The washing machine is the number one assistant for any housewife; it perfectly washes, spins and even dries things. But it often happens that during operation the machine vibrates so much in the bathroom that the noise can be heard even among the neighbors. Most manufacturers promise silent operation and minimal vibration of the washing machine; in reality, the situation is usually not so rosy. The easiest way out of the situation would be to install an anti-vibration mat. Which one is better to choose, how to install it correctly under the washing machine, tips and user reviews can be found in this article.
Purpose and brief description
The stands are placed directly under the washing machine, so vibration and noise are less noticeable. Neighbors will no longer complain about these extremely annoying problems.
From the outside, it’s even interesting to watch how the car begins to bounce in place or move as if it were alive. This process may cause damage such as drum breakage. High-quality stands guarantee that the washing machine will not move from its place.
An anti-vibration mat or stand is a damping mat, usually made of rubber granules. In addition, due to the anti-slip effect, the device can be used to transport large items.
There are several reasons for vibration. The first is the incorrect installation of the machine. To eliminate it, it is necessary to install the washing unit using a building level. Distortion during installation can be avoided by tightening a special nut on the legs. It allows you to raise or lower the device.
The second possible reason is uneven loading of the washing machine. If the owner has overloaded the unit, it is enough to pause, interrupt the program and remove excess clothing from the machine or evenly distribute it inside the unit.
If these steps do not help, then you should install an anti-vibration mat. The base of such substrates is made of polymer compositions that help restore shape even after strong pressure. Caring for the rug is very simple: it is not afraid of detergents, and its surface can be washed with a sponge.
If the machine vibrates, you can eliminate the cause as quickly as possible. Prolonged vibration causes parts to wear out. Placing newspapers or cardboard under the feet does not solve the problem. With an anti-vibration washing machine mat, you can extend the life of your washing machine because there will be less wear and tear on the internal parts. When choosing, it is important to know the dimensions of the washing machine and weight. The cost of a carpet depends on its size, manufacturer and material.
There are rubber stands and claws. The first ones have a primitive design. They are made of ordinary rubber and slightly reduce the vibrations of the machine during the spin period.
Washing feet are similar to rubber feet and differ in appearance. Visually, they look like claws, hence the name, and are a little more expensive.
Mats have a high absorption coefficient due to their thickness and specific structure. Main advantages:
- Smoothing out uneven floors.
- Increasing the service life of washing machines.
- The structure of rubber products has a large number of air bubbles, which increases shock-absorbing properties.
- If deformed, the mat is 100% restored and takes its original appearance in a few seconds.
- Elimination of slipping on the floor covering.
- Reasonable price.
- Significant reduction in noise effects thanks to the integral structure.
- High wear resistance.
The mat is selected based on the size of the equipment. If it is too small, the legs may slip out during intensive use. The disadvantages include the following fact: the substrate interferes with cleaning; dust and debris often accumulate there. But this is a small thing compared to the fact that a carpet extends the life of expensive equipment and saves a lot of money. It also eliminates noise that annoys family and neighbors.
Causes of washing machine vibration
During operation, the rotation of the drum creates a centrifugal force that is distributed to the entire apparatus. Despite the installation of shock absorbers, counterweights, and dampers by many manufacturers, equipment can vibrate strongly. Over time, the shock-absorbing devices wear out, the body begins to shake even more, and the noise effect intensifies.
Most often, vibration occurs if the machine is installed incorrectly. It is very important to use a level when installing equipment. But even this does not guarantee the absence of noise.
The reason may be an uneven floor or the presence of grooved tiles in the bathroom. In such cases, you can try to solve the problem by adjusting the legs in height.
Vibration can also be caused by:
- improper loading of the machine, excess laundry;
- penetration of debris into the drum (for example, small parts from clothing).
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Criterias of choice
The main thing you should pay attention to when choosing is the material. Performance and wear resistance depend on its quality. Rubber has excellent shock-absorbing characteristics, withstands pressure, and quickly restores its shape to its original state. Rubber products are not afraid of moisture and do not emit toxic substances. Silicone carpets are similar to their rubber counterparts, they differ only in price, which is higher for the latter.
Another criterion is shape and size. They usually fit different brands of cars. If you make a mistake with the dimensions when choosing, the purchase will be of no use. Retail outlets offer rugs with dimensions of 40x60 cm, 60x60 cm, 50x60 cm. For large cars there are models 65x65 cm. You can independently trim the product to the required dimensions. This is easy to do at home using ordinary scissors and a ruler. It is possible to order your own parameters from the manufacturer, but this will affect the cost. The weight of standard AKs is in the range of 2.5–4 kg.
You also need to pay attention to the absence of a strong odor of the product. High-quality products do not have a “rubber aroma”. Although, after purchase, almost all products have it. With use, this drawback disappears.
Thickness is important. To completely dampen vibration waves, you need to pay attention to mats with a thickness of at least 20 - 25 mm.
The operating temperature range of high-quality material should be in the range from 40 to 120 degrees Celsius.
Another factor that should not be overlooked: when working intensively, you need to keep the equipment in one place. To do this, the product must have an anti-slip effect.
Some buyers pay attention to the color so that the rug fits into the design of the apartment, although this characteristic does not affect its performance. The majority of models are available in white, black, and transparent shades. The inner layer is yellow, graphite or gray. Brown colors are very rare.
Some manufacturers produce handicraft products that stain the floor. Therefore, you need to pay special attention to this parameter. When rearranging, a mark remains on the floor, which sometimes cannot even be washed off. The situation can only be corrected by replacing the floor covering.
Purpose of products
It is impossible to find bedding that provides an exclusively anti-slip effect. Special universal mats for automatic machines do not allow the equipment to move, dampen body vibrations and absorb noise, extending the life of the equipment. Products help eliminate problems caused by:
- improper adjustment of the washing machine legs;
- uneven floor;
- incorrect installation of washing equipment;
- drum imbalance that occurs during the washing process.
In terms of noise absorption, anti-slip carpets can dampen the grinding and knocking noises produced by appliances when:
- a foreign object entering the space between the tank and the drum;
- damage to the bearing unit.
Another purpose of the rubber mat is to prevent damage to the floor under the automatic machine. The mat will protect the tile covering, which can crack due to strong vibration of the washing machine, as well as laminate and parquet.
Frequent “shaking” of the automatic machine leads to accelerated wear of the main internal components of the equipment. Due to constant vibrations, bearings and drive belts are damaged faster, and many fasteners become loose. Special rugs for washing machines help reduce the negative impact on components, thereby extending the life of the “home assistant”.
Rugs from leading companies
Silicone products have a beautiful appearance. They are soft and elastic, which dampens any vibration. You can choose an option that suits the shape, color and size. It is important to consider the weight and dimensions of the washing machine. We should not forget that silicone is an artificial material. Therefore, it is possible that the product may contain substances harmful to health. The world's best manufacturers scrupulously monitor these indicators and guarantee the safe operation of their products. If the washing machine operates silently, then a thin silicone mat is suitable; highly noisy units require thick substrates. Silicone AKs can have different colors, so you can choose a model that fits into your interior.
But the vast majority of buyers prefer rubber mats. They are cheaper, have high strength indicators and a long service life. Thanks to good vibration damping, the machine does not slip during operation. When choosing, you should pay attention to the surface: it should be embossed on both sides. This property provides reliable adhesion to the washing machine. Operating conditions, such as temperature range, should also be taken into account. It is desirable that the edges of the product have special shock-absorbing rubber pads that provide air access between the floor and the lower surface of the AK. This is necessary to prevent mold from appearing.
Proflex Mattix-Vibrotex 50 x 60, 60 x 60, 40 x 60
A high-quality mat is used to eliminate vibration or noise during operation of a washing machine or refrigerator. The unique bubble structure provides additional shock absorption. The product is hypoallergenic, safe for health, and has no unpleasant odor. Operation at very high and low temperatures (-50 to +70 C°) is allowed.
The size of the mat is 50 cm by 60 cm. Thickness is 2.5 cm. Produced in Germany and Russia. The material of the product is two-layer composite. Rubber has been added to the upper wear-resistant layer, which resists mechanical shocks and long-term loads. The bottom layer includes ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) to dampen vibration and noise. A special relief is applied on the lower surface for ventilation and water drainage.
The structure consists of countless bubbles, thanks to which the product has unique shock-absorbing properties. The absence of toxins allows you to use the substrate at home. The durable material does not absorb moisture and is easy to clean. Cost - 2090 rub.
The mat from the same company differs in dimensions (60 x 60), and accordingly the price is higher. It can be purchased at a price of 2340 rubles. The product can be used at high and low temperatures. The relief surface allows air masses to pass freely between the floor surface and the bottom of the machine. This eliminates the risk of mold. The rug can be cleaned with aggressive agents.
The next option with non-standard dimensions may be an excellent solution for small-sized automatic machines. The mat helps reduce noise from vibrations produced by the drum during spinning at high speeds. Can also be placed under home exercise equipment, as well as refrigerators. Those interested can purchase the product for 1,790 rubles.
anti-vibration mat Proflex Mattix-Vibrotex 50 x 60, 60 x 60, 40 x 60
Advantages:
- wear-resistant;
- hypoallergenic;
- multifunctional;
- durable.
Flaws:
- No.
ComeForte 12392666
The design is made of hypoallergenic material (rubber) and contains no harmful additives; this fact has a beneficial effect on the overall atmosphere in the room. Purpose of the mat: reducing the level of vibration that comes from washing machines, refrigerators, freezers, dryers and other household appliances. Overall dimensions: 55 x 62 x 0.5 cm. A product with these parameters costs 1,700 rubles. Thanks to its good performance characteristics, the product will last a long time. The rug can be trimmed if necessary. To do this, precise markings are applied to the surface and all excess is cut off. The Indian manufacturer guarantees excellent quality.
anti-vibration mat ComeForte 12392666
Advantages:
- wear resistance;
- Beautiful design;
- good shock-absorbing properties;
- no harmful additives.
Flaws:
- No.
WIKITEX 26909713
A practical, budget model made in China is suitable for washing machines, refrigerators, freezers and other electrical appliances. The ideal solution for reducing vibration and noise. Special cushion pads have a shock-absorbing effect. The design does not allow the washing machine to move when it is in spin mode. The high-quality rubber from which the carpet is made is not afraid of high and low temperatures. This is a definite plus, since it can be used in an unheated room. The weight of the model is 2 kg. Permissible load – 100 kg. Overall dimensions: 63 x 55 x 1.5 cm. You can purchase the product for 1,300 rubles.
anti-vibration mat WIKITEX 26909713
Advantages:
- the presence of a thick layer;
- wear-resistant coating;
- beautiful appearance;
- multifunctionality;
- no harmful additives.
Flaws:
- not found.
Why vibrations occur and how to eliminate them
Vibrations often occur when automatic washing machines are installed poorly. The most important rule should be to use a level when working. This is due to the fact that houses do not have perfectly level floors. Adjusting the legs helps. Another unpleasant sound can occur due to an imbalance in the distribution of things inside the drum. This happens when washing fabrics of different textures or bed linen. Be careful to place it so that other objects cannot get into the holes of the duvet covers and pillowcases. If these simple measures do not bring any effect, you will need an anti-vibration mat.
Material of manufacture: rubber. A tight fit to the floor will smooth out unevenness. The structure has features - numerous air bubbles, which increase shock absorption even under extreme impacts. Due to this, the machine will be located on a more level surface. Eliminating vibrations can significantly extend the service life of units.
When should it be installed?
Now let's move on to consider additional elements that help get rid of vibration sound. These are anti-vibration stands and mats.
These types of stands are an inexpensive and effective solution to the problem.
A set of vibration absorbing pads does an excellent job of holding the machine in place and reducing vibration loads.
Even if the technical device is installed level, this does not guarantee quiet operation of the unit. The machine can “jump” during the work process. Especially if it is an outdated model. If this happens, the equipment is additionally strengthened on an anti-vibration stand or by placing an anti-vibration mat under it.
You just need to adjust the horizontal position of the washing unit and place stands under each leg of the washing machine.
The special polymer material from which the anti-vibration stands for the washing machine are made will reduce the noise level.
Peculiarities
Improper installation of household appliances leads to the fact that they begin to vibrate and make much more noise than is established by the standards. It is impossible to solve this problem without additional efforts. Anti-vibration stands for washing machines allow you to achieve the desired result. These compact accessories have a round or arbitrary shape and are placed directly under the standard adjustable legs of the unit.
Anti-vibration stands have many capabilities.
- They provide sufficient stability even if the height of regular legs is not enough for adjustment.
- They help eliminate vibration problems associated with the characteristics of the equipment itself.
- Reduce slipping. It leads to the fact that the machine simply slides on the floor even with minor vibration loads.
- They can withstand significant weight, distribute it correctly, compensating for the resulting loads.
- They allow you to design the installation location of the washing machine in an original way, hiding unsightly legs.
Among the features of anti-vibration stands for washing machines, one can note the choice for their manufacture of materials with increased elasticity. Silicone, rubber, PVC easily take the desired shape by casting and are not afraid of high humidity and high loads.
Is it worth installing underlays?
Many appliance repair technicians are skeptical about using stands for washing machines, but apparently appliance manufacturers have a different opinion. Thus, in stores you can find washing machine steps of brand names.
This is not surprising, because, trying to adjust the size of equipment to small bathrooms, vibration resistance suffers, first of all. In addition, the pedestal under the washing machine contributes to strong vibration.
This device is convenient and ergonomic, but is a direct indication for purchasing stands.
If you want to save money, you can make your own coasters. It is possible that home-made stands will be inferior in appearance to factory ones, but the functionality will remain the same. In addition to its main purpose, an anti-vibration stand for a washing machine helps protect the floor surface from scratches.
