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Washing Machine Vibration Facts

VibrationSolution — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:34:42 +0000

Here are a few quick facts on washing machine vibration.

All washing machines and dryer vibrate. Dryers usually have less vibration than washers because the load is only wet clothes (as opposed to a drum of water and clothes). Front loading washing machines cause high frequency vertical oscillation while top loading washers usually have horizontal oscillation.
Almost all front loading washing machines are not recommended for use on standard joist-construction floors (most common floor type, compared to a concrete slab sub-floor). Manufactures like GE, LG, Maytag, Samsung, Whirlpool, Kenmore, Bosch and more, all recommend installing a pad like Silent Feet under the washing machine to absorb the vibration.
Prolonged use of a front loading washing machine on regular joist floors will cause structural damage.
Most laundry rooms are constructed on a joist type floor. Here long wooden joists support a plywood sub-floor. Vibration weakens the joints between all the parts of the floor.

This can result in minor issues like creaks and cracks in the floor all the way to sagging and collapse of the floor.
The only alternative to using Silent Feet pads to prevent structural damage is costly upgrading of the sub-floor. This usually involves adding a second layer of plywood sub-floor and adding sister boards to the rafters that support the floor. But even this won’t reduce the amount of vibration noise that you hear. Sub-floor upgrades can cost thousands of dollars.
Vibration can also cause appliance “walking” (unwanted movement) usually during the spin cycle. Simply installing a pad designed to prevent walking can solve this problem and mean that you’ll never have to reposition your washer after every load again. Both Original Silent Feet and Anti-Walk Silent Feet prevent walking, however for washers that move a lot or stacked units it is recommended that you install Anti-Walk Silent Feet for the best results.

Washing Machine Anti-Vibration Pads Make a Perfect Post Holiday Gift

VibrationSolution — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 20:34:47 +0000

Do you know someone who got a fantastic, shiny, new front-loading washing machine for Christmas? Chances are that they missed out on getting one of the best and absolutely necessary washing machine accessories. Major washing machine manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Maytag, Frigidaire, Kenmore and GE all require their front-loading washing machines to be installed on anti-vibration pads. This is because the high frequency vibrations caused by the spin cycle can cause annoying noise and very serious long term structural damage to you home. Waiting to give this essential washing machine accessory to a loved one could cost you more than a few harsh feelings. Silent Feet and Anti-Walk Silent Feet anti-vibration pads for washing machines and dryers are the best pads available today. Our new Second Generation pads feature the latest technology and materials that provide the greatest vibration reduction and durability.

If you know someone who received a new washing machine for Christmas from any of the following popular brands tell them to order Silent Feet anti-vibration accessory pads for washing machines today. Waiting could result in thousands of dollars in costly home repair bills and a very tragic end to their holiday season.

Most popular front-loading washing machine brands:

Samsung
LG
GE
Maytag
Whirlpool
Frigidaire
Kenmore

Is Your Washing Machine Doomed to Years of Vibration and Noise?

VibrationSolution — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:47:19 +0000

Never before have washing machine manufactures been ranked based on the vibration and noise characteristics of their products. That is until now with the latest release of test results from The Vibration Solution. Our test engineers have been busy in their lab testing washing machines from every major brand and even a few minor brands. The results of their tests have finally been compiled. Below is a ranking of each washing machine brand by the vibration that their family of washing machines generates during operation. The lower the score, the better. Higher scores indicate that the washing machine created significant and violent vibration throughout the majority of it’s cycles. Any brand scoring near 100 should be avoided. The industry average rating for front-loading washing machine vibration was 55. The average for top-loading washing machine vibration was significantly lower at only 23. But don’t pick your next washing machine based only on its vibration statistics.

Just because a clothes washing machine doesn’t generate as much noise as one of its competitors doesn’t mean that it won’t keep you up at night. Noise is another major problem especially with new front-loading washing machines. That’s why we have also included noise ratings as part of our evaluation. A perfect example of this issue can be seen on the results for front-loading washers. While Amana, Miele and Electrolux all scored well on vibration none of them were as quiet as Whirlpool machines. So consumers looking for a good balance of both a quiet and balanced washing machine should strongly consider Whirlpool for their next purchase. But not all washers are created equal. While some brands are better than others, consider that there still may be a few black sheep in every brand’s family of appliances. Steer clear of individual models with poor or below average vibration and noise ratings. These ratings can be found in our 2010 Washer and Dryer Buying Guides.

Other good front-loading washer brands to consider are Maytag, Kenmore and Samsung. All three of these brands scored better than the industry average on vibration and also scored well on noise. Buyers should avoid Speed Queen, Asko, Bosch, GE and Frigidaire washers if possible. While some washers within each of these brands do offer a good balance of noise and vibration performance, most do not. Over the past few years we’ve heard from many very upset Bosch owners who complain of serious vibration and noise. While Bosch has been slowly improving their appliances, they still have a long way to go before they will be competitive in the laundry appliance industry.

For consumers looking to buy a new top-loading washing machine, consider that while most offer the same low level of vibration, LG performed the best in our noise tests. GE and Fisher & Paykel washing machines also performed well with Kenmore following close behind. Avoid buying Frigidaire and Roper top-loaders as they suffer from severe noise issues during most of their cycles. Staber top-loading washing machines performed poorly in vibration tests, but their overall noise rating was on-par with the industry. Still, Staber should be avoided as a brand until they can resolve their vibration issues.

The Complete Guide to Clothes Dryer Noise 2010

elink — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 23:01:08 +0000

While it is well known that many washing machines are noisy and vibrate, not many products have been designed to help quiet your washer’s long term companion, the clothes dryer. The modern tumble dryer handles larger loads and drys faster than previous versions thanks to numerous improvements in drying technologies. However, little has been done to reduce the overall noise caused by the dryer. An off balance or large load of clothes in the dryer can cause some seriously annoying levels of noise and thumping sounds. Just like your washing machine, a dryer rests on stiff metal and plastic adjustable feet transmit this noise directly to the floor and then throughout your home. But you don’t have to listen to all that racket any longer, because the same Silent Feet Anti-Vibration pads that work on your washer can also be installed on your dryer.

In addition to silencing the noise transfer to your home, Silent Feet will raise the height of your dryer making it easier to load and unload. If you’ve installed Silent Feet under your washing machine, it’s best to get a second set for you dryer to keep them both at the same height. Silent Feet and Anti-Walk Silent Feet will also help stop prevent walking and unwanted movement on dryers. The following gas and electric dryers have been shown in laboratory tests to have high levels of noise and would benefit from the installation of a anti-vibration isolation pad like Silent Feet.

Electric Dryers with Noise Problems

Amana NED4800V
GE DRSR483EG
GE DTSR495EF
GE Profile DPSE810EG
Fisher & Paykel DE62TG1
Fisher & Paykel DEGX2
Kenmore 6952
Maytag Centennial MEDC500V
Miele Touchtronic T9800
Staber HXD2304E

Gas Dryers with Noise Problems

Amana NGD4800V
Fisher & Paykel DG62TG1
Fisher & Paykel DGGX2
GE Profile DPSE810GG
GE DRSR483GG
GE DRSR495GG
Kenmore 7952
Maytag Centennial MGDC500V
Miele Touchtronic T9820
Staber HXD2304G
Whirlpool WGD5700V

Recommended Low Noise Electric Dryers

GE Profile Harmony DPGT750EC
Kenmore Elite HE3 Steam 8674
Kenmore Elite HE5 Steam 8772
Kenmore Oasis Steam 6808
LG DLE2516
LG DLE5955
LG SteamDryer DLEX3001
LG Tromm DLE8377
Maytag 5000 Series Steam MEDE500V
Samsung Steam DV448AE
Whirlpool Duet Steam WED9600T

Recommended Low Noise Gas Dryers

GE Profile Harmony DPGT750GC
Kenmore Elite HE3 Steam 9674
Kenmore Elite HE5 Steam 9772
Kenmore Oasis Steam 7808
LG DLG2516
LG DLG5955
LG SteamDryer DLGX3002
LG Tromm DLG8388
Maytag 5000 Series Steam MGDE500V
Samsung Steam DV448AG
Whirlpool Duet Steam WGD9600T

Buy a set of Silent Feet Anti-Vibration Pads for your washing machine and dryer today. Thousands of customers all around the world are enjoying a more peaceful and quiet home thanks to our products. Experience the most effective anti-vibration pad on the market for yourself today.

Check out our other buying guides for 2010:

The Complete Guide to Front Loading Washing Machines 2010

The Complete Guide to Top Loading Washing Machines 2010

The Complete Guide to Top Loading Washing Machine Vibration 2010

VibrationSolution — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:18:14 +0000

While front loading washing machines are the hot new appliance on the market, top loading washers are still the primary seller in the industry. This is because top loading machines offer an excellent combination of capacity, speed, features, efficiency and reliability all at an excellent value. For most families purchasing a new top loading washing machine is the smart choice. Especially in this tight economy it’s hard to argue with their low price and dependable heritage. The good news for any buyer is that there are great deals to be had on top loading washers with excellent capacity, short wash cycles and low vibration operation.

Top Loading with Low Noise and Vibration

Fisher & Paykel Intuitive IWL16
GE Profile Harmony WPGT9360E
Kenmore Elite Oasis HT 2808 (Warning: harsh wash cycle can damage clothes)
Maytag Bravos MTW6600T
Whirlpool Cabrio WTW6200S
Whirlpool Cabrio HE WTW6600S

These washers were some of the best tested for the 2010 model year. If your concern is getting the best washer with the quietest operation, pick one of these and stay clear of the washers listed below.

Top Loading with Major Noise and Vibration

Frigidaire FTW3014K
Frigidaire FWS1233F
Roper RTW4440V

Whatever washer you choose to install in your home, remember that all manufactures recommend the installation of a vibration pad like Silent Feet when the washing machine is located on a 2nd floor or joist-built sub-floor. This is because over time the vibration and oscillation of the clothes washer during the spin cycle can damage the floor and structure of your home. Some manufactures even recommend nailing or screwing an unsightly 1″ plywood sheet to the floor under your washing machine and dryer. While this strengthens the floor it does not stop vibration noise from transferring into the structure of your home and being heard in every room. Only a flexible isolator pad like Silent Feet can stop vibration noise. Install Anti-Walk Silent if you have a smooth or slick floor like laminate, tile, wood or vinyl and are concerned about washing machine walking. Plywood cannot provide the same benefits as a top of the line vibration pad like Silent Feet.

The Complete Guide to Top Loading Washing Machine Vibration 2010

The Complete Guide to Clothes Dryer Vibration for 2010

The Complete Guide to Front Loading Washing Machine Vibration for 2010

elink — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:45:37 +0000

A recent surge of government tax rebates and retail appliance sales has sparked a surge in new energy efficient washing machine and dryer purchases. But before you take advantage of these great deals on new appliances, check out the noise and vibration ratings for the latest washers. The first step is to analyze your laundry room. Is it located on the second floor? Is your current washer installed on a concrete slab? Do you currently have issues with noise and vibration? What other laundry problems would you like to avoid in the future?

It is very important to recognize what your expectations for your laundry room are, because it is likely that your next washer and dryer will last for a decade or more before needing to be replaced again. Picking a noisy or high-vibration washer could mean many years of aggravating noise every time you do laundry. There is good news though about solving vibration problems in washers and dryers. By installing Silent Feet under the appliance, even on a 2nd installation your home can remain a quiet and peaceful place. It is strongly recommended that you install Silent Feet or Anti-Walk Silent Feet vibration isolation pads if you currently have or are planning to purchase any of these models of washing machines.

Front Loading with Major Vibration Noise

LG WM0642H
LG Allergiene WM2688HA
Bosch Nexxt 300 Series WFMC220UC
Miele Touchtronic W484
Maytag 5000 Series MHWE500V
Bosch Vision 800 Series WFVC8440UC
Bosch Vision 300 Series WFVC3300UC
Amana NFW7200T
Speed Queen AFB50R
LG WM2010C
Asko Ultracare WL6511

Front Loading with Moderate Vibration Noise

Electrolux WaveTouch EWFLW65
GE WCVH68000J
LG Allergiene SteamWasher WM3001HA
Whirlpool Duet Steam WFW97000V
Whirlpool Duet Steam WFW9550W
Frigidaire Gallery GLTF2940F
Kenmore Elite HE5t Steam 4770
Bosch Vision 500 Series WFVC5440UC
Frigidaire Affinity ATF8000F
GE WBVH5300K
LG WM2016C
Bosch Nexxt 800 Series WFMC840UC
Whirlpool Duet HT WFW94000S
Frigidaire Affinity FAFW3577K
Samsung WF218AN
Bosch Nexxt 500 Plus Series WFMC544UC
Frigidaire Affinity ATF6000F
Kenmore HE2t 4756
Kenmore HE2 Plus 4751
Whirlpool Duet Sport WFW8300S

Recommended Front Loading Washing Machines

Electrolux IQ Steam EIFLS55
GE Profile WPDH8800J
GE Profile Steamwasher WPDH8900J
Kenmore Elite 405
Kenmore Elite Steam 4219
LG WM2701HV
Maytag Performance Series MHWE950W
Samsung WF448AA
Whirlpool Duet Steam WFW9750W

Even if your front loading washing machine isn’t listed here as having vibration issues it still needs vibration isolation pads if it is installed on a 2nd floor or joist constructed floor. This is because over time, vibrations caused by repetitive use of a clothes washer’s spin cycle will cause the joints of wooden floor supports to separate and wear. Washing machine manufacturers know this and all of them recommend the use of a vibration isolator pad like Silent Feet for these installations. Don’t risk long term damage and costly repairs to your home, make the investment in Silent Feet vibration pads for your laundry room today and rest easier knowing you’re protected.

For complete reviews, buying recommendations and more information about washer and dryer noise and vibration check out consumer review sites like Consumer Reports, Consumer Search and CNET Reviews.

The Complete Guide to Top Loading Washing Machine Vibration 2010

The Complete Guide to Clothes Dryer Noise 2010