The Problem

• Washing machines that get unbalanced can shake, make banging noises, and even more across the floor. When machines are secured in one place, they can vibrate and bang so much the entire house shakes and things fall off shelves. This is not good for the washer. Bolts can come loose, and parts can break.
  
  

Leveling the Washer

• Balance problems are common in machines that are not leveled properly. Place a carpenter's level across the top of the washer and if the machine is not level, adjust the machine feet. There will be one at each corner, or just two in front. You can adjust these bolts by turning them with a wrench or pliers (see Resources).
  
  

Floor Problems

• Floors amplify vibrations from the washer, and any material other than concrete can be a problem. Try putting the machine on a large sheet of plywood that's at least 3/4-inch thick. This provides a heavy flat base of support for the machine, to circumvent issues with floors that are a bit uneven. If possible, fasten the plywood to the floor.
  
  

Heavy Loads

• When washing heavy items such as pillows or down coats, stay near the washer so you can correct any balance problems as they occur. Some washers have an automatic shut-off feature when they become too far off-balance. If yours does not, stop the spin cycle, open the lid, and redistribute the load. If this is a continuing problem, you may want to wash heavy items at a coin-operated laundry in a heavy-duty machine.
  
  

Washing Machine Age

• A washing machine tub is supported by coiled springs, pistons, or counterbalances, and this mechanism can become detached at one or more places. Also, springs and pistons eventually wear out and become unable to support the heavy weight of the water and contents in a balanced way. At this point, you may have to balance most loads of wash at some point during the spin cycle and will probably need to buy a new washing machine.