Today it is impossible to imagine a modern housewife who would not have a washing machine. A young family is one of the first to buy this equipment for their apartment. But often, after installing and starting to use, you can find that the characteristics promised upon purchase do not coincide with the real ones.
This problem primarily concerns the level of noise during operation and vibration during washing at high speeds, and especially when using the spin mode. An effective way to solve this problem is to use anti-vibration stands for the washing machine that help reduce noise.
To prevent animals from hiding in the far corner of the apartment, and children from waking up from the noise of the washing machine, it is enough to install it correctly and put the stands on the legs. As you know, anti-vibration stands for washing machines: rubber, silicone or polyurethane pads that are easy to install.
Why do washing machines vibrate?
One of the main parts of the washing machine is the drum, into which the laundry is placed and water is poured. When the drum rotates, a centrifugal force arises, which spreads to the entire “washing machine”. Manufacturers for the most part try to compensate for vibration in some way - they install special counterweights, dampers and shock absorbers inside. But this does not completely solve the problem. Users often note that previously their machine worked quietly and did not vibrate, but over time it began to make noise, and its body began to tremble noticeably. This is usually due to wear and tear on the shock-absorbing devices.
If the noise becomes too annoying, you can try using anti-vibration stands (also called pads, supports, feet). These products can be especially useful for narrow washing machines. Often their manufacturers save space by partially abandoning control over balance and imbalance.
Elimination of causes
Since excessive vibration leads not only to tiresome noise, but also to damage to the tank, drive belts and other parts, you need to try to eliminate the causes of its occurrence.
- Do not allow any imbalance in the position of the laundry to be washed inside the machine drum. Try to choose clothes of the same thickness for washing and fold the duvet cover in such a way that other fabrics do not get into its opening.
- Level the machine as much as possible so that it does not wobble under your hands. To do this, adjust the height of the legs, twisting them in different directions and checking the position of the equipment using a hydraulic level. If the floor is so uneven that these measures are not enough, you may have to level the area specifically for the washing machine.
Features and principle of operation of anti-vibration stands
These stands prevent the washing machine from sliding on the floor, moving from its designated place and “jumping”, and reduce noise during washing and spinning. Their design is such that they are able to withstand an impressive weight - from 100 kilograms or more, which means they are suitable for any modern household model.
Anti-vibration supports are sold in sets of four pieces - in accordance with the number of legs. The diameter of one support is from 40 to 60 millimeters.
The outer surface of modern supports or stands is not smooth, but embossed, and this allows the machine to rest on them firmly and steadily. And the lower part of the stands has stiffening ribs. It is largely thanks to them that the noise and vibration emanating from the machine are so effectively dampened. And don’t be afraid that scratches and dents will appear on the floor - this is completely excluded.
What happens?
The models of rugs differ not so much in shape as in the material they are made of. They all perform the same functions, however, the quality of the modifications varies. Essentially, anti-vibration mats can be divided into 2 types: rubber and silicone. Both products have a relief pattern on both sides. Due to the presence of relief, they do not slip on the surface of the floor covering and prevent the washing machine from sliding. However, the products differ in cost and effective service life. But as practice shows, both options do not always eliminate noise 100%.
To fix a problem, you need to get rid of its root causes. For example, first you need to at least adjust the product in height and perform the correct installation. Anti-vibration and anti-slip mats are laid at the same time as installation. This prevents loosening of the equipment and increases the service life of the product.
At the same time, they slightly reduce the vibration coming from the washing machine during its operation. Rubber products smooth out small protrusions on the floor. They are characterized by optimal grip and eliminate the movement of equipment on the floor during operation of the machine. Rubber mats are practical and durable; they come in a variety of sizes.
Special anti-vibration varieties are thicker. They have a different structure, which creates conditions for vibration absorption. The structure of rubber models is characterized by the presence of many air bubbles. Due to this, the polymer has excellent shock-absorbing properties.
Due to them, it is completely restored to its original position after a strong load under pressure. Vibration models are distinguished by the presence of two layers. Their top layer is designed to level the legs of a household machine. It is resistant to mechanical point loads. The bottom layer prevents the transfer of vibrations to the floor.
The relief of products varies in depth and type of pattern. In the range of manufacturers you can see options with a wavy surface, fine-mesh relief, models with relief stripes and pressed balls. It is better to take products with special corner elements.
Silicone analogues have almost the same characteristics as rubber products. Their main difference is the high price, which averages 1000 rubles and more. The larger the area of the rug, the more expensive it is. The models have a rectangular shape, in contrast to the stands for the supporting elements of the installed equipment. They are selected according to the size of the installation area of the washing machine.
Other options are made from a two-layer composite. The top layer resists mechanical shocks as well as long-term loads. The lower one, made of ethylene vinyl acetate, dampens noise and vibration. These modifications do not have an unpleasant odor. They do not contain toxic substances, are inert to moisture and water, and are easy to clean.
How to choose the right product?
Nowadays, anti-vibration stands for washing machines are made mainly from the following materials:
- rubber;
- silicone
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Why these particular materials were chosen is not difficult to understand. Rubber is durable and wear-resistant. Stands made from it perfectly absorb vibration, in addition, rubber has anti-slip properties. It is also a fairly elastic material, so the stands can be pulled over the legs of the machine, even if it seems that they do not fit very well.
The same can be said about silicone. However, silicone pads, as practice shows, are slightly more expensive than rubber ones. However, many still choose products made from silicone, in particular because many false legs for washing machines made from this material have bizarre shapes, for example, the shape of the legs of some animals.
Anti-vibration mounts may also differ in color. Usually you can see black or white products in stores. But if you wish, you can also find, for example, transparent ones.
Advice
Some reputable companies that produce washing machines also make stands for them. For example, you can find products with the LG logo. But in this case, it is not necessary to take exactly the “native” stand; the vast majority of products available in retail sales are universal and will certainly suit your needs. There are even stands that can be used not only for washing machines, but also for refrigerators.
What do they look like, what are they made of?
Anti-vibration feet are special stands, the main purpose of which is to soften and reduce vibration and sound that the washing machine may produce during operation. In appearance, these are four separate stands made of polyurethane or rubber.
Mostly you can find sets of round or oblong shape. However, on sale you can find coasters in the form of claws. The main function is no different, only outwardly they have a different shape. For which they cost more.
In addition, they practice the use of special rubber mats. This one is simply covered under the equipment. From consumer and expert reviews, the most effective and popular method is regular rubber pads.
They can also be of different colors.
This is due to the different colors of the equipment itself. However, the most common ones are white and black. But, recently transparent stands have gained popularity. They can be called universal, suitable for any color equipment. The main thing to understand is that parameters such as shape or color do not affect their main function. See also -
Review of Hotpoint-Ariston washing machines
How to install stands yourself?
The stands can be installed in just a few minutes. First you need to check whether the legs of the machine itself are the same length. If this is not the case, then they need to be adjusted. And only after this should you carefully place stands under each leg. Once the installation is complete, you can put the washing machine back in place.
Such ease of installation determines another advantage of these products - if necessary, they can always be removed and replaced with new ones yourself.
Why is it not always advisable to buy coasters?
Before purchasing stands, it is worth checking whether the use of the described products will actually be appropriate. Owners of built-in appliances may encounter an obvious problem: after installing the stand, the machine will become slightly higher than other objects adjacent to it, and this will introduce a certain disharmony into the interior.
And in some cases, purchasing anti-vibration stands for washing machines is completely pointless. Sometimes equipment vibrates for reasons that these inexpensive things cannot correct.
- Washing machines vibrating and making loud noises during operation may be caused by uneven floors. This problem is not that uncommon, especially in older homes. The solution suggests itself: you just need to rearrange the machine so that the vibrations stop.
- Sometimes the machine starts to vibrate because it is on a wooden floor. Individual boards begin to move one by one (“shaking,” as people say) during the active phase of the washer’s operation, and this creates a very noticeable noise.
- The machine may also vibrate and make loud noises due to faulty bearings. But it is unlikely that you will be able to change them yourself; to do this you will need to disassemble the entire machine. Calling a specialist is the best way out in this case.
- The washing machine can also vibrate strongly because something is stuck in the space between the tank and the drum. You can try to pull it out through the hole in the heating element.
- If the machine is new, then it is worth checking whether the transport bolts have been unscrewed. They are used to secure the drum during transport. Their presence makes vibrations and noise very strong.
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These are just some of the reasons and problems that can lead to vibrations. Therefore, before you buy anti-vibration feet for your assistant, it won’t hurt to call a household appliance repair specialist to inspect it.
Causes of vibration and noise
Normally, any household appliance, including a washing machine, should operate without strong vibration and without exceeding the permissible noise level specified in the instructions. And of course, it should not break away even at moments of maximum load and performing certain operations.
If this happens, you need to look for the reasons for the occurrence of such features. They can be hidden either in the device itself or be associated with installation errors, the most common of which is failure to maintain the horizontal level.
It is important to install the machine level, otherwise vibrations may occur.
It is because of the misalignment that vibration most often occurs, since the center of gravity in the unit shifts. But you can easily fix it yourself by simply tightening the legs of the washing machine. They are adjusted by simple rotation around their axis.
Washing machine legs
Adjusting the support legs
- When rotated clockwise, the support extends from the base and becomes longer.
- When rotating counterclockwise, the reverse process occurs - the leg shortens.
To achieve the ideal position of the device, you need to place a bubble level on its lid and adjust each support in turn until the bubble reaches the central position. Then you need to tighten the fixing nuts, pulling them towards the body.
There is no need to immediately twist the legs as much as possible
Advice. If there is no level, you can use a glass jar or glass of water with a horizontal mark on the wall. Or download a special program to your phone and use it instead of a construction device.
Construction level in a smartphone
Table. Causes of noise and vibration.
| Cause | Description and solution |
| During installation, the shipping bolts that hold the washing machine drum in a fixed position during transportation were not unscrewed. This is a temporary fastener that must be removed before putting the unit into operation. This can be done without the help of a specialist. |
| The behavior of the washing machine during operation largely depends on what it stands on. The surface must be smooth and durable. It is better if it is a concrete floor or non-slip tiles. It can move on smooth tiles at the slightest vibration, boards laid on joists will take the load differently, etc. |
| Incorrect loading of laundry into the drum, causing imbalance during operation. This happens when you overload, wash fabrics of different thicknesses or bed linen, small things get into the holes, turning into a lump. Therefore, it is better to wash thin and terry items separately, as well as large and small laundry. |
| A bad bearing or worn seal can also cause vibration and loud noise. You should not change them yourself, especially if the machine is still under warranty. This is a job for service technicians. |
| It could be a sock, a bra wire, a lighter - anything. We must try to get them out. |
Video - Strong vibration during washing or spinning
Anti-vibration mats - an alternative to stands
There is also a unique alternative to stands - an anti-vibration rubber mat. Mats are more expensive than coasters, but in any case, the price of these accessories is not too high.
There are special seals in the corners of the mats - these are where the machine's legs should be. Mats are made from the same materials as coasters, but they have a few special advantages.
- An anti-vibration mat under the washing machine makes its bottom more airtight.
- Such a mat does not require installation in principle - it is simply placed under the machine.
So, we can conclude that stands are a useful and inexpensive thing, but their purchase is not always justified. Therefore, you should first understand whether the machine is vibrating due to some kind of breakdown or malfunction, and check the evenness and quality of the floors in the place where the machine is located.
How a Mat Can Eliminate Vibration
Some models have an additional layer for noise reduction. The choice is so large that you can choose a mat to fit any size washing machine. They are harmless to human health and do not emit toxins. The main advantages of the accessory cannot be ignored:
- make it possible to level the floor, hide some imperfections, the legs will be located near the surface;
- additional coating makes it possible for good stability of equipment, this is especially true if your floors are tiled;
- after smoothing out the vibrations, the device will begin to operate much more quietly, increasing its service life several times;
- the material from which such objects are created is from polymer compositions to restore shape even after significant pressure.
Before installing anti-vibration pads, be sure to adjust and level the legs of the washing machine. You can purchase a useful accessory in stores that sell household appliances. Perhaps the consultant will offer you to buy it along with a new washing machine. If the selection or cost does not suit you, choose the product yourself on the Internet. Do not forget that before purchasing you need to take into account the size and weight of the equipment. The price is also influenced by the manufacturer, size, quality of materials and composite composition. In addition, they are convenient and easy to care for: they are not afraid of ordinary washing powders, they can be wiped with a sponge or washed in running water.
