If your washer is shaking, your washing machine is shaking violently, or it is walking across the floor, do not panic. Most vibration problems come down to installation, load balance, flooring, or worn suspension parts. This guide shows you how to stop a washing machine moving and how to fix a shaking washer on both front load and top load models, with quick checks and detailed steps.
Fast checklist to stop the movement
- Remove any shipping bolts on a recent install
- Level the cabinet with the levelling legs and tighten the lock nuts
- Balance the load, avoid mixing very heavy items with light ones
- Inspect shock absorbers, suspension springs or rods, snubber ring or wear pads, and tub straps
- Confirm a solid, flat floor or a secured pedestal or stacking kit
Symptoms, likely causes, and quick fixes
| Symptom | Likely cause | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|
| Washer bouncing or walking across the floor | Shipping bolts left in, out of level feet, flexible floor | Remove bolts, level all feet, tighten lock nuts, use anti-vibration pads after basics |
| Washing machine making banging noise when spinning | Unbalanced load, worn shocks, weak suspension rods or springs | Redistribute load, lower spin speed, replace shocks or rods in sets |
| Front load washer vibration at high spin | Loose pedestal or stacking kit, failed shock absorbers | Tighten pedestal and stacking hardware, replace shocks |
| Top load washer shaking or tub hits cabinet | Worn suspension springs, snubber ring, or tub straps | Replace worn parts, re-level cabinet, verify feet are locked |
| Stacked washer dryer shaking | Unsecured brackets, out of level stack, hoses pulling on cabinet | Secure stacking kit, re-level both units, re-route hoses and cord |
Brand new washing machine shaking violently
A brand new washing machine shaking violently or a brand new LG washer shaking violently usually means the transit bolts were not removed. These bolts lock the tub for transport. Remove all shipping hardware per your manual and the shaking often disappears immediately.
Main causes of washer shaking during spin
1) Shipping bolts left in place
Front load tubs need to float on the suspension. If transit bolts stay in, the tub cannot move and the machine will shake. Check the rear panel for bolt holes or plastic spacers and remove them.
2) Out of level cabinet or unlocked feet
If the cabinet rocks, vibration amplifies. Adjust all feet until the washer is level side to side and front to back. Tighten lock nuts to hold the setting.
3) Unbalanced or mixed loads
Bulky items like duvets, bath mats, or a single heavy towel can cause laundry machine shaking. Pause, redistribute, add one or two light items, and choose a lower spin speed for bulky textiles. This is how to balance a washing machine drum quickly in real use.
4) Worn suspension components
- Shock absorbers (front load): weak or leaking shocks cause thumping and walking.
- Suspension springs or rods (top load): stretched parts let the tub hit the cabinet.
- Snubber ring and tub wear pads (some top load): worn pads increase vibration.
- Tub straps (older designs): cracked or stretched straps reduce stabilisation.
Front load washer shaking
For a front load washer shaking or front load washer shaking violently, start with shipping bolts and levelling. Then inspect the shocks at the base of the tub. Replace shocks in pairs. Electrolux owners who notice an Electrolux washer shaking violently on spin cycle should verify pedestal and stacking hardware are tight.
GE, Samsung, LG, Maytag, and Amana examples
A GE washer shaking during spin cycle or a GE washer dryer combo shaking often traces to unlocked feet, an unlevel pedestal, or a drain hose pulling on the cabinet. The same steps apply to a Samsung washer shaking, an LG washer shaking, a Maytag washer shaking, or an Amana washing machine shaking. The fundamentals are identical across brands.
How to fix a shaking washing machine: step by step
- Unplug the washer. Safety first.
- Remove shipping bolts if the unit is new or recently moved.
- Level the cabinet. Place a level on top. Adjust legs until level front to back and side to side. Tighten lock nuts.
- Balance the load. Redistribute items, avoid single heavy articles, select a lower spin for bulky loads.
- Inspect suspension. Check shocks, springs or rods, snubber, and straps for leaks, breaks, or looseness. Replace worn parts in sets.
- Evaluate the floor. Use a solid surface. Secure pedestals and stacking kits. Consider anti vibration pads for washing machine once the basics are correct.
Brand calibration note
Some brands include a calibration mode that learns drum balance after installation. After levelling, run the calibration cycle if your Samsung or LG manual provides one. This can reduce front load washer vibration at high speed.
Stacked or closet installs: extra checks
- Confirm the stacking kit brackets are installed and tightened
- Tighten pedestal bolts and verify the surface is flat
- Ensure the drain hose and water lines do not pull on the cabinet
- Leave required clearances for air and service access
Helpful resources
Brand notes and search phrases we hear from customers
If you searched for washing machine shaking, washing machine shaking violently, or even washing machine shaking like crazy, the steps above apply. Most laundry machine shaking issues come down to levelling, load balance, or worn suspension parts. They also cover washer shaking violently and clothes washer shaking violently on both front and top load models.
For brand scenarios, a brand new LG washer shaking violently or brand new washing machine shaking violently usually means transit bolts are still installed. A GE washer shaking or GE washer shaking during spin cycle often traces to unlocked feet or a loose pedestal, while an Electrolux washer shaking violently on spin cycle may point to weak shocks. We also see Amana washing machine shaking with the same root causes. As a general note, persistent front load washer shaking or front load washer shaking violently warrants inspecting shocks, springs or rods, and the snubber ring. For a GE washer dryer combo shaking, confirm the stacking kit is secured at all points.
If you are wondering why is the washer shaking or why is my washing machine shaking so violently, start with the checklist. When you need step-by-step help, how to fix a shaking washer, how to fix shaking washing machine, fix shaking washing machine, how to stop washer from moving, or how to stop washing machine moving, follow the method in the section above. If you are asking how do I fix my washing machine from shaking violently, follow the same steps in order and replace worn suspension parts in sets.
FAQ
Why is my washer shaking so violently
Top causes are shipping bolts left in, poor levelling, unbalanced loads, or worn shocks, springs, or snubber pads.
How do I fix my washing machine from shaking violently
Unplug the unit, remove transit bolts, level and lock the feet, rebalance the load, and replace worn suspension parts as needed.
How to stop a washer from moving across the floor
Level all four feet, tighten lock nuts, confirm a solid floor or pedestal, then consider anti-vibration pads once the basics are correct.
Can shaking damage the washer
Yes. Persistent movement can stress bearings, hoses, and the cabinet. Fix the root cause to prevent secondary failures.
Still shaking? Book our washer repair service for Toronto and the GTA. For multiple appliances, see all appliance repair services.
