Simple Tips to Fix a Noisy, Shaking Washing Machine Without Calling a Technician

If your washing machine often makes loud noises or shakes violently during operation, don’t rush to call a repair service just yet. With a few simple checks and adjustments, you can easily fix these common issues yourself — saving both time and money.

1. Placing the Washing Machine on an Uneven Surface

If your washing machine is positioned on an uneven or rough surface, the drum may become tilted. As the machine operates, the drum can hit the outer casing, producing loud banging or rattling sounds. Over time, this can also cause damage to the internal parts.

How to fix it:
First, check whether the surface where your washing machine is placed is completely flat. If it’s uneven, move the appliance to another location or adjust the legs until it sits level. You can also reinforce the area by placing a sturdy wooden board or a concrete pad beneath it. A stable base not only prevents noise and shaking but also helps prolong the life of your washing machine.

Extra tip: If you live in an apartment or use the machine on a higher floor, consider using an anti-vibration mat. It can help reduce noise transmission through the floor and prevent disturbance to neighbors.

2. Using Improper or Damaged Machine Feet

The washing machine’s feet are directly connected to the bottom of the drum unit and play a vital role in stabilizing the appliance. If these feet are worn out, loose, or of poor quality, the drum can lean slightly, leading to heavy vibrations during the spin cycle.

How to fix it:
Inspect the feet of your washing machine carefully. If any are loose, tighten them with a screwdriver or wrench. If a foot is damaged, replace it immediately with the correct part recommended by the manufacturer. This small adjustment can significantly reduce noise and shaking during operation.

3. Unevenly Distributed Laundry Inside the Drum

Every washing machine is designed to handle a specific maximum load, which is usually indicated on the label. Overloading the drum with too many clothes or washing heavy items together can cause imbalance. When the laundry bunches up on one side, the drum becomes unbalanced, leading to loud thumping and shaking.

How to fix it:
Before washing, always sort your clothes by fabric type and weight. Avoid exceeding the machine’s maximum load capacity. Distribute clothes evenly around the drum to prevent them from twisting together or collecting on one side. For best results, load the clothes loosely instead of tightly packing them.

Additional advice: Regularly check the inner drum after the first few spins. If you notice the machine shaking excessively, pause the cycle and rearrange the clothes evenly before continuing.

4. Foreign Objects Left Inside the Drum

Small items like coins, keys, pens, or stones can easily end up in the washing machine if not removed from clothing pockets. These objects can hit the drum’s inner wall, producing metallic clanking noises during operation. Worse, sharp or heavy items might scratch the drum or tear your clothes.

How to fix it:
Always check and empty all pockets before placing clothes in the washing machine. Inspect the drum and door seal for any leftover items after each wash. This habit will not only eliminate annoying noises but also protect your clothes and the machine’s inner components from unnecessary wear and tear.

5. Damaged Shock Absorbers (Suspension Springs)

Inside your washing machine, the shock absorbers — or suspension springs — help absorb vibrations and stabilize the drum during spinning. If these parts wear out or break, the machine can lose balance and produce strong vibrations or knocking sounds, especially at high spin speeds.

How to fix it:
Since this issue involves internal mechanical parts, it’s best to contact an authorized service center or technician. They can inspect, repair, or replace the faulty suspension system safely and correctly. Avoid using the washing machine until the issue is fixed, as continued use may lead to further internal damage.

Final Thoughts

Most cases of washing machine noise or vibration come from simple causes such as uneven placement, loose feet, or unbalanced laundry loads. By performing regular checks, cleaning the drum, and maintaining proper loading habits, you can keep your washing machine running quietly and efficiently for years.

Taking just a few minutes to inspect your machine before every wash can save you a lot of trouble — and the cost of unnecessary repairs.