Is Washing Machine Shaking Normal? A Troubleshooting Guide

Why Is Washing Machine Shaking? Is It Normal?

Is washing machine shaking normal? The short answer is no, not if the vibration is loud or lasts into the spin phase. According to Best Washing Machine, most shaking is a sign of an imbalance or installation issue that you can fix quickly with the right steps. A normal, healthy washer will have only a soft, consistent hum during the spin and should not walk across the floor. Addressing vibration early protects the floor, the machine, and your peace of mind.

Common home environments differ, but the core causes are similar: uneven loads, loose feet, and unstable floors can amplify even light shudders into noticeable shakes. With the right adjustments and routine care, you can reduce or eliminate most shakes without costly repairs.

Common Causes of Washer Vibrations

Vibrations come from several sources that you can check one by one. The most frequent issues are unbalanced loads, unlevel feet, and soft or uneven floors. Other factors include bulky items in the drum, worn shock absorbers on front-load models, and a damaged anti-vibration pad layer. Ignoring these can lead to accelerated wear and possible mechanical failures. By prioritizing quick checks, you can isolate the culprit and apply a targeted fix.

• Unbalanced load: Clothes clump on one side, causing the drum to spin off-center.
• Unlevel feet or unstable floor: The machine rocks during high-spin speeds.
• Worn suspension/shock absorbers (especially front-loads): Reduced damping increases vibration.
• Overloaded drum or bulky items: Extra mass on one side worsens imbalance.
• Damaged anti-vibration components: Pads or gaskets that fail to cushion movement.

If you notice any of these, address them one by one to identify the main offender and avoid unnecessary repairs.

Quick In-Place Checks You Can Do Now

Before you adjust anything, pause the cycle and unplug the machine for safety. Then, redistribute clothing evenly, remove bulky items, and verify the machine is level front-to-back and side-to-side. Check each foot for full contact with the floor; tighten the locking nuts if needed. If you notice the floor is permanently soft or spongy, you may need a firmer base or anti-vibration pads. Take a moment to confirm there are no loose hoses or cables that could catch during operation.

• Pause and unplug before inspection.
• Redistribute loads and remove bulky items.
• Check each leg for solid contact with the floor.
• Look for a soft or damaged subfloor and consider pads or a sturdier base.
• Ensure hoses and cords are secure and clear of the drum path.

Leveling and Stabilizing Your Washer

Leveling a washer is often a straightforward fix. Place a spirit level on the top surface and adjust the feet until the bubble centers. On most machines, you rotate the feet with a wrench or by hand; tighten the locking nuts to maintain position. Ensure all four feet are evenly contacting the floor. If the floor is hard but the machine still shakes, consider anti-vibration pads designed for washers and place them under the feet. After adjustments, run a short cycle to test reliability.

• Use a level on both the front-to-back and side-to-side axes.
• Tighten locking nuts after each adjustment to lock in place.
• If one foot still struggles to contact, check for warped or damaged feet.
• For soft floors, consider anti-vibration devices or a sturdier stand.
• Re-test with a quick wash to confirm stability.

When Shaking Persists: What to Do Next

If the vibration remains after balancing and level adjustments, the issue may be a worn suspension, faulty shock absorbers, or a misaligned drum. In these cases, it’s safer and more cost-effective to contact a professional technician. Replacing internal components requires specialized tools and knowledge, and a wrong repair can cause further damage. Do not ignore persistent shakes that worsen over time.

• Persisting shakes after leveling often point to internal wear.
• A professional can diagnose suspension, drum alignment, or bearing wear.
• Avoid running heavy cycles on a damaged machine; it may escalate problems.
• Request a written estimate and note symptoms to help the technician.
• Consider a diagnostic check, especially if the model is under warranty.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Shakes

Regular maintenance helps prevent shakes before they start. Keep loads balanced, avoid overloading, and check feet after moving the washer. Periodically inspect hoses and clamps for tightness to prevent water leaks that can destabilize the base. If you have a pet or children, ensure the area around the washer remains clear to avoid accidental bumps. A simple annual check can go a long way toward quieter, longer-lasting operation.

• Schedule a quarterly balance check and test run.
• Clean the filter and drum to prevent buildup that affects spin.
• Relevel after any move or floor changes.
• Use anti-vibration pads on carpeted floors.
• Keep the area around the washer clear of obstacles.