When is it effective to use anti-vibration stands for washing machines?

1

Reading time: 4 minutes

A

A

Most modern people lead an active lifestyle. They are constantly on the move, constantly haunted by the noise of traffic, office equipment and other mechanisms. Therefore, at home I want to relax, enjoy peace and quiet. But even here it is not always possible to do this fully due to working household appliances.

The washing machine is especially noisy and restless; it not only makes unpleasant sounds when rinsing and spinning clothes, but also vibrates, trying to throw off the things folded on the lid and go for a walk around the kitchen or bathroom.

Why does the washing machine jump during the spin cycle?

The consequences of such behavior can be very serious - from an unpleasant conversation with neighbors to damage to the floor covering. Therefore, the vibration of the washing machine must be eliminated.

Anti-vibration stands for washing machine

• Causes of vibration and noise Video – Strong vibration during washing or spinning

Why do washing machines vibrate?

One of the main parts of the washing machine is the drum, into which the laundry is placed and water is poured. When the drum rotates, a centrifugal force arises, which spreads to the entire “washing machine”. Manufacturers for the most part try to compensate for vibration in some way - they install special counterweights, dampers and shock absorbers inside. But this does not completely solve the problem. Users often note that previously their machine worked quietly and did not vibrate, but over time it began to make noise, and its body began to tremble noticeably. This is usually due to wear and tear on the shock-absorbing devices.

If the noise becomes too annoying, you can try using anti-vibration stands (also called pads, supports, feet). These products can be especially useful for narrow washing machines. Often their manufacturers save space by partially abandoning control over balance and imbalance.

Causes of vibrations

Vibrations can bring a lot of inconvenience to washing machine owners, but experienced craftsmen do not recommend installing legs on new units.

Indeed, each washing machine has its own mechanism to ensure the maximum level of stability, and various spring shock absorbers nullify the movement of internal elements (if we take into account the transfer of energy to the legs)

The mechanisms responsible for stability work really well, but over time their properties weaken, which is why special stands may be needed. Vibrations occur due to:

• Uneven placement of legs on the floor.
• Unevenness on the floor.
• Installations on wooden floors.
• System wear and tear.
• Other malfunctions.

Taking into account the fact that in most cases vibrations occur due to improper installation, you need to know how to do it yourself. First of all, you need to make sure that the surface on which you plan to place the device is flat and hard.

If the floor is made of wood, it is recommended to fill a separate part under it with concrete.

Leveling surfaces

After you start washing, you should pay attention to whether the machine wobbles while working on a flat surface. If yes, then start adjusting the legs.

They are located at the bottom of the unit. By slowly turning the leg up or down, you can adjust its position and height.

To determine the side that needs adjustment, lightly shake the washer while it is turned off. A building level will help you adjust the surface as accurately as possible.

Installation of gaskets

To eliminate vibrations, you need to do some preparatory work, adjust the height of the legs and prepare a place for the unit. Take care of the stability of the selected area. If there is no suitable place, pour a concrete screed. Adjust the height of the device and only then connect it.

In this case, this means not only connecting to the electrical network, but also adjusting the water supply system

Immediately pay attention to the kinks in the hose and eliminate them, because after installing the stands it will be difficult to move it. Then proceed to strengthen each of the legs

The stands are suitable for different models, because they are slightly larger than the legs themselves and will not shake.

After you start washing, you should pay attention to whether the machine wobbles while working on a flat surface. If yes, then start adjusting the legs.

They are located at the bottom of the unit. By slowly turning the leg up or down, you can adjust its position and height.

To determine the side that needs adjustment, lightly shake the washer while it is turned off. A building level will help you adjust the surface as accurately as possible.

Installation of gaskets

To eliminate vibrations, you need to do some preparatory work, adjust the height of the legs and prepare a place for the unit. Take care of the stability of the selected area. If there is no suitable place, pour a concrete screed. Adjust the height of the device and only then connect it.

In this case, this means not only connecting to the electrical network, but also adjusting the water supply system

Immediately pay attention to the kinks in the hose and eliminate them, because after installing the stands it will be difficult to move it. Then proceed to strengthen each of the legs

The stands are suitable for different models, because they are slightly larger than the legs themselves and will not shake.

Some machines can be noisy on their own. We are talking about the most modern and narrow washing machines. And stands are unlikely to help here. Before troubleshooting problems, consider their possible causes:

• bearings have failed;
• the caps fell off the legs;
• a foreign object has fallen between the tank and the drum;
• other faults that only a specialist can detect.

Features and principle of operation of anti-vibration stands

These stands prevent the washing machine from sliding on the floor, moving from its designated place and “jumping”, and reduce noise during washing and spinning. Their design is such that they are able to withstand an impressive weight - from 100 kilograms or more, which means they are suitable for any modern household model.

Anti-vibration supports are sold in sets of four pieces - in accordance with the number of legs. The diameter of one support is from 40 to 60 millimeters.

The outer surface of modern supports or stands is not smooth, but embossed, and this allows the machine to rest on them firmly and steadily. And the lower part of the stands has stiffening ribs. It is largely thanks to them that the noise and vibration emanating from the machine are so effectively dampened. And don’t be afraid that scratches and dents will appear on the floor - this is completely excluded.

Installation method

You should purchase devices in accordance with the dimensions of the plantar supports: when putting them on, there will be no difficulty in tightening them. Anti-vibration devices for washing machines from LG, Bosh, Samsung and others are selected in accordance with the size of the legs and the wishes of the owners, their financial capabilities. Electrolux produces accessories that precisely fit its washing machine models.

Before installing the SMA, it is better to lay it on its side and tighten all the legs. Then put it in place.

You can install it under the supports gradually, lifting each corner and placing the fixtures in stages.

Despite the variety of devices for reducing the shaking and noise of automatic washing devices, anti-vibration stands are most in demand. There are many of them produced: from rubber, other types of rubber, silicone, and polyvinyl chloride mixtures. The average price is 500 rubles. You can also install it yourself.

How to choose the right product?

Nowadays, anti-vibration stands for washing machines are made mainly from the following materials:

• rubber;
• silicone

We recommend: How to use a modern automatic washing machine?

Why these particular materials were chosen is not difficult to understand. Rubber is durable and wear-resistant. Stands made from it perfectly absorb vibration, in addition, rubber has anti-slip properties. It is also a fairly elastic material, so the stands can be pulled over the legs of the machine, even if it seems that they do not fit very well.

The same can be said about silicone. However, silicone pads, as practice shows, are slightly more expensive than rubber ones. However, many still choose products made from silicone, in particular because many false legs for washing machines made from this material have bizarre shapes, for example, the shape of the legs of some animals.

Anti-vibration mounts may also differ in color. Usually you can see black or white products in stores. But if you wish, you can also find, for example, transparent ones.

Advice

Some reputable companies that produce washing machines also make stands for them. For example, you can find products with the LG logo. But in this case, it is not necessary to take exactly the “native” stand; the vast majority of products available in retail sales are universal and will certainly suit your needs. There are even stands that can be used not only for washing machines, but also for refrigerators.

Selection rules

At first glance, it may seem that choosing ideal stands for a washing machine is very easy and simple. In fact, for this you need to take into account a lot of important parameters of household appliances for which you are looking for additional supports. Let's figure out how to choose these functional add-ons correctly.

Options

It is important to consider the dimensions of the selected accessories for the washing machine. Before going to the store, measure the diameter of the legs and look at their shape

It is important to consider these parameters so that you can buy exactly those parts that are ideal for your device.

Quality of material. It is equally important to choose a stand made from the most practical, wear-resistant, durable and discreet material. The optimal solution is considered to be semi-synthetic rubber. This material has all the necessary qualities and performance characteristics.

Design. Despite the fact that washing machine stands are often made small and almost invisible, it is still worth considering their design. Using these parts you can decorate the body of the equipment. For this purpose, coasters in the shape of wild animal paws or original box stands of an attractive shade and texture are suitable.

Price. When choosing the most suitable stands, take into account your own financial capabilities. If you can afford to purchase expensive accessories made from high-quality materials, it is better to choose these options. Excessive savings are inappropriate here, because you are buying items that will extend the life of your household appliances.

Shop. To purchase such things, you should go to specialized stores. It is not recommended to buy stands for washing machines on the market or in dubious retail outlets - here you risk purchasing a low-quality and short-lived product, which unscrupulous sellers will pass off as the strongest and most reliable.

In the next video you will find an overview and installation of anti-vibration pads under the washing machine.

How to install stands yourself?

The stands can be installed in just a few minutes. First you need to check whether the legs of the machine itself are the same length. If this is not the case, then they need to be adjusted. And only after this should you carefully place stands under each leg. Once the installation is complete, you can put the washing machine back in place.

Such ease of installation determines another advantage of these products - if necessary, they can always be removed and replaced with new ones yourself.

Why is it not always advisable to buy coasters?

Before purchasing stands, it is worth checking whether the use of the described products will actually be appropriate. Owners of built-in appliances may encounter an obvious problem: after installing the stand, the machine will become slightly higher than other objects adjacent to it, and this will introduce a certain disharmony into the interior.

And in some cases, purchasing anti-vibration stands for washing machines is completely pointless. Sometimes equipment vibrates for reasons that these inexpensive things cannot correct.

• Washing machines vibrating and making loud noises during operation may be caused by uneven floors. This problem is not that uncommon, especially in older homes. The solution suggests itself: you just need to rearrange the machine so that the vibrations stop.
• Sometimes the machine starts to vibrate because it is on a wooden floor. Individual boards begin to move one by one (“shaking,” as people say) during the active phase of the washer’s operation, and this creates a very noticeable noise.
• The machine may also vibrate and make loud noises due to faulty bearings. But it is unlikely that you will be able to change them yourself; to do this you will need to disassemble the entire machine. Calling a specialist is the best way out in this case.
• The washing machine can also vibrate strongly because something is stuck in the space between the tank and the drum. You can try to pull it out through the hole in the heating element.
• If the machine is new, then it is worth checking whether the transport bolts have been unscrewed. They are used to secure the drum during transport. Their presence makes vibrations and noise very strong.

We recommend: TOP 5 best washing machine models in 2019-2020: artificial intelligence and new features

These are just some of the reasons and problems that can lead to vibrations. Therefore, before you buy anti-vibration feet for your assistant, it won’t hurt to call a household appliance repair specialist to inspect it.

In what rooms can it be installed?

The most common places to install cabinets with a washing machine are:

• Bathroom. It's just convenient. With a normal layout, this particular room is located at a remote distance from the bedroom. Noises will not disturb the rest of the family members from resting;
• Kitchen. The lack of space in the bathroom forces the washing machine to be placed in the food preparation area. You will still have to store washing powders, conditioners and other household chemicals in another place. We'll have to pay closer attention to young children. In the bathroom they are much less likely to be naughty;
• Corridor. The most undesirable option. It may be difficult to walk through it. But, sometimes this is the only way to get rid of hand washing. The layout of apartments does not always correspond to the real needs of the owners.

Anti-vibration mats - an alternative to stands

There is also a unique alternative to stands - an anti-vibration rubber mat. Mats are more expensive than coasters, but in any case, the price of these accessories is not too high.

There are special seals in the corners of the mats - these are where the machine's legs should be. Mats are made from the same materials as coasters, but they have a few special advantages.

• An anti-vibration mat under the washing machine makes its bottom more airtight.
• Such a mat does not require installation in principle - it is simply placed under the machine.

So, we can conclude that stands are a useful and inexpensive thing, but their purchase is not always justified. Therefore, you should first understand whether the machine is vibrating due to some kind of breakdown or malfunction, and check the evenness and quality of the floors in the place where the machine is located.

Materials

The materials used to produce anti-vibration stands for washing machines must meet certain characteristics. They are made of rubber, polyurethane, silicone, PVC. Production is carried out using the casting method. Polyvinyl chloride is the most fragile material, but it absorbs vibrations well; its disadvantages include a short service life and rapid destruction.

Rubber

Because rubber and polyurethane gaskets differ in their ability to support significant weight, they are usually considered in the same category. These products are quite dense, wear-resistant, and reliable. The stiffening ribs used in the products allow for precise positioning. The textured surface does not slip, allowing you to conveniently place equipment even on slippery floors.

Silicone

Transparent silicone coasters have a softer structure. The products are elastic and fit well to the leg and floor surface. They are suitable for different types of machines and resist the development of fungus and mold. No debris or dirt collects underneath them. Silicone coasters are more expensive than rubber ones, they are durable and practical to use, almost invisible under the body and on any floor.