Normally a washing machine should not vibrate so hard that it seems like it is running away. If it does, then you should investigate. There is a big chance that something is wrong. With these tips, you can at least rule out things.

What should you do if your washing machine vibrates? Try the following things to rule out problems. It is always possible that something is broken.

• Place the washing machine upright (and use a spirit level if necessary)
• Remove the shipping bolts (if you haven’t already)
• Check the filters
• Next time try to distribute the laundry better

There are few things as annoying as a washing machine that doesn’t cooperate. The laundry comes out too wet, starts to smell, or isn’t completely clean. In any case, if there is a problem, you will usually notice it quickly. Usually, the washing machine starts to vibrate more violently than it normally does. However, that could mean anything. Of course, something could be broken, but before we draw that conclusion, we are going to rule out a few things first. This way, you may avoid unnecessary costs.

Place the washing machine upright.

One of the most common causes of a vibrating washing machine is a washing machine that is not level. By that, we mean: not level. If you notice a lot of vibration during your daily or weekly washes, then that is one of the first things you can check. You can do this by leaning on the washing machine. If you can rock the appliance back and forth a bit, then it is time to check the adjustable feet. You can also use a spirit level. If the bubble is not (enough) in the middle, then you know what to do.

Remove the shipping bolts.

Is your washing machine perfectly straight, but still banging and vibrating? Then you may have forgotten to remove the transport bolts. Now, we can hardly imagine that, since sellers install the washing machine correctly after delivery – but it is worth checking. These bolts are used to keep the drum in place during transport. And if you leave them in, you could damage everything. Consult your machine’s manual to see where the bolts are and how to remove them.

Check the filters

Are the bolts removed and are you sure that the washing machine is level? Then it is time to check the filters, especially if you have been using the machine for months. These filters are used to collect all kinds of dirt, which can cause them to become clogged over time. This can cause problems in the long run, as the appliance can no longer get rid of its dirt properly. If you are checking the filters, also check that the hoses are not clogged and let the water drain from the drain at the bottom.

Divide the laundry better next time.

If you are sure that you have done everything possible to prevent the washing machine from vibrating, but it still vibrates, it is probably due to the way you have loaded the drum. For example, if you are washing a pillow in addition to normal laundry, one side of the drum will be heavier than the other. Are you busy with your bedding? Then a ball of laundry can form in the drum, which can go crazy. The weight of the dirty laundry in combination with the fast spinning causes the washing machine to move.

What if your washing machine is broken?

Of course, it could be that you are too late or unlucky and that your washing machine is broken anyway. But it could also be that there is a malfunction somewhere. In that case, you may not need to call a technician right away. That depends entirely on the error code that the model presents. Most washing machines can present error codes via a screen, which you can then look up online or in the manual. Usually, it also states what you need to do to solve the problem. More modern washing machines have an app for that.

If even the solutions for the error codes do not work, then it is time to call a technician. Remember that you have a minimum of two years warranty (according to European regulations) and that some manufacturers offer a longer warranty if you register the washing machine on the brand website immediately after purchase. However, because the washing machine has one task, the problems often look the same. This makes it difficult to estimate what is happening under the hood. But with these tips, you can estimate much better what you can expect.