How to Reduce Vibrations from a Washer and Dryer

Front loaders are notoriously shaky

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You just got a brand new washer, and you're excited as all get out to use it. But when it gets to the spin cycle--or maybe even earlier--you hear a noise that sounds like your house is falling down. In fact, it feels that way, too. A washing machine that vibrates too much can actually cause structural damage. Some vibration and a bit of noise is normal. But not the kind that has you running to the washer at top speed. So what to do!

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Wrench
Level
Cow/horse mat
Utility knife

Step1

A brace that holds a bolt in place Remove the shipping bolts and braces. On the back of the washer, are four bolts that are used to keep the washer from getting damaged during shipping. Check to be sure these are removed. If not, remove them with a wrench. It's shocking how often delivery people don't remove them, OR don't remove the braces that keep the bolts in place. Make sure these, too, have been removed.

Step2

Level the washer. If there are feet on your washer, use a level to see that the four feet are even. If not, the washer will vibrate back and forth on the legs. The feet are easily leveled by turning a knob on them.

Step3

Don't use a pedastal. The new pedestals are handy, but they make for more vibration.

Step4

Put the washer on a concrete floor. Most serious vibration problems occur on the first or second floors of a house. Concrete tends to deaden vibration problems. If you don't want to put your washer in the basement (the most likley place for concrete), consider changing the flooring underneath your machine. Wood and tile create the worst vibrations. Carpet is a bad option too, since if your washer leaks, it's toast. Basically, consider concrete.

Step5

Here's an example of a horse mat. If none of these work, there's a sure-fire way to reduce vibrations. Buy a horse or cow mat. These thick rubber mats are for use in stables. So you'll need to find a tack shop either online or locally to purchase one. Expect it to weigh about 100 lbs. They cost about $50. Buy a size that is larger than the area you need. Cut it to size with a utility knife. Finally, you can use your washer without sitting on top of it, trying to keep it from moving across the floor!

Tips & Warnings

Because horse mats are so heavy, you're better off shopping locally if possible. Shipping can be expensive.
Horse mats and garage flooring are not the same thing--don't let anyone say they are. Both are black and rubber, but horse mats are much stronger.
If you're not comfortable messing around with shipping bolts and the like, don't. Call the manufacturer, play dumb, and ask for service.