Have you ever experienced the bane of a shaking washer?
The relentless rattling the thunderous thumping the whirring of a machine that seems to have a life of its own?
I know I have and in my quest to understand why my washer shakes I’ve uncovered some interesting facts about the origins of the washing machine.
Reasons why your washer is shaking
There are a few potential reasons why your washer might be shaking.
One of the most common causes is an unbalanced load.
When the laundry inside your washing machine is distributed unevenly it can cause the machine to vibrate.
Other potential causes include an imbalanced suspension system a worn-out belt or a broken shock absorber.
How to Fix the Problem
If you suspect your washer is shaking due to an unbalanced load the easiest way to fix the problem is to redistribute the clothing.
You can also try adding a few towels or other heavier items to the load to balance it out.
If the problem is due to an imbalanced suspension system or a worn-out belt you’ll need to call a professional to take a look at your washer.
They will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.
In some cases the shaking might be due to a broken shock absorber.
If this is the case the only fix is to replace the shock absorber.
Again this is something that should be done by a professional.
The First Washing Machines: A History
Believe it or not washing machines have been around for centuries.
In the early 1800s the very first washing machines were actually wooden drums that were turned by hand.
As technology progressed human-operated washing machines were replaced by mechanical versions.
These newer washing machines used a motor and a pulley system to spin the washing drum but the motor was so powerful it could create a tremendous amount of vibration.
This vibration could cause the washing machine to shake and rattle which eventually led to the invention of rubber shock absorbers to try and counteract the shaking.
Modern Washing Machines: The Shaking Continues
Today’s washing machines have come a long way since the early wooden drums and mechanical motors of the past.
However the same problem of vibration and shaking still persists.
Modern washing machines use an electric motor to spin the drum and while they are much quieter than the older versions they still can cause a great deal of vibration.
This is why most modern washing machines use rubber shock absorbers to minimize the shaking and rattling that occurs during the spin cycle.
Identifying the Cause of the Shaking
The most common cause of a shaking washer is an unbalanced load.
If the load of clothes is unevenly distributed in the washing machine it can cause the washer to shake and vibrate more than usual.
Another possible cause of shaking is a worn-out suspension spring.
If the suspension spring is weakened it can cause the washer to shake more than it should.
Lastly a faulty bearing or agitator can also cause a washer to shake.
Solving the Shaking Problem
The best way to solve a shaking washer problem is to identify and address the underlying issue.
If you suspect an unbalanced load is the cause try redistributing the clothes in the washing machine.
If your suspension spring is worn out replace it.
And if you think a faulty bearing or agitator is to blame have it inspected and serviced by a professional.
Conclusion
Shaking washers are a common problem and can be solved with the right knowledge and tools.
By understanding the origins of the washing machine and what can cause a washer to shake you can better identify the source of your shaking problem and find a solution.