Dealing with Noisy Washing Machines: Causes and Solutions

 A noisy washing machine can be a nuisance that disrupts your household. Understanding the common causes of washing machine noise and potential solutions can help you address the issue promptly.

This blog explores the main reasons washing machines make noise and provides actionable tips to quiet your appliance. Read on to diagnose the cause of your noisy washing machine. You will also learn how to fix it yourself or determine when to call a professional for washing machine repairs.

Common Causes of Noisy Washing Machines

Several issues can lead to a noisy washing machine. By listening closely to the type of sound, you can often diagnose the problem. Here are some of the most common causes of washing machine noise and what to listen for:

Unbalanced Loads

If you hear a loud thumping sound when the washing machine is spinning, the drum is likely off-balance. This usually happens when clothes are bundled unevenly inside the drum.

The solution is to redistribute the clothes to balance the load. For top-loaders, pause the cycle and manually move clothes around. Choose a lower spin speed for front-loaders.

Worn Out or Loose Parts

Over time, small plastic or metal parts in the washing machine can become worn down or loose. This results in rattling, squeaking, or vibrating noises.

Check for loose or cracked pulleys, mounts, hoses, and fittings. Tighten or replace any worn parts. Locate the source of the noise by listening while the washing machine runs.

Foreign Objects in the Drum 

Coins, pens, nails, or other items accidentally left in clothes can get lodged in the washing machine drum. As the drum turns, these objects bounce and knock around causing noisy clanging and banging.

Check pockets before loading clothes. Carefully take apart the drum and remove any debris inside to remove stuck objects.

Damaged Bearings

With frequent use, the drum bearings in a washing machine wear out over time. This can lead to loud humming and grinding noises from the friction of metal on metal.

Replacing worn bearings requires disassembling the washer and should be done by a professional.

Irregular Maintenance

Not cleaning or maintaining your washing machine can result in a buildup of dirt, soap scum, mould and mildew. These accumulations throw off the balance of the drum and cause friction and noise.

Regularly wipe down the washing machine tub, clean the filter, and run maintenance cycles to prevent buildup.

Solutions for Noisy Washing Machines

Addressing the root cause of washing machine noise is key to silencing your appliance. Here are solutions to try for some common culprits of noisy operations:

Unbalanced Loads

•     Redistribute laundry evenly in the drum before starting a cycle.
•    For top loaders, pause the cycle and manually move clothes around to rebalance.
•   Use the lowest spin speed setting for off-balance loads in front loaders.
•    Wash smaller loads if unbalancing persists with larger loads.
•    Make sure the washing machine is level - place a level on top and adjust feet as needed.

Worn or Loose Parts

•      Inspect pulleys, belts, hoses and other parts for cracks and wear. Replace damaged parts.
•     Check that drum mounts are intact and tightly secured.
•     Confirm clamps and fittings on hoses and pipes are tightly secured.
•     Lubricate moving parts like pulleys and belts that are squeaking.

Foreign Items in Drum

•    Carefully inspect the washing machine drum for any lodged objects.
•      Remove coins, buttons, nails, screws or other objects trapped in the drum.
•      Use a flashlight to see objects wedged between the drum and tub.
•      Avoid washing loose items like coins in pants pockets.
•      Use a wooden spoon handle or plastic scraper to dislodge stuck items.

Damaged Bearings

•      Bearings typically need replacement after 5-7 years of use.
•      Listen for humming or grinding noises indicating worn bearings.
•      Replacing bearings requires significant disassembly, so it is best handled by professionals.
•     Purchase a new washing machine if yours is outdated and the bearings are failing.

Insufficient Maintenance

•     Routinely wipe down the washing machine tub with disinfectant.
•      Run monthly maintenance cycles with bleach or other drum cleaners.
•      Clean the filter regularly.
•      Remove wet clothes promptly after the cycle finishes.
•     Leave the door open between uses so moisture can evaporate.

In some instances, the washing machine may be too outdated or damaged to economically repair. Signs that purchasing a new washing machine may be the best solution include:

•      The washer is over 10 years old. Repairs often exceed replacement costs on very old models.
•      You have already replaced major parts like the motor, drum, or control board.
•      The tub has excessive scratches, chips, rust or damage.
•      Parts are no longer available through the manufacturer.
•      Professional repairs would exceed 50% of the cost of a comparable new machine.

For any complex washing machine repairs involving electrical work or major disassembly, call a professional appliance repair technician for servicing. Always exercise caution when attempting DIY repairs and unplug the washing machine from the electrical outlet.

With some troubleshooting and routine maintenance, you can solve most noises and keep your washing machine running smoothly.

Conclusion

Diagnosing the specific cause of noises and vibrations is the first step toward resolving issues with a noisy washing machine. With proper maintenance and care, your washing machine should operate smoothly for years.

Implementing washing machine repairs or seeking professional assistance promptly can restore peace and quiet to your laundry room. With the right diagnosis and solution, you can stop the racket and enjoy quiet washing machine operation once again.