The washing machine is an essential home appliance, and it saves us tons of times and energy we’d otherwise spend doing laundry with our hands.
However, there’s a big downside that comes with using a washing machine. One of these can be extremely loud when operating, and more specifically, the sound of the motor and the sloshing are what makes them so noisy. My old washing machine created an insane amount of noise that seemed to shake up the entire house, so I started researching noise reduction tips.
In this article, I’ll explain how to soundproof a washing machine and drastically reduce the noise it makes. Without further ado, let me show you how to actually soundproof one of these appliances by yourself!
3 Reasons For Excessive Noise and Vibration
1. Unbalanced Machine
Yes, I know this may seem like a no-brainer, but the first thing you should do is check to make sure your washing machine is resting flat against the floor without bumping or knocking against anything. If the washing machine is placed on an uneven floor, this may result in a lot of loud noise and vibrations, which may even cause the machine to move.
2. Overloaded Washer
Overloading the machine is a common problem that many people ignore. If you look closely at the instructions for your machine, they should tell you its precise capacity.
If you do a simple internet search, you’ll notice that the biggest top-loading machines have a capacity of about 13 pounds, while front-loaders should be able to hold about 18 pounds of weight. However, I suggest that you separate your laundry items in accordance with how much they weigh, as this will help stop you from overloading your machine.
3. Loose Nuts and Bearings
This is very uncommon, but as a washing machine ages, nuts and bearings may loosen due to wear and tear.
To fix this problem, all you’ll need to do is open the cap of the washing machine and use a screwdriver to tighten all the loose nuts. After you’re finished, remember to close the cap.
How to Soundproof a Washing Machine
1. Add Anti-Vibration Mats and Pads
Most washing machines tend to vibrate a lot, especially during the spinning cycle, so we recommend that you get an anti-vibration mat. These mats are simple sheets that are usually made of neoprene, which is a type of rubber known for its durability and vibration-dampening capabilities. They’re affordable and easy to use, as all you’ll have to do is lift up your washer and place one of these mats underneath it. You’ll need someone to help you, though, because almost all washing machines are heavy!
I suggest that you invest in these pads as well. They work the same way as the mats since they’re made from durable rubber and are to be placed under the legs of your machine.
2. Shake the Washing Machine
If you pay close attention to your washing machine, you’ll likely notice that it shifts a bit, due to the spin cycle working extremely hard. Your machine can also move a bit due to an uneven floor, and if this happens, it’ll result in lots of unwanted noise.
If your laundry machine tends to move frequently, this may develop into a very big problem, as mechanical stress can be the biggest cause of leaks and malfunctioning.
To prevent disturbing noise and malfunctioning from rearing their ugly heads, the best thing you can do is unplug the machine, ask someone to help you give it a good shake from all four sides, and then move it to a position where the floor is even.
3. Use a Garage Mat
This method may require lots of time and effort, but it’ll be well worth the hassle.
What you’ll need to do is invest in a foam garage flooring sheet, which you can buy from your local hardware store or online for an affordable price (check out the current price online).
Depending on the size of your washing machine, you’ll need about two or four sheets. I only used three sheets to soundproof my laundry machine. You’ll need help from a friend or family member, and you may also need some sort of device that’ll lift the machine up and place the mat underneath it.
This method is a good one if you have downstairs neighbors who complain about noise and shaking whenever you’re doing your laundry.
4. Grab Some Kitchen Sponges
Sponge naturally absorbs sound and muffles vibrations. This is why it’s commonly used in recording studios and in industrial ear muffs (to protect workers from hearing loss, due to their daily exposure to loud noise).
Your plan of action should be to raise one corner of your washing machine at a time, with the help of a friend or family member, and place a sponge under each of the four corners. The sponge will not only help reduce the echoes created by a wobbly drum and an aging motor, but it’ll also help prevent the machine from wandering around the laundry room as it operates.
I only recommend kitchen sponge if the washing machine’s noise isn’t very loud. If it is, regular sponge won’t be enough to stop it, and you’ll need to move on to another method.
5. Pad the Sides of the Machine
If your machine is located in a small room, it may be hitting wood and walls as it spins, which can cause unwanted noise. To prevent this from happening, you can use different materials to pad the machine’s sides.
You can use thin tiles of acoustic foam and insulation. Dynamat is also considered a viable option. If you are on a budget, though, I suggest using sponge to encase your machine. Just use two-sided tape or glue to apply the padding to the walls around the machine.
6. Cover the Machine With Blankets
Another effective way to soundproof your washer is to cover it with a regular blanket or a soundproofing blanket.
Here is a quick guide as to how you should do it:
- Look around the house to find a suitable blanket or two, or invest in these moving blankets to cover your washing machine.
- Check to make sure your chosen blanket is long enough to reach the floor once you’ve centered it on top of the machine.
- For more effective noise reduction, cover the machine with two blankets instead of just one.
7. Soundproof the Laundry Room Door
If you’ve tried all the steps above and you’re still unsatisfied with the results, you can simply soundproof the whole room your washer is in. Actually, I’ve already written an article that explains how you can soundproof your laundry room door.
The door is the biggest culprit when it comes to unwanted noise, so you’ll need to fill the airy gaps in between the door and its frame. The best way to get the job done is to cover the door with a blanket. You could also hang some heavy soundproof curtains in front of the door.
If any gaps are located between the door and the floor, you can use door sweeps to fill in the existing space.
8. Call a Repairman
If none of these methods does the trick, including the last one, then the last option would be to call a repairman. Simple do-it-yourself hacks can only do so much to reduce noise, so you may have to call a professional in.
Make sure you get at least three estimates for any repair that seems a bit too expensive for your budget. You should also guarantee that the repairman is able to fix the problem for good. If the repairman can’t guarantee that, then I think it’s time for you to save up and purchase a new washing machine.
An Alternative to Soundproofing Your Washing Machine
If you’re looking to buy a new, quiet washing machine, check this one out. This machine is pretty quiet during the wash and rinses cycle, and the installation kit is easy to use.
Conclusion
If you follow the methods above, your washing machine should be quiet in no time. When it comes to soundproofing, I always start off with the most effective method, and I found that in a case like this, soundproofing the laundry room door is extremely important.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article. You can also check out my other guides, such as How to Soundproof a Dishwasher in 8 Effortless Steps. If you have any questions, please let us know by leaving a comment down below. We wish you the best on your soundproofing journey!
image: Dejan Krsmanovic