How to Fix a Noisy Washing Machine: Common Causes and Solutions
A washing machine that bangs, rattles, squeals or vibrates excessively is both annoying and potentially a sign of a problem that could worsen over time. The good news is that many noisy washing machine issues have simple causes and straightforward DIY fixes. This guide covers the most common noise types and what to do about each.
Rattling or Banging During the Spin Cycle
Most likely cause: Unbalanced load. A single heavy item (a duvet, jeans, towels) can clump to one side of the drum during the spin cycle, causing significant vibration and banging.
Fix: Pause the cycle, redistribute the load evenly around the drum, and restart. Wash heavy items with other items of similar weight to keep the load balanced. Never spin a single heavy item alone.
Rattling or Clunking on All Cycles
Most likely cause: Foreign object in the drum or pump. Coins, screws, bra underwires, buttons and small objects commonly end up in the pump filter or drum, causing rattling sounds as the drum rotates.
Fix: Check the drum interior thoroughly. Then check the pump filter (usually behind a panel at the front base of the machine) — unscrew, drain the water, and remove any objects. Always check pockets before washing.
Vibration and Thumping (Throughout)
Most likely cause: Machine not level. All washing machines have adjustable feet. If the machine is not perfectly level on the floor, it will vibrate and move during the spin cycle.
Fix: Use a spirit level on top of the machine. Adjust the threaded feet by hand (most turn anti-clockwise to lower, clockwise to raise). Lock each foot with its locking nut once level. Place a rubber anti-vibration mat under the machine for further noise reduction.
Squealing or Screeching Sound
Most likely cause: Worn drum bearings. When drum bearings wear out, they produce a high-pitched squealing or grinding sound during the spin cycle. This is a mechanical failure that worsens over time.
Test: Open the door, push the drum up and down — if there's notable play (movement), the bearings are worn.
Fix: Bearing replacement is a significant repair requiring disassembly of the drum. For machines under 5 years old, repair is worthwhile. For machines 7+ years old, replacement may be more economical.
Grinding or Scraping Sound
Most likely cause: Worn drum paddles (lifters) or a foreign object between drum and tub. The plastic paddles inside the drum can crack and begin scraping against the outer tub. A bra underwire that has escaped between the drum and outer tub is a classic cause of metallic scraping sounds.
Fix: Check all drum paddles for cracks or breaks and replace if needed. For a suspected underwire, a service technician may need to access the gap between the drum and tub.
Humming or Buzzing (During Fill)
Most likely cause: Water inlet valve partially blocked. Mineral build-up in the inlet valve filter screens can restrict water flow and cause a buzzing or humming sound as water is forced through the restriction.
Fix: Turn off the water supply, unscrew the inlet hoses from the machine (keep a towel handy), and check/clean the small mesh screens inside the inlet connections. These can be gently cleaned with an old toothbrush.
Loud Vibration on Floorboards or Upstairs
Washing machines installed on timber floorboards or upper floors can transmit vibration very effectively through the structure. This is a structure transmission issue, not a machine fault.
Fix: Place a high-density rubber anti-vibration mat under the machine. These are inexpensive (around $20–40) and dramatically reduce structural vibration transmission.
When to Call a Technician
Call a technician for: drum bearing replacement, pump motor faults, motor brush replacement, or if loud banging sounds appear suddenly during the spin cycle (indicating potential drum spider arm failure — the frame that holds the drum can fracture).
Need a New Washing Machine?
If your machine is old and repairs are costly, upgrading to a new model could be the right decision. Oceania Appliances stocks the full range of washing machines from LG, Samsung, Bosch, AEG, Electrolux, Miele and Fisher & Paykel. Free delivery across Sydney. Visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park, call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, or email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au.