Here's how to level a vibrating washing machine: We'd all like our washing machine to be more fun...but we don't want it to dance or take a walk! Learn how to fix the problem easily.

How to Level A Shaking, Rattling and Rolling Washer

Has your washing machine gone for a walk or vibrated so strongly it banged into a wall? If your washing machine is not perfectly level--with all four legs touching the floor--it can bang and rock back and forth.

This isn't good for the machine and may damage anything near the machine.

Washing machines have adjustable, front leveling legs with a lock nut. You should adjust each leg to the proper height and then tighten the lock nut up against the body of the machine to keep the leg from rotating. After adjusting each leg, lean against the machine and make sure that you feel no movement.Some machines have the same type of legs in the rear that should be adjusted.Keep the machine as close to the floor as possible - the lower it is, the less likely it is to vibrate.

Most machines, however, have "self-adjusting" rear legs. These legs are set by tilting the entire machine forward onto its front legs with the rear legs 3 to 4 inches off the floor and then setting the machine back down. The legs should adjust automatically. If they don't, you may need to tilt the machine forward again and rap on the rear legs with the handle of a hammer to loosen.

All of our homes settle a bit through the years and you may need to level or earth your washer even if it has been in the same location for years.

If you have loaded your washer correctly and it is still dancing, take time to level it again.

Additional Tip

While you are adjusting your washer, take a few minutes and check the level on your dryer. A dryer that is out of level puts more strain on the supports that hold the drum in place. This can result in uneven wear and eventual gaps where clothes can get caught. Use the same steps as those for a washer to level the dryer.

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