Mr. Appliance® experts explain how to level a washing machine for optimal performance and reduced noise.
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A shaking washer can make laundry day loud and frustrating, in addition to potentially damaging internal components and nearby walls.
Keeping your washer level can stop the frustration and protect your appliance. In this guide, you’ll learn how to level a washing machine step-by-step, why it matters for performance, and when to call a service professional for assistance.
Article contents:
- Tools You’ll Need for Leveling a Washer
- How to Level a Washing Machine Step-by-Step
- Common Causes of Washer Vibration
- Why Leveling a Washing Machine Matters
- When to Call a Professional for Help
- FAQs About How to Level a Washing Machine
Tools You’ll Need for Leveling a Washer
Learning how to level a washing machine doesn’t require special equipment. You can complete this quick DIY task with a few basic tools you likely already have:
- Bubble level (or a smartphone level app)
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers (optional for stubborn lock nuts)
- Wood or rubber shims (for uneven floors)
- Flashlight (to see under the machine clearly)
Safety note: Always unplug your washer before making adjustments.
How to Level a Shaking Washing Machine Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to correct your washer’s alignment and stop excessive vibration:
1. Determine if your washer is level
Place a carpenter’s bubble level on top of the machine (a level app on your smartphone can also work). First, align the level front to back, then side to side. If the bubble isn’t centered, your washer isn’t level.
2. Locate and loosen the lock nuts
Most washing machines have two adjustable front legs. Look for the metal lock nuts just above each leg and use a wrench to loosen them.
3. Adjust the front legs
Turn each leg clockwise to lower it or counterclockwise to raise it. For best results, keep the washer as low to the ground as possible. Recheck the level frequently as you adjust.
4. Level the rear legs
Some washers have self-leveling rear legs that adjust automatically when you tilt the appliance forward about three to four inches and then set it back down. If your washer has manual rear legs, adjust them as you did the front legs.
5. Re-tighten the lock nuts
Once the washer is level in all directions, tighten the lock nuts against the base to secure the legs in place. This prevents them from loosening during future wash cycles.
6. Test your work
Run a spin cycle with an average-sized load of laundry. Listen and watch for shaking or excessive vibration. If the washer still moves or rattles, double-check the floor beneath it for damage or unevenness.
Common Causes of Washer Vibration
If your washing machine keeps shaking after leveling, one of these issues might be to blame:
- Uneven floors: Older homes sometimes have sloped or warped floors that prevent proper alignment. Placing a sturdy rubber mat or shims under the washer can help.
- Unbalanced loads: Overloading one side of the drum causes it to spin unevenly. Spread out clothes evenly and avoid washing bulky items alone.
- Damaged shock absorbers or springs: Over time, these components wear out, making the drum unstable. A service professional can inspect and replace them.
- Shipping bolts left in place: If the washer is new, check that the shipping bolts at the back of the drum were removed during installation. These bolts can cause severe vibration if left in.
Why Leveling a Washing Machine Matters
When a washing machine isn’t level, the vibrations it produces can be intense enough to shake walls, floors, and nearby furniture. Beyond the noise, an unlevel washer can also damage internal components, such as the drum bearings, suspension springs, and shocks.
Leveling a washing machine prevents these issues by keeping the drum balanced and stable throughout wash and spin cycles. It also reduces the strain on your washer’s motor, helping it run more efficiently and quietly.
How to maintain a level washer
Even after proper leveling, washers can shift over time due to floor movement or vibrations. To keep your machine steady:
- Recheck the level every few months or after moving the appliance.
- Avoid pushing or dragging the washer across the floor—always lift or use appliance glides.
- Keep the surrounding area dry to prevent warping the floor beneath the washer.
- Make sure loads are evenly distributed before each spin cycle.
- Consider whether other laundry areas would provide a more level floor for your appliances.
Regular maintenance not only prevents shaking but also helps protect nearby walls, cabinetry, and flooring from wear and tear.
When to Call a Professional for Help
If your washing machine continues to vibrate after you’ve leveled it and balanced your loads, there may be a deeper mechanical issue. Worn suspension rods, broken shock absorbers, or loose internal components can all cause noise and instability.
To resolve constant shaking, contact a qualified appliance expert for an inspection. A Mr. Appliance service professional can quickly diagnose whether the problem is internal or can be resolved with a few external adjustments. If the issue lies with an internal component, our experts can repair the washing machine before it causes further damage.
Request an appointment with your local Mr. Appliance team to restore smooth, quiet operation.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Appliance is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Mr. Appliance location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.</p
FAQs About How to Level a Washing Machine
All independently owned and operated Mr. Appliance locations are committed to providing the top-notch service you expect from an industry leader, including using our expertise and years of experience to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about how to level a washing machine.
