The washing machine was just fine the day before yesterday. Today, it’s like someone is pushing furniture over the bathroom floor.
You examine a clothing basket. Nothing unusual. When the machine starts to wash, it does so normally but as soon as the spin cycle starts, there is a loud rattling noise. In some instances, the entire appliance moves a few centimetres away from its place of origin.
Don’t presume there is a mechanical issue, first check it down.
It may be due to an uneven floor.
Washing machines are commonly placed in the bathrooms of Indian houses or on balconies or utility spaces where there is a slight incline for water to drain away. This is convenient, but may impact the appliance’s stability.
Knowing how to level the washing machine properly can minimize unwanted vibrations, provide stability and prevent the washing machine from vibrating while being used.
The following are ways to troubleshoot and adjust the problem without harming your appliance.
Are You Washing Machines Not Level?
All vibrations are not necessarily a sign of an installation issue. Water has a dynamic quality when spinning, especially in heavier fabrics, and it is not possible to completely eliminate this motion when using a washing machine.
But too much of a shiver is a concern.
Here Are a Few Signs That Your Washing Machine Is Starting to Get Unlevelled
During normal operation, look for these indications:
- The washing machine rocks when lightly pressed on opposite top corners.
- During Spin cycle, there are loud knocking/rattling noises.
- The appliance gradually moves away from its original position.
- The corner looks like it is leveled up slightly above the ground.
- When washing heavier textiles, vibrations start to be felt.
This is a simple test.
Put both hands on the upper corners of the appliance and lightly check if the appliance rocks diagonally with the appliance turned off.
The washing machine should be stable and not rock when properly installed.
Before washing another load, check the floor and adjustable feet if there is any movement.
Keep in mind, however, that these can also be caused by an imbalance in the laundry load, improper installation or issues with the parts inside.
Indian Laundry Areas Are Often Fitted With Uneven Flooring Due to Various Reasons
Go to an average Indian bathroom and you will come across one important point about the bathroom floor.
It isn’t always completely horizontal.
Floors in bathrooms and on balconies may slope towards drainage outlets. This enables the water to escape and not pool around the room.
Good for drainage but not for a washing machine.
Common Installation Challenges
There are a number of factors in the home that may cause washing machines to become unstable.
| Installation Area | Common Problem | What to Check |
| Bathroom | Floor slopes towards the drain | Inadequate foot contact with machine |
| Utility balcony | Tiles that are sloping or in some way not square. | A stable four corner block. Four corners square. |
| Kitchen | Uneven tile joints | Whether the feet are supported on solid surfaces or not. |
| Laundry room | Damaged or loose flooring | The strength and stability of the floor. |
| Older apartment | Worn or irregular floor surface | The need for professional floor correction will be assessed. |
The key difference is between a floor that is slightly inclined but stable and a truly shaky floor.
A washing machine with adjustable feet may make up for slight variations in floor level. They can’t safely apply a repair to floors or floor surfaces that are seriously damaged or are not a proper installation surface.
This Section Contains Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Level a Washing Machine
It requires patience, not complicated equipment, to level a washing machine.
But make sure to always refer to the appliance’s installation manual first. There are models that have particular adjustment procedures and bigger appliances might need professional help.
Step 1: Turn Off Washing Machine
Safety comes first.
Switch off the machine, unplug the machine and make sure that the floor around the appliance is dry.
Do not adjust the feet of the machine when running.
Whether the machine is to be moved, do not drag it by the door, control panel or connected hoses.
If you’ve got a heavy front load washing machine, having help is good sense.
Step 2: Check the Floor Under the Appliance
Check the installation area prior to touching the adjustable feet.
Look for:
- Broken or loose floor tiles.
- The presence of water under the machine.
- Uneven tile edges.
- Any dirt or debris causing foot contact issues.
- An obvious gradient towards the outflow.
In cases of damaged or unstable floor, it may be necessary to repair the floor before reinstalling the appliance.
Step 3: Test Machine Using a Spirit Level
A spirit level is used to check if the appliance is level.
Attach it to an appropriate flat part of the top of the machine.
Look at the alignment in two ways:
- Left to right.
- Front to back.
If the bubble moves away from the centre, it indicates that the appliance needs adjustment.
Repeat measurement with changes.
If the design of the top is unusual, do not use an unsuitable measuring surface, use the manufacturer’s recommended levelling procedure.
Step 4: Make Adjustments to the Levelling Feet
The majority of washing machines will feature feet which can be adjusted to account for small imperfections on the floor.
Depending on the model, turning a foot changes its height.
Carefully set the appropriate feet as per manufacturer’s specifications for stability.
Don’t extend your legs beyond what is necessary.
Also, do not think that you will be more stable when you raise all of your feet. The goal is to set the ankle firmly, even and flat on the ground.
If the appliance has locking nuts, tighten them as instructed after completing the adjustment.
Step 5: All Four Corners
One foot may not be firmly planted on the floor and a machine may look level but still rock.
Gently press the appliance at opposite corners.
Does it move?
If so, re-evaluate the foot adjustments.
Repeat until the machine is stable and the spirit level shows it is aligned.
Step 6: Conduct a Controlled Test
After leveling the machine, reconnect it safely and perform an appropriate test cycle as described in the user manual.
Keep a safe distance from the appliance.
Listen for unusual movement, knocking noises or excessive vibration.
If large vibrations persist, discontinue use of the machine and schedule professional inspection.
Know What Not to Place Under Washing Machine
A familiar Indian ‘household remedy’ for every wobbly situation.
Fold a piece of cardboard, put it under and continue.
It could be useful for a dining table on a short term basis. That is not true of a washing machine.
In high speed spinning, the forces produced cause unstable materials to shift or compress.
Do not use temporary bracing like:
- Folds newspapers/cardboard.
- Loose wooden blocks.
- Random pieces of broken tiles.
- Stacked rubber or plastic sheets.
- Bricks under individual corners.
These materials can create an unstable foundation, rather than resolve the issue.
Check with a competent installer if there is no way to correct the floor with adjustable feet.
Even for Modern Washing Machines, Why Proper Leveling Is Even More Important?
The washing functions in modern washing machines are becoming more and more high-tech, however, proper installation is essential.
Let’s take a look at the Haier Triple Drum Washing Machine, HW120-DM12LC3GNU1.
This model is designed for homes that have varied laundry needs, and houses an additional 3 separate washing drums in one machine.
It can wash 12kg (2x 1kg top drums and 1x 10kg main drum).
This setup enables the washing of separate laundry categories which have independent washing cycles.
For instance, a family can take the regular drum for regular loads, and use the smaller drums for appropriate smaller loads.
Even with an advanced washing system though, a solid, properly prepared installation base is still a must.
AI Dynamic Balance Technology, Haier’s Technology
A key technology in the Haier Triple Drum Washing Machine is its AI Dynamic Balance system.
The design of the product utilizes the two top drums serving as counter weights, and coordinated drum suspension is designed to counter weight the forces produced by the main drum.
This is one of the critical issues in the design of multi-drum washing machines, which is how to control movement in these machines.
There are also three independent Direct Motion Motors for the execution of independent operations of the washing drums.
However, it is important to note that AI Dynamic Balance is not the same as automatic floor levelling.
The machine shall be installed in accordance with the installation specifications provided by Haier and the required foot adjustment should be made according to the machine’s installation specifications.
Know About the Haier Triple Drum Washing Machine in Detail
In Indian households, where everyone has specific clothing needs, washing convenience extends beyond just having a large washing machine.
Haier Triple Drum Washing Machine (HW120-DM12LC3GNU1) features a few functions to simplify daily laundry management.
Three Independent Drums for Different Laundry Loads
There are two 1 kg drums and one 10 kg main drum.
This type of system lets users wash appropriate types of clothing items at the same time and not have to wait to get a full load of clothes before doing so.
Every drum will operate independently with its own controls and may complete its wash cycle on its own.
The Smart Dosing System for Convenient Detergent Management
Overloading the washing machine with detergent is a typical mistake.
Haier’s Smart Dosing automatically injects detergent and softener based on Haier’s system.
The appliance has a detergent compartment with a capacity of 900 ml and a softener compartment with 800 ml capacity.
This cuts down on the need for manual measurement of detergent used for each wash.
Multi-Drum AI Wash
Various laundry loads call for various washing methods.
The Multi-Drum AI Wash feature suggests the washing programmes according to the weight of the laundry; thus enabling the user to choose suitable washing programmes.
Drum Essence Wash
Dense foam is produced with the Drum Essence Wash feature, which pre-mixes detergent and water.
This is to help effectively clean and care for different types of fabrics.
Easy Clean for Busy Families
Not all laundry require a longer wash programme.
The appliance’s Quick Cleans feature a quick wash, and Haier states that it cuts wash time from 1 hour 29 minutes to 46 minutes under the conditions of the programme.
This is another great way for those who have to wash their clothes every day, such as working professionals or families.
When to Call a Washing Machine Technician?
There are easy-to-solve installation issues. Others, however, need professional care.
If, after careful leveling, the machine continues to shake, the problem could be a problem other than leveling.
Consider professional assistance when:
- The washing machine vibrates too much when not on a level floor.
- Spin noises are audible.
- The appliance operates in a way that causes it to move a great deal.
- The feet are damaged and can be adjusted.
- The floor will not support the child’s stability.
- A new machine vibrates when installed, possibly due to not unloading the transport bolts properly.
Front load washing machines are especially important to transport bolts. They are secured internally during transportation and require handling in accordance with the installation instructions.
Do not attempt to remove unidentified bolts or disassemble internal parts without following manufacturer’s instructions.
Haier washing machine users can contact authorised Haier service support for any washing machine installation issues.
Provide Your Washing Machine the Correct Base
If a washing machine is shaking too much, it’s not necessarily a severe problem.
The adjustment of the installation plane and the levelling feet can make a significant difference sometimes.
However, stability must never be an afterthought, especially when investing in an advanced washing appliance such as a washing machine.
The Haier Triple Drum Washing Machine (HW120-DM12LC3GNU1) combines Independent Washing Drums, Direct Motion Motors, AI Dynamic Balance and intelligent washing functions to solve various household laundry problems.
It is a solution for Indian families who want to wash smaller amounts of laundry more easily than they would with a traditional single-drum washing system.
To know the features, specification and installation details of the Haier Triple Drum Washing Machine, visit Haier India’s official website to make the right decision on choosing the right washing machine for the home.