Silent Washing

Developing and debugging complex algorithms is a laborious and meticulous task — and the buyer ultimately pays for it.

Choosing a washing machine is a responsible and complicated task, yet quite often it comes down to a compromise between four criteria: reliability, washing quality, convenience, and price. One of the most important features affecting user convenience is the noise produced by the washing machine. Indeed, many dream of a silent washer. Washing at night is common, and even during the day we want peace and quiet. How do you know? – very simple: only a silent washing machine won’t bother you with its noise when working :)

What kind of noise is the loudest?

Sources of noise include all moving parts — not just the motor, belt, pump, and bearings, but also the water and the laundry itself. In fact, almost all parts that transmit vibrations during washing and especially during spinning can produce noise — the drum, housing, top cover, and even the bathroom floor and walls. Without vibration, there would be no noise.

As we know, from the noise produced, it’s easy to determine whether the washer is washing, filling, or spinning. During washing and filling, there are minimal vibrations, and we usually hear just the motor or pump. During spinning, every part of the machine is shaking, so virtually any detail can hum or rattle.

Oh, that motor...

The motor is one of the most complex parts of a washing machine. It is the main source of noise during the wash cycle. The brushes click as they jump from one contact to another. To reduce noise, manufacturers offer three solutions. In high-end models (such as Ariston Super Silent series, Bosch appliances, all Miele machines), there are no brushes at all. These use brushless asynchronous motors. This introduces a host of challenges with control and smooth acceleration to high speeds. Solving these increases the cost of the machine — but ensures quieter operation. Another option is simply better processing of the commutator and brushes. Interestingly, the quieter the commutator motor, the longer it will serve; the quieter the brushes click, the less they wear.

ASKO washing machines use DC motors. Their advantages include high starting torque, allowing the spin cycle to begin even with detergent solution still in the drum. This reduces vibration and prevents twisting or crumpling of fabric. DC motors also have good braking characteristics, enabling the drum to stop smoothly within four seconds after spinning. They can also operate in reverse mode.

The belt and other details...

It is commonly believed that the belt is the main source of noise. This is not entirely true. During washing, it is not audible at all. During spinning, a squeak may be heard at maximum speed. Only LG has eliminated this sound by mounting the motor directly on the drum axis. As a result, the belt noise is gone. However, all other sounds — from vibrations, pump operation, brushes, and water filling — remain.

Bearings are often mentioned as noise sources. The rule is simple: a working bearing is silent. If you hear it while spinning, it must be replaced quickly, or it will fall apart.

As for the pump, which handles water intake, circulation, and drainage, it usually doesn't make much noise. Most of the noise comes from the water itself.

Bring on silent washing

As we can see, there are plenty of reasons for noise to occur. That's why only a few industry leaders manage to effectively combat it. The difference between expensive and budget machines often lies in a multitude of small details that, when combined, provide comfortable use. After all, today we expect more from a washing machine than just washing clothes.

Let's start with the fact that top manufacturers have already learned to make the wash cycle truly silent. Earlier, we mentioned brands using “advanced” motors. In their wash cycles, you'll only hear the splashing of water and tumbling clothes. Truly silent washing is now a reality.

...and silent spinning

However, the spin cycle remains the most problematic in terms of noise. To effectively reduce noise in this mode, vibration must be controlled.

How is this done? A key factor is the suspension system of the drum and how well it dampens movement. While spring systems vary little among brands, shock absorbers often differ significantly. Their cost can vary too — a price paid for acoustic comfort, which many are willing to pay.

But the most critical component is the casing. It acts as the main resonator of internal noise. If it lacks rigidity or strong connections, the noise will be greatly amplified. Look at the side wall of your machine — small vertical grooves are a simple but effective way to reduce vibration by making the panel more rigid. It's also important not to skimp on small things like screws for the side and rear panels. Top brands (BSH, Electrolux, Miele) strive to make their housings as rigid as possible. There are examples of poor design too — one leading brand used to fasten the rear panel only on the sides, with the bottom just slotted in. The result: a constant hum during pumping and water circulation. Once this was fixed by adding more screws, the noise disappeared.

Asko, a home appliance brand, uses a different approach to eliminate casing vibration and noise. Their engineers separate the vibrating drum and the outer casing. Essentially, the drum sits inside an independent outer shell. Unlike traditional designs where the washing unit is suspended on the casing (transmitting vibration to it), here the whole mechanism is isolated. If the outer shell is lined with noise-absorbing mats, sound levels drop even further. But this comes at an extra cost...

Also, the narrower the washing machine, the harder it is to control vibration and noise effectively — smaller size means lower weight, which increases susceptibility to vibration. That's another good reason to choose a full-size machine if space allows.

One of the newest tricks in the fight against noise is using a plastic drum. It resonates much less than a metal one.

Secrets of smart electronics

Another important factor when it comes to vibration is uneven load distribution. A washing machine sounds quiet when empty — just try a new Ariston Aqualtis on display: even at max spin, it’s nearly silent without water and laundry.

But once laundry is loaded unevenly, vibration and noise return. That’s why leading manufacturers pay close attention to how the drum balances its load. Complex algorithms in the machine’s software help distribute laundry evenly. If that’s not possible, the machine will reduce spin speed, and in cases of severe imbalance, cancel the spin cycle entirely. Developing and perfecting these algorithms takes time and effort — paid for by... the buyer. It's the price of comfort and convenience.

As we can see, building a quiet and comfortable washing machine is no easy task. But once you understand the internal processes, you see why two similar-looking models can differ drastically in price. So, check the specs carefully... and follow our tips.