Household appliances are a reliable assistant in household chores. All modern families have a washing machine at home. It makes taking care of things easier and faster. With all equipment in use, problems arise. Most often, owners of an automatic washing machine complain about noisy vibration. This is not a harmless sound at all; it can lead to serious damage in the future.
Specialized anti-vibration stands are designed for installation under the legs of a washing machine.
This accessory dampens vibration, prevents damage to the floor covering and prevents unwanted movement of the machine during operation.
Purpose of anti-vibration stands
Installing an anti-vibration stand is the surest way to save yourself from loud noise and damage to the floor covering. This is a small part that can troubleshoot problems with household appliances. A recently purchased washing machine is equipped with new accessories and additional protection.
Anti-vibration stands for washing machines are products that extend the service life.
Bearings, dampers, shock absorbers are parts that prevent strong vibration in modern technology. A machine that has been in active use for a long time begins to lose its original characteristics. Parts wear out, vibration occurs, and you cannot do without a special stand for the washing machine.
These useful devices prevent noise and premature wear of washing machines.
The main functions of the anti-vibration stand.
- Limits noise and vibration levels.
- Provides stability.
- Prevents scratches on the floor.
- Eliminates the problem of uneven floors.
This is an inexpensive, accessible way to reduce vibration and rattling during washing.
Features of using SM on the podium
Most users are afraid that at high spin speeds, when the machine starts to jump, it may jump off the podium. It really is possible. That’s why it’s recommended to put bumpers on the front so that the machine doesn’t break. If the podium is so high that you calmly, without bending, put the laundry in the tank, then difficulties may arise with the cuvette; it will be difficult to get into it. You need to think through the height of the podium down to the millimeter, so that you don’t have to bend your back and don’t have to jump to the ditch.
In general, we can conclude that a washing machine installed on a podium is not only a space saver, but also a small compensation for the obvious shortcomings of the equipment.
How do they look
Anti-vibration stand for a washing machine, round or square, made of polymer material, with a height of 45 to 50 cm. A set of such stands consists of four pieces, mostly white, gray, black or transparent. Transparent linings are made of silicone. The upper side of the lining resembles a cap; we put the machine leg on it.
The side that stands on the floor has a relief surface.
These devices are made from raw materials with high shock-absorbing properties.
What causes vibration?
If the machine was installed by a master, there should be no complaints or complaints about its work. Errors in installation most often occur if the users themselves did it. There are many reasons for problems, let’s look at the main ones.
These pads are inexpensive and often used.
- Overload. All devices have instructions for use, which indicate the maximum possible filling. If the machine is designed for 5-6 kg, and 8 were loaded into it, then noisy washing is guaranteed.
- Foreign object between the tank and the drum of the machine.
- Uneven loading. Distribute the laundry evenly throughout the drum, otherwise the centrifugal force will swing the device in different directions.
- Level. If the floor in the room is slightly at an angle, and the device is installed incorrectly, without maintaining the level.
- Wooden floor. The problem is that individual elements of this type of coating tend to shift. The surface becomes unstable.
- Breakage of parts or wear of the system. Failure of the bearings will lead to a decrease in the mobility of the drum, and damage to the counterweights will lead to displacement and vibration of the machine.
- Transport bolts. If the unit was purchased recently, make sure that the bolts that secure the parts during transportation have been removed.
Analyzing user reviews, it should be noted that the mats dampen vibration, but do not eliminate noise.
Manufacturers make stands both in the form of regular washers and in fancy ones, for example, in the form of paws.
Note! Before loading the next load of laundry, make sure that the machine does not wobble. Incorrect installation will certainly lead to breakage and the appearance of microcracks on parts.
Types and criteria for choosing anti-vibration stands
You should choose a stand for an automatic washing machine based on its parameters. Key criteria to consider.
Buyers are attracted by the low cost and wide selection.
The devices can be installed separately by lifting each edge. This is available to any buyer.
- Size and shape. The backing should fit snugly against the machine, so it is important to correctly measure the diameter of the legs. Pay attention to the shape: circle or square, choose the appropriate stand. You can find interesting options in the form of animal tracks. It's all a matter of taste.
- Color. Does not affect the quality and characteristics of the product in any way. This parameter directly depends on the color of household appliances and the design of the room.
- Diameter. This parameter affects stability. The larger it is, the better the substrate copes with its task.
- Material. Both silicone and rubber pads do their job well. The only difference is price, appearance and durability. Silicone will cost a little more than rubber. There is a risk that over time the rubber product will come apart; silicone is considered a more wear-resistant material.
You should not choose the cheapest products; they may be made of low quality material and have an unpleasant odor.
You can save money by making your own coasters.
Made of brick
Operating procedure:
- Bricks are laid in two rows - two walls. Laying is single-layer. The walls run parallel - between them there is a gap corresponding to the width of the installed device.
- Concrete/polycarbonate tiles are placed on brick walls, secured with cement.
- A metal corner is attached to the front part.
The elevation of such a structure is spacious. It can be made with a box for useful things. Wheels are often attached to the drawer for easy opening.
This design is suitable for cramped spaces, even for bathrooms in small apartments from the 50s. last century. But for such a case you will have to abandon the box. The structure is created as follows:
- the drain pipe is laid with bricks;
- build walls;
- cover with a slab, and then follow similar steps to the previous case.
Anti-vibration mat
If the machine is new and the floor in the room is relatively flat, then an anti-vibration mat will be enough to eliminate noise. The materials used to make this product are durable and wear-resistant. It will last more than one year. It is very easy to install: lay it under the unit. This is not a budget option and will cost more than a set of legs.
Ease of installation and durability are its strengths.
How to install?
- Disconnect all hoses from the water supply and place the equipment on its side.
- Clean the legs; they should be free of rust and other irregularities.
- Adjust the feet so that the washing machine stands level and does not wobble. To carry out this operation you will need a level and a wrench. By rotating the leg clockwise, it increases in the upward direction, and if you rotate it in the opposite direction, it decreases downward.
- Place the stands on the legs of the washing machine. Modern rubber products adhere well to the surface of any coating.
- Test the machine.
If the unit continues to rock, repeat the installation from the beginning again.
Causes of vibration and noise
Normally, any household appliance, including a washing machine, should operate without strong vibration and without exceeding the permissible noise level specified in the instructions. And of course, it should not break away even at moments of maximum load and performing certain operations.
If this happens, you need to look for the reasons for the occurrence of such features. They can be hidden either in the device itself or be associated with installation errors, the most common of which is failure to maintain the horizontal level.
It is important to install the machine level, otherwise vibrations may occur.
It is because of the misalignment that vibration most often occurs, since the center of gravity in the unit shifts. But you can easily fix it yourself by simply tightening the legs of the washing machine. They are adjusted by simple rotation around their axis.
Washing machine legs
Adjusting the support legs
- When rotated clockwise, the support extends from the base and becomes longer.
- When rotating counterclockwise, the reverse process occurs - the leg shortens.
To achieve the ideal position of the device, you need to place a bubble level on its lid and adjust each support in turn until the bubble reaches the central position. Then you need to tighten the fixing nuts, pulling them towards the body.
There is no need to immediately twist the legs as much as possible
Advice. If there is no level, you can use a glass jar or glass of water with a horizontal mark on the wall. Or download a special program to your phone and use it instead of a construction device.
Construction level in a smartphone
Table. Causes of noise and vibration.
| Cause | Description and solution |
The transport bolts were not removed | During installation, the shipping bolts that hold the washing machine drum in a fixed position during transportation were not unscrewed. This is a temporary fastener that must be removed before putting the unit into operation. This can be done without the help of a specialist. |
Unsuitable base | The behavior of the washing machine during operation largely depends on what it stands on. The surface must be smooth and durable. It is better if it is a concrete floor or non-slip tiles. It can move on smooth tiles at the slightest vibration, boards laid on joists will take the load differently, etc. |
Incorrect loading of laundry into the drum | Incorrect loading of laundry into the drum, causing imbalance during operation. This happens when you overload, wash fabrics of different thicknesses or bed linen, small things get into the holes, turning into a lump. Therefore, it is better to wash thin and terry items separately, as well as large and small laundry. |
Bearing failure or seal wear | A bad bearing or worn seal can also cause vibration and loud noise. You should not change them yourself, especially if the machine is still under warranty. This is a job for service technicians. |
Things getting caught in the drum | It could be a sock, a bra wire, a lighter - anything. We must try to get them out. |
Video - Strong vibration during washing or spinning
DIY stand for washing machine
Another option is to make your own anti-vibration stands for the washing machine.
If hand-made products do not reduce shaking, then it is better to purchase ready-made ones without spending additional effort and time.
If the device does not vibrate when you press on the corners, then the vibration during the spin cycle will disappear.
Made of rubber
If you have pieces of rubber on your farm, you can cut out pads from them yourself. To do this, you need to know the exact parameters of the legs and cut out elements of the required shape for them.
The resulting cut out parts are placed under the machine.
From an eraser
Take four erasers and glue them together with superglue. Use a sharp object to make an indentation in the center.
The required diameter and shape can be adjusted by making constant fittings during work.
Frame stand
You can build a stand that will slightly raise the machine above the floor level. The height of such a stand will be 45-50 cm. The front part is retractable, you can store detergents or washcloths in it. The leg mounts are made in such a way that they securely fix the machine to the stand.
Proper installation and a level surface will eliminate additional noise and vibration.
Make sure you have the necessary materials and tools on hand.
- Glue for installation.
- Drill.
- Self-tapping screws.
- Plywood.
- Wooden beams 10 by 10 cm.
- A circular saw.
Before manufacturing, you need to know the size of the bottom of the machine leg.
Materials and tools
An elevation for SMA is often made with your own hands, and there are several options for creating it. You will need:
- materials;
- tools;
- decide on the design.
Important! The platform under the SMA - and it contains 60-80 kg of weight - must be stable and durable. Only cladding can be made from plastic and plasterboard boards.
The body of the podium is made from stronger building materials:
- bricks;
- foam block;
- concrete slabs;
- corner;
- polycarbonate;
- wooden blocks.
The cladding is made from:
- tiles or ceramics;
- drywall;
- PVC;
- Chipboard (with water-resistant properties).
Tools. When making a hill under the SMA, you will need to use:
- trowel;
- level;
- tape measure;
- electric drill, electric screwdriver;
- metal saw;
- angle grinder;
- pencil;
- screwdriver
Work process
- Measure the length and width of the washing machine and legs, add 5 cm to the resulting numbers - these will be the parameters of the stand.
- Saw the beams and plywood in accordance with the obtained parameters, sand the wooden blanks.
- Assemble the wooden parts using self-tapping screws. Attach all four walls of plywood sheets with glue, additionally securing with self-tapping screws.
You can install it under the supports gradually, lifting each corner and placing the fixtures in stages.
Important! Before installing the machine, place a rubber mat under the frame; it will serve as additional protection against vibrations.
Installing the pads does not take much time.
Eliminating the mobility of equipment will extend its working life, it will not wear out so intensively. After fixing a special stand for the washing machine, the issue of vibration will no longer be a concern.
They will not only relieve you from noise and vibration, but also protect the floor from deformation and scratches.
Simple podium
Try making a primitive version. Manufacturing procedure:
- take two bars (length - 630 mm);
- place them in parallel;
- between the bars - a gap corresponding to the width of the apparatus;
- several boards (600x30x300 mm) are laid on the bars;
- use self-tapping screws to fasten the boards to the beams;
- a small protrusion is left in front - 30 mm;
- a board 30 mm wide is placed on the ledge, placing it on its edge.
After the completed manipulations, a stand with a side is obtained. Side width - 270 mm. To make it narrower, saw the board lengthwise - in half. The board is secured with screws.
The downside of this primitive elevation is that there is no drawer for useful things. Advantages - the SMA becomes more stable, noise during operation decreases.
Important! When choosing wood for beams, look for larch - it is not afraid of moisture.
To enhance the aesthetic component, cover the stand with plasterboard boards or perform other finishing.
