I’ll never forget the first time my washing machine started making crazy noises. At first, it was a mild thumping, then a loud banging, and finally—what sounded like a jet engine taking off in my laundry room. I thought the whole thing was going to explode.
If your washing machine is making weird noises, I get it—it’s annoying, stressful, and possibly terrifying. But here’s the good news: Most noisy washer problems are easy to fix. You don’t need to call a repairman (at least, not yet).
Let’s go step by step and figure out what’s causing the racket—and more importantly, how to stop it.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Noise (This Tells You A Lot!)
First things first—what kind of noise is it making? Different sounds mean different problems, so listen carefully while the machine is running.
🔹 A loud banging or thumping? – The washer might be unbalanced.
🔹 A high-pitched squealing? – A worn-out belt or bearings could be the issue.
🔹 A grinding noise? – Something might be stuck between the drum and the tub.
🔹 A loud humming or buzzing? – The drain pump might be clogged.
Now that you have an idea of the sound, let’s fix it!
Step 2: Check If the Washer Is Level (Seriously, This Fixes Most Noises!)
Unbalanced washers are one of the biggest culprits of loud banging and thumping noises. If your washer is shaking like crazy, this might be the problem.
How to Fix It:
1️⃣ Pause the cycle and open the lid.
2️⃣ Redistribute the laundry – If everything is piled on one side, shift the clothes around evenly.
3️⃣ Check if the machine is level. Place your hand on top and try to rock it back and forth—if it moves, it’s not level.
4️⃣ Adjust the legs. Most washers have adjustable feet at the bottom. Turn them clockwise to lower or counterclockwise to raise until the washer sits evenly on the floor.
💡 Pro Tip: If your washer is on a slippery floor, try placing a rubber mat underneath to reduce vibrations.
Step 3: Check for Loose Coins or Objects in the Drum
I once had a washing machine that made an awful clanking sound every time it spun. Turns out, I had left a few coins in my jeans pocket, and they got stuck inside the drum.
How to Fix It:
1️⃣ Check the drum – Run your hand inside to feel for any small objects (coins, hairpins, screws—you’d be surprised!).
2️⃣ Shine a flashlight inside to look for anything wedged between the drum and tub.
3️⃣ If you see something stuck, try using pliers or tweezers to pull it out.
💡 Pro Tip: Always check your pockets before washing clothes. Trust me, your washer (and wallet) will thank you!
Step 4: Inspect the Washer Belt (If It’s Squealing or Slipping)
If your washer is making a high-pitched squealing noise, it could be a worn-out drive belt. Over time, belts loosen, crack, or slip off, causing that awful noise.
How to Fix It:
1️⃣ Unplug the washer for safety.
2️⃣ Remove the back panel (usually held in place by a few screws).
3️⃣ Look for the rubber belt that wraps around the motor and drum pulley.
4️⃣ If it looks loose, cracked, or worn out, replace it with a new one.
💡 Pro Tip: Belts are cheap and easy to replace! Just make sure you buy the right size for your model.
Step 5: Check for Worn-Out Drum Bearings (Grinding Noises!)
If your washer makes a grinding or roaring sound when spinning, the drum bearings might be shot. This happened to me once, and I ignored it for too long—until my washer sounded like a dying spaceship.
How to Check the Bearings:
1️⃣ Open the washer door and spin the drum by hand.
2️⃣ If it grinds, wobbles, or feels rough, the bearings are likely worn out.
3️⃣ If the washer leaks from underneath, that’s another sign of bad bearings.
🛠 The Fix:
- Replacing bearings is possible, but it’s a big job. If you’re comfortable with DIY repairs, grab a bearing replacement kit.
- Otherwise, this might be a good time to call a professional.
💡 Pro Tip: If your washer is over 8-10 years old and the bearings are gone, consider replacing the whole machine. The repair cost might not be worth it.
Step 6: Clean Out the Drain Pump (If It’s Buzzing or Humming)
If your washer is buzzing loudly but not draining, the drain pump might be clogged. I once found a sock stuck in mine—yes, an entire sock!
How to Fix It:
1️⃣ Unplug the washer.
2️⃣ Locate the drain pump filter (usually at the front bottom panel).
3️⃣ Unscrew the filter and check for trapped debris—lint, coins, socks (yes, socks!), hair, etc.
4️⃣ Remove any blockages and rinse the filter under water.
💡 Pro Tip: Clean your drain pump filter every 3-6 months to avoid future clogs.
Step 7: Tighten Loose Screws or Bolts
Sometimes, a noisy washer is as simple as loose screws or bolts. Over time, the vibrations from washing cycles can cause things to shake loose.
How to Fix It:
1️⃣ Check the back panel – Tighten any loose screws with a screwdriver.
2️⃣ Look underneath the washer – If any bolts seem loose, tighten them with a wrench.
3️⃣ Check the motor mounts – If they feel loose, secure them back in place.
💡 Pro Tip: A quick “once-over” with a screwdriver can silence a lot of washer noise!
After checking and fixing everything, let’s test it!
✅ Run a small load with just a few towels.
✅ Listen carefully during the cycle—any improvements?
✅ If everything sounds normal, congratulations—you fixed it! 🎉
If the noise persists, go back and double-check each step. Sometimes, one small issue can cause a bigger problem.
A noisy washing machine doesn’t always mean it’s broken. In most cases, it’s just a loose part, an unbalanced load, or something simple like a clogged pump.
✔️ Check if the washer is level.
✔️ Look for loose objects in the drum.
✔️ Inspect the belt and bearings if it’s squealing or grinding.
✔️ Clean the drain pump if it’s buzzing or not draining.
✔️ Tighten any loose screws or bolts.
And remember—don’t ignore strange noises! Fixing them early can save you from bigger (and more expensive) problems later.
Now go silence that noisy washer and enjoy some peaceful laundry days again! 🚀
