Prevent Stackable Washer and Dryer Sets From Vibrating

Modern appliances help streamline daily tasks, such as doing laundry. With the spinning washer tubs and churning dryer drums, vibration is often a problem in these appliances. Preventing a stackable washer and dryer from vibrating is an easy task that you can troubleshoot and tackle yourself. There are several ways you can complete this task in a short time for little money.

Step 1 - Check if It's Level

If a stackable washer dryer unit is vibrating, it may not be level. If it is not level, not only will it not work correctly, but it can cause serious damage to your machine. To find out if the appliances are level, check the top, bottom, and each side with a reliable level.

Step 2 - Level the Unit

If your washer and dryer need to be leveled, try adjusting the feet on the bottom of the unit. These are simple screw-in feet that can be easily adjusted by hand or with a wrench. Some machines have a devised space where you can just adjust the feet without taking the machine down. If not, remove the top machine and set it to the side. Adjust the screw side to side and then front to back. Use the level to check your adjustments.

Step 3 - Add Carpet to Stabilize

Your washer and dryer may also jump or vibrate if it is situated on a non-carpeted surface. Get carpet remnants from a local hardware or flooring store. Cut it into small 2X2 inch squares and place them underneath each of the four feet of your machine. If your washer and dryer unit is a full-contact unit — a unit that can be either side by side or stacked — you can also place 2X2 inch squares between your washer and dryer to cushion the space between the machines. Do not put a large carpet piece under the entire washer dryer unit because your machines need room to "breathe" underneath. Also, if there is a flood or leak from your washer, the carpet can develop mildew. It is much easier to replace smaller carpet squares than to have to remove your entire unit to install another carpet piece.

Step 4 - Build a Frame

Your other option to keep your stackable washer dryer unit from vibrating is to build a frame to hold the unit in place. Measure the base of one machine on all four sides. Take 3 to 4 inches off of that measurement for the length of your slats. Buy four 1X3 inch slats of wood in the length needed for each side of your unit. Nail, screw, or glue (using an epoxy, liquid nails, or other strong glue) these slats to the floor, one on each side of the machine, as close to the machine as possible to keep them from moving. Be sure to attach on the 1-inch side so you have the 3-inch side against the side of your machine for more support.

Determining the cause of your washer and dryer's vibrations will save time and money and can prevent damage to your machine.