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 it 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 sent 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 "washing machine" 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:
Adjust the feet diagonally. Adjust first the right foot on the near side of the clipper, then the left foot on the far side. Do the same with 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, 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 is the 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 approximately 60–62 dB during the spinning process.
If you are too lazy to look into the manual, you can carefully examine the "laundress" herself. Many companies paste over their products with special stickers, on which the most important information is presented 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 washing machine simply must have good sound insulation, and this must be stated in the passport. In practice, it looks like this: the inside 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 understand, over time, your home assistant will wear out, the details will loosen up a little and the “washing machine” will make sounds louder than stated in the passport. So when buying, it is better to choose the models with the lowest rates.
To interest the consumer, development firms regularly invent more and more new "chips" designed to make the work of washing machines even better. This also applies to anti-noise technologies.
For example, one of such 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, have been completely removed from the structure. Due to this, there are fewer rubbing parts in the structure, 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 specifications also matter a lot. According to experts, some of the new models, which have a belt drive and excellent noise insulation, are 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 purchased washing equipment still works a little louder than you would like, you can try to fix the situation. Above, we have already talked about the importance of leveling the unit 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 the noise is to avoid placing foreign objects on the cover of the machine when it is turned on. If the washing machine is installed in a kitchen wall or some kind of rack, it can be additionally 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. After looking 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.
Seek help from your friends. Perhaps some of them already have just such a home assistant. In this case, you can not only hear a true first-hand review, 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 manufacturer's declared noise figure in spin mode does not exceed 54 dB. And indeed it is. In this case, the machine is quite roomy. The volume of the drum 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 anti-crease mode and a delicate wash. Families with small children will appreciate the quick stain removal program. For those who like very thoroughly rinsed things, there is an ecological wash, characterized by a large amount of water.
Whirlpool AWE 2215
And this is one of the quietest top-loading washing machines. In the normal wash mode, it gives out only 59 dB. Homework with this helper turns into a real pleasure. It does almost all the work for you, you just have to choose the right mode, and there are as many as 13 of them here. The maximum load of the unit is 6 kg, but it takes up very little space.
Super-economical 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 much 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 is already running, you can simply open a special compartment and add laundry 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.
Washing machine Samsung WD80K5410OS has many more positive qualities. But she also has a significant drawback - the price. In some retail outlets, it can reach 63–65 thousand rubles.
AEG AMS 7500 I
And this is perhaps the quietest front-loading washing machine. The model is also not cheap, but in the process of washing it practically "whispers", emitting only 49 dB in normal mode. In minutes of spinning, the indicator increases to 61 dB.
Well-designed control system, laundry drying function, high-quality and reliable protection against leaks, anti-crease technology, express wash and much, much more pleasant.
It also provides child protection and monitors the foam level. Only the price is not happy. The cost of such a "washing machine" reaches 40-50 thousand rubles.
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.
During washing, such a unit 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 against children, leakage control, intelligent wash, 13 different programs. This is not a complete list of the advantages of this model.
When choosing a home washing machine, try to take into account all its characteristics 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.
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