Buyer's Guide

A shaking washing machine isn’t just noisy – it can also cause long-term damage if left unchecked. Luckily, we have put together a list of some common reasons for this and straightforward fixes to help you get things back to normal.

1. It’s Sitting on an uneven surface

New Zealand homes often have a mix of flooring – from old wooden boards to concrete slabs – and an uneven surface is one of the top culprits for a wobbly washer.

What’s happening? When your washing machine isn’t level, it struggles to stay balanced during the spin cycle. That’s when the shaking begins.

What to do:
Step 1: Grab a spirit level (or an app if you’re tech-savvy) and check if the machine is sitting evenly from side to side and front to back.
Step 2: If uneven, adjust the machine’s feet – most models come with adjustable legs. Adjust them until the washer is stable.
Tip: If you’re dealing with a particularly wonky floor, a rubber mat can help absorb some of the movement.

2. Overloading the machine

We all like to be efficient, but unfortunately stuffing the washer full isn’t doing it any favours.

What’s happening? Overloading makes it hard for the drum to spin properly which can lead to shaking.

What to do:
Step 1: Take a look at your machine’s manual to understand its load capacity.
Step 2: Aim for a happy medium – not too full, not too empty.

3. Unbalanced loads

Got all your towels on one side of the drum? This is a common problem, especially if you’re washing heavy or bulky items.

What’s happening? When the weight isn’t evenly distributed, the drum can spin unevenly, causing the whole machine to wobble.

What to do:
Step 1: Pause the cycle and rearrange the load.
Tip: Wash heavy items like blankets or towels with a couple of lighter items to even things out.

5. Worn-out shock absorbers or suspension springs

With regular use, the internal parts of your washing machine can wear out, especially if it’s been faithfully serving your family for years.

What’s happening? Shock absorbers or suspension springs help keep the drum stable. If they’re damaged, the drum moves more than it should, leading to shaking.

What to do:
Step 1: Call in a professional appliance technician/service agent. Some things are better left to the experts!

Prevention Tips:

To keep your washing machine in top shape make sure to:

• Regularly check that it’s level.
• Avoid overloading and underloading.
• Clean the drum and filters to prevent build-up.

There you have it, a handy guide to taming your shaking washing machine. If you’ve tried these solutions and the problem persists, it's definitely time to call in a professional or look at upgrading your washer.

Shop our range of Washing Machines.