What can you do about a washing machine that walks?
You solve a walking washing machine by levelling the machine, adjusting the feet properly and spreading the laundry better. For a lasting solution, a washing machine cabinet from Wastoren® makes sure vibrations are directed down through the cabinet-in-cabinet construction, so your washing machine stays put without any extra aids.
Immediate solutions you can apply yourself
Before you take further measures, you can work through these steps to make your washing machine steadier:
Check whether the machine is level: use a spirit level to check that the machine is straight in every direction. An uneven machine vibrates far more heavily and starts walking sooner during the spin cycle.
Adjust the feet: turn the feet at the bottom out or in until the machine stands firmly and without play. Then tighten the lock nuts so that vibration cannot loosen them again.
Spread the laundry evenly: an overfull drum or one heavy item such as a duvet throws the machine out of balance. Always combine heavy items with smaller ones for a better weight distribution.
Remove the transport bolts: if your washing machine is new or has just been moved, check whether the transport bolts at the back have been removed. They lock the suspension, which can make the machine literally jump across the room.
Why does a washing machine walk in the first place?
A washing machine walks because of a combination of vibration during the spin cycle and an uneven floor. On a wooden floor the machine has less grip, so vibration literally moves it. The type of floor plays a part too: a springy wooden floor amplifies the movement, while a solid concrete floor gives more stability.
Aids for extra stability
If levelling and loading correctly are not enough, there are additional solutions:
Rubber caps under the feet: these absorb vibration and give extra grip on smooth floors. Do bear in mind that you will have to readjust the feet afterwards.
A rubber mat under the machine: a full rubber mat provides a non-slip surface and dampens noise, especially effective on wooden floors.
Adding weight with a dryer: you can make the machine steadier by placing a dryer on the washing machine with a suitable stacking kit. The extra weight adds stability.
The most effective solution: a washing machine cabinet
Wastoren® washing machine cabinets offer a structural solution to a walking washing machine. The machine stands in the cabinet on a continuous base plate, so vibrations are directed down through the cabinet-in-cabinet construction instead of sideways. That gives maximum stability without needing extra mats or caps.
The main benefits of this approach:
Solid construction: the cabinet-in-cabinet construction keeps the machine in place, whatever the floor type.
Less bending: the raised installation means you operate the machine at a comfortable height, which takes the strain off your back.
Room for connections: the cabinet has 5 cm of space in its depth, and with the wall brackets it can be placed about 5 cm from the wall, giving you roughly 10 cm for hoses and cables.
Modular and expandable: you can extend the setup later with storage cabinets or a washer and dryer cabinet for extra appliances.
Which setup suits your situation?
Just a washing machine
Recommended solution: washing machine stand
Benefit: ergonomic working, a stable base
Washing machine and dryer
Recommended solution: washer and dryer cabinet
Benefit: both appliances side by side, steady and within reach
Limited space
Recommended solution: a complete tower with storage
Benefit: maximum use of the vertical space
A lot of laundry space needed
Recommended solution: washer and dryer cabinet
Benefit: everything in one place, tidy and steady
Practical tips for everyday use
Even with a steady setup, it helps to keep these habits:
Wash large items separately: duvets and sheets are better washed on their own or combined with smaller towels for better balance.
Fill the drum to two thirds: an overfull drum increases the chance of imbalance during the spin cycle.
Check the feet regularly: vibration can still loosen the lock nuts over time. A quick check prevents problems.
Watch out for unusual noises: if your washing machine suddenly makes more noise or vibrates harder, that can point to a technical problem that needs attention.
Safety and comfort at the centre
Every Wastoren® washing machine cabinet has an anti-tip device built into the construction as standard. It makes sure the cabinet stays steady, including with a dryer on the washing machine or when you open the door mid-wash. The ventilation grilles and the space around the machine provide enough air circulation, so your appliances keep working properly.
Would you like to get started on your ideal setup straight away? Use the online configurator to put your washing machine cabinet together step by step, based on your appliances and the space you have.
Have a question, or would you like personal advice? Contact our customer service via the advice request page or simply put your ideal solution together using our online configurator.