Washing Machine Making a Loud Noise: What It Could Mean
Quick Answer
If your washing machine is making a loud noise, start by identifying the type of sound and when it occurs: during the wash cycle, water filling, draining, or spinning.
Common causes include an unbalanced load, too many clothes, loose objects inside the drum, hoses touching the washer cabinet, or an uneven floor.
However, persistent grinding, squealing, rattling, or heavy banging may indicate a problem with internal components such as the drum bearings, motor, drive system, drain pump, or suspension.
Stop the cycle if the noise is unusually loud, metallic, accompanied by a burning smell or water leak, or causing the washer to move excessively. Do not continue using the machine until the cause has been identified.
In this guide
What Could Be Happening?
Not every unusual sound means your washer is broken. Modern washing machines make different operating sounds while filling, moving the drum, draining water, and spinning.
The type of noise can help narrow down the cause:
- Banging: May indicate an unbalanced load, an uneven washer, or loose internal components.
- Grinding: May be caused by a trapped object, a drain pump problem, or worn mechanical parts.
- Squealing: Can result from an overloaded washer or friction between moving components.
- Rattling: Often comes from loose objects, vibrating hoses, or external parts.
- Humming: May be normal motor or pump noise, but can also indicate that a component is struggling to operate.
When the noise occurs is just as important as what it sounds like. For example, a noise during draining may have a different cause from one that happens only when the drum reaches high spin speed.
Most Common Causes of a Noisy Washing Machine
| Possible cause | What to check | Possible solution | Professional help needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unbalanced load | Clothes gathered on one side of the drum | Redistribute the laundry | Usually no |
| Overloaded washer | Drum packed too tightly | Reduce the load | Usually no |
| Washer not level | Machine rocks or moves during the spin cycle | Adjust the leveling feet | Usually no |
| Loose objects | Coins, zippers, buttons, or metal items | Remove accessible objects | Sometimes |
| Vibrating hoses or external parts | Inlet hose, drain hose, power cord, or panel touching the washer | Reposition or secure correctly | Usually no |
| Shipping bolts still installed | Recently installed or relocated washer | Check installation instructions | Possibly |
| Clogged or damaged drain pump | Noise during draining | Inspect the pump filter if accessible, or arrange service | Sometimes |
| Worn drum bearings | Loud, continuous noise while the drum rotates | Professional inspection and repair | Yes |
| Damaged suspension or shock absorbers | Excessive tub movement and heavy banging | Inspect and replace damaged parts | Yes |
| Motor, drive system, or other internal parts | Noise continues even with an empty drum | Professional diagnosis | Yes |
What to Check First
Before assuming there is a mechanical problem, perform these basic checks:
- Identify when the noise occurs: During washing, draining, or spinning.
- Check the load: Heavy items, blankets, and bulky laundry can collect on one side of the drum.
- Check that the washer is level: It should not rock when you gently press down on its upper corners.
- Inspect the drum: Look for coins, buttons, zippers, and other loose objects.
- Check the area around the washer: Make sure hoses, the power cord, or nearby objects are not touching the machine.
- Consider the installation: If the washer is new or has recently been moved, check whether the shipping bolts were removed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If the noise continues after these checks, an internal component may be involved.
Troubleshooting by Type of Noise
A. Banging — Loud Thumping or Knocking
What it sounds like: Repeated thumps or knocks that follow the movement of the drum.
This type of noise often occurs during the spin cycle, when the drum rotates at high speed.
Possible causes:
- Clothes gathered on one side of the drum.
- A single heavy or bulky item, such as a blanket or rug.
- Too many clothes in the washer.
- An uneven washer.
- Shipping bolts still installed in a recently installed washer.
- Worn shock absorbers, springs, or other suspension components.
What to do:
- Pause the washer and wait until the drum stops completely.
- If possible, redistribute the clothes inside the drum.
- Remove some items if the load is too large.
- Check that the washer is stable and level.
- If the washer was recently installed, consult the owner's manual to confirm that the shipping bolts have been removed.
If the banging is severe, the drum appears loose, or the washer moves across the floor, stop using it and arrange a professional inspection.
B. Grinding — Scraping, Grinding, or Rubbing Noise
What it sounds like: A rough, metallic noise, similar to parts being scraped or ground together.
A grinding noise can have several causes. On some models, certain sounds from the drive system or transmission may be part of normal operation. However, loud or persistent grinding should be investigated.
Possible causes:
- Coins or metal objects trapped between the inner drum and outer tub.
- A foreign object inside the drain pump.
- Worn drum bearings.
- Motor or drive system problems.
- Overloading or an uneven washer.
- Contact between the bottom of the washer and a drain pan installed underneath it, where applicable.
What to do:
- Stop the cycle if the noise is loud or persistent.
- Remove the laundry and look for visible objects inside the drum.
- With the washer turned off and empty, check for accessible foreign objects.
- If the owner's manual allows it, inspect the drain pump filter using the manufacturer's procedure.
Do not insert tools through the drum openings or try to reach objects trapped between the inner drum and outer tub.
If the noise continues with an empty washer, an internal problem may be responsible. Bearings, the motor, and the drive system should be inspected by a qualified technician.
C. Squealing — High-Pitched Squeak or Whine
What it sounds like: A thin, high-pitched noise, similar to rubber or metal rubbing during movement.
Squealing may occur during the wash or spin cycle. Sometimes it is related to an overloaded washer; in other cases, it may indicate friction or worn components.
Possible causes:
- Too many clothes or an excessively heavy load.
- Bulky items that prevent the drum from moving evenly.
- A worn or slipping drive belt, on models that use one.
- Worn bearings or other moving components.
- Friction involving an internal part.
What to do:
- Pause the washer and wait until the drum stops completely.
- Reduce the amount of laundry.
- Make sure the clothes are distributed evenly.
- Check the owner's manual for the washer's load capacity and recommendations for bulky items.
If the squealing continues with a properly sized load or also occurs when the drum is empty, stop using the washer and contact an appliance repair technician.
Do not apply oil, grease, or lubricants to internal parts unless the manufacturer specifically recommends it.
D. Rattling — Loose or Vibrating Parts
What it sounds like: A clattering noise, as if coins, screws, or other loose objects are hitting one another.
Rattling can occur throughout the cycle or only at certain stages.
In many cases, the cause is outside the washer's internal mechanical components.
Possible causes:
- Coins, keys, or other objects left in clothing pockets.
- Zippers, buckles, and metal buttons hitting the drum.
- Inlet or drain hoses touching the back of the washer.
- Power cord vibrating against the cabinet.
- An uneven washer.
- Loose external parts or internal components.
What to do:
- Remove the laundry and check the pockets and inside of the drum.
- Look for visible loose objects.
- Check whether the hoses are hitting the wall or washer cabinet.
- Make sure the washer is level.
- If the noise continues, arrange a professional inspection.
Some clicking sounds at the beginning or end of a cycle may be normal. They can be related to the door lock or electronic controls.
If the rattling comes from the bottom of the washer and continues with no laundry inside, the drain pump or motor may need inspection.
E. Humming — Continuous Low-Pitched Noise
What it sounds like: A steady, low-pitched sound similar to an electric motor or appliance running.
A quiet humming sound may be normal, especially during draining or while the motor is operating.
It becomes a concern when the sound gets unusually loud, changes suddenly, or occurs along with cycle problems.
Possible causes:
- Normal motor operation.
- Drain pump running.
- Noise from the water inlet system.
- Closed water supply valve or interrupted water supply, when the inlet valve attempts to open.
- A pump or motor struggling to operate.
- A blockage in the drainage system.
What to do:
- Identify whether the humming occurs during filling, washing, or draining.
- If it happens during filling, check that the water supply valves are open.
- If it happens during draining, check whether water is leaving the washer normally.
- Look for error codes or warning lights on the control panel.
- If the humming is unusually loud or the cycle does not advance, stop using the washer.
If the washer hums but does not perform the expected function, the pump, motor, or another component may be faulty. Arrange professional service.
How to Test Where the Noise Is Coming From
After completing the initial checks, a controlled test may help determine whether the noise is related to the laundry load or the washer itself.
Before testing:
- Remove all clothing.
- Make sure there are no loose objects inside the drum.
- Check for visible leaks or damage.
- Consult the owner's manual to determine whether your model allows an empty test cycle.
If there are no signs of a safety issue, run a short cycle or spin-only cycle without laundry, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Pay attention to what happens:
- The noise disappears: The load or an object in the laundry may have caused the problem.
- The noise occurs only during draining: The drain pump or drainage system may need attention.
- The noise occurs during spinning even with an empty drum: There may be an installation or mechanical problem.
- Heavy banging, grinding, or excessive vibration occurs: Stop the test.
An empty-cycle test cannot identify a faulty component by itself. It is only a way to help narrow down the possible cause.
Possible Solutions: What You Can Do and What Requires Professional Service
Checks You Can Perform Yourself
- Redistribute the laundry.
- Reduce an overloaded load.
- Remove loose objects and empty pockets before washing.
- Check that the washer is level.
- Make sure hoses and the power cord are positioned correctly.
- Consult the owner's manual about shipping bolts.
- Inspect and clean the drain pump filter, but only if it is designed for user access.
Repairs That Require a Technician
- Replacing drum bearings.
- Repairing or replacing the motor.
- Repairing the drive system.
- Replacing shock absorbers, springs, or other suspension components.
- Repairing the drain pump when an internal failure is involved.
- Securing or replacing loose or damaged internal parts.
Do not disassemble the washer cabinet, remove the drum assembly, or test electrical components without appropriate training.
Safety Precautions
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Noisy Washing Machine?
The cost depends on the cause of the noise, the washer model, parts availability, and local labor rates.
Simple problems, such as leveling issues, loose objects, or vibrating hoses, may be resolved without replacing any components.
Repairs involving bearings, the motor, drain pump, drive system, or suspension may require disassembly and specialized labor.
Before approving a repair, ask for:
- The diagnostic or service call fee.
- An estimate for parts and labor.
- The repair warranty and its conditions.
- Confirmation that replacement parts are available.
It is not reliable to estimate repair costs based on the noise alone. The same sound can have different causes depending on the brand and model.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Washing Machine?
When to Call a Professional
Contact an appliance repair technician if:
- The noise continues even when the washer is empty.
- There is persistent metallic grinding or high-pitched squealing.
- The drum appears loose or moves abnormally.
- The washer vibrates excessively or moves during the spin cycle.
- The noise comes from the bottom of the machine and seems related to the motor or pump.
- The cycle does not advance or the washer displays error codes.
- You notice a burning smell, smoke, or signs of an electrical problem.
If the noise started after installation or moving the washer, a technician can also check the leveling, connections, and removal of the shipping bolts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my washing machine making a loud noise during the spin cycle?
The most common causes are an unbalanced load, too many clothes, an uneven washer, or suspension problems. If the noise continues even with an empty drum, internal components may be worn or damaged.
Is it normal for a washing machine to make noise during the wash cycle?
Some sounds are normal, including motor operation, water filling, control clicks, and pump operation. Loud metallic noises, continuous grinding, and excessive banging should not be ignored.
What causes a metal scraping noise inside a washing machine?
It may be caused by an object trapped between the inner drum and outer tub, a foreign object in the drain pump, or worn mechanical components. If the noise continues after removing the laundry and checking for visible objects, contact an appliance repair technician.
Do worn drum bearings make a washing machine noisy?
Yes. Worn drum bearings can cause a loud noise while the drum rotates, often resembling a rumble or roar that gets louder as the spin speed increases. A professional inspection is needed to confirm the problem.
Why does my washing machine make a banging noise?
This usually happens when the laundry is unevenly distributed or the washer is not level. Blankets and other bulky items can also cause banging during the spin cycle.
What does it mean when a washing machine hums but does not work?
The humming may mean the motor, pump, or water inlet valve is attempting to operate but cannot complete its function. The cause depends on when the sound occurs. If the washer does not fill, drain, or spin, professional diagnosis may be necessary.
Can I keep using my washing machine if it is making noise?
It depends on the type of noise. Mild, familiar operating sounds may be normal. However, heavy banging, metallic grinding, persistent squealing, a burning smell, or excessive vibration are reasons to stop using the washer until the cause is identified.
Related Guides
This guide offers general information. Steps, parts and costs vary by brand, model and location — your owner's manual takes precedence. For electrical, gas or complex repairs, contact a qualified professional.