Washer Off Balance - Seeking Solutions and Tips?

Bracha Moskoff
by Bracha Moskoff

Hello there, lovely Hometalk members!


I could really use your assistance with a household issue I'm facing. My washer seems to be constantly off balance during cycles, and it's becoming quite a headache. Why would this happen and how can I fix the issue and prevent it from reoccurring?


Being a busy mom, I really rely on my washer, so finding a solution to this problem would be a game-changer for me.


Thank you all in advance for your assistance

Washer off balance

  15 answers
  • There are several possibilities. Have you adjusted the feet? That's an easy one! Depending on if it's a top load or front load, it could be the shock absorbers, driver bearings, or suspension springs.

  • William William on Jul 24, 2023

    There are adjustable feet in the front of the washer. Some have adjustable feet in the back also.



  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Jul 24, 2023

    try adjusting the legs on the bottom that usually fixes the issue

  • Janice Janice on Jul 24, 2023

    Usually adjusting the legs on the base of your washer will prevent this problem. Be sure you're loading the laundry as per washer's instruction info.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jul 25, 2023

    I just went through this when we put down new flooring. The first thing we did was level the machine. We checked it from every angle. That helped but my machine is from 2001 and our research showed that older machine tend to "wear out" in the tub area. No matter what I wash or how few items we tried, it still did it. Then, when I was in the room when it started I leaned on it and it quit "dancing". So I tried something that is weird but works. I put 4 gallon jugs, full, on the lid and it is fine.

    My new routine: on the dryer I have the 4 gallon items on top of my dryer. I load the washer and turn it on. Transfer the 4 items to the washer. When the load is finished, transfer back to the dryer. Not ideal but works for now. I have to figure out a long term solution or get a new machine.

  • Betsy Betsy on Jul 25, 2023

    Hi Bracha: There are little round feet on the bottom of the unit. Screw them counter clockwise until they are flush with the bottom of the washer and then, using a level, check to see what side needs to be raised. You may need a second person to help out. Then, the side that is low, screw the little round thing clockwise until it's level. Also, putting your clothes in the washer straight in, as opposed to wrapping them around the post, and not all on one side should help. And, be sure you are using the proper water level. If you use too little water, that can cause your load to shift.

  • Dee Dee on Jul 26, 2023

    Your washer should have adjustable feet. Maybe they are not properly tightened.Sometime a load is too heavy Try removing some items and evenly dispersing the remaining load. Washing one large, bulky item or something very absorbent like a comforter can also throw the washer off balance. Add other items to equalize the weight and stop the washer from shaking

    • See 1 previous
    • Annie Annie on Aug 29, 2023

      I'm glad it could help!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 29, 2023

    It could be the drum has become a little loose and needs adjustment? Call an appliance engineer to fix it for you.

  • Is the drum off balance during the wash cycle or the machine is out of level? If it's not level then adjusting the feet might correct it. If the machine stops because the laundry is out of balance, then it may be a loading issue, the clothes get out of balance, or your drum is loose and needs adjustment.

  • Mogie Mogie on Aug 01, 2023

    I have a top loading washer without an agitator and have found that even when using the bulky item selection mine still goes off balance. For me it helped not to over load the washer and when washing bulky items to make sure they are distributed evenly so there isn't more weight in any one place.

  • It could be that one of the feet has adjusted itself. There should be screws on rubber feet that you can twist or untwist to bring your machine back into level.

  • Deb K Deb K on Aug 05, 2023

    Hi Bracha, hope this helps you.

    First you want to check the feet on the bottom of the washer to ensure they are all at the height that makes the washer sit level up top.



  • Bracha Moskoff Bracha Moskoff on Aug 15, 2023

    Well that was easy, I adjusted the feet😅 Thank you

    • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Aug 25, 2023

      Glad to know this fixed it. I've piggy backed off your solutions but mine is more serious so for now, even though my machine is completely level, I put 4 gallon containers that are full (so around 8 pounds each) on top of the lid and it calms it down.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Aug 15, 2023

    The usual problem is the machine is off level, try adjusting the feet, they have screws on the very base of the unit you can adjust.

    Is this a newly installed machine or has it started to do this recently?