Washing machine shaking or moving: causes and safe checks

Usually simple

Quick answer

A washing machine that shakes, bangs or walks across the floor on spin is usually not level, still has its transit bolts fitted, stands on a springy floor, or has an unbalanced load. Check those in that order. A clogged filter can also add vibration. If it still shakes, the suspension may need an engineer.

Also covers: washing machine vibrating · washing machine moving across the floor · washing machine banging on spin · washing machine jumping.

Likely causes

What you can safely check yourself

Stop and call a qualified engineer if:
  • The code or problem comes back after you’ve done the safe checks on this page.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.
  • The appliance is still under warranty. Contact the manufacturer first, because DIY work can affect your cover.

Work through these in order. Stop as soon as one of the signs above applies.

If the machine is new or has been moved, check the transit bolts are out Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  1. Look at the back of the machine. Transit bolts hold the drum still for transport and must be removed before use.
  2. If they are still fitted, remove them as your installation instructions describe and fit the blanking caps that came with the machine. If you’re not comfortable doing this, ask the installer or retailer.

Don’t run the machine with the transit bolts fitted.

Don’t remove any other bolts or screws from the back panel.

Check the machine is level and on a firm floor Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  1. Rock the machine gently from each corner. It should not wobble.
  2. Put a spirit level on top, front to back and side to side.
  3. Adjust the feet until it is level and all four feet are firmly on the floor, then tighten the lock nuts as your installation guide shows.
  4. Wooden or springy floors make vibration worse. Manufacturers suggest a hard surface, ideally in a corner.

Rebalance the load

  1. When the machine lets you open the door, untangle the laundry and spread it evenly around the drum.
  2. If you are washing one heavy item, such as a bath mat or a large towel, add two or three similar towels so the weight balances.
  3. Check the load suits the programme. Very small loads and overstuffed drums can both cause balance problems. Your manual gives the maximum load for each programme.
  4. Restart the spin.

Clean the drain pump filter Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
  • Water inside can be hot after a hot wash. Wait for it to cool before opening a filter.
  • Expect water to come out. Put towels and a shallow tray or baking dish down first.
  • Never force a locked door, a stuck filter cap or a seized part. Forcing it usually causes more damage.
Where the drain pump filter usually is Filter flap bottom front, one side Shallow tray + towels drain slowly, a bit at a time Filter cap turn anticlockwise slowly Some models have a small emergency drain hose here too
Where the drain pump filter usually is. Positions vary by model — check your manual.
  1. Find the small flap at the bottom front of the machine. Your manual shows the exact location and whether there is a small emergency drain hose.
  2. With towels and a tray in place, release the water slowly, using the emergency hose if there is one, or by turning the filter cap a little at a time. Expect more water than you think, and empty the tray as often as you need to.
  3. When the water has stopped, unscrew the filter fully and remove fluff, coins, hair grips and other debris. Rinse it under the tap.
  4. Look into the opening to check the pump blade can turn freely. If you can see it, manufacturers suggest turning it gently with a pencil, never with your fingers.
  5. Refit the filter firmly in its locked position and close the flap. Check for drips the next time the machine runs.

Don’t reach in with fingers past the filter opening.

Don’t open the filter while the machine is running or the water is hot.

Showing an error code?

These codes are related to this problem. Codes differ by brand, so pick yours:

Related problems

Questions people ask

What can I do on a wooden floor?

Bosch suggests installing the machine on a hard surface, ideally in a corner, and if necessary on a water-resistant board at least 30 mm thick, screwed to the floor.

Brand guides: LG, Samsung. More washing machine problems and codes, or use the fault finder.

Sources

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We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.