Does your washing machine make the floors vibrate and the walls rattle? Maybe it seems to move halfway across the laundry room by the time the spin cycle finishes. That excessive washer movement usually comes from an imbalance issue, improper installation, or worn-out parts. 

Fortunately, most of these problems are surprisingly simple to fix yourself. This guide walks you through the safety steps first, then the DIY fixes that actually work on a shaking washing machine. We’ll also cover when it’s time to stop tinkering and call in a professional like us.

First Steps When Your Washer Starts Vibrating Out of Control

If your washing machine is shaking violently, stop the cycle immediately and unplug it from the power source. Appliance safety comes before troubleshooting. A washer vibrating out of control can damage your floors, rip hoses, or even cause electrical problems if the power cord gets yanked from the wall.

Here’s what to do before you even think about troubleshooting or adjusting anything:

Immediate Actions

• Unplug the machine. Don’t just hit the pause button. Pull the plug. A washer walking during the spin cycle can strain the cord or create a short.
• Never open the door mid-spin, especially on front-load models. The drum is spinning at high speed, and stopping it suddenly can damage the motor or release a flood of water onto your floor.

Quick Visual Check (After Unplugging)

• Water on the floor: Even a small puddle means a hose connection is loose or leaking. In the humid Southeast, standing water can lead to mold growth within just 48 hours.
• Stretched or pinched hoses: If your washer has been walking, the fill and drain hoses may have pulled tight or kinked. A pinched hose can burst during the next cycle.
• Power cord strain: Look where the cord enters the outlet. Is it bent at a weird angle? That’s a fire hazard.

Before You Touch Anything Else

Always cut power before inspecting internal components. Your washer might look calm now, but capacitors and electrical systems can still hold a charge.

Once you’ve done this quick safety sweep, you’re ready to figure out what’s actually causing the problem. A safe start makes every step that follows easier (and cheaper) to fix.

Common Causes of Washing Machine Shaking

The most common causes of a shaking washer include unbalanced loads, uneven flooring, loose installation hardware, or worn suspension components. Whether you’ve got a top-loader or a front-loader, the core issues tend to fall into one of these categories. 

Once you’ve ruled out immediate safety hazards, identifying the specific cause becomes straightforward. Here’s what’s probably making your washer shake itself across the room:

Unbalanced Load

An unbalanced load is the primary cause of a washing machine that shakes. A heavy, wet comforter that shifts to one side of the drum with nothing on the other creates a lopsided spin, throwing everything off. 

Oversized, heavy items are the worst offenders (coats, blankets, rugs, etc.). They clump together during the wash cycle, creating an uneven weight distribution that causes the drum to wobble violently.

Many homeowners are surprised to find out that tiny loads can cause the same problem, but we see that all the time. Washing a single pair of jeans? The drum can’t distribute the weight evenly, so it bangs around trying to find balance.

On high-speed spin, an unbalanced load puts stress on internal parts and can shorten the life of your machine. So, be careful to distribute your laundry evenly and don’t overload the washer.

Washer Not Level

Washers need to be perfectly level. It must sit evenly from front to back and from side to side. If one corner is even slightly higher than the others, the drum will tilt during spin and hit the sides of the cabinet. 

Most washers have adjustable leveling feet on the bottom. Twist them to raise or lower each corner until the machine is perfectly level.

The leveling feet underneath can shift after installation, especially if they weren’t locked in tightly. Over time, even a slightly uneven floor can cause those feet to loosen.

Shipping Bolts Still Installed (Front-Loaders Only)

Did you recently buy a front-load washer that shakes from day one? Check for shipping bolts. These metal rods stabilize the drum during transport and are supposed to be removed before the drum is used for the first time. If they’re still in, your front-load washer shakes because the drum can’t move freely.

Worn Suspension Parts

Washers use shock absorbers or suspension rods to dampen drum movement during the spin cycle. Eventually, these wear out. 

When they fail, the drum bounces wildly inside the cabinet. You’ll hear metal-on-metal clanging or feel the entire machine rocking back and forth if your washer’s suspension parts need replacing.

Loose or Damaged Pedestal or Stacking Kit

Stacked washer-dryer setups or pedestal bases make laundry feel more ergonomic. However, if those brackets or bolts come loose, the whole thing becomes unstable.

This happens a lot after moves, when the stacking kit or pedestal gets reattached but not fully secured.

We see this all the time, especially in second-floor laundry rooms or tight utility closets. If your washer was recently installed or moved and now shakes, we can inspect your setup and make sure everything’s leveled and secure.  

Uneven or Flexible Flooring

Second-floor laundry rooms in the Southeast often have this problem. Wood subfloors flex under the weight of a spinning washer, which exacerbates the shaking. 

Washers need a stable, solid base to function correctly. Concrete floors rarely cause issues, but anything with give (like vinyl over plywood) acts like a trampoline. If the floor under your washer flexes or vibrates easily, even slight imbalances become loud, violent shaking.

This isn’t always something you can see at a glance, but it’s a major reason for washer instability, especially in older homes or homes with lightweight subfloors.

Overloading or Underloading

Cramming your washer full can seem efficient because you don’t have to run as many loads. However, stuffing the drum past the fill line overworks the motor and prevents it from spinning correctly. 

The washer, being out of balance, tries to compensate (which creates violent shaking). 

Meanwhile, washing two towels in a machine designed for 15 pounds of laundry leaves too much empty space for the drum to stabilize.

Worn Bearings or Spider Assembly

This is an aging washer problem. The drum bearing allows smooth rotation. When it wears out, you’ll hear a loud grinding noise along with the shaking. The spider assembly (a metal support behind the drum) can crack or corrode, especially in humid climates. Both issues require advanced repairs.

Sometimes the fix is as simple as adjusting the feet. Other times, it’s catching a worn part before it fails completely. No matter the issue, we can quickly figure it out and save you the headache of a full washer replacement.

How to Fix a Shaking Washing Machine Yourself

You can fix most washer shaking problems by rebalancing the load, leveling the unit, or tightening hardware. Once you’ve ruled out major part failures, the next step is hands-on (but still beginner-friendly!). 

With a few basic tools and a little patience, most homeowners can get their washer stable again without calling in backup.

That said, this isn’t the time to rush. A live outlet, a heavy machine, and a tight laundry closet? That combo can turn ugly fast. Take it slow, cut the power first, and keep your fingers away from moving parts.

Rebalance the Load

A few tweaks can stop the washer from slamming around:

• Remove heavy items and break them into smaller loads
• Add a towel or two if you’re washing just one bulky thing
• Pause and rearrange if the drum starts thumping halfway through

It’s always better to redistribute than restart the entire cycle. That alone fixes more shaking issues than you’d think.

Level the Washer

Leveling the washer is a huge problem (and often missed).

• Use a bubble level on top of the washer, front to back and side to side
• Adjust the leveling feet by twisting them in or out
• Tighten the lock nuts once everything’s flush

Our simplest tip: Push on the corners after leveling. If it rocks, it’s not ready.

Remove Shipping Bolts

If you just got a new front-loader and it’s rattling like a freight train, check the back panel.

• Look for metal bolts in a square or rectangular pattern
• Check your manual or search your washer model online to locate the shipping bolts
• Use a wrench or socket to remove the shipping bolts before running another cycle

Tighten Pedestals and Stacking Kits

Stacked or pedestal washers need extra security:

• Check for loose mounting screws under the washer or in the back
• Tighten all brackets or clips (especially after a move)

Stabilize the Floor

If your floor flexes, help the washer out by:

• Adding anti-vibration pads for the washer feet
• Using a 3/4″ plywood platform to create a more solid base on soft subfloors

How to Prevent Washer Vibration in the Future

Preventing washer vibration starts with proper loading, occasional leveling checks, and basic maintenance. Most homeowners think the problem is solved once the shaking stops, but keeping it from coming back requires building a few simple habits into your routine.

Here’s how to keep your washer stable every time you run a load of laundry:

• Load according to your manual. Don’t stuff the drum or run tiny loads. Follow the manufacturer’s weight recommendations to avoid stressing the motor and suspension.
• Use high-spin only with balanced loads. High-efficiency cycles work great when the drum is properly balanced. Mixed with an uneven load, they make the shaking worse.
• Re-check leveling feet seasonally. Feet can shift over time, especially on wood floors. A quick bubble-level check every few months keeps things stable.
• Keep the washer clear of walls and cords. Leave a small gap behind the washer so it doesn’t bang into the wall during spin. Make sure hoses and power cords have slack.
• Place your washer on solid flooring. If you’re installing a new washer on a second floor or flexible subfloor, use anti-vibration pads or a plywood platform from day one.
• Run self-clean cycles regularly. Residue buildup can throw off drum balance. Clean washers run smoother.
• Use the right detergent. HE washers need HE detergent. Regular detergent creates excess suds that mess with the spin cycle.

These small steps keep your washer running quietly and extend its lifespan. If you have kids, pets, or a second-floor laundry setup, staying ahead of vibration problems saves you from unnecessary headaches, major repairs, and premature replacement.

When to Call a Professional for Washer Vibration Issues

If your washer still shakes after you’ve tried everything above, it’s time to call a licensed appliance repair professional. 

At this point, continuing to run it could cause more damage to either the machine or your home. You’ve done the cost-effective thing by trying to troubleshoot it yourself. Now it’s time to protect your investment.

Let’s look at a few signs it’s time to stop DIYing and start dialing.

1. Shaking That Keeps Coming Back

You’ve leveled the feet, added anti-vibration pads, and rearranged the laundry … but the washer still vibrates and shuffles across the room every time it spins. If the vibration returns after every “fix,” something deeper is going on, and it probably won’t go away on its own.

2. Worn Parts That Can’t Be Accessed Easily

Bad bearings. Broken shock absorbers. A cracked spider arm behind the drum. These aren’t easy to diagnose unless you know what to look for. Trying to replace them yourself can be risky and expensive. In some cases, removing the drum can make the problem worse if you’re not careful. Definitely hire a professional for this.

3. 2nd Floor Installs That Shake the Whole House

Second-floor laundry setups look great on the blueprint, but when that washer starts moving, your ceiling downstairs feels it. If the floor shakes or the whole house vibrates, call someone who can assess the subfloor and install the washer securely.

4. Stacking Kits or Pedestals That Won’t Stay Tight

If your washer is mounted on a drawer-style pedestal or stacked with a dryer and nothing seems to keep it from rattling, a professional can disassemble and re-secure the setup properly. Sometimes the issue is hidden inside the frame, not something visible from the outside.

5. Electrical, Plumbing, or Control Issues

If you smell burning plastic, see sparks, or hear strange noises while the washer shakes, shut it down and do not turn it back on. That’s not a vibration issue. It’s an appliance repair emergency.

The same goes if the washer stops mid-cycle, refuses to drain, or gives you control board errors. You’ll need a licensed technician to open it up, test for faults, and repair or replace parts safely.

Professional Washer Repair Services in the Southeast

We’re here when you’re ready to hand it off. Our licensed, insured appliance repair technicians serve Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, and Georgia, and we work on most major washer brands. We handle washer installation, appliance leveling, and can refer you for complex repairs if needed.

Request an appointment here to experience the thrill of a smooth spin cycle … and the crushing boredom of doing laundry again.