Silent washing machine - myth or reality? This question is especially relevant for families with small children and for those who are trying to save money, so they wash at night. In this article we will figure out what the noise level depends on, determine the optimal loudness indicator and present a rating of the quietest models.
What determines the noise of the washing machine
We begin to hear the first sounds from the washing machine even at the stage of filling with water. On some models, this sound can be quite loud and unpleasant. Then the engine is switched on. The sounds that he makes are heard throughout the entire process. In some units, this may be a slight hum, in others, the sound can be quite loud. In addition, we will listen to the rustle of a rotating drum and the "squelch" of water in it. The loudest and most unpleasant sounds are made by the home “washerwoman” during the spin cycle. At this moment, the fastest rotation occurs, and the characteristic "chomping" of the pump that removes water is also connected.
There are several types of noise that an automatic machine can make. Among them are:
- Service signals that are given by electronics, notifying the user about the beginning or end of a process.
- Sounds of working mechanisms.
- "Sloshing" of water and laundry in the drum.
- Noise from worn parts - various unexpected sounds that may indicate some kind of breakdown.
The easiest way not only to reduce noise levels, but also to extend the life of the washer is to install it correctly. The best thing install a washing machine on a special sound-absorbing rubber mat. If you do not have this, then you need to install the "washer" on an absolutely flat floor. Can't boast a perfectly flat finish? Take advantage of the adjustable feet, which are found in almost every model. Use a spirit level and a wrench to achieve a perfectly level position.
Important:
The feet should be adjusted diagonally. Adjust first the right foot on the near side of the clipper and then the left foot on the far side. Do the same for the other two diagonal legs.
See also - Rating of the best washer-dryers according to consumer reviews
Which washing machine is quiet?
If you have already outlined several models for purchase and cannot make a choice in any way, take a look at the machine's passport. Noise level, including in washing machines, is measured by such a unit as decibel (dB).It can be very difficult for a person who is not familiar with practical measurements to understand how much this or that indicator actually means. For example, 70 dB is a lot or a little? To get your bearings a little, you can remember the following:
- 40–43 dB - a normal conversation (not a whisper!) Of two or three people in a small room;
- 80–85 dB - noise surrounding a person standing on a busy city street.
So, in the technical manual, you should look for the column where the noise level emanating from the washing machine in normal operation is indicated. It is worth noting that the volume of the sound during the washing and spinning itself will be different, so that sometimes it is not the exact number that is prescribed in the passport, but the range. Sometimes, however, two separate parameters are specified.
The lowest indicator that can be found in the data sheet of washing machines is 39 dB. The highest mark can reach 85 units. The norm, as you know, is somewhere in the middle. For a good machine, the optimal indicator is about 60–62 dB during the spinning process.
If you are too lazy to look at the manual, you can carefully examine the "washerwoman" herself. A lot of companies paste over their products with special stickers, on which the most important information is brought out in a concise form. But if you want to choose a washing machine with a low noise level, you still have to look into the manual.
A quiet washer simply must have good sound insulation, and this must be stated in the passport. In practice, it looks like this: the inner part of the car body is sheathed with a special material that can absorb a variety of sounds. Of course, no one will allow you to disassemble the unit and look inside, but such information should be mandatory in the operating manual. If you have not found something like this, you should not believe the words of a consultant who assures you otherwise.
Technologies that make the washing machine virtually silent
When buying, it is worth remembering that the data on the noise indicators emitted by the machine during operation are taken from a new, ideally working unit. As you can imagine, over time, your home assistant will wear out, the details will loosen a little and the “washer” will make sounds louder than stated in the passport. So when buying, it is better to choose the models with the lowest performance.
In order to interest the consumer, the development companies regularly invent more and more “chips” designed to make the operation of washing machines even better. This also applies to anti-noise technology.
For example, one of these developments is a "washing machine" with a direct drum drive. The secret of the innovation lies in the fact that the motor in this design is "mounted" directly on the drum. The pulley and belt, which are used to provide torque in a conventional washing machine, are completely removed from the design. Due to this, the friction parts in the structure become smaller, which means that the sound that they created disappears.
Consultants in the salons of household appliances position such "washing machines" as completely silent. However, in practice this is not entirely true. Direct drive washing machines are, of course, much quieter than traditional ones. But build quality, parts and technical specifications also mean a lot. According to experts, some new models with a belt drive and excellent sound insulation work much quieter than direct-drive washing machines.
Another new technology that helps to reduce the noise level during washing is the inverter motor. This motor does not have brushes, the sound of which we hear when operating the motor.
How to reduce the noise from the washer at home?
If the acquired washing equipment still works a little louder than you would like, you can try to fix the situation. We have already talked about the importance of setting the unit in terms of level and the need to substitute a special noise-suppressing mat under it.But if you are sorry to spend extra money on a rubber mat, then you can replace it with four small sponges made of dense foam or soft rubber. Just place them under the legs and it will run much quieter.
Another simple way to reduce noise is to avoid putting foreign objects on the cover of the machine when it is turned on. If the washing machine is installed in the kitchen wall or some kind of rack, it can be further insulated. Just buy some soundproofing material and paste over the inner walls of the niche.
How to choose the quietest washing machine?
In order not to be mistaken with the choice, not to "bite your elbows" and not to plug your ears, you should not rush into the purchase. Having looked at the model you like in the store, postpone the purchase itself for a couple of days. Try to carefully study the reviews of other users, and pay the most attention to negative comments. It is no secret to anyone that 70% of positive responses about a particular product are written by the sellers themselves or by specially hired people.
Ask your friends for help. Perhaps some of them already have just such a home helper. In this case, you can not only hear the truthful first-hand feedback, but also ask for a visit to listen to the process in reality.
Study the data sheet carefully. As already mentioned, the optimal sound parameters are 45–62 dB in the washing and spinning modes.
Rating of the quietest washing machines
To make the choice a little easier for our readers, we present to your attention a small overview of the most reliable washing machines with a fairly quiet operating mode.
Hansa Crown WHC 1246
This model is considered one of the quietest front-loading machines. The noise figure declared by the manufacturer in the spin mode does not exceed 54 dB. And indeed it is. In this case, the machine is quite roomy. The drum capacity can hold as much as 7 kg of laundry. This is quite enough for a family of 3-4 people.
Hansa Crown WHC 1246 is able to offer a fairly extensive selection of programs. There is also a mode to prevent creasing and delicate washing. Families with small children will appreciate the quick stain removal program. For those who like very carefully rinsed things, there is an ecological wash, characterized by a large amount of water.
Whirlpool AWE 2215
And this is one of the most silent top-loading washing machines. In normal washing mode, it gives out only 59 dB. Homework with this assistant turns into a real pleasure. It does almost all the work for you, you just have to choose the correct mode, and there are as many as 13. The maximum load of the unit is 6 kg, but it takes up very little space.
Super-efficient energy consumption indicators allowed this model to be classified as class A +, the best that a washing machine can have today. Electronic control, child blocking system and many more nice features.
Samsung WD80K5410OS
Our list of silent washing machines is continued by one of the representatives from the Samsung trademark. The noise level during normal operation is about 53 dB, which is quite acceptable for a small room. If you really want to, you can put as many as 8 kg of dry linen in it, so that it can perfectly cope with serving a family of 4-5 people.
Model WD80K5410OS has 3 drying modes and 5 temperature modes for washing clothes. A distinctive feature of this “washing machine” is the Addwash technology, which will greatly delight the absent-minded hostesses. Its essence lies in the fact that if you forgot to wash something, and the process has already started, you can simply open a special compartment and add linen right during the wash. By the way, you can also retrieve things at any time; you don't have to wait until the end of the process.
The Samsung WD80K5410OS washing machine has many more positive qualities. But she also has a significant drawback - the price. In some outlets, it can reach .
AEG AMS 7500 I
And this is perhaps the quietest front-loading washing machine. The model is also not cheap, but during the wash it practically "whispers", emitting only 49 dB in normal mode. In minutes of spinning, the indicator increases to 61 dB.
Well-designed control system, drying function, high-quality and reliable protection against leaks, technology that prevents fabric creasing, express wash and much, much more pleasant.
It also provides child protection and monitors the foam level. Not happy with the price. The cost of such a "washing machine" reaches .
LG F-10B8ND
In our rating, you cannot bypass the “pioneer” in the production of washing units with a revolutionary direct drive - LG. The F-10B8ND model is one of the rather successful developments of this manufacturer.
When washing, such an aggregate emits a sound equal to 54 dB, and at the time of spinning, the indicator increases to 67 dB. This is a fairly good indicator for a washing unit with a high spin speed. If you believe the reviews of consumers, this is one of the quietest washing machines, which, by the way, can boast of other characteristics.
Delay start up to 19 hours, laundry load detector, total protection from children, leakage control, intelligent wash, 13 different programs. This is not a complete list of the advantages of this model.
Choosing a home washing machine, try to take all its characteristics into account as comprehensively as possible. Remember, there are no units that would work completely silently. The main thing is that the washing machine does its job properly, is economical and functional. And let the quiet work be a pleasant addition to all other parameters.
See also:
- 6 best Bosch washing machines according to customer reviews
- 7 best Indesit washing machines by customer reviews
- 7 best washing machines LG
- 7 best Gorenje washing machines according to customer reviews
- 7 best washing machines before customer reviews
