Never Put 1 Type of Clothing in the Washing Machine! Experts Reveal 5 Major Usage Taboos: Damages Clothes and Shortens Appliance Lifespan

Does your washing machine go wild during laundry cycles? A user recently posted on Threads that their washing machine violently shakes during every spin cycle, creating such intense vibrations they feel like a battle is about to begin—prompting them to seek help from fellow netizens. In response, many users speculated that damaged shock absorbers were the likely culprit. Professional appliance technicians and repair experts confirm that abnormal vibrations and noises in washing machines are often closely tied to daily usage habits. Below, we summarize the five major usage taboos warned by experts.

Washing Machine Shaking Violently: Users Report 'Spin Cycle Feels Like War'

One user shared on Threads that while they used to dread hanging laundry, now even starting the wash feels stressful. Their washing machine goes into 'overdrive' during every spin cycle, shaking violently enough to feel like a war is breaking out. Other users chimed in with similar experiences, describing their machines as 'going berserk' or 'shaking like an earthquake' during spins.

After the post went viral, netizens offered various theories. Some suspected hardware aging: 'The suspension rods might be broken.' Others questioned the installation: 'Is the floor where the machine sits level?' More experienced users bluntly suggested consumables might be expired: 'The shock absorbers might be damaged. If it's a 5- or 6-year-old machine, it's better to replace it than repair.'

Before rushing to buy a new machine, pause. Appliance retailers and professional repair technicians emphasize that imbalance or abnormal noises often stem from improper installation, placement, or daily washing habits. Here are the five major washing machine usage taboos experts warn against:

Washing Machine Taboo #1: Not Removing Shipping Bolts on New Machines

Hong Kong appliance store BBE notes that new washing machines, especially front-loaders (commonly called 'big-eye chickens'), typically come with transport bolts on the back to secure internal components during shipping. If these bolts aren't removed during installation, the machine will produce loud noises and violent vibrations during operation. Always remove these shipping bolts immediately after setting up a new washing machine.

Washing Machine Taboo #2: Placing on Uneven or Dirty Floors

The well-known airtight window brand 'Ace All-Weather Airtight Window' warns that placing a washing machine on an uneven or dirty surface can easily cause 'thumping' noises or severe vibrations during operation. Users can test stability by pressing down on two diagonal corners of the machine—if it wobbles, adjust the leveling feet or add anti-vibration pads under each leg.

Washing Tablet #3: Overloading or Underloading Causes Imbalance

Hong Kong-based repair experts 'Repair Corps' recommend keeping laundry loads at 70–80% capacity. Avoid washing too few items, which unbalances the drum, or too many heavy items, which overburden the machine. Distribute clothes evenly and avoid concentrating heavy items on one side. Under normal use, shock absorbers last about 5–6 years, but frequent heavy loads may destroy them in just 1–2 years.

Washing Machine Taboo #4: Washing Waterproof Fabrics and Spinning

Appliance brand Panasonic warns against washing or spinning waterproof fabrics like raincoats, fishing gear, or skiwear. When the shock absorption system is aged, placing these heavy, thick waterproof garments in the machine prevents water from draining properly during spin cycles. Water accumulates in the drum, creating massive centrifugal force that causes violent shaking and may damage both clothes and the machine.

Washing Machine Taboo #5: Continuing to Use with Damaged Drum Bearings

Mr. Lau King Hong, Director of Ying Fung Maintenance Engineering Co. and washing machine repair expert, notes that another common noise issue is a loud 'rumbling' sound during drum rotation. Normally, a healthy washing machine produces only a faint 'hissing' friction noise. But if the drum's central bearing is worn or damaged, it generates an abnormal low-frequency 'rumbling'—a sign that professional repair is urgently needed.