How to Rebalance a Washing Machine: 5 Easy Steps

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Twin Cities Appliance
February 3, 2025
Washer Repair

An unbalanced washing machine is a relatively common issue, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying! It often starts with an increasingly noisy spin cycle and ends with an unfinished load and soaking wet clothes. Thankfully, an unbalanced washing machine load is relatively simple to fix and prevent—read on to find out how!

Signs of an unbalanced washing machine

Before finding a fix, what are the signs of an unbalanced washing machine? If the balance issues are in the early stages, you may not even know your washer is having issues—here’s what to look out for:

  • Loud banging noises during the spin cycle (at the end of the wash cycle).
  • Loud vibrations during the spin cycle—it may even be enough to rattle the windows in your house!
  • Movement of your washing machine during the spin cycle. 
  • Long spin cycles, especially if you notice they’re taking far longer than usual. 
  • Frequent stopping during the spin cycle, requiring you to redistribute the clothes. 
  • Error codes are displayed on the washing machine that corresponds to a balance issue. 
  • Clothes are still wet at the end of the spin cycle. 

What causes an unbalanced load?

Figuring out the cause of your washing machine’s balance issues is key to solving the problem. Common culprits behind an unbalanced load are:

  • Overly large load: If you wash a load that exceeds your washer’s recommended load size, it’s more likely to become unbalanced. 
  • Washing heavy items: washing individual heavy items like blankets can lead to bunching on one side of the drum, causing the load to unbalance. 
  • Washer not sitting flat: If your washer is not level, it’s more likely to become unbalanced. 
  • Drainage issues: Drainage issues can make the laundry wetter and heavier than it should be during the spin cycle, causing balance problems. 
  • Worn drum bearings: The drum bearings ensure the drum rotates smoothly. If they’re damaged, the washer is more prone to becoming unbalanced. 
  • Damaged suspension: Most washing machines have suspension rods or springs that help keep the drum in the right place. If these are damaged by wear and tear, the drum will wobble more than it should, causing an unbalanced load. 
  • Foreign objects: Foreign objects, such as coins, small toys, or hairpins, that are mistakenly put into the washer can become trapped between the drum and the exterior of the washer. This can interfere with the washer’s balance and cause problems. 

Rebalancing your washing machine

If your washer becomes unbalanced during the spin cycle, try these five tips to get it functioning again. If the issue is easily solved, you may not need to use all five steps. 

Step 1: Rearrange the load

If your washer stops mid-spin, makes loud noises, or vibrates excessively, redistributing the load should be your first move. 

  • If your machine hasn’t already stopped, pause the spin cycle. 
  • Open the lid to the machine and check if the load is unbalanced. 
  • If the laundry is clumped on one side, manually distribute it so that the weight is even. 
  • Restart your machine. If it continues the cycle, keep an eye on it. You may need to redistribute the items again if the problem recurs. 

Step 2: Level your washing machine

Most washing machine models have adjustable feet to ensure your washer is level. Here’s how to check your washer is sitting perfectly flat:

  • Use a level to make sure your washer is sitting level. Make sure you check right to left and back to front. 
  • Adjust the feet, continuing to check with a level, until the washer sits perfectly flat. Most washers have feet that can be turned to adjust the height. 
  • Once adjusted, check to see if the spin cycle continues as normal. 

Step 3: Check for drainage issues

If you open the washer and the clothes look a lot wetter than you would expect them to, excess water may be causing balance issues. Here’s how to fix this:

  • Locate the drainage hose. This is usually at the back of the washer. 
  • Check to see if the hose is kinked or blocked.
  • Straighten out any kinks, and use a length of wire to clear out any blockages. 
  • Ensure the hose is properly placed in the drain pipe or the laundry tub. 
  • Restart the cycle to see if the load resumes spinning. 

Step 4: Check for obstructions

If you’ve noticed a loud clunking or rattling noise, foreign objects could contribute to the balance issues. In most washers, you can see down the side of the drum to check for stuck items. If you see anything that shouldn’t be there, remove the items and resume the cycle. 

Step 5: Consider replacing worn parts

If you’ve checked everything else, the problem could be caused by worn parts. You can either call in a professional to investigate, or you can DIY it! To do it yourself:

  • Drain the washer and remove the clothes
  • Cut power to the washer
  • Consult your manual for specific instructions for your model, then take the washer apart to gain access to the drum bearings and suspension. 
  • Check for worn parts and replace them if necessary. Replacement parts can be ordered directly from the manufacturer or an appliance parts retailer.

Preventing unbalanced loads in the future

Prevention is always easier than cure, so keep an eye out for these signs of balance issues. This way, you can stop balance issues before they get worse, avoiding damage to your machine from excessive shaking and movement. 

  • Don’t overload: Always follow the recommended weight limit for each load size. Check your manual if you’re unsure how much laundry your washer can take. The typical recommended load size is about 6 lbs for a small machine and up to 15 lbs for a large one. 
  • Distribute laundry evenly: Heavy items like towels and blankets should be carefully placed in the drum to avoid clumping together. 
  • Check your settings: Some washing machines have a “bulky” setting, which is perfect for larger loads. 
  • Level your washer: Periodically check your washing machine is level with a bubble level, and adjust if needed. 
  • Check your pockets: Always check your pockets for small foreign objects before each load.
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