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March 2005

Washing machine dancing across the floor?
Here's how to keep it in its place.

It's very important your washing machine be perfectly level and on a solid, stable floor. Off-balance washing machines sometimes shimmy across the floor or even do a full-out jig. This dancing is often accompanied by loud banging noises. If this happens to you, here's how to fix it yourself:

Adjust the machine's leveling legs until a level shows the machine is perfectly level from front to back and side to side. While doing this, make sure the legs are adjusted up as far as possible in order to lower the center of gravity of the machine. Lubricate the leveling legs with something like WD-40 occasionally to prevent them from getting stuck in the up position.

Once the unit is level, tighten the lock nuts on the leveling legs against the base of the washer to prevent the legs from unscrewing due to washer movement.

NOTE: Some washing machines have self-leveling rear legs. If this is true of your washer, tip the machine forward and set it back down firmly to set the rear legs. Then adjust the front legs until the washer is level. You still need adjust the front leveling legs up as far as possible.

To prevent your washer from becoming off balance, don't overload it or run a very small load, with just a few heavy items. Either case can cause your machine to go off balance.
Weak floors also lead to dancing washing machines. If the floor is vibrating when the washer is spinning, the floor should be strengthened. To check your floor, set a half-full glass of water next to the washer and put it into a spin cycle. If the glass of water vibrates, the floor needs to be strengthened. A layer of ¾" fire-resistant plywood that spans underneath both the washer and dryer often does the trick.

If your washer slides because it sits on a slick floor, try putting specially made non-slip pads underneath the leveling legs.

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Fun fact
For centuries, people on sea voyages washed their clothes by placing dirty laundry in a strong cloth bag, and tossing it overboard, letting the ship drag the bag for hours.

Appliance maintenance calendar
We've put together a maintenance calendar to help you figure out what needs to be done and when. Add the page to your favorites, or print it out and keep it for reference throughout the year. You can find the appliance maintenance calendar here.

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Great Stuff!
Gadgets, tools and parts to help you take great care of your appliances.

Washer fill hoses
Replace rubber hoses with these professional grade stainless steel hoses.
$17.95

Washing machine
leak catcher
Keep washer leaks
off your floor.
$29.95

FloodStop
Automatic shut off prevents water damage caused by broken
water fill hoses.
$89.95

Non-slip pads
Keep washers in place
on slick floors.
$8.62
In addition to free Washing Machine repair help, we stock Washing Machine parts for every major brand. Click your brand below, or visit the PartDetective for more options.