Long gone are the days when the feeling of tenderness was caused by the fact that the washing machine itself fills with water, takes out the powder, washes, rinses, drains, spins and beeps, they say, that's it - take it out! Nowadays, the requirements for automatic home “laundresses” have increased significantly. The quality of washing should be higher, the cost of time and energy should be less, the wear of the laundry is minimal, and the output should be practically dry, but without wrinkles, residual stains and unnecessary odors. No, not everything! The process should also occur with minimal noise and attract attention only when the “master” of household appliances deigns to evaluate the end result. It is for this reason that our rating today will be dedicated to the best quiet automatic washing machines!
What determines the noise of a washing machine?
We begin to hear the first sounds from the washing machine even at the stage of filling with water. On some models this sound can be quite loud and unpleasant. Then the engine starts working. We hear the sounds he makes throughout the entire process. In some units this may be a slight hum, in others the sound can be quite loud. In addition, we will listen to the rustling of a rotating drum and the “squelching” of water in it. The loudest and most unpleasant sounds are made by the home washerwoman during the spin cycle. At this moment, the fastest rotation occurs, and the characteristic “chomping” of the pump that removes water is activated.
There are several types of noise that an automatic machine can make. Among them are:
- Service signals sent by electronics, notifying the user about the start or completion of a process.
- The sounds of working mechanisms.
- “Squish” of water and laundry in the drum.
- Noise from worn parts - various unexpected sounds that may indicate some kind of breakdown.
The easiest way to not only reduce the noise level, but also extend the service life of the “washing machine” is proper installation. It is best to install the washing machine on a special noise-absorbing rubber mat. If you don’t have this, then you need to install the “washing machine” on a completely flat floor. Can't boast of a perfectly smooth surface? Take advantage of adjustable legs; almost every model has them. Using a building level and a wrench, achieve a perfectly level position.
Important:
The legs should be adjusted diagonally. First adjust the right leg on the near side of the machine, and then the left leg on the far side. Do the same with the other two legs located diagonally.
See also -
Rating of the best washing machines and dryers based on consumer reviews
Which washing machine can be considered quiet?
If you have already planned several models for purchase and can’t make a choice, look at the machine’s passport. The noise level, including in washing machines, is measured by a unit called decibel (dB). It can be very difficult for a person unfamiliar with practical measurements to understand how much a particular indicator actually means. For example, 70 dB – is it a lot or a little? To get your bearings a little, you can remember the following:
- 40–43 dB – normal conversation (not a whisper!) of two or three people in a small room;
- 80–85 dB is the noise surrounding a person standing on a busy city street.
So, in the technical instruction manual you should look for the column that indicates the noise level emanating from the washing machine in normal operation. It is worth noting that the volume of the sound during washing and spinning itself will be different, so the passport sometimes states not an exact number, but a range. Sometimes, however, two separate parameters are indicated.
The lowest figure that can be found in the technical data sheet of washing machines is 39 dB. The highest mark can reach 85 units. The norm, as you understand, is somewhere in the middle. For a good machine, the optimal value is approximately 60–62 dB during the spinning process.
If you are too lazy to look into the manual, you can carefully examine the “laundress” itself. Many companies cover their products with special stickers, on which the most important information is conveyed in a concise form. But if you want to choose a washing machine with low noise levels, you still have to look at the manual.
A quiet washing machine simply must have good sound insulation, and this must be stated in the passport. In practice, it looks like this: the inside of the machine body is lined with a special material that can absorb a variety of sounds. Of course, no one will allow you to disassemble the unit and look inside, but such information must be included in the instruction manual. If you haven’t found something like this, you shouldn’t believe the words of a consultant who assures you otherwise.
Wash
It is believed that the sound level in an average room is 35 dBA. If you stand right next to the washing machine, you can hear it. You need to remember that the installation location of the device is at some distance - kitchen, bathroom - and make adjustments.
As long as the sound enters the room, it is attenuated by the walls, the chances that the washing machine will begin to bother you are relatively small. Let's compare with other technology. There is often a refrigerator in the kitchen. A typical Bosch unit operates at a volume of 42 dB and is most often heard only at night with the doors open. A washing machine with a volume of 45 dB obviously will not disturb the peace of the household.
Technologies that make the washing machine almost silent
When purchasing, it is worth remembering that the data on the noise indicators emitted by the machine during operation are taken from a new, ideally working unit. As you understand, over time, your home assistant will wear out, the parts will become a little loose and the “washing machine” will begin to make sounds louder than stated in the passport. So when buying, it is better to choose models with the lowest performance.
In order to interest the consumer, development companies regularly come up with more and more new “tricks” designed to make the work of washing machines even better. This also applies to anti-noise technologies.
For example, one of such developments is a “washing machine” with direct drum drive. The secret of the innovation is that the motor in this design is “mounted” directly on the drum. The pulley and belt, which are used to provide torque in a conventional washing machine, have been completely removed from the design. Due to this, there are fewer rubbing parts in the structure, which means the sound they created disappears.
Consultants in home appliance stores position such “washing machines” as completely silent. However, in practice this is not entirely true. Direct drive washing machines are, of course, much quieter than traditional ones. But the quality of the build, parts and technical specifications also matter a lot. According to experts, some new models, which have a belt drive and excellent sound insulation, are much quieter than direct drive washing machines.
Another new technology that can reduce the noise level when washing is an inverter motor. This motor does not have brushes, the sound of which we hear when operating the motor.
Buying a silent device
When you decide to buy a good washing machine, you may be confused in the choice and it is unlikely that you will be able to purchase a device that is convenient enough for you so that it can please you throughout its service life.
There are many criteria in this regard, and if you study them, you can choose the perfect model of household appliances. The most important criterion that washing machine buyers want to see is quiet operation. Not many branded companies can provide a model with this feature.
It is not as easy to buy a silent unit for your home as it seems at first glance. Advertising may convince you that their design does not make unnecessary noise and operates in perfect silence, but never believe until you see for yourself. You can make sure by looking at user reviews about the silent washing machine and by looking at other modifications.
How to reduce the noise from a washing machine at home?
If the purchased washing equipment still operates a little louder than we would like, you can try to correct the situation. We have already talked above about the importance of leveling the unit and the need to place a special noise-absorbing mat under it. But if you are sorry to spend extra money on a rubber mat, you can replace it with four small sponges made of dense foam rubber or soft rubber. Just put them under the legs and it will work much quieter.
Another simple way to reduce noise is to avoid placing foreign objects on the lid of the machine when it is turned on. If the washing machine is installed in a kitchen wall or some kind of shelving, it can be further insulated. Just buy some soundproofing material and cover the inside walls of the niche with it.
A little physics
How can the noise of washing machines be compared? 45 dBA - what does it mean?
A known conditional parameter is the hearing threshold of the ear. The value is conditional, since people's hearing is different. The threshold is usually characterized by a sound pressure value of 2·10-5 N/m2 for a frequency of 1 kHz. Conventions are introduced when ear sensitivity is a curved line, uneven in level. 1 kHz roughly corresponds to the B note of the second octave. This is a high-pitched sound that a standard male throat cannot squeeze out.
The letter A is placed at the end of the relative measurement value - decibel - not by chance. The letter helps to distinguish the parameter from the list of other branches of physics. Decibel is a popular value used in many practical applications. “A” clearly indicates that dBA belongs to acoustics. Throughout the text, the letter A is sometimes missing to simplify writing when the context is obvious.
How to choose the quietest washing machine?
In order not to make a mistake with the choice, not to “bite your elbows” and not to cover your ears, you should not rush into a purchase. Having looked at the model you like in the store, postpone the purchase itself for a couple of days. Try to carefully study the reviews of other users, and pay the most attention to negative comments. It’s no longer a secret that 70% of positive reviews about a particular product are written by the sellers themselves or specially hired people.
Ask your friends for help. Perhaps some of them already have just such a home assistant. In this case, you can not only hear a truthful review first-hand, but also invite yourself to visit to listen to the process in reality.
Please read the technical data sheet carefully. As already mentioned, the optimal sound parameters are considered to be 45–62 dB in the washing and spinning modes.
Rating of the quietest washing machines
To make the choice a little easier for our readers, we present to your attention a short review of the most reliable washing machines with fairly quiet operation.
Hansa Crown WHC 1246
This model is considered one of the quietest front-loading machines. The noise level declared by the manufacturer in spin mode does not exceed 54 dB. And indeed it is. At the same time, the machine is quite roomy. The drum volume can accommodate as much as 7 kg of laundry. This is quite enough for a family of 3-4 people.
Hansa Crown WHC 1246 is capable of offering a fairly extensive selection of programs. There is also a mode that prevents fabrics from creasing and a delicate wash. Families with small children will appreciate the fast stain removal program. For those who like very thoroughly rinsed items, there is an ecological wash that features a large amount of water.
Whirlpool AWE 2215
And this is one of the quietest top-loading washing machines. In normal washing mode, it produces only 59 dB. Homework with this assistant turns into a real pleasure. It does almost all the work for you, you just have to choose the right mode, and there are as many as 13 of them. The maximum load of the unit is 6 kg, but it takes up very little space.
Super economical energy consumption indicators made it possible to classify this model as class A+, the best that a washing machine can have today. Electronic control, child lock system and many other nice features.
Samsung WD80K5410OS
Our list of silent washing machines continues with one of the representatives from the Samsung brand. The noise level during normal operation is about 53 dB, which is quite acceptable for a small room. If you really want to, you can put as much as 8 kg of dry laundry in it, so it can easily handle serving a family of 4-5 people.
The WD80K5410OS model has 3 drying modes and 5 temperature settings for washing clothes. A distinctive feature of this “washing machine” is the Addwash technology, which will greatly please absent-minded housewives. Its essence is that if you forgot to wash something, and the process has already started, you can simply open a special compartment and add laundry directly during washing. By the way, you can also remove things at any time; you don’t have to wait until the process is completed.
The Samsung WD80K5410OS washing machine still has many positive qualities. But it also has a significant drawback - the price. In some retail outlets it can reach 63–65 thousand rubles.
AEG AMS 7500 I
And this is perhaps the quietest front-loading washing machine. The model is also not cheap, but during the washing process it practically “whispers”, emitting only 49 dB in normal mode. In spin minutes, the figure increases to 61 dB.
A well-developed control system, a laundry drying function, high-quality and reliable protection against leaks, technology that prevents fabric from creasing, express washing and many, many more pleasant things.
Child protection is also provided and the foam level is controlled. The only thing I'm not happy about is the price. The cost of such a “washing machine” reaches 40–50 thousand rubles.
Spin or wash
Considering the above, it is important to understand: at the present stage of development, simultaneous reduction of noise levels in all operating modes is unattainable. Quiet washing machines will provide the owner with either a spin cycle or a low-volume wash.
Moreover, there is no noticeable special struggle to reduce noise levels. What do giant factories consider important?
There is a rumor that AEG representatives demonstrated an interesting trick during advertising shows. A bouquet of roses was placed in the drum. The Gentle wash mode washed the fragrant flowers for a set time, then followed by a spin at 1600 rpm. It turned out that it was possible to give a bouquet from a washing machine to any girl.
Savings are so common with modern appliances that every washing machine has special modes. Models are available that save up to 30% of washing powder. Over 5 years of operation, a substantial amount accrues. Don't forget about electricity and water that need to be saved.
