Why Your Washing Machine Sounds Like a Jet Engine (and How to Fix It)

There’s nothing quite like the peace and quiet of a Saturday morning—until your washing machine decides to start its own rock concert in the laundry room. If you’ve ever stood there wondering whether your appliance is about to take off or just needs a good talking-to, you’re not alone. Noisy washing machines are one of the most common headaches for homeowners, but the good news is that many of those sounds are nothing more than a sign that something small needs a little attention. Before you call a repair person or start shopping for a new machine, let’s walk through the usual suspects together and see if you can fix the problem yourself.

The first thing to understand is that different noises mean different things. A thumping or banging sound, especially during the spin cycle, usually points to an unbalanced load. This happens when heavy items like towels or jeans clump together on one side of the drum. The machine tries to spin, but the weight is uneven, causing the whole appliance to shake and thump like a drum line. The fix is simple: pause the cycle, open the door, and redistribute the clothes evenly. If you’re washing just a few bulky items, throw in a couple of smaller pieces to balance things out. Make sure the machine is sitting level on the floor, too. An unlevel machine will rock and bang even with a perfectly balanced load. Grab a spirit level and check the top of the washer from front to back and side to side. Adjust the leveling feet—usually you can turn them by hand or with a wrench—until the bubble sits dead center. This one step solves a surprising number of noise complaints.

Now, if your machine is making a high-pitched squealing or screeching sound, especially during the wash or spin, that’s often a sign of a worn-out belt or a problem with the bearings. Rubber belts drive the drum on many top-loading machines, and over time they can stretch, crack, or slip. You might hear a squeak that gets louder as the machine works. Replacing a belt is a moderate DIY job—you’ll need to remove the back panel, slip the old belt off the pulley, and loop a new one on. Watch a few videos for your specific model first, and always unplug the machine before you start poking around inside. If the screech sounds more like a grinding metal-on-metal noise, you’re likely dealing with worn drum bearings. That’s a bigger repair that involves disassembling much of the machine, and for most homeowners it’s more cost-effective to call a pro or consider a replacement.

What about a loud humming or buzzing that makes you think the machine is struggling? That often means the drain pump is blocked or failing. Small items like coins, paper clips, or even a stray sock can get lodged in the pump, preventing it from spinning freely. The pump tries to work but can’t, so it hums loudly. If you hear this sound, stop the cycle immediately—running a blocked pump can burn out the motor. Most washing machines have a small access panel at the bottom front or back. Open it up, place a shallow pan or towel underneath to catch any water, and unscrew the pump filter. Pull out whatever debris you find—sometimes it’s a whole collection of lost items. Clean the filter thoroughly, screw it back in, and run a short cycle to test. Nine times out of ten, the humming disappears.

A loud banging or clunking during the spin cycle that sounds like someone’s hitting the machine with a hammer can also come from the tub dampers or suspension springs. These parts are designed to absorb vibration, but they wear out after a few years. If you’ve already ruled out an unbalanced load and a leveling issue, and the banging persists, it’s worth checking the springs and dampers. On front-loading machines, you can often see the springs at the top corners of the drum, and the dampers are shock-absorber-like parts attached to the bottom. If a spring has broken or a damper is leaking oil, replacement is necessary. This is another job that’s doable with some patience and the right parts, but don’t hesitate to call a technician if you’re not comfortable taking the machine apart.

Sometimes the noise isn’t coming from the machine at all, but from the floor or nearby cabinets. A washing machine that’s vibrating against a wall or a cabinet can create a rattling sound that drives you crazy. Try pulling the machine away from the wall by an inch or two, especially if there’s a hose or cord touching the side. Also, check that the rubber feet or anti-vibration pads are in good shape. You can buy inexpensive vibration pads at any hardware store, and they do a fantastic job of muting the rumbles that travel through the floor.

Finally, don’t forget the simple things. Loose screws on the outer panels can rattle. Drain hoses that are too long can slap against the side of the machine. Even a coin that slipped under the drum can make a terrible noise until it works its way out. Give the machine a thorough once-over with all your senses—listen, look, and feel for anything loose or out of place.

The best way to avoid noisy problems in the future is to run a cleaning cycle every month, check pockets for loose items before each load, and never overload the drum. A little preventive care goes a long way. If you’ve tried all the tips here and your machine still sounds like a band rehearsal, then it might be time to call in a professional. But for most households, a few simple adjustments are all it takes to restore the peace—and your sanity.