Walk This Way: What to Do if Your Washing Machine Won't Stay Still
If every time your washing machine starts a spin cycle, it also starts to take a walk across the room, you are probably wondering what you can do about this. Below is a guide that will help you to balance the machine so that it stands still.
Make sure you have tools and a friend to help
You will need the following before you can begin work:
- A wrench
- A spirit level
- A block of wood
- A friend to help you lift the washing machine
Empty and unplug the washing machine
You should ensure that the machine doesn't contain any clothes and that it is disconnected from the power supply.
Lift up the rear of washing machine
You and your friend should stand on opposite sides of the washing machine. Count to three and then lift the rear of the machine up before setting it back down. The legs on modern washing machines are designed to self-level, so this may fix things.
Check if the machine is level
Place the spirit level on top of the washing machine to check if it is now level. Next, check the rear and the sides are also levels. If it is level, the machine should no longer move during a spin. If the machine is not level, you should proceed to the next step.
Lift up the front of washing machine
Ask your friend to help you to lift the front of the washing machine. Once the machine has been lifted, slide the block of wood underneath using your foot to keep this side raised from the floor.
Make adjustments to the front legs
Compare the front legs of the washing machine to the rear then raise or lower them until they look level. Then lift the machine and remove the block of wood before gently placing it back on the ground.
Check if the machine is level
Use the spirit level to check if the machine is level. If the machine is not level, make a note of which direction it is leaning and repeat the previous steps, using the block of wood to lift up the front of the machine. Continue to make slight adjustments to the legs until the washer is completely level.
If your washing machine continues to walk away once you have levelled out its legs, this is a sign of a bigger problem. If you have been overloading your machine, you may have damaged the motor, causing the washing machine to become unbalanced. If this is the case, you should contact a professional washing machine repair company.