Vibration - Washing a Single Items

Avoid washing single items

Washing a single item can put the washer out of balance. Wash a few similar items to ensure an even distribution of the load.

Is the washer level?

The washer feet must be in firm contact with the floor. Try to rock the washer diagonally, from corner to corner, with your hands.  If the washer rocks, it needs to be leveled.  If not properly leveled, the load may become unbalanced, causing the machine not to spin correctly.  This can also cause the washer to make excessive noise and/or vibration, especially during the spin cycle.  Learn how to use your phone to level household appliances. 

If a drain pan is used under the washer, the leveling legs may need to be adjusted out to raise the height of the machine.

Is your wash load unbalanced?

If the load is not evenly distributed in the basket when spinning begins, the load will create movement in the basket, resulting in noise and vibration. Place the clothing in loose heaps evenly around the agitator to avoid vibration caused by an unbalanced wash load. 

Your washer has sensors that detect if it is out of balance. It will then undergo a "correction" process to try to help the washer return to balance. This process involves adding extra water and agitation to try to correct the out-of-balance situation. 

If you notice that your washer cycle time has increased, it may be out of balance, and you may be going through this correction procedure. Allow the machine to continue.

Did you select the Bulky Cycle setting?

The bulky cycle is intended only for oversized, nonabsorbent items such as comforters, pillows, and poly-filled jackets. Washing other items in this cycle could create an unbalanced load or poor wash performance. Items not intended for this cycle could float above the impeller, unevenly distribute around the basket, and not agitate properly.

Always check the care label to ensure the item is machine washable in a top-load washer (some bulky items state to only wash in a front-load commercial-style washer). 

Do you have a vibration in the washer basket?

The washer basket will move while the washer is operating. This is part of the washer's normal operation. It is normal for the washer basket to move freely from front to back and left to right.