Front-load washers can shake a lot if they are not properly balanced, leveled, or installed. However, with some simple adjustments and maintenance, you can reduce the shaking and enjoy a smooth and quiet washing experience. In this article, we will explain why front-load washers shake, how to prevent or fix the problem, and what are the benefits of choosing a front-load washer over a top-load washer.
Front-load washers use a horizontal drum that spins at high speeds to wash and dry the clothes. This means that the weight of the clothes and the water is distributed unevenly inside the drum, creating a lot of vibration and movement. If the washer is not balanced or leveled on the floor, the vibration can cause the washer to shake, wobble, or even walk across the room. This can damage the washer, the floor, and the surrounding objects, as well as create a lot of noise and annoyance.
Another reason why front-load washers can shake is that they are not installed correctly. For example, if the shipping bolts or straps that secure the drum during transportation are not removed before using the washer, they can interfere with the normal operation of the drum and cause excessive shaking. Similarly, if the washer is not connected to a suitable power outlet, water supply, or drain hose, it can affect the performance and stability of the washer.
How to Prevent or Fix a Shaking Front-Load Washer?
Fortunately, there are some easy ways to prevent or fix a shaking front-load washer. Here are some tips to follow:
Balance and level the washer. Make sure the washer is placed on a flat, solid, and even surface. Use a level tool to check if the washer is horizontal and adjust the feet of the washer if needed. You can also use anti-vibration pads or mats under the feet of the washer to absorb some of the vibration and noise.
Remove the shipping bolts or straps. If you have a new washer, make sure to remove the shipping bolts or straps that hold the drum in place during transportation. Refer to the user manual or contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to do this. If you have an old washer, check if the drum is loose or damaged and replace it if necessary.
Check the power outlet, water supply, and drain hose. Make sure the washer is plugged into a grounded, three-pronged power outlet that can handle the voltage and current of the washer. Also, make sure the water supply valves are fully open and the water pressure is adequate. Finally, make sure the drain hose is not kinked, clogged, or too high above the washer, as this can cause water to back up into the drum and create imbalance.
Load the washer properly. Avoid overloading or underloading the washer, as this can cause the clothes to clump together and create uneven weight distribution. Try to load the washer with similar-sized and similar-weighted items, and distribute them evenly around the drum. You can also use the appropriate cycle, speed, and detergent for the type and amount of clothes you are washing, as this can improve the washing efficiency and reduce the vibration.
Despite the potential shaking problem, front-load washers have many advantages over top-load washers. Some of the benefits are:
They save water and energy. Front-load washers use less water and detergent than top-load washers, as they only need to fill the bottom part of the drum. This also means they use less energy to heat the water and run the cycles. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, front-load washers can save up to 50% of water and 37% of energy compared to top-load washers.
They are gentle on clothes. Front-load washers do not have an agitator or impeller that can damage or tangle the clothes. Instead, they use gravity and tumbling action to wash the clothes, which is more gentle and effective. This can help preserve the quality and lifespan of your clothes, as well as prevent lint and pilling.
They have more capacity and features. Front-load washers typically have larger drums than top-load washers, which means they can fit more clothes and bulky items, such as blankets, pillows, or comforters. They also have more options and features, such as steam, sanitize, or allergen cycles, that can enhance the washing performance and convenience.
Conclusion
Front-load washers can shake a lot if they are not properly balanced, leveled, or installed. However, with some simple adjustments and maintenance, you can reduce the shaking and enjoy a smooth and quiet washing experience. Front-load washers also have many benefits over top-load washers, such as saving water and energy, being gentle on clothes, and having more capacity and features. Therefore, if you are looking for a new washer, you might want to consider a front-load washer for your laundry needs.
