Washing Machine Shaking Violently? 4 Reasons Why

1. Unbalanced Load

One of the main reasons a washer rocks and vibrates during spinning is the uneven distribution of weight inside the drum. This can cause intense movement, sometimes enough to make the whole unit shift from its place. It often happens when washing oversized items like bedding, cushions, or bulky garments, but even a typical load with uneven distribution can lead to the same result.

How to Fix It

To resolve an imbalance during a wash cycle, stop the machine and adjust the contents so they’re spread out more evenly. In top-load models, this means arranging items around the drum in a balanced way. Front-loaders can be trickier—clothes often twist together, which throws things off. In that case, it’s best to remove everything, separate tangled items, reload the drum, and resume the cycle. Overloading the washer is another common culprit. Removing a few pieces can make a significant difference in how smoothly the machine operates, even in high-capacity designs.

2. Machine Out of Level

If your washer keeps bouncing or rattling aggressively during spin cycles, no matter what you’re washing, the issue might not be with the laundry at all. Most units sit on four adjustable feet, and while their flexibility is helpful for leveling, they can shift slightly over time. Everyday operation causes small vibrations that may loosen the nuts securing those feet, gradually throwing the machine off balance without you noticing.

How to Fix It

Place a level across the top of the washer—first front to back, then side to side—to check for unevenness. If the bubble isn’t centered, it’s a sign the feet need adjusting. You can also try gently shifting the machine; any wobbling means at least one foot isn’t making solid contact. Use pliers to tweak each foot individually, checking for balance after every adjustment. Keep making small changes until the washer sits firmly and stays steady when pushed. Once everything’s aligned, secure the lock nuts to hold the position.

3. Shipping Bolts

A brand-new washer that starts shaking right after setup might still have some of the transport bolts installed—these are used to keep the drum stable during delivery and need to be removed before use.

How to Fix It

Check the rear side of the washer—if transport bolts are still in place, they’ll resemble standard bolts but often come with labels for identification. Use a wrench or socket to twist them out counterclockwise. Keep these bolts in a safe place in case the washer needs to be moved again in the future.

4. Mechanical Failure

Washing machines rely on several internal components that keep the drum stable while it spins. Over time, parts such as springs, dampers, bearings, or support pads can wear out or break. When any of these fail—especially those connected to the drum—the washer can start shaking excessively during operation.

How to Fix It

To spot signs of mechanical trouble, try spinning the drum manually or running the washer without any clothes inside. Unusual noises like banging, grinding, or scraping during the test usually point to internal damage. If you hear anything out of the ordinary, it’s best to have an SD Appliance Repair technician take a look. Depending on the issue, repair costs can range from moderate to fairly high.

When to Call a Pro

If your washing machine continues to shake violently despite attempting basic adjustments, the problem likely requires more advanced attention. Although some repairs can be done by owners, fixing these issues usually demands expert skills. That’s why most people prefer to hire a professional SD Appliance Repair technician to diagnose and resolve the problem safely.