It’s irksome, not to mention a possible safety risk, when your washing machine judders and shimmies during the spin cycle. 

You’ll be relieved to know that the most common culprits for a washer’s impromptu jig are fairly straightforward to diagnose and fix.

Below, we will dive into the usual suspects causing your washing machine’s earthquakes, followed by practical tips to get it back on its feet. In addition, we’ll offer advice on how to ensure your appliance retains its stability for laundry loads to come.

What Is My Washing Machine Shaking Violently During Spin Cycle?

Having your washing machine vibrate with unusual intensity during the spin cycle can be both frustrating and alarming, not to mention potentially hazardous. 

Why does this happen, and how can it be resolved? 

There are several contributing factors behind this domestic phenomenon; let’s explore them.

Firstly, consider the contents of your machine – we’re talking about uneven weight distribution. 

If you frequently wash one massive item at a time or if your laundry is clustered together in the drum, it can result in the machine quaking as it endeavors to spin. 

The uneven distribution of weight puts strain on the machine’s functions. 

The straightforward remedy here is to rearrange your clothes inside the washer strategically, so they spread out evenly or add smaller items to balance out the larger ones.

Next up on our list of probable causes is an unbalanced washing machine – a washer that isn’t level on its surface. 

An uneven setting can incite shaking during a wash cycle because it disrupts the stability of the appliance. 

Use a leveling tool to measure whether your washer stands parallel with the floor surface and fine-tune those leveling legs as required. 

You might also want to place plywood underneath as an additional steady base.

Are you using a newly acquired washing machine? 

Then transit bolts could be your unwanted problem here. 

These are protective locks installed for securing machinery during transport, and forgetting to remove them could invite unwelcome vibration – even possible damage! 

You can mostly find out more about their location and removal process from your appliance manual or seek some enlightening online resources like videos demonstrating how to identify any remaining transit bolt and its subsequent removal procedure.

Here’s a video I found:

Another potential culprit causing these shakes could be broken or damaged suspension springs. 

Such springs come into play by supporting the drum and absorbing shockwaves when it spins during a wash cycle. 

If these vital components are compromised, they might lead to violent vibrations resembling an indoor earthquake! 

Counteracting this issue might necessitate replacing those weakened springs yourself or perhaps, seeking professional help.

Lastly, contemplate the condition of your motor coupling – an integral part functioning as a linkage between transmission and motor operations. 

A worn-out or broken motor coupling would cause power loss in resultant spin cycles leading to those much-dreaded tremors. 

Troubleshooting may require replacing this crucial component or once again turning towards professional expertise.

While washing machines naturally vibrate during their rinse-and-spin cycles, these movements should not cross over into violently shaking territory. 

If such scenarios occur consistently rather than intermittently, do take every possible cause mentioned into consideration before determining which solution best fits your situation.

Why Does My Floor Vibrate When My Washing Machine Spins?

Part of the usual laundry routine is the rhythmic humming and spinning of the washing machine, but when this turns into a thunderous vibration that shakes your floor, it can leave many scratching their heads in bewilderment.

Digging Beneath the Surface: Weak or Damaged Floors

One potential culprit behind your trembling treads could be that your floor isn’t robust enough to shoulder the weight and motion of an active washing machine. 

This is particularly true for floors composed of wood or other flexible materials. 

Or perhaps, it’s not the material but rather weakened or damaged joists or subfloors at fault. 

Reinforcement might be in order: consider installing extra support beams, plywood, or even concrete.

Or, Maybe You Should Relocate?

Before you dive headfirst into home renovation, though, take a moment to consider if you could simply relocate your washing machine to a part of your residence with more solid footing. 

Remember to check other potential causes before committing to this larger task.

Even neglected transit bolts can have an impact on how much your laundry appliance shakes and rumbles. 

Adjustments in these areas can often significantly decrease both vibration and noise.

You can even turn to external solutions like vibration pads or mats designed specifically for washing machines which can absorb some of those earth-shaking tremors and muffle that clamorous sound–leading you back towards a quieter and more tranquil laundry day.