How to Fix a Noisy Washing Machine

There are few household sounds more disruptive than a washing machine that’s decided to start its own heavy metal band. That sudden, violent thumping during the spin cycle or the persistent scraping sound can make you think a major appliance catastrophe is imminent. It’s enough to make you want to stop doing laundry altogether.

But before you start budgeting for a costly repair or a brand-new machine, I’ve got some good news for you. Most of the time, a noisy washing machine is not a sign of impending doom. In fact, the most common causes are surprisingly simple to fix yourself in under 30 minutes with just a couple of basic tools—or sometimes, no tools at all!

Whether your washer is vibrating violently, making a scraping noise, or just seems off-balance, we’re here to help you diagnose the problem and fix it. Think of me as your friendly expert on the other end of the line, walking you through each step to restore peace and quiet to your laundry room.

Why is My Washing Machine So Loud? Common Causes

Before we roll up our sleeves, let's quickly go over the usual suspects behind a noisy washer. Understanding what might be wrong can help you zero in on the solution faster.

• An Unbalanced Load: This is the number one cause of a washing machine thumping during the spin cycle. When heavy items like towels, jeans, or bedding clump together on one side of the drum, it throws the machine off-balance as it spins at high speeds.
• The Machine Isn't Level: If your washing machine isn't perfectly level on the floor, it will vibrate and shake, especially during the spin cycle. Over time, vibrations can cause the machine’s feet to shift, so a once-level machine might need readjusting.
• Foreign Objects in the Drum: Have you ever wondered where that missing sock or loose change went? Sometimes, small items can get trapped in the washer drum or between the drum and the tub, causing scraping or rattling sounds. Coins, buttons, and bra underwires are common culprits.
• Worn Internal Parts: If the noise is more of a grinding or humming that has gotten progressively worse, it could point to a more serious internal issue like worn-out drum bearings or a problem with the motor. These issues typically require a professional technician.

Now that we know what we’re listening for, let’s start troubleshooting.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Noisy Washing Machine

We'll approach this like a detective. First, we'll gather clues to pinpoint the problem, and then we'll move on to the fix.

Step 1: The Initial Assessment—When Does the Noise Happen?

Our first task is to figure out when the noise is occurring. Is it a constant scraping sound throughout the wash, or a violent banging that only happens during the final spin? This distinction is key to finding the right solution.

1. Listen Closely: The next time you run a load, pay attention to which cycle the noise appears in.
2. Perform a Manual Check: If it's safe to do so, press the pause button on your machine and wait for the drum to come to a complete stop.
3. Unplug the Machine: For safety, always unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet before putting your hands inside.
4. Rotate the Drum by Hand: Open the lid or door and manually spin the empty drum. Do you hear or feel any scraping or grinding? Does it feel loose or wobbly?
5. Run a Test Cycle: Plug the machine back in and start a short rinse-and-spin cycle with the machine empty. Stay nearby and listen.

Did you notice the noise happens only during the spin cycle? If so, proceed to the next section. If the noise is continuous or you heard scraping when turning the drum by hand, you can skip ahead to the "Troubleshooting Continuous Scraping or Rattling" section.

Step 2: How to Fix Thumping or Banging During the Spin Cycle

A washer that sounds like it’s trying to escape the laundry room during the spin cycle is almost always caused by an unbalanced load or unlevel feet.

First, Check for an Unbalanced Load

This is the easiest fix, so let's start here. High-speed spinning exaggerates any imbalance, causing the entire machine to shake violently.

1. Press the pause button during the noisy spin and wait for the drum to stop.
2. Open the door and look at how the clothes are distributed. Are all the heavy towels lumped on one side?
3. Manually move the clothes around the drum, distributing the weight as evenly as possible.
4. If the load is very large and tightly packed, consider removing a few heavy items. Overloading is a common cause of imbalance.
5. Close the door and press the start button to resume the cycle.

If the noise is gone, you’ve found your culprit! Going forward, try to mix large and small items in each load to help prevent imbalance. If the thumping continues, it’s time to check if the machine is level.

Next, Level Your Washing Machine

An unlevel washing machine will vibrate and rock back and forth, creating a tremendous amount of noise. You'll need a 4-foot level for this check, and possibly an adjustable wrench.

1. Unplug the machine for safety.
2. Place your level on the top front edge of the washer. The bubble should be perfectly centered between the lines.
3. Next, place the level on the top side edge, checking from front to back. Again, the bubble should be centered.
4. If the bubble is off-center in either direction, the machine is not level. The front feet are adjustable to fix this.
5. Have a helper tilt the washer back slightly so the front feet lift off the floor.
6. Rotate the leveling feet by hand (clockwise to lower, counter-clockwise to raise) until they are firm against the floor. Most washing machines have self-adjusting rear feet, so you only need to worry about the front.
7. Gently set the machine back down and use your level to check again. Make small adjustments with your wrench until the bubble is centered in both front-to-back and side-to-side positions.
8. Once level, plug the machine in and run a spin-only cycle to test it.

If your laundry room is now blissfully quiet, congratulations! You’ve fixed the problem.

Step 3: How to Silence Continuous Scraping or Rattling Noises

If your machine makes a rattling or scraping sound throughout the wash cycle, it’s likely a foreign object has found its way into the drum.

1. Unplug the washer.
2. Open the door and carefully inspect the inside of the drum. Look for any visible items like coins, keys, or buttons.
3. For front-loading machines, gently pull back the rubber gasket around the door opening and check in the folds. This is a notorious trap for small items.
4. Use a flashlight to look into the holes of the drum to see if anything is stuck just beneath the surface.
5. After removing any objects you find, plug the machine back in and run an empty rinse-and-spin cycle.

If the noise is gone, you’ve successfully removed the intruder! To prevent this in the future, get in the habit of checking all pockets before doing laundry. If the noise persists, an unlevel machine could also be the cause, so go back and perform the leveling steps described above.

When Is It Time to Call a Professional?

You’ve redistributed the load, leveled the machine, and cleared out any foreign objects, but the noise just won’t quit. If you’ve tried all the DIY steps above and the sound continues—especially if it’s a loud grinding or humming noise—it’s likely a sign of a more serious mechanical issue. This could be:

• Worn-out drum bearings
• A failing drive belt
• A malfunctioning motor coupling
• Broken suspension springs

These repairs are complex and require specialized tools and expertise. Hiring a professional appliance repair technician is your safest and most effective option. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost for a professional washing machine repair can range from $150 to $350, which is often far more affordable than buying a new machine.

Take Control of Your Home Maintenance with Casa

Fixing a noisy washing machine is a huge win for any homeowner. It saves you money, gives you a sense of accomplishment, and restores tranquility to your home. But it’s just one of the many tasks that come with homeownership.

For more easy-to-follow DIY guides, personalized maintenance reminders, and a simple way to connect with vetted, trusted professionals for the jobs you can’t handle yourself, download the Casa app today! Casa is designed to make you a more confident and capable homeowner, giving you the support you need to tackle any project, big or small.