Adjust washing machine feet by turning each leveling foot clockwise or counterclockwise while the machine is slightly tipped, then tightening the lock nuts firmly.
A washer that rocks or walks across the floor during spin cycles usually isn’t broken — its feet are just out of adjustment. Getting the cabinet level front-to-back and side-to-side takes about ten minutes with a wrench, a level, and this step-by-step method. The exact procedure varies by brand and foot type, but the core sequence below works for nearly every front-load and top-load model.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather a carpenter’s level, the wrench that came with your washer (or an adjustable wrench or 3/8″ wrench), and a flathead screwdriver for locking nuts on some models. Clear the area around the machine so you can reach all four feet without straining.
Check whether your washer has rear feet that adjust themselves. Maytag notes that some models have self-adjusting rear legs — you simply tilt the washer forward slightly and set it back down, and they settle into place on their own. Other models have manually adjustable rear legs that follow the same procedure as the front ones.
Adjusting The Feet: The Step-By-Step Process
Start by placing the level on top of the washer. If the bubble sits off-center, the feet need attention. Here’s the sequence that works across brands:
- Loosen the lock nuts. On metal feet, use the included wrench or a 3/8″ wrench to loosen the jam nuts that sit against the washer base. On plastic feet without nuts, skip this step.
- Turn the feet.
- Recheck with the level. Place the level across the top front-to-back, then side-to-side. Adjust each foot until the bubble sits centered in both directions.
- Tighten the lock nuts. Hold each foot steady and tighten the jam nuts firmly against the washer base. GE Appliances recommends using a 3/8″ wrench for this step so the setting doesn’t shift.
- Confirm all four feet touch the floor. Rock the washer corner-to-corner. If it rocks, one foot isn’t making contact — adjust that foot down until it does.
The goal is a stable, level cabinet where every foot carries weight. A washer resting on three feet will rock and vibrate no matter how carefully you set the fourth.
Test Load And Common Mistakes
Once the feet are set, run a test load to confirm the fix. If the washer still moves, repeat the leveling process before you commit to the final tightening.
Two installation details matter more than most people expect:
- Never shim with wood. LG and Samsung manuals explicitly forbid placing pieces of wood under the feet.
- Avoid overextending the feet. Screwing the legs out further than necessary strains the mounting points.
If you’re working with a pedestal installation, keep the washer’s own feet fully retracted and level at the pedestal instead. The pedestal’s feet carry the load and provide the adjustment range.
When the floor itself slopes noticeably, leveling feet may not solve the problem alone. A solid rubber or composite leveling pad can help stabilize the machine where a concrete or tile floor has a modest slope — our tested picks for adjustable washing machine feet cover the options that hold up under spin vibration.
FAQs
Which way do I turn the feet to raise the washer?
Most washers with metal leveling feet raise when you turn the foot clockwise and lower when you turn it counterclockwise, per LG’s U.S. instructions. Some plastic feet reverse this direction depending on the design. If turning one way doesn’t change the height, try the opposite direction — the thread orientation differs by model.
Why does my washer still rock after I level the feet?
A rocking washer usually means one of the four feet isn’t touching the floor. Press down on each corner of the cabinet — if any corner lifts, the foot there needs to extend further. Confirm the lock nuts are tight so the setting doesn’t drift during the next spin cycle.
Can I put wood blocks under the washer feet?
References & Sources
- LG Electronics. “LG Front Load Washing Machine Installation – How can I do a level installation and adjust the level of the machine?” Details the leveling sequence, wrench use, and test-load procedure.
- Maytag. “How to Level a Washing Machine.” Explains metal versus plastic foot direction and self-adjusting rear legs.
- GE Appliances. “How to Level a Washer.” Specifies using a 3/8″ wrench to tighten jam nuts securely against the base.