How to Fix a Noisy Washing Machine – If you have a noisy washing machine or you notice a constant bumping or scratching sound every time the machine is on, then it probably means a part is loose or worn out.
However, if this isn’t the case, then there are many other factors responsible for a noisy washer. You’ll discover some of them in this post.
Now, when the washing machine is in operation, it spins. And a washing machine’s spin speed is measured in Revolutions Per Minute (RPM).
RPM refers to the speed at which the drum in the washing machine unit rotates during a spin cycle. And washing machines can vary in spin speed from less than 1,000 rpm to over 1,600 rpm.
Thus, the higher the speed, the more noise the washing machine makes. In truth, you may not always need to call a professional to get the appliance fixed if it makes unusual sounds.
Several components can be responsible for this and here are things you can do to troubleshoot the problem.
1. Check If Your Washing Machine Is Properly Leveled
The feet of the washing machine must be in firm contact with the floor so that it is properly leveled.
If the washing machine is put on an uneven floor or is slightly tilted, it could vibrate excessively.
This can lead to walls, the floor, and internal mechanisms getting damaged. Below are some tips to ensure that the washing machine is leveled.
a. Put a spirit level on the washing machine
That small bubble you see in a spirit level informs you whether or not the surface is flat. Once you put the spirit level on the machine and you realize that the bubble is not centered, it means that your washing machine is not leveled.
Basically, whichever side the bubble sways towards is higher off the ground. So you will need to adjust the machine till the bubble settles at the center of the tube.
b. Most washing machines come with adjustable, front leveling legs with a lock nut
With this in mind, you can adjust the legs to a certain height by tightening the lock nut up against the body of the machine. This keeps the leg height from changing.
If your washing appliance comes with metal legs, you can use a wrench to loosen the locking nut. You can do this by turning the leg clockwise (to shorten it) or counterclockwise (to extend it).
In the same vein, for plastic legs, you can make use of adjustable pliers to grip the leg and turn it either clockwise or counterclockwise.
Adjust it a little and check the spirit level to see if the bubble is centered. If it is, then it means that the washing machine is leveled.
However, if it isn’t, try adjusting the legs a bit more, until it is visibly leveled.
c. Once leveled, lean against the machine to ensure that there is no movement
Be sure to keep the machine as close to the floor as possible because the lower it is, the less likely it is to vibrate.
Additionally, place the appliance on the washing machine chassis to keep it steady and balanced.
2. The Tub Bearing May Need Replacement
Are you aware that all washing machines have a part called – tub bearing, be it front-loading or top-loading machines?
This is the component that the tub sits on, allowing it to rotate freely. The tub bearing is located under the outer tank in top-loader machines and on the sides in a front-loader washing machine.
The outer tank is a white plastic component with an inner stainless steel drum. If your washing appliance emits an unusual noise, there is a possibility that the tub bearing is worn out.
At times, a lack of lubrication can also cause the tub bearing to wear out quickly. However, unusual noise or uneven spinning is a clear sign that the bearing needs to be changed.
Furthermore, rusted bearings are also a cause of the noise you hear when the washer is spinning. Usually, washing machine bearings have a lifespan of over a decade.
Thus, if yours is older, then maybe it’s time to replace the tub bearing. To do this, you’ll have to split the outer tank apart to reach the tub bearing.
Components like the hoses, suspension, water seal, inner drum, and electrical assembly are situated between the bearings and the outer tank.
Generally, if you believe the tub bearing needs to be changed, get it done by a professional from the same brand.
3. Make Sure the Load Is Evenly Distributed in Your Washing Machine
A single mistake many of us make is to unevenly stuff clothes in the washer or overload it as a move to save time and money.
This is not the right thing to do because it causes the inner tub of the washing machine to spin unevenly.
It will often hit against the outer tub and create a loud unusual noise. This happens more often with top-loading washing machines.
You can easily fix this by stopping the habit of overstuffing the washer with heavy clothes like towels, rugs, curtains, etc.
These items absorb a lot of water, thereby causing an unbalanced spin. If you notice that the washer is overstuffed, take out some heavy laundry, if necessary, and redistribute the weight in the tub.
Remember, clothes need space to spin in the washer, and fabric rubbing against fabric helps to dislodge dirt.
But if the washer is overstuffed with laundry, the spin cycle is hampered from spinning the fabric.
In addition, a heavy load may require you to run an extra rinse cycle just to get rid of the detergent. This means you’ll be using more water and electricity.
Also, don’t forget that excessive laundry puts stress on the washer. Thus, the agitator component in top-loading washing machines could break if a full load of clothing gets tangled in its fins.
The agitator is an important part located at the center of an automatic washing machine’s wash drum.
It is equipped with fins or vanes that twist and turn during the machine’s wash cycle to remove dirt from the clothes.
4. Replace the Washing Machine Belt
Washing machine units are powered by a motor that works with the help of a belt that causes it to spin.
The only way to know if the belt is worn out is when the washing machine motor emits an unusual noise.
Once you start hearing a consistent noise during the spin cycle, then it means it’s time to replace the belt.
So, waste no time in replacing the belt as the washer will stop spinning once the belt breaks down which can happen at any moment.
If the belt breaks down, you’ll notice by perceiving the smell of burning rubber. Once again, you may need the help of a professional to have it changed.
However, if you want to be adventurous you can try replacing the belt yourself by following the steps below.
Don’t try this yourself if you aren’t confident of getting it done or you may end up damaging the washer or causing other components to malfunction.
Get a professional from the authorized brand service center to avoid causing any damage:
- Start by unplugging your washing machine from the power source.
- Check to see if your washing appliance has an access panel. If it does, it should be on one of the sides, most likely the back. You’ll need to remove it to change the belt. If not, you may have to check the bottom of your machine for the belt.
- Take out the access panel of your washing machine once you find it and gently turn the washing machine on its side. The belt should have a dark color.
- Remove the clamps that link the rubber coupling, belt, and the washing machine motor.
- Now, gently slide the old washing machine belt off the transmission and motor pulleys and substitute it with the new belt by slipping it over the transmission and motor pulleys from which you removed the old belt.
- Reconnect the rubber coupling as well as the clamps over the new washing machine belt.
- Put the access panel back and return your washing machine to the right position.
- Plug the machine back into its power source and try a spin cycle to be sure it is running properly.
Top Washing Machines to Buy
If your washing machine is too old and you want to have it changed altogether, you can check out some of the powerful washing machine units we have here.
They are all very effective at cleaning your outfits and some of them come with the most up-to-date features.
Royal Washing Machine Top Loader 6 KG (RWMTL60HW)
Royal Washing Machine Top Loader 8 KG (RWMTL80HW)
Royal Washing Machine Twin Tub 7.5 KG (RWMTT75HW)
Royal Washing Machine Twin Tub 9.5 KG (RWMTT95HW)
Conclusion
What should be a particularly interesting, refreshing wash cycle can be dampened when your washing machine groans and makes unusual noisy sounds.
Fortunately, the instructions laid out in this article can help you fix noisy washing machine problems.
However, some may require the efforts of a professional to shush your appliance back to normal.
