Moving a washing machine without transit bolts (shipping bolts) is risky because the unsecured inner drum can bounce, damaging the suspension and housing. To move it safely, empty all water, secure the drum by tightly packing it with heavy blankets, and keep the machine completely upright during transport.
This situation can result in the machine shaking intensely or even toppling over. Such movements may cause considerable harm to walls, floors, and likely result in flooding, ultimately risking the destruction of the appliance and your laundry. It's crucial to removr the transit bolts before using your washing machine.
It is strongly recommended to never move a washing machine without transit bolts, as doing so could result in costly damage to your household appliance.
To move a washing machine easily, drain the water, unplug it, and secure the internal drum using the manufacturer's transit bolts. Then, tip the machine slightly to slide furniture sliders under the front legs or use an Appliance Dolly to wheel it. Keep the machine upright during transport.
If you use a washing machine with transit bolts still installed, it will vibrate heavily, make loud banging noises, and can suffer permanent damage.
To pull a washing machine out of a tight space, protect your floors by sliding heavy-duty furniture sliders under the front feet, carefully tilting the machine backward, and shimmying the unit forward while watching for snagging hoses.
Leaving transit (shipping) bolts in a washing machine nullifies its suspension system. This instantly causes extreme shaking, loud banging, and violent vibrations during a cycle. Prolonged use will permanently ruin the drum, snap shock absorbers, shatter internal weights, and void your manufacturer warranty.
Yes, one person can move a washing machine, provided they have the correct equipment, like an appliance dolly, and prepare the machine properly. Because washing machines weigh between 150 and 400 pounds, attempting to lift and carry one alone is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe injury or property damage.
After the cycle is finished, leave the washer door ajar or the lid open for at least a day. This will make sure the appliance is completely dry and will prevent odors after you move.
Not all washing machines have transit (or shipping) bolts. They are a standard safety feature exclusively on front-load washing machines. Top-load washing machines have fixed or differently suspended drums and do not require them.
No, you should never lay a washing machine down to transport it unless it is an absolute last resort. Manufacturers highly recommend moving washing machines completely upright. Laying the machine flat can permanently damage the internal suspension system, snap the drum springs, or cause internal components to shift.
Yes, a washer can be damaged by moving if you don't take the right steps to protect it. The most common damage happens to the suspension system, which keeps the drum steady during washing. Moving can also cause water leaks and electrical problems.
Easily lift a washing machine with 1 person
A washing machine or household appliance weighs between 65 and 80 kilos. Besides the weight, a washing machine is often difficult to lift because of its large, unwieldy size.
Transit bolts are used to secure the drum during transport. If they're not removed before use, your machine may vibrate excessively or get damaged during operation.
The "30-minute laundry rule" is a best practice stating that wet, clean clothes should not sit in a washing machine for more than 30 minutes after the cycle finishes. Removing them promptly prevents mildew and bacteria from thriving in the damp, warm environment, saving your clothes from developing a stale, musty smell.
Relocating a washing machine is considered moderately to highly difficult, depending heavily on the physical distance it needs to travel and whether the new location has the required utility hookups. The process involves two major components: physically moving the machine and re-establishing plumbing/electrical connections.
Prepare your washing machine by emptying it, running a short clean cycle, turning off the water valves, and draining all water from the hoses and pump filter. Unplug the machine, secure the power cord, and insert transit bolts (if your model uses them) to lock the drum in place.
Transporting a washing machine without transit bolts isn't a cause for concern. The primary issue that transit bolts aim to avoid is preventing the springs from dislodging if the washer falls over.
If you're moving washing machine without transit bolts, just grab some furniture blankets to cushion the drum and keep it from wiggling too much. You'll want blankets that can hold their own. Toss them in the drum so they snug up against the walls, giving them extra stability.
Failure to remove shipping bolts prior to operation can cause the new washing machine to shake forcefully and potentially result in damage. If you've recently bought a new washer, make sure the shipping bolts have all been removed before attempting another cycle.