6 Ways To Stop a Washing Machine Moving On Laminate Floor

It is normal for a washing machine to make a little vibrating noise when spinning. However, sometimes you might notice your appliance moving across your laundry room floor.

This is often referred to as ‘walking,’ and it is vital that you immediately fix the issue because it affects the washing performance and can damage your machine.

It also tends to be a nuisance as the machine makes a lot of noise when ‘walking.’ Additionally, if the appliance is on laminate flooring, it can scratch/dent the floor as it moves, making your floor unappealing.

Luckily, there’s an explanation as to why your washing machine is moving, and there are things you can do to stop it before it ruins your floor or causes damage to the appliance.

This article discusses why a washing machine can move when in use and how to stop the moving when you have laminate flooring.

Reasons Why Washing Machine Moves On Laminate Flooring

Some of the common reasons why a washing machine might be moving on a laminate flooring include:

1. Uneven Load Distribution

Loading the machine unevenly can cause it to tilt to one side, causing it to move. For instance, loading a large blanket haphazardly can result in it leaning towards one side of the washing machine.

Also, loading the machine with just several pairs of dirty sneakers can cause a lot of vibration, resulting in the machine moving.

2. Uneven Floors

Laminate floors are uneven if you do not even out the subfloor when installing the laminate planks. If you place it on an uneven floor, the machine will move due to the wash or rinse cycle vibrations.

Consider using a spirit level to establish if the ground is level, and where necessary, move your appliance to an even surface.

3. Failure To Remove Transit Bolts

Manufacturers put bolts on the underside of washing machines which are necessary for keeping the appliances steady during transportation.

When you buy your appliance, you must remove these bolts. Otherwise, the machine will keep vibrating and moving when you use it.

4. Appliance Levelling

Washing machines have four tiny feet, which hold up the appliance’s weight.

If one of the feet is wobbly, out of line with the others, damaged, or missing, the washer will not be stable, and it will move when in use.

Ways To Stop Washing Machine From Moving On Laminate Flooring

As the introduction highlights, a ‘walking’ washing machine causes inefficiencies in the washing cycle, dents/ scratches on laminate flooring, and can even damage your appliance.

It is also a safety hazard because as the washer moves, it can pull off and tear the electrical cord, causing an electric shortage. Therefore, you must resolve the problem immediately.

Here are some ways to stop your washing machine from moving on a laminate floor.

1. Remove Transit Bolts

This is among the first things you should do before using your appliance for the first time.

Failure to remove the shipping bolts will not only cause your washer to ‘walk,’ but it can also cause severe damage to the appliance.

2. Invest in an Anti-Slip Rubber Mat

One of the most effective solutions to a ‘walking’ washing machine is to place an anti-slip rubber mat underneath it.

It is vital to ensure that the mat is of the right size for your appliance to ensure that all the appliance’s feet are steady on the mat.

If you don’t get a mat with the exact dimensions for your appliance size, consider buying a larger mat and resizing it. A rubber mat will eliminate the appliance vibration because it evens out the surface.

3. Install Anti-Vibration Rubber Foot Pads

Anti-vibration rubber foot pads apply the same concept as anti-vibrational mats. However, they are only installed on the appliance’s feet. They are great alternatives to anti-vibration mats because they are more aesthetically pleasing and cheaper than mats.

You can buy or DIY foot pads of the color of your liking to create the aesthetic you want. However, before putting them on your washing machine’s feet, ensure the feet are balanced.

4. Load the Machine Correctly

It’s essential to always load your machine to the recommended weight by the manufacturer. Underloading the appliance can cause it to tilt to one side and move.

Also, it is vital to distribute the weight of the laundry in the appliance because the weight of the water and clothes can cause an imbalance in the machine, causing it to vibrate and move from its position.

Instead of piling everything into the washer at once, consider sorting your laundry and loading each piece at a time to ensure the pieces do not overlap too much, which can cause imbalance.

5. Place the Machine on a Stand

Another great solution for a moving washing machine is to place it on a machine stand.

A machine stand is a metallic structure made from steel or aluminum with rubber pads for the appliance’s feet. You can adjust the stand’s height and even use it for different appliances.

6. Check and Adjust the Washer’s Feet

Ensuring that all your appliance’s feet are present and sturdy is essential. If any of the feet are damaged, consider replacing them.

Consider using a spirit level to identify where the machine is out of balance and make the necessary adjustments to the feet until the machine is level.

Also, look out for lint accumulation or dirt that could make the machine unlevel.

Conclusion

We hope that this article comes in handy if you have been struggling with a ‘walking’ washing machine on laminate flooring.

You must first identify the cause of the ‘walking’ to establish which solution would apply best for you.