A washing machine is one of the most essential appliances in any modern Nigerian home. It saves time, energy, and gives you cleaner clothes with less effort. But if you’ve ever turned on your machine and noticed it shaking violently, making loud noises, or even “walking” across the floor, you know how frustrating (and worrying) it can be.

At Neatstore, we not only provide affordable washing machines in Lagos, but we also guide customers on how to get the best performance out of their appliances. In this blog, we’ll explore why washing machines shake, what you can do to stop the movement, and when to call in a professional. We’ll also touch on related laundry solutions, such as reliable industrial dryers for sale in Lagos, which complement your washing machine for a complete laundry system.

Whether you’re a homeowner, student, or managing a commercial laundry business, these insights will help you keep your machine steady, safe, and efficient.

Why Do Washing Machines Shake?

Before we look at solutions, it’s important to understand why washing machines shake or move around in the first place. Some common reasons include:

  1. Unbalanced Load

    • Overloading or washing bulky items like duvets can cause the drum to become unbalanced.

    • When the load shifts to one side, the spinning cycle makes the machine wobble.

  2. Uneven Floor Surface

    • If your washing machine is placed on an uneven or weak floor, it won’t stay stable during spins.

  3. Loose or Worn-Out Parts

    • Suspension springs, shock absorbers, or dampers inside the machine may weaken over time.

    • This reduces the machine’s ability to absorb vibrations.

  4. Improper Installation

    • Skipping installation steps such as removing transit bolts (used to secure the drum during transport) can cause excessive vibration.

  5. High Spin Speeds

    • Modern machines, especially front loaders, spin at very high speeds. Without proper stabilization, they tend to move around more.

The Risks of Ignoring the Problem

It may be tempting to ignore the shaking and hope it goes away. But here’s why that’s a bad idea:

  • Damage to Your Machine: Continuous movement can loosen internal parts and shorten the lifespan of your washing machine.

  • Floor Damage: A moving machine can scratch or damage your tiles or flooring.

  • Safety Hazards: A machine that “walks” across the room can pull on hoses or power cords, increasing the risk of flooding or electrical hazards.

  • Reduced Cleaning Efficiency: Excessive vibration means the drum isn’t spinning as effectively, leading to less clean clothes.

At Neatstore, we always remind our customers that caring for your washing machine is just as important as buying one. A steady, stable machine is safer, quieter, and more efficient.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Stop Shaking

1. Level Your Washing Machine

  • Place a spirit level on top of the machine.

  • Adjust the legs at the bottom until the machine is perfectly balanced.

  • Ensure all four feet are firmly touching the floor.

👉 Pro Tip: Use anti-vibration pads under the feet for extra stability. These are especially useful on tiled or concrete floors.

2. Check the Load

  • Don’t overload: Keep to the recommended weight for your machine.

  • Distribute clothes evenly: For example, wash two towels instead of one to balance the load.

  • Avoid mixing very heavy and very light items in the same cycle.

3. Secure the Machine on a Stable Surface

  • Ensure the floor under your washing machine is flat, firm, and strong.

  • Avoid placing the machine on carpets or wooden floors that bend under weight.

  • For laundry businesses, invest in reinforced flooring to handle multiple machines and industrial dryers for sale in Lagos.

4. Inspect for Loose Parts

  • Check the shock absorbers, suspension rods, and springs inside the machine.

  • Listen for unusual banging or clanking sounds—this could mean something is loose.

  • If you’re unsure, contact a professional technician for servicing.

5. Remove Shipping Bolts

If your machine is brand new and shaking too much, check the back panel.

  • Transit bolts (used during delivery) must be removed before the first use.

  • Leaving them in place prevents the drum from moving freely, causing violent vibrations.

6. Reduce Spin Speed

  • Some washing machines allow you to manually adjust spin speed.

  • For delicate or smaller loads, a lower spin speed can reduce shaking and noise.

7. Regular Maintenance

  • Clean the drum and filter to ensure smooth operation.

  • Schedule periodic servicing, especially if you use your machine heavily.

  • At Neatstore, we recommend routine checks every 6–12 months for heavy users, especially commercial laundries.

When to Call a Professional

Some issues go beyond DIY fixes. Call a technician if:

  • The machine shakes violently even with small loads.

  • You hear loud grinding, knocking, or metallic sounds.

  • The drum seems loose or misaligned.

  • You notice leaks or electrical sparks.

Neatstore partners with experienced technicians in Lagos who provide reliable installation and repair services, ensuring your washing machine serves you for years.

Choosing the Right Washing Machine

Sometimes, excessive shaking is a sign that your machine is simply too old or not suitable for your laundry needs. If repairs keep piling up, it may be time to invest in a new one.

At Neatstore, we provide:

  • Affordable washing machines in Lagos – ranging from compact models for singles to large-capacity machines for families.

  • Industrial dryers for sale in Lagos – ideal for laundromats, hotels, and commercial laundry services that need fast, large-scale drying solutions.

When you buy from Neatstore, you’re not just buying an appliance—you’re gaining access to after-sales support, expert advice, and durable products designed for Nigerian conditions.

Additional Tips to Keep Your Laundry Room Steady

  1. Pair Your Washing Machine with an Industrial Dryer

    • In commercial settings, balancing wash and dry loads is important. Using Neatstore’s industrial dryers for sale in Lagos reduces over-reliance on a single machine, spreading wear and tear evenly.

  2. Upgrade Gradually

    • If your washing machine is too small for your family or business needs, upgrade to a larger capacity. Constant overloading is one of the main reasons machines shake.

  3. Use Quality Detergents

    • Excess suds can interfere with the drum’s balance. Stick to recommended detergents and quantities.

  4. Check Hose Placement

    • Ensure the drain and inlet hoses are properly positioned. A tug from a tight hose can tilt the machine slightly, causing vibrations.

Why Buy from Neatstore?

  • Variety: From small, affordable washing machines in Lagos to large industrial dryers, we have it all.

  • Quality Assurance: All our machines are sourced from trusted brands with solid warranties.

  • Expert Guidance: Our team will advise you on the right machine for your budget, space, and laundry needs.

  • After-Sales Service: Installation, maintenance, and repair support are always available.

  • Competitive Prices: We balance quality with affordability, ensuring you get real value for money.

Final Thoughts

A shaking washing machine is more than just an annoyance—it’s a problem that can shorten your machine’s lifespan and create safety hazards in your home. Thankfully, with the right steps—like balancing your machine, managing loads, and checking for loose parts—you can stop the wobbling and enjoy smoother laundry days.

If your machine is beyond repair or you’re ready to upgrade, Neatstore offers affordable washing machines in Lagos, perfectly suited for homes, businesses, and laundromats. And for those running commercial laundry operations, don’t forget to check out our range of industrial dryers for sale in Lagos, built for efficiency and durability.

At Neatstore, our mission is simple: to make laundry stress-free, reliable, and affordable for every Lagos household and business.

So, the next time your washing machine starts “dancing” across the room, you’ll know exactly what to do—or where to go for a better solution.

✨ Visit Neatstore today to explore our collection of washing machines and industrial dryers. We’ll help you find the right laundry solution—steady, affordable, and built to last.