How to Level a Washing Machine

If your washing machine rocks like it’s at a concert every time it spins, or you’re setting up a new one and want to avoid the chaos, make sure it’s levelled correctly. Don’t worry, you won’t need much to get it sorted. Just a spirit level (that little bubble tool) and a wrench will do the trick.

Before you dive in, unplug the machine and make sure it’s empty. Safety first and it’s way easier to work with that way.

Start by checking if it’s level from side to side. Put your spirit level across the top of the machine, going left to right. If the bubble’s sitting neatly between the two lines, you’re good. If it’s off to one side, you’ll need to tweak one of the front legs. Just grab your wrench and turn the leg, go counter-clockwise to make it longer or clockwise to make it shorter. Make small adjustments and keep checking the bubble until it lands right in the centre.

Once that’s sorted, check the front-to-back alignment. A lot of modern machines have back legs that level themselves, so in that case, all you need to do is lift the back of the washer a bit and gently set it back down. The legs should adjust on their own. If you’ve got an older model, you’ll need to adjust the back legs manually the same way you did the front ones.

Do I Really Need to Level My Washing Machine?

Now, you might be wondering – do I really need to do all this? The answer is yes. A machine that isn’t level can vibrate excessively, produce a lot of noise, and even damage your floors. Over time, it can lead to early wear and tear or, worse, loosen connections and cause leaks.

So, yes spend a few minutes getting your washer level. Your ears, your floors, and your future self will thank you.