Diagnosis
The violent vibration is almost always caused by an unbalanced load inside the spin drum. When heavy, wet clothes clump on one side, the drum spins unevenly, causing the entire machine to shake. Other common causes include the machine not being perfectly level or placed on an unstable, flexible surface like a wooden floor that amplifies the motion.
How to Fix It
- Stop and Redistribute: Pause the cycle, open the lid, and manually rearrange the laundry to spread it evenly around the drum. For best results, hand-wring very heavy items like towels or jeans before placing them in.
- Check Leveling: Ensure the machine is on a hard, flat surface. Turn the adjustable feet on the bottom until the unit sits firmly without rocking. Use a spirit level if possible.
- Verify Load Weight: Do not exceed the 4.4 lb (2 kg) capacity for the spin cycle. An overloaded basket cannot balance properly.
- Use a Vibration Mat: Place the machine on a thick, non-slip rubber appliance mat. This dampens vibrations and prevents "walking."
If That Didn't Work
If shaking persists with a perfectly balanced, correct-weight load, inspect the spin basket itself. Ensure no small items (like socks) are trapped between the inner drum and outer tub. Also, check that all shipping bolts or stabilizers were removed during the initial setup, as leaving them in will cause major vibration. Finally, try spinning a very small, evenly distributed load as a test; if it's still violent, there may be an internal issue with the motor mount or suspension.
Heads Up
Always let the spin cycle come to a complete stop before opening the lid. Never attempt to hold the machine down or restrict its movement during operation, as this can damage internal components.