Why Does Your New Washing Machine Move When Spinning?
Let’s face it: a washing machine that moonlights as a floor dancer is not exactly living its best life — or yours. The culprit usually boils down to vibration and imbalance during the spin cycle. New washing machines are particularly feisty because they often come locked up tight with transit bolts, and their feet might need some fine-tuning. When these transport safeguards aren’t removed or the load inside the machine is funky-shaped, your washer will shimmy and shake, occasionally trying to escape across the laundry room floor.
In short: that washing machine is trying to “walk”. It’s as if it’s overheard you complain about chores and is threatening a mutiny. But don’t worry, we’ll show you a playbook to tame that wild spin.
Step 1: Kick Out Those Transit Bolts
Transit bolts are the washing machine’s travel buddies. Locked in place, they keep the drum from bouncing inside during transport. But once you’ve got your shiny new appliance in position, these bolts have gotta go. Leaving them in is a classic recipe for violent shaking and potential damage.
Most new washers come with 3-4 transit bolts at the back or sides. Check your manual, but it’s usually a simple unscrewing job. Keep them handy—you want to reuse them if you ever move house or need to relocate the machine.
Need an extra tip? Some models have detailed guides or videos online—check out user-friendly sources like Domestic & General for walkthroughs.
Step 2: Level Up Your Laundry Beast
Think of your washing machine like a delicate dancer. If the stage (aka floor) isn’t even, it’s gonna wobble spectacularly. Leveling is the unsung hero of a quiet, stable wash cycle.
Use a spirit level on the top edge of your machine. Adjust the feet by twisting them—most machines have adjustable legs with locking nuts. The goal is all four feet making firm contact with the floor, no wobbling or rocking. Don’t forget to tighten those locking nuts once the feet are set.
If your floor is uneven, you might need to thin shim the feet with furniture shims or anti-vibration pads (more on those soon).
Step 3: Master the Load Balancing Act
You’ve heard it before: don’t throw just one massive jacket in there like it’s center stage. The washing drum performs best with a balanced load. Big or heavy items like blankets and coats can cause pesky imbalances leading to a noisy, moving spin.
Pro tip: mix large and small items to distribute weight evenly. Run cycles with smaller loads at times, but avoid tipping off the balance scale. Uneven weight distribution is the main culprit behind that floor-shaking jitterbug.
If you’re curious about specific machine models and balanced washing, brands like Maytag have great advice on this: check their official guidance (Maytag’s shaking washer tips).
Step 4: Get Anti-Vibration With Mats and Pads
Sometimes, no matter how much you level or balance, your washer still loves to dance. Enter anti-vibration mats and shock absorber pads.
These clever rubber or plastic pads sit under the washing machine feet and act like shock absorbers in a car. They soak up the vibrations and keep your machine anchored to the spot.
Users rave about setups like the “WPRO Shock Absorber Pads” available on Amazon, which have a reputation for taming even the rowdiest washers (Available in India, Global including USA).
Alongside mats for under the feet, some folks add pads or foam between the washer’s top and a nearby sturdy wall or counter to stop rocking, which can help too.
Step 5: Check the Pump Filter for Blockages
It may sound strange, but a clogged or blocked pump filter can cause your washer to spin unevenly, contributing to movement and noise.
Locate your washing machine’s pump filter (usually behind a small door at the bottom front). Clean out any lint, coins, or debris. Keeping this clear ensures smooth draining and steady spinning.
Need a detailed safety guide before poking around? Our blog on How to Stop Commercial Washing Machine Safely and Quickly offers some pointers on safe maintenance practices, which can come in handy here.
Bonus Tips: When to Call in the Professionals
If you’ve removed transit bolts, leveled the machine, balanced the load, used anti-vibration pads, cleared the pump filter—and your washing machine is still performing the jitterbug—then it might be time for expert help.
Faulty suspension springs, worn dampers, or loose motor mounts inside the machine can cause ongoing movement and noise. Trying to DIY repairs on these risks voiding warranties or causing more damage.
Professional technicians can diagnose these issues and fix them safely because they know the inner workings of your machine model.
In the End: Peaceful Spins Are Possible
You now have the laundry warrior’s toolkit to battle that wayward washing machine dance act. Removing those transit bolts, leveling your machine, balancing laundry loads, placing shock absorber pads, and keeping the pump filter clean usually does the trick.
Remember: a calm, stationary washer isn’t just peaceful for your ears—it’s better for the machine’s longevity and your floors.
For ongoing care, explore related guides like How to Stop Bosch Serie 4 Washing Machine Safely and How to Stop a Zanussi Washing Machine: A Simple Guide for model-specific insights.