Are you tired of your washing machine shaking and moving across the floor? The best anti-vibration mats and pads can help.
Washing machines tend to vibrate and “walk” due to uneven loads or flooring. These issues force the drum to spin unevenly, causing the machine to vibrate.
Uneven drums can also be a problem for older machines after years of use.
When the machine vibrates, it may start to rattle and move, creating a potential hazard in the laundry room or basement. These vibrations may also cause excessive noise, disturbing the entire household.
Luckily, you do not need to rush out and replace the appliance.
The easiest solution is to place a mat underneath the machine. The mats also help minimize vibrations and sound through the rest of the house, great for laundry rooms on upper floors.
These products feature thick, dense padding that absorbs the vibrations while preventing the machine from sliding around. No appliance repairs or installation are required. You simply slide the mat under the washing machine or dryer.
So what type of anti-vibration mat should you use? Here are the best options for keeping your washing machine in place.
Best Anti-Vibration Pads/Mats for Washers and Dryers
1. Casa Pura Anti-Vibration Pad – 24 x 40 x 0.75
Made from durable, strong rubber, this anti-vibration pad from Casa Pura is one of the most effective ways to reduce noise and vibrations. The 100% recycled rubber material is compressed for superior sound dampening. It also offers the following features:
- 24 x 40 inches
- 3/4-inch thick
- 100% recycled rubber
- Fluid- and oil-resistant material
- Additional sizes available
This mat is comprised of thick rubber granules. It is designed to help dampen vibrations and sound in almost any setting. It is even durable enough for commercial and industrial use.
With this large mat, you can cut the size to match the dimensions of your washer. You can also use extra mats for anti-fatigue or anti-slip flooring in areas that tend to get slippery.
The mat has one of the highest temperature ranges for withstanding damage. It can be used in temperatures from -22 degrees Fahrenheit to 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
The best reason to choose this mat is its density. The high-density rubber material minimizes vibrations and sounds while protecting your flooring. Besides washing machines, it can be used under almost any appliance, including dryers, AC units, and generators.
If the 24 x 40-inch mat is too small for your needs, the company also produces a 36 x 48-inch mat. Overall, this mat offers the best sound and noise dampening but it costs a little more.
2. RevTime Anti-Vibration Mats – 25 x 25 x 0.5
The RevTime Anti-Vibration Mat is made from granular rubber. It provides quality sound dampening and decent shock absorption. Here is a closer look at the main features:
- 25 x 25 inches
- 1/2-inch thick
- Soft rubber granules
This set of mats are easy to position under your appliances. Once in place, the soft rubber material absorbs noises from the loud washer or dryer. If your main reason for using a mat is to reduce sound, this is a top recommendation.
This mat offers the padding that you need to keep your washer from moving around. It is comparable to the previous option, providing an effective way to minimize sounds and vibrations. However, it is not quite as durable.
The soft rubber granules are prone to tearing if you try to move the washing machine without lifting first. Over time, the weight of the machine may also cause wear on the surface of the mat.
While it is less durable, it is cost-effective. You get two 25×25-inch mats. You can cover a lot of ground.
In fact, you may even be able to use one as an anti-fatigue mat in front of the washer. The softer granules provide a comfortable surface when you need to stand in place for a long period.
3. XCEL Rubber Foam Non-Slip Pads – 12 x 12 x 0.375
With the XCEL Rubber Foam Non-Slip Pads, you can create your own anti-vibration flooring. The pads come in a wide range of sizes but the 12 x 12 x 3/8-inch pads provide the best value. The main details include:
- Made from foam rubber
- Comes in a four pack
- Can be cut to different sizes
These pads are easy to cut and suitable for a wide range of applications. Besides placing them under the washer, you may use them for arts and crafts or for an anti-fatigue mat.
This is an economical choice if you want to cover the most floor space at the lowest price. You get four pads, allowing you to cover two square feet of flooring. However, you can also space them a few inches apart, covering most of the area underneath a larger washer.
The 3/8-inch thick rubber is also thick enough to dampen heavy vibrations. If you want to cover more space, you can purchase additional four-packs of varying sizes to suit your specific needs.
These mats are primarily intended to keep objects from scratching the floors but they also help reduce vibrations and noise related to the vibrations. Just keep in mind that they are not as effective at blocking the overall noise of the washing machine.
4. Shop Fox W1322 Anti-Vibration Pad – 24 x 36 x 0.125
This 24 x 36-inch mat is large enough for wider or deeper washing machines. While it is one of the cheapest mats, it still offers a few useful features:
- 24 x 36 inches
- 1/8-inch thick
- Neoprene rubber material
The neoprene material is highly durable. It is less likely to tear or show signs of wear even when placed underneath your washer for several years.
As this mat is thin, it may not give you the sound and vibration dampening features that you need for a seriously uneven washer. The main reason to consider getting this mat is the cost. It is one of the cheaper options and covers a lot of ground.
If you have a washer that vibrates violently with every load, this may not be the best option. For minor vibrations and sounds, it should suit your needs. With the thinner material, these mats are also easy to cut to size.
These thin mats are an economical choice and surprisingly durable. They are also the only recommendation that comes in two different colors. If you do not want a black mat in your laundry room, you can choose tan.
5. STABLE-PADS Rubber, Non-Slip Anti-Vibration Pads – 4 Pads
With this next product, you place puck-shaped pads under each foot of the washer or dryer. The pads have a three-inch diameter and are made from thick, non-slip rubber. Other features include:
- Made of high-density rubber material
- Grips any flooring
- Does not leave scuff marks
Placing small, circular pucks under your washer may not seem very effective. However, these pads are even better at reducing vibrations compared to most anti-vibration mats.
Without the need to cover a large section of the floor, the material can be thicker. It offers a stable surface for your appliance while keeping it from moving.
These pads are easier to use compared to the mats. You just need to lift a corner of the machine and place the pad underneath the foot. With mats, you need to move the washing machine out of the way and then get someone to help you lift it over the mat.
The pads are also more durable compared to the large mats as there is less risk of tearing. The only drawback is that they do not fully dampen noise.
You also do not need to worry about damaging the flooring. The bottoms of these pads are safe for use on any material without the need for adhesive.
6. Hoovy Anti-Vibration Pads for Washing Machines & Dryers – 8 Pads
Hoovy Anti-Vibration Pads are another option for keeping your appliance from vibrating. The pads are placed under each foot of the dryer and provide the following features:
- Comes with eight pads
- Does not require adhesive
- Comes with a five-year guarantee
These pads work just the same as the others. The main difference is the design. These pads offer a little more interior space to accommodate larger feet.
As with the other pads, this option does not cover the entire ground below the washer. For very unstable machines, you may not get complete sound and vibration dampening.
These pads are still useful for keeping the washer in place. They can also prevent damage to the flooring and minimize some of the noise.
While the manufacturer claims that these are built to last a lifetime and backs their quality with a five-year warranty, they are not the most durable option. These pads may tear if you try to move the appliance without removing the pads first.
If you are worried about the cost of stopping your appliances from vibrating, these are a top choice. You get eight pads, allowing you to place them under your washer and dryer.
7. Green-World Washer Dryer Antivibration Pads
The Green-World Washer Dryer Antivibration Pads are small, compact pucks that go under the washer or dryer. They should fit under the feet of any major appliance. Here is a closer look at the details:
- Includes four pucks
- Fits almost all washers
- Comes with 100% money-back guarantee
These pads are almost identical to the STABLE-PADS four-pack of anti-vibration pads. Both options resemble hockey pucks and are made from high-density rubber. This set costs a little more but also features a slightly larger interior pocket for wider feet.
Why should you choose these pads? They are wide and durable. After placing them underneath the washer, you should notice an instant reduction in the vibrations of your washing machine.
In the end, these pads are easy to use, durable, and relatively affordable. You can use them underneath any appliance to help reduce vibrations.
Just remember that these are not quite as effective for sound dampening. You also need to ensure that the washer is on a level surface for these pads to be as effective as possible.
Anti-Vibration Mats/Pads – Buying Help
Main Factors to Consider
Before buying a mat, ensure that it meets your specific needs. Pay attention to the following factors to find the best anti-vibration mat for your washing machine:
- The cause of the vibration
- Types and sizes of mats
- Material and thickness
- Cost and overall value
When shopping for an anti-vibration mat, it also helps to consider the reason why your washing machine is shaking and moving across the floor. Addressing this problem may allow you to use a thinner mat.
Washing machines tend to vibrate when the spinning drum is uneven, which is typically the result of uneven laundry or a non-level floor. First, use a level to determine if the appliance is resting on a flat surface.
If the floor of your basement is not level, adding a pad under one or two legs may solve the problem. You may also adjust the legs to level an uneven washing machine.
When the floor is level but the machine still vibrates excessively, ensure that you are evenly distributing the clothes inside the washer. You may also want to use lighter loads to minimize the weight inside the drum. These steps should help reduce vibrations and noise.
Types and Sizes of Mats
There are different types of mats and pads. You can get foam or rubber mats measuring one or more yards. There are also small rubber pads that go under each corner of the machine.
If you plan to use a whole mat to go under the washer, measure the width and depth of your machine. Add several inches to each measurement to ensure that the mat covers the entire footprint of the washing machine.
The typical washing machine is about 27 inches wide and 30 inches deep. Many of the antivibration mats are 24 inches square, requiring multiple mats to completely cover the area under the machine.
If you have an extra-large machine, the individual rubber pads may be a more effective option.
Material and Thickness
Anti-vibration mats are made from a few different materials. You can get dense foam mats, foam rubber mats, and rubber mats. Foam mats tend to be the cheapest while thick rubber mats cost a little more.
Foam mats offer moderate vibration dampening and may not last as long compared to rubber mats. The foam material does not have the density to support a heavy washing machine without experiencing excessive wear.
Rubber mats are denser, are more durable, and provide better shock absorption. They also do a better job of keeping the washing machine in place.
The thickness of the mat also impacts its ability to absorb vibrations and minimize noise. Most mats range between 1/4 inch and 1 inch thick.
There are also commercial and industrial mats measuring two or three inches thick but those are best suited for heavy-duty use in laundromats and industrial facilities.
Cost and Overall Value
The last details to consider include the cost and overall value. If you want the cheapest option, go with the floor pads that fit under the feet of the washing machine. These pads are affordable and easy to position under the machine.
For the most effective results, choose a thick anti-vibration rubber mat that fits under the entire washing machine. While these mats tend to cost more, they provide the best shock absorption and are less prone to wear and tear.
So What Type of Padding Should You Get?
You have several great options available to help deal with noisy or vibrating washing machines, dryers, and other appliances. To choose the right one, remember the details discussed.
If you do not want to struggle to position the washing machine over a larger mat, consider using the individual round pads that go under the corners or feet of the machine. These pads keep the machine from moving and help minimize some of the vibrations.
For complete sound protection and vibration dampening, use the large square mats. You may need to use more than one, depending on the size of your machine, but they offer the best anti-vibration solution.
