What to do if the washing machine wobbles a lot

During the spin cycle, washing machines sometimes wobble violently back and forth photo: getty images

By laura graichen | 25. January 2022, 11:50 am

During the spin cycle of the washing machine, the water is pressed out of the textiles. However, it can happen that the machine wobbles strongly in the process. There are a number of possible causes.

If the washing machine wobbles back and forth during the spin cycle, this may be due to a malfunction of the appliance. Important in advance: before investigating why the washing machine is wobbling, be sure to disconnect it from the power supply. It is also a good idea to check the instructions beforehand to make sure which parts are where and how to properly disassemble, inspect or clean them. It is also advisable to place a rubber mat underneath the washing machine to cushion the wobble. In this article, myhomebook explains the causes of excessive wobble- and what you can do about it.

1. Cause: washing drum loaded unevenly

If the laundry is not evenly distributed in the drum, so-called imbalance occurs. This ensures that the weight is not properly distributed during the spin cycle what causes the washing machine to wobble. This happens especially with materials that soak up more water than others COTTON.

The test: a test run can clarify whether this is the explanation for a strongly wobbling washing machine during the spin cycle. Simply run the machine through empty once and check whether there is still a strong wobble. The advantage with this "problem": it is not a technical defect.

2. Cause: load weighs too much

Each washing machine has a maximum load weight. The capacity is usually limited to six to nine kilograms. If you put too much laundry in the drum, the machine will have difficulty spinning. For more information about the maximum weight of the load, see the instruction manual.

3. Cause: the washing machine is crooked

A washing machine must stand straight. An uneven floor or improperly adjusted feet may cause the washer to sit at an angle- which makes it shake a lot during the spin cycle. In addition, it may no longer stand straight on the rubber mat.

The test: simply place a spirit level on top of the washing machine and check that it is level. If not, either level the floor with a mat or adjust the feet underneath the machine. Sometimes the rubber caps that go with it have also worn out- in this case they must be replaced.

4. Cause: defective drain pump

If the drain pump is not working, the wash water cannot drain out of the drum and again there is an imbalance. Consequence: the washing machine wobbles a lot. Either the pump is merely clogged or it is simply defective.

The test: to rule out a defect, the lint filter should first be checked and thoroughly cleaned. If this is not contaminated, the pump must be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary.

5. Cause: counterweights are not seated

Every washing machine is equipped with counterweights to prevent strong wobbling. However, if the weights are badly fixed or have been damaged over time, they can no longer prevent the washing machine from wobbling during the spin cycle.

Note: there is a clear sign that the counterweights are the problem: the washing machine becomes very noisy, moves visibly, and there is a sound like a hammer blowing.

6. Cause: broken motor tachometer

The meter determines the speed of rotation of the washing machine motor. If it has a defect, the machine spins and then stops abruptly. In this case, the motor tachometer must be replaced.