All washing machines make some noise – a gentle hum during the wash, the sloshing of water, the faster sound of the spin cycle. But when your machine suddenly starts grinding, banging loudly, or making strange clicking sounds, it's natural to worry. Is something broken? Is it safe to keep using?
The reassuring news is that many washing machine noises are harmless or caused by simple issues you can fix yourself. Others might point to wear and tear that needs attention.
This Hoover guide will help you understand what different noises mean, when to take action, and how to keep your washing machine running quietly and efficiently.
What noises are normal in a washing machine?
Before we investigate unusual sounds, it's helpful to know what's typical during a normal cycle.
A low humming when the motor's running is perfectly normal, as is the sloshing sound of water and clothes moving around the drum. You'll often hear gentle clicking as the machine switches between cycles or locks and unlocks the door. The spin cycle naturally creates more noise as the drum speeds up to remove water from your clothes.
These everyday sounds are nothing to worry about. However, if a noise is sudden, much louder than usual, or sounds concerning, it's worth investigating further.
Common washing machine noises and what they mean
Let's look at the most common problem noises and what might be causing them.
Grinding noise
A grinding sound often means something has become caught in the drum, pump, or filter. Coins, hairgrips, small toys, or bits of wire from underwired bras are frequent culprits. These items can work their way between the drum and the outer tub, or get stuck in the pump, creating that distinctive grinding or scraping noise.
Occasionally, grinding can also indicate worn drum bearings, particularly if the sound is constant and worsens during the spin cycle. If you're experiencing this issue, checking for trapped objects is your first step.
Banging or knocking
Loud banging is most commonly caused by an unbalanced load. When heavy items like towels or bedding clump together on one side of the drum, the machine becomes unbalanced during the spin cycle, causing it to rock and bang against its housing.
Sometimes banging points to more serious issues like loose drum bearings, worn suspension springs, or a drum that's come loose from its mountings. If the banging continues even with small, well-distributed loads, these mechanical issues could be the cause.
Clicking
Gentle clicking as cycles change is normal – it's just the timer or door lock mechanism engaging. However, loud or constant clicking might indicate a problem with the motor, a fault in the door latch, or an issue with the drive belt.
If the clicking is new, persistent, or accompanied by the machine stopping mid-cycle, it's worth investigating. Check that the door is closing properly and that there's nothing stuck in the door seal preventing it from locking securely.
Loud noise when spinning
The spin cycle is naturally noisier than the wash cycle, but excessive noise during spinning usually points to an unbalanced load or worn drum bearings. When bearings start to fail, they create a rumbling or roaring sound that gets progressively louder as the spin speed increases.
Worn bearings need professional attention, but unbalanced loads are easily fixed by redistributing your laundry more evenly.
How to reduce washing machine noise
Many washing machine noises can be prevented or minimised with a few simple steps.
· Distribute laundry evenly inside the drum. Don't overload the machine, and try to wash similarly sized items together. Mix heavy items like towels with lighter items to help balance the load. If you're washing a single heavy item, add a couple of towels to help distribute the weight.
· Place the machine on a level surface. Use a spirit level to check your washing machine isn't tilted. Most machines have adjustable feet that let you level them properly. An unlevel machine will vibrate more and create unnecessary noise.
· Use anti-vibration pads if floors are uneven. These rubber pads sit under the machine's feet and absorb vibrations, particularly helpful if your machine is on a wooden floor or in an upstairs location. They're inexpensive and can make a noticeable difference.
· Check pockets for coins or objects before washing. Empty all pockets thoroughly before loading clothes. Small items can work their way into the pump or between the drum and tub, causing grinding noises and potentially damaging the machine.
These straightforward steps can significantly reduce noise levels and help prevent problems from developing.
How to fix loud noise from a washing machine
If your washing machine is making excessive noise, here's what you can try before calling for help.
· Clean the pump and filter to remove debris. The filter is usually located behind a small panel at the front bottom of the machine. Place a shallow tray underneath to catch water, then unscrew the filter and remove any trapped objects or built-up debris. This often solves grinding noises caused by blockages.
· Tighten any visible loose fittings. Check the transit bolts have been removed if the machine is new (these hold the drum steady during transport and cause terrible noise if left in). Look for any obviously loose panels or fittings and tighten them carefully.
· Run smaller, balanced loads. If banging is the issue, try washing less at once and ensuring clothes are distributed evenly. Heavy items like duvets might need their own cycle with careful loading.
· If noise persists, professional service may be needed. Issues like worn bearings, damaged suspension springs, or motor problems require an engineer's expertise. Don't ignore persistent loud noises, as continuing to use a faulty machine can lead to more expensive damage.
Choosing a quieter washing machine
If your current washing machine is getting noisier with age, or if you're looking for a replacement, modern machines offer much quieter operation than older models.
Hoover washing machines are designed with quiet spin technology and efficient motors that minimise noise during all cycles. Anti-vibration features help keep the machine stable, even during high-speed spins, making them ideal for busy households where laundry needs doing at all hours.
For homes with open-plan living spaces, or if your washing machine is located near bedrooms, a quieter machine makes a real difference to your comfort. Explore our range of washing machines to find models that combine powerful cleaning with peaceful operation.