A washer that’s vibrating or shaking excessively isn’t just annoying—it can damage floors, loosen fittings, and reduce wash performance. The good news: many causes have simple fixes you can try right away, starting with the most common issues like load imbalance and leveling.

First, pause and restart safely. If the washer is violently shaking, stop the cycle, unplug (or switch off the breaker for safety if needed), and wait for the drum to stop. Then check the laundry distribution and the unit’s placement before running another test.

1) Check load balance

Overstuffed or uneven loads are a top cause of spin-cycle shaking. For best results, wash items with similar weight and size (for example, towels with towels). If you notice clumping—like a heavy comforter folding to one side—rearrange it and run a shorter spin or a normal wash.

Quick rule: If the washer seems to “walk” during spin, it’s often trying to compensate for an imbalanced load.

2) Level the washer

Even a slightly unlevel washer can vibrate hard, especially on high-speed spin. Use a level tool on top of the washer (and, if possible, the front-to-back direction). Adjust the feet until the machine sits solidly and doesn’t rock when you press down on corners.

After leveling, verify the washer has firm contact with the floor. If your floor is unusually flexible (like thin wood or uneven tile), consider using a proper appliance anti-vibration mat or leveling pads designed for washers.

3) Remove shipping bolts (if it’s new)

If this is a newly installed washer, confirm that all transport/shipping bolts were removed. Shipping hardware can severely affect stability. Check the back of the unit for the bolts and follow your manual’s instructions for removing them and replacing the plastic caps.

If you no longer have the manual, the model number can help identify the correct bolt-removal locations.

4) Inspect the installation and hoses

Vibration can worsen if the washer is contacting the wall, cabinetry, or plumbing. Pull the unit slightly into view and check that hoses have slack and aren’t pulled tight. Confirm the drain hose isn’t kinked or positioned in a way that causes restriction.

Also ensure the inlet hoses are properly seated and not under strain. A misrouted or kinked hose can sometimes contribute to abnormal movement or noise during agitation.

5) Look for an obstruction or excess water

Some washers shake due to unusual resistance in the drum. Recheck the drum area for items that shouldn’t be there (loose coins, small toys, or tangled fabric). If your washer is leaving clothes too wet or struggling to spin, the issue could be drainage related—fixing drain problems may reduce spinning instability.

Run a rinse/spin test with no laundry if your model supports it, watching whether the washer still vibrates strongly.

6) Consider worn parts (when the basics don’t work)

If you’ve leveled the unit, balanced multiple loads, verified shipping hardware removal, and checked hoses—yet shaking remains severe—there may be mechanical wear. Common culprits include worn shock absorbers, damaged suspension springs, loose drive components, or a failing suspension system.

At this stage, it’s often best to consult the service manual or a qualified technician, especially if the shaking is extreme or accompanied by banging sounds.

When to stop and get help: Stop using the washer if it repeatedly “walks” despite correct leveling, if you hear metal-on-metal knocking, or if you notice cracks, leaking, or burning odors. Those signs can indicate a bigger mechanical or installation problem.

By starting with load balance and leveling, you’ll resolve the majority of vibration issues quickly. If the same problem persists across empty and multiple test loads, focus on installation details first—then move toward suspension or shock components as likely causes.