How to Move a Washing Machine Without Damaging Floor
Learn a safe, floor-friendly method to relocate your washing machine. This guide covers prep, protective materials, precise steps, and common mistakes to avoid to keep floors pristine.
To move a washing machine without damaging the floor, start by clearing the path and turning off power. Protect the floor with a thick mat or plywood, then use furniture sliders or a dolly. Lift with two people, minimize dragging, and reconnect securely at the new location. Follow precautions to avoid scuffs, spills, or tip-overs.
Why moving a washer safely matters
Knowing how to move washing machine without damaging floor protects your home from scuffs, gouges, and water leaks. A washer is a heavy, partly rigid load that can slip, tilt, or spill if mishandled. The goal is to minimize friction with protective surfaces and to maintain level balance throughout the move. According to Best Washing Machine, planning and floor protection are the two most important factors to reduce damage during relocation. This guide explains practical, field-tested methods that homeowners and renters can apply without special equipment. The approach works for most floor types, including hardwood, laminate, tile, and vinyl, and it reduces the risk of harm to both the appliance and the floor.
When you’re ready to relocate, keep safety foremost. If you feel uncertain about any step, pause and reassess. The decision to move a washer is a common home task, and with careful preparation you can complete it without incident. The goal is a smooth transition that protects your investment and preserves the floor’s finish for years to come.
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Tools & Materials
- Moving dolly (appliance dolly)(Secure the washer with a strap to prevent shifting during transport)
- Furniture sliders(Place sliders under the washer to ease initial movement and protect floors)
- Plywood sheet (at least 4x4 ft)(Distributes weight and prevents point damage on soft floors)
- Moving blankets or thick towels(Pad sharp edges and protect against scratches)
- Masking tape(Label hoses and cords for easier reconnection)
- Heavy-duty gloves(Improve grip and protect hands)
- Auxiliary tools (screwdriver, adjustable wrench)(Use if you need to disconnect hoses or tighten clamps)
- Assistant (second person)(One person guides; one lifts; two-person teamwork is essential)
- Towels or rags(Catch residual water from hoses during disconnection)
Steps
Estimated time: 30-45 minutes
- 1
Unplug power and shut off water
Begin by unplugging the washer from the electrical outlet and closing the home’s water supply valves. Detach the water hoses with a bucket or rag ready to catch any remaining water. This step prevents electrical shock and leaks once you start moving the appliance.
Tip: Having towels nearby helps keep the area dry and reduces slip hazards. - 2
Clear the path and assess doorways
Remove obstacles along the route and measure door frames to confirm the washer fits through. If a doorway is tight, consider temporarily removing the door or using a narrow-angle approach to rotate the unit while keeping it level.
Tip: Test-fit with a flat board or the actual width of the washer before committing to a path. - 3
Protect the floor and surface edges
Lay down a plywood sheet across the path or use multiple layers of thick moving blankets. Secure with tape to prevent shifting, ensuring a flat, smooth surface that won’t snag the machine or cords.
Tip: Check for splinters or protruding nails on wooden surfaces before sliding. - 4
Position the dolly and load the washer
Slide the appliance dolly under the washer from the front or back as needed. Tilt the unit only as allowed by the dolly’s design and secure with a strap to prevent rollaway during transport.
Tip: Keep the machine as level as possible to reduce tipping risk. - 5
Move with a partner and navigate turns
One person guides while the other gently pushes; move slowly and steadily. Take wide, gradual turns around corners and thresholds to avoid sudden impacts that could damage floors.
Tip: Communicate clearly and maintain a steady pace for safety. - 6
Lower into the new space and level
Gently set the washer onto its new location. Check that it sits evenly and adjust front feet if needed to restore level. This prevents vibration and potential floor damage during operation.
Tip: Use a level to confirm horizontal balance. - 7
Reconnect water, power, and test run
Reconnect hoses and power, ensuring connections are snug. Run a short cycle to verify there are no leaks and that the drum turns freely without unusual noise.
Tip: Have towels on hand in case of minor leaks during the first run. - 8
Final checks and cleanup
Inspect the surrounding floor for any scuffs or marks. Remove protective coverings and store tools. Document any issues for future reference and ensure the area is safe before use.
Tip: Take photos for your records and warranty references.
FAQ
Do I need to disconnect water lines before moving?
Yes. Shut off the water supply and disconnect hoses to prevent leaks. Have a bucket or towels ready to catch any residual water. Reconnect carefully after you’ve moved the unit in place.
Yes—shut off water and disconnect hoses to prevent leaks during relocation.
Can I move a washer by myself?
Moving a washer solo is possible but risky. A dolly and an extra set of hands greatly reduce the chance of tipping or floor damage. If you must move alone, take more frequent breaks and use all protective surfaces.
You can move it alone, but it's safer with two people.
What floor protection works best?
Plywood sheets or thick moving blankets provide the best protection by distributing weight and preventing scratches. Avoid dragging directly on wood, tile, or vinyl.
Use plywood or blankets to protect the floor.
How do I know if the washer is level after moving?
Place a carpenter’s level on the top edge of the washer and adjust feet until it sits evenly. An uneven surface can cause vibration and floor damage.
Check level with a level tool and adjust as needed.
What if I can’t fit the washer through a doorway?
If possible, remove a door or opt for a narrower angle to pass through. As a last resort, consider disassembly only if safe and within warranty terms.
If it won’t fit, remove doors or seek professional help.
How long does the relocation take?
Most moves take about 30-45 minutes with proper planning, more if stairs or tight corners are involved. A slower pace often reduces risk of damage.
Typically 30-45 minutes with planning.
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The Essentials
- Protect floors before moving the washer
- Use a dolly and sliders to minimize dragging
- Keep the unit level at all times
- Unplug and shut water off before relocation
- Test for leaks after reconnecting
