It’s common for a washing machine to move or shake during the spin cycle, especially at higher speeds. In most cases, this isn’t a serious fault. The movement is usually caused by an unbalanced load, uneven flooring, or installation issues.
While strong shaking can be alarming, it’s often easy to correct.
The Most Common Reasons This Happens
1. An Unbalanced Load
The most common reason for shaking is uneven laundry distribution. Heavy items like towels or bedding can bunch together, causing the drum to spin unevenly.
If the machine also makes loud banging noises, see Why Is My Washing Machine So Loud?
2. The Machine Isn’t Level
If a washing machine isn’t sitting evenly on the floor, it may rock during high-speed spins. Even slight unevenness can cause noticeable vibration.
Check that all feet are adjusted properly and touching the floor firmly.
3. Shipping Bolts Not Removed
New washing machines have shipping bolts installed to protect the drum during transport. If these aren’t removed during installation, the machine can shake violently.
This is especially common with recently installed units.
4. Worn Shock Absorbers
Over time, internal shock absorbers can wear out. When this happens, the drum isn’t stabilised properly during spinning.
This is less common but possible in older machines.
5. Overloading the Drum
Putting too many items in the machine can overload the drum, increasing vibration during spin cycles.
If the machine also struggles to spin properly, see Why Is My Washing Machine Not Spinning? (future internal link)
Is This Normal?
Some vibration during spinning is completely normal.
It’s normal if:
• Movement only happens during high-speed spin
• The machine returns to stable operation afterward
• There are no error codes
It may not be normal if:
• The machine moves across the floor
• Loud banging happens every cycle
• You notice leaking water
When Should You Worry?
You should investigate further if:
• The shaking gets worse over time
• The machine makes grinding noises
• Water leaks during operation
• The drum seems loose
Persistent violent shaking may indicate internal wear.
What You Can Do
If your washing machine is shaking, you can:
• Redistribute laundry evenly
• Avoid overloading
• Check that the machine is level
• Ensure shipping bolts were removed
• Inspect the floor surface
If shaking continues despite these checks, a technician can inspect internal components.
In most situations, a shaking washing machine is caused by load imbalance or installation issues rather than serious damage. Simple adjustments usually restore smooth operation.
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