How to Fix an Unbalanced Washing Machine Load

Balancing your washing machine load isn’t always considered during laundry day, but this can be one of the most important ways to keep your washer working efficiently for years to come. 

Here’s what you need to know about balancing a washing machine load, including the benefits, signs of an unbalanced load to watch out for, and how to fix an unbalanced washing machine quickly if it does occur. 

Benefits of a Balanced Washing Load

The importance of balancing your washing machine load comes from several benefits it can have on the longevity and performance of your appliance. 

• Reduces motor stress: Unbalanced loads cause the motor to work harder than normal, resulting in extra energy expenditure and overheating. 
• Reduces strain on drums and bearings: Reduces unnecessary movement and vibrations which can damage components prematurely. 
• Optimizes washer performance: Allows for proper water circulation and spinning, while preventing detergent buildup. 
• Improves longevity: Reduces excess wear and tear caused by unnecessary movements. 
• Minimizes noise levels: Unbalanced washing loads can cause excessive vibrations and loud noises like thumping or knocking. 

Does My Washing Machine Have an Unbalanced Load? Top Signs 

Luckily, it’s relatively easy to figure out if your washing machine has an unbalanced washing load or not. You may notice some of these common signs, which require your attention to fix:

1. Excessive Shaking and Vibrations 

If you’ve noticed your washer shaking or vibrating more vigorously than ever before, this could be one of the first signs that your washer load is unbalanced. These extra vibrations can be caused by uneven weight distribution of your laundry, causing the drum to spin lopsided and with more vigor. 

2. Loud Thumping or Knocking Noises 

One of the most obvious signs of an unbalanced washing machine load is loud banging, knocking, or thumping noises during operation. It’s most likely that you’ve overloaded the drum or the feet are not level, which can cause unnecessary movement. 

3. Machine Is Physically Moving During The Cycle 

Minimal movement and vibrations from your washer is to be expected, especially during the spin cycle. But if you notice the whole machine moving vigorously and becoming displayed after every use, it could be a sign of an unbalanced load, loose washing drum, or broken suspension springs. 

4. Soaking Wet Clothes 

Soaking wet clothes after a full spin cycle is not normal, and is a clear sign that your washer performance is not optimal — often from an unbalanced load. Because an unbalanced washing machine can’t rotate fully or drain water as well as it should, you’ll often receive soggy laundry loads at the end of the cycle. 

5. Error Codes 

If your washing machine has an electronic display, you will often receive a specific error code corresponding to an unbalanced washer load. This will be dependent on the brand and washer model, so refer to your specific user manual or the section in error codes below. 

How To Fix an Unbalanced Washing Machine Load 

Here’s how to fix an unbalanced washing machine load and get your washer back to its normal function again. 

1. Pause or stop the cycle: If you recognize signs of an unbalanced washer load, locate the pause button to stop the cycle. 
2. Distribute clothes: Open up the lid of the washer and manually move laundry around so they’re better distributed around the drum, especially if they’re bunched up or tangled. 
3. Remove or add items: Heavier items like rugs, towels, or blankets can be added or removed to keep the load balanced. Consider breaking up a large load into smaller ones. 
4. Restart the cycle: Start a new cycle and see if the problem has been fixed. 
5. Adjust washer if necessary: If the machine is still unbalanced, consider checking the levelling of the washer and adjust the feet. 

Common Unbalanced Washing Machine Load Error Codes

If you have purchased your washing machine from a popular manufacturer like Samsung, LG, or Electrolux, you may notice specific error codes on the display that can help you diagnose the problem quickly. Here are some of the common error codes displayed on popular washer brands. Several options for different models and washer ranges are also listed. 

Electrolux: EF5, AL, FO, E4

Miele: UE, F56

Bosch: UE, E20, E32

Maytag: F0E5, UL, OFB

Whirlpool: SUD, UL, F0E5

Samsung: UB, UE 

LG: UE, uE

Do I Need To Call a Professional? 

It’s highly unlikely that you will need to call a professional to help you balance your washing machine load. Most of these DIY fixes don’t require you to investigate components or handle electrical wiring, and can be done without much appliance repair experience. 

However, if you notice signs of an unbalanced washer alongside additional signs of damage or faulty components, contact a professional for advice. These include: 

• Water leaks
• Persistent error codes despite effort to fix it
• Strong burning smell during operation 
• Failure to start, or shut downs mid cycle 

How To Prevent Future Washer Imbalance  

There are several things you can do today to significantly reduce the likelihood of getting an unbalanced washing machine load again. 

• Consider a front-load washer: While both top and front-load washers can become unbalanced, top-load washers tend to be more likely to become unbalanced due to agitator limits. 
• Avoid overloading with laundry: Split larger loads into several smaller ones, especially if you’re washing a lot of bulky clothing at once. 
• Conduct periodic levelling checks: Check and adjust the washer feet and ensure it’s always kept on a level surface.