When your washing machine starts making some strange sounds, it's usually nothing good. But if your laundry is still coming out nice and clean, you might be tempted to ignore it. Unfortunately, to do so could cost you a lot of money. Sounds are often the first warning sign that something is wrong -- and ignoring those sounds could end up in a costly repair. Here are some of the most common washing machine sounds along with what they mean to you.
A Thumping, Thudding Sound While Spinning
This is one of the most common washing machine sounds. It usually means that the drum of your washing machine is off balance or that something has worked its way loose. It can also mean that the washing machine hasn't been loaded properly and that the load isn't distributed -- but that's only if the sound isn't recurring. A thumping, thudding sound is particularly bad because it'll usually only get worse with time. Being unbalanced means that the machine is going to be throwing itself off balance more and more with each spin cycle, and may ultimately start leaking or stop spinning at all.
A Squeaking, Squealing Sound While Washing
A squeaking sound often means that your washing machine has become dirty or that there's a build-up in its components. When there is this type of build-up, the components individually need to work much harder. This can mean that the motor will soon run out. In order to avoid this, the washing machine usually just needs to be cleaned and greased, while its alignment can also be checked.
A Clanking, Clinking Sound While Draining
Usually a clanking or clinking sound while draining (while the water has been removed) means that something has become lodged in the machine. Occasionally, coins, pens, and other hard objects can fall out of pockets and make their way into the inner workings of the machine. This could cause the moving parts of the machine to jam up. It could also break the seal on the machine, causing it to leak -- and it can definitely damage clothing. If you hear these sounds, you should usually go through your machine carefully to find whatever has become loose.
Washing machine repairs need to be done quickly to make sure that your machine remains effective. Washing machines are actually very complicated items: they need to move large volumes of water around while also remaining water-tight. A single point of failure could lead to a flood, electrical problems, and, of course, some ruined laundry.
Share