and dry to prevent slips during movement.
Tip: Never yank the cord; a sudden pull can damage the outlet or cord. If the plug is hard to reach, switch off the circuit at the breaker. - 2
Shut off water and loosen supply lines
Turn off the home water supply and carefully loosen the inlet hoses. Have towels ready for any residual water. Disconnect hoses from the taps and from the washer, taking care not to twist or kink hoses.
Tip: Support hoses to prevent kinks or leaks once detached. - 3
Drain remaining water and secure hoses
If your model has a manual drain, run it to remove residual water. Cap or clamp hose ends to prevent spills and secure loose hoses with straps so they don’t whip during movement.
Tip: A small amount of water may still be in the drum—keep towels handy. - 4
Position for tilt and protection
Place blankets under the unit and position the appliance so it can tilt slightly without tipping the work surface. Use the dolly and straps to prepare for a controlled side-lying orientation rather than a free tilt.
Tip: Tilting should be gradual; sudden tilting can damage the drum or cabinet. - 5
Move with assistance and maintain control
Have a second person help guide the washer onto the dolly and slowly tilt onto its side only as far as necessary to pass through obstacles. Secure with straps and move slowly to avoid banging against walls or furniture.
Tip: Communicate clearly and take your time to avoid collisions. - 6
Return to upright, relevel, and reconnect
Once in the new location, rotate the unit back to upright, check that the levelling feet are even, reconnect hoses and power, and run a short wash cycle without clothes to test for leaks.
Tip: Check for leaks around hoses and inlet connections before loading laundry.
FAQ
Is it safe to lay a washing machine on its side for transport?
Not generally. Upright transport protects internal components and reduces the risk of leaks. If brief side-lying is unavoidable, limit the time and follow the manual.
No, upright transport is safer; limit side-lying time and check the manual before proceeding.
What are the risks of placing a washer on its side?
Potential oil leaks, drum misalignment, hydraulic or motor strain, and possible damage to seals and bearings.
Risks include leaks and misalignment that can be costly to repair.
Can a front-load washer be laid on its side?
Front-load washers are particularly sensitive to orientation. Avoid side-lying unless the manual allows it for a brief move.
Front-loads are especially sensitive to orientation; avoid side-lying unless explicitly allowed.
How long can a washer stay on its side during a move?
Keep the time on its side to the minimum required to pass obstacles and reposition, then return upright.
Only keep it on its side as long as necessary during the move.
What should I do after placing the washer upright again?
Inspect hoses for leaks, relevel the unit, and run a short cycle to ensure everything functions properly.
Check for leaks and relevel, then test with a short wash.
Should I consult the manual or manufacturer guidance?
Yes. The manual or Best Washing Machine guidance provides model-specific steps and safety tips.
Always check the manual for model-specific instructions.
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The Essentials
- Keep the washer upright whenever possible.
- Use a dolly and straps for safe side-lying transport.
- Inspect for leaks and relevel after returning upright.
