A washing machine making a loud noise can be annoying—and sometimes a little worrying.
Not every unusual sound means something is broken, though. Washing machines naturally make different noises while filling, washing, draining, and spinning.
The important thing is to identify what the noise sounds like, when it happens, and whether anything else is happening at the same time.
A washer that makes a few clicks during a cycle may be operating normally. A washer that suddenly starts grinding, banging violently, or making a new mechanical noise deserves more attention.
Why Is My Washing Machine Making a Loud Noise?
Common causes of a noisy washing machine include:
- An unbalanced load
- The washer not being level
- Loose objects inside pockets
- Hoses or other objects hitting the washer
- Large or bulky items shifting during spin
- Normal clicking, humming, or water sounds
- A drainage-related noise
- A mechanical component that needs inspection
The type of noise is one of the most useful clues.
What Does the Noise Sound Like?
Before doing anything else, try to describe the sound.
| Noise | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Banging or thumping | Unbalanced load or washer movement |
| Rattling | Loose objects or items hitting the washer |
| Clicking | May be normal depending on the cycle |
| Humming | Pump, motor, or normal operating sound |
| Grinding | Possible mechanical issue |
| Rubbing | Something may be contacting a moving component |
| High-pitched squealing | Possible mechanical or belt-related issue |
| Vibrating | Leveling or load distribution problem |
This table is only a starting point.
The same sound can have different causes depending on the washer model and when the noise occurs.
Safety First
If the washer suddenly becomes extremely noisy, stop the cycle if you can do so safely.
Unplug the machine before inspecting accessible areas.
Do not put your hands inside a moving washer.
If you notice:
- Smoke
- Burning smells
- Sparks
- Damaged electrical wiring
- Severe shaking
- Water leaking near electrical components
stop using the washer and seek professional assistance.
1. Check the Load
An unbalanced load is one of the first things to check when a washing machine starts banging or thumping.
This can happen when several heavy items become concentrated on one side of the drum.
Examples include:
- Towels
- Blankets
- Bedding
- Heavy clothing
- Large garments
During the spin cycle, an uneven load can cause significant vibration.
Pause the washer according to the manufacturer’s instructions and redistribute the clothing evenly.
Then restart the appropriate cycle.
If the noise disappears, the load distribution may have been the main problem.
2. Check Whether the Washer Is Level
A washing machine needs to sit securely on the floor.
If the machine isn’t level, it may rock or vibrate excessively, particularly during high-speed spinning.
Try gently pushing the washer from different sides.
If it rocks noticeably, check the leveling feet and adjust them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Also make sure the washer is sitting on a suitable, solid surface.
A washer that repeatedly “walks” across the floor during spin shouldn’t simply be ignored.
Excessive movement can make noise and may eventually contribute to other problems.
3. Check for Objects in Pockets
Small objects left inside clothing can create surprisingly loud noises.
Common examples include:
- Coins
- Keys
- Pens
- Small toys
- Clips
- Other metal objects
These objects may rattle around during the wash or spin cycle.
Check the drum and clothing carefully after stopping the machine.
Also inspect accessible areas according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you regularly hear a metallic rattling sound, check pockets before assuming that a mechanical component has failed.
4. Check for Large or Bulky Items
Bulky items can create unusual movement inside the washer.
A comforter, blanket, large towel, or similar item can absorb a lot of water and become heavy.
During spin, the weight may shift dramatically.
If the noise happens primarily when washing a large item, check whether the load is appropriate for your machine.
Your owner’s manual should provide guidance about load sizes and specific items.
Don’t assume that if an item fits inside the drum, the washer is designed to handle it at maximum spin speed.
5. Check for Hoses or Objects Hitting the Washer
Sometimes the noise isn’t coming from inside the washing machine at all.
A hose or nearby object can vibrate against the cabinet during operation.
Check behind and around the washer for anything that may be:
- Touching the cabinet
- Vibrating against the wall
- Hitting the floor
- Pulling against a connection
Make sure there is enough clearance around the machine as recommended by the manufacturer.
If the noise disappears when the washer is moved slightly away from the wall, the washer itself may not be the problem.
6. Listen to When the Noise Happens
The timing of the noise can provide another useful clue.
Noise During Filling
A humming or water-related sound may occur while the washer is filling.
Listen for anything unusually loud or abnormal.
Noise During Washing
During agitation or tumbling, you may hear movement from the motor, drum, clothing, and water.
A sudden new grinding or rubbing sound is more concerning than ordinary washing sounds.
Noise During Draining
A humming sound may occur while the washer pumps water out.
If the washer also has trouble draining, check:
Washing Machine Won’t Drain? Here’s What to Check First
Noise During Spinning
Spin is usually when vibration and imbalance become most noticeable.
If the washer is banging or shaking heavily during spin, check the load distribution and leveling first.
7. Some Clicking and Humming Can Be Normal
It’s easy to assume that every unfamiliar noise means something is broken.
But washing machines contain pumps, motors, valves, locks, and other components that naturally make sounds while operating.
Depending on the model, you may hear:
- Clicking
- Humming
- Water rushing
- Pump sounds
- Motor sounds
- Locking sounds
The key question is whether the sound is normal for your particular machine.
If you’ve owned the washer for years and the sound suddenly changes, that’s more useful information than simply saying the machine is “noisy.”
8. Pay Attention to Grinding or Rubbing Sounds
Grinding or rubbing deserves more attention than ordinary operating noises.
A persistent grinding sound could potentially indicate a mechanical problem.
Possible sources can include moving components or something making contact with the drum or other parts.
However, it’s difficult to accurately identify an internal component from sound alone.
Don’t start replacing parts based solely on an online description.
If the grinding or rubbing sound continues after checking the load, leveling, and obvious external causes, professional diagnosis may be appropriate.
9. Check Whether the Washer Is Also Leaking
If a loud noise appears at the same time as a water leak, don’t treat the two symptoms as unrelated without investigating.
For example, a washer that vibrates excessively during spin may also move or behave differently from normal.
If you notice water on the floor, see:
Washing Machine Is Leaking Water? Common Causes and What to Check
The combination of symptoms can provide a technician with useful information about what happened.
What If the Washing Machine Is Shaking and Making Loud Noise?
Start with the simplest possibilities.
First, check the load
Redistribute clothing that has collected on one side of the drum.
Next, check the washer’s position
Make sure the machine isn’t rocking.
Then, check the surrounding area
Make sure the washer isn’t repeatedly hitting the wall, cabinets, or another object.
If the washer continues shaking violently after these checks, stop using it until the cause can be identified.
What If the Noise Happens Only During Spin?
A noise that occurs only during spin is worth investigating because the drum is moving at a much higher speed.
Start with:
- Load balance
- Washer leveling
- Bulky items
- Objects around the washer
- Any new mechanical sounds
If the noise is a loud repetitive banging that continues despite correcting the load and leveling, professional inspection may be necessary.
What If the Washer Makes a Loud Noise but Still Works?
A washing machine can continue completing cycles even when something isn’t quite right.
Don’t use “it still works” as the only test.
If the noise is:
- New
- Getting louder
- Repeated every cycle
- Accompanied by vibration
- Accompanied by leaking
- Accompanied by an error code
it’s worth investigating before the problem potentially becomes more expensive.
Early diagnosis can sometimes prevent a small problem from turning into a larger one.
When Should You Stop Using the Washing Machine?
Stop using the washer and seek professional help if:
- It makes a severe grinding sound.
- The machine shakes violently.
- The washer repeatedly moves across the floor.
- You smell burning.
- You see smoke or sparks.
- The electrical cord is damaged.
- Water is leaking significantly.
- The noise suddenly becomes much louder.
- The washer stops during a cycle.
- The noise continues after basic troubleshooting.
A washing machine contains rapidly moving mechanical parts. If something is seriously wrong, continuing to run it can potentially cause additional damage.
Should You Repair or Replace a Noisy Washing Machine?
A noisy washer doesn’t automatically mean you need a new appliance.
If the cause is an unbalanced load, leveling issue, or loose object, you may be able to solve it without a repair.
If an internal mechanical component is involved, consider:
- The washer’s age
- Estimated repair cost
- Previous repairs
- Overall appliance condition
- Replacement cost
An older washer with several existing problems may not be worth an expensive repair.
A relatively new washer with one isolated mechanical issue may be a better repair candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my washing machine suddenly making a loud noise?
A sudden loud noise can be caused by an unbalanced load, the washer moving or becoming unlevel, an object inside the drum, or a developing mechanical problem.
Start with the simple external checks before assuming an internal failure.
Why does my washing machine bang during spin?
Banging during spin is often associated with an unbalanced load or a washer that isn’t level. Redistribute the load and check the machine’s stability.
Why is my washing machine making a grinding noise?
A persistent grinding noise can indicate a mechanical problem or something contacting a moving component. If basic checks don’t resolve it, professional diagnosis is recommended.
Why does my washer make a clicking noise?
Some clicking noises can be normal depending on the washer’s operation. If the clicking is new, unusually loud, or accompanied by another problem, investigate further.
Can an unbalanced washing machine damage the machine?
Repeated excessive vibration isn’t something you should ignore. If the washer shakes or moves significantly during spin, correct the load and leveling before continuing normal use.
Is it safe to use a washing machine that makes a loud noise?
It depends on the type of noise. A normal operating sound is different from severe banging, grinding, burning smells, sparks, or violent vibration. If the noise is severe or accompanied by another warning sign, stop using the machine.
Related Washing Machine Problems
If you’re troubleshooting another washer problem, see:
- Washing Machine Won’t Spin? 9 Things to Check Before Calling a Repairman
- Washing Machine Won’t Drain? Here’s What to Check First
- Washing Machine Won’t Start? 8 Things to Check
- Washing Machine Is Leaking Water? Common Causes and What to Check
Bottom Line
A noisy washing machine isn’t necessarily broken.
Start by identifying what the noise sounds like and when it happens.
Check the load, leveling, bulky items, pockets, hoses, and objects around the washer before assuming an internal component has failed.
If the machine makes a persistent grinding noise, shakes violently, leaks, smells like it’s burning, or develops another serious symptom, stop using it and seek professional help.
The most useful clue isn’t simply that your washing machine is “loud.” The type, timing, and change in the noise are what tell you where to look first.