To keep your washing machine balanced, you need to adjust the feet of the machine, load the clothes evenly, and avoid overloading the machine. These simple steps can prevent your washing machine from shaking, vibrating, or making loud noises, and extend its lifespan.
Why is it important to balance your washing machine?
A washing machine is a heavy appliance that spins at high speeds to wash and dry your clothes. If the machine is not balanced properly, it can cause several problems, such as:
Damage to the machine: An unbalanced washing machine can put extra stress on the motor, bearings, belts, and other parts, leading to premature wear and tear, and costly repairs.
Damage to the floor: An unbalanced washing machine can also scratch, dent, or crack the floor, especially if it is made of wood, tile, or laminate.
Noise and vibration: An unbalanced washing machine can produce loud and annoying noises, and shake or move around the floor, disturbing you and your neighbors.
Poor performance: An unbalanced washing machine can affect the quality of the wash and dry cycles, leaving your clothes dirty, wet, or wrinkled.
Therefore, it is important to balance your washing machine regularly, and check for any signs of imbalance, such as:
The machine rocks or wobbles when it is running or not running.
The machine makes banging, thumping, or squeaking sounds when it is spinning.
The machine moves away from its original position on the floor.
The machine leaves water or detergent residue on the floor or the clothes.
How to balance your washing machine in 3 easy steps
Balancing your washing machine is not a difficult task, and you can do it yourself with some basic tools and a level. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Adjust the feet of the machine
The feet of the washing machine are the adjustable screws or pads that support the machine on the floor. They are usually located at the bottom corners of the machine, and you can access them by tilting the machine slightly or using a wrench. To adjust the feet, you need to:
Place a level on top of the machine, and check if it is horizontal. If not, you need to raise or lower the feet until the machine is level.
Check the level from side to side, and from front to back, and make sure the machine is level in both directions.
Tighten the lock nuts or bolts on the feet to secure them in place, and prevent them from loosening over time.
Step 2: Load the clothes evenly
The way you load the clothes in the washing machine can also affect its balance. If you put too many clothes on one side, or too few clothes on the other side, the machine can become unbalanced during the spin cycle. To load the clothes evenly, you need to:
Sort the clothes by size, weight, and fabric type, and wash similar items together.
Distribute the clothes around the drum of the machine, and avoid putting them in the center or on the edges.
Leave some space in the drum for the clothes to move freely, and avoid overloading or underloading the machine.
Overloading the washing machine is one of the most common causes of imbalance. If you put too many clothes in the machine, they can form a large and heavy mass that can make the machine shake or vibrate. Overloading the machine can also reduce its efficiency, and damage the clothes. To avoid overloading the machine, you need to:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the maximum load capacity of the machine, and do not exceed it.
Use the appropriate cycle and settings for the load size and type of clothes, and do not use the highest spin speed for heavy or bulky items.
Remove the clothes from the machine as soon as the cycle is finished, and do not leave them in the machine for too long.
Conclusion
Keeping your washing machine balanced is a simple and effective way to maintain its performance and durability. By following these three steps, you can prevent your washing machine from shaking, vibrating, or making loud noises, and enjoy a smooth and quiet laundry experience.
