If you live in a small house with all your appliances within earshot or can hear your neighbors through the thin walls separating your homes, you can’t afford to overlook the noise output of any household appliance you buy. Loud machines tend to become frustrating, and your neighbors will be even less tolerant because there are no gains for them from your ruckus.
We compiled this guide to quiet washers and dryers because there are unsung models that do the job quietly. We shall review 5 highly rated models as a guide and share a few ideas on how you can make your washer and dryer quieter from years of experience and tons of research.
Washer and Dryer Models That Do the Job Quietly
1. LG’s 2.3 Cubic Feet Ventless All-In-One Washer Dryer
This washer dryer combo has LG’s TrueBalance anti-vibration system, minimizing washer vibrations for a smooth, quiet performance. The inverter DirectDrive Motor also connects directly to the drum, which means it has fewer moving parts that will require repairs or rub against each other, forcing vibrations and noises. The motor uses 6Motion technology with 6 distinct wash motions to optimize washing with very little noise and vibration.
It features LG’s SmartDiagnosis feature, which can transmit diagnostic data for troubleshooting when you have technical difficulties. You can relay this information directly to LG’s Customer Information Center or to your smartphone, where you can access it via LG’s free app.
Its large load capacity drum is tilted to make it easy to access for large items. It uses NeveRust stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant and durable enough to warrant the 10-year warranty LG gives with it.
With a 4-compartment dispenser drawer, you can separate your pre-wash and main laundry detergents, liquid bleach, and fabric softener, allowing you to preload them so they will be automatically dispensed at the appropriate time.
You don’t require a vent to handle the wastewater so you can install the washer-dryer anywhere convenient. It uses ventless condensing drying, where the hot water from the dried laundry passes through a condenser and into a drain pipe.
It comes with a child lock which disables the controls and prevents the kids from changing their settings or operating the machine mid-cycle.
2. GE 2.4 Cubic Feet Ventless Front Load Washer/Condenser Dryer
The unit can be installed anywhere in your home as it only needs a 120V plug to power up and doesn’t require a vent. It will fit snugly in a closet or under the counter and stay out of the way in confined spaces. You can wash and dry your clothes in one move using the same appliance, efficiently utilizing its small footprint without sacrificing your washing capacity.
The washer lets you select the intensity of the wash depending on how dirty the clothes are, so you don’t end up over washing delicate fabrics and wearing them out unnecessarily. It has 5 soil level selections with which you can adjust the degree of agitation and duration of the cycle, based on your perception of the dirt and fabric sensitivity.
You can handle multiple dirt types thanks to the versatility of its washing processes; it has ‘sanitize’ cycles that employ high temperatures designed to eliminate bacteria. It can also steam wash which penetrates deep into fibers, loosening stains that might pass your regular washing cycle
It automatically dispenses your detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners, saving laundry time in the process. The machine will release them into the laundry at the appropriate time during the washing cycle. You can also choose between manually selecting the drying cycle and letting it auto-select based on the wash cycle.
You don’t need to worry if you bump into clothes you inadvertently dropped on your way as it has the ‘add a garment’ function which allows you to pause the wash cycle and unlocks the door so you can throw in your last-minute items.
3. Pyle 2-In-1 Compact and Portable Washer and Dryer
This compact and portable washing machine and spin dryer only occupies a tiny portion of your real estate but gives service worth double the space. It doesn’t even require additional clearance for operation as it is top loading.
It is easy to use, thanks to a combination of features, including its top-loading system, which is easily accessible, and the top panel rotary controls with which you can select the drain, program the wash cycles, and time your wash and spin. It doesn’t have any plumbing or special parts requirements. The drain hose and power code it needs are easily attached and come with the package.
The washer is powered by a 250-watt motor and has a capacity of 77 pounds. A 120-watt motor powers the spin dryer, which has a 33-pound capacity. Drying takes a bit longer than washing if you are operating at full capacity and will require manual intervention as you need to reduce the wash load. The spin dryer is ideal for smaller laundry loads like underwear, socks, t-shirts, and towels.
Its operation is energy and water-efficient, so you shouldn’t be worrying about racking up utility bills as you watch your clothes getting cleaned through the washer’s translucent tub container window.
4. Siemens iQ 700 Washer Dryer
This washer and dryer combo comes with a fully electronic control dial for all wash and special programs aided by a large, clear LCD which makes it easy to input your settings and monitor the wash cycles
It is quiet even when operating at its maximum spin speed of 1400rpm, this is as loud as it gets, and the estimated noise level at this point is a safe 70 dB, the washing noise level is 47 dB
It has excellent stain removal capability across all cycles thanks to an advanced stain removal program designed to remove 6 stubborn stains.
The varioPerfect feature allows you to choose between speedy washing when you need to get a lot of laundry done and you don’t have time and efficient washing that takes longer but consumes less energy, keeping your utility bills low. Engaging this feature translates to either using 65% less time or 50% less energy.
Its sensor-controlled autoDry technology delivers perfectly dried laundry. The feature helps to determine the amount of time necessary to dry a load of clothes. It constantly monitors the temperature of the air in the drum. The air is cool when the load is wet and gets warm as it dries. This feature lowers your energy bill better than a timer as you will rarely over-dry your clothes.
This Siemens has sensors that operate its water management system, controlling wash programs for the most efficient water usage despite the load size.
It comes with a 15-pound washer capacity and a maximum dry cycle load of 8 pounds, so if you engage in the non-stop wash and dry program, your load shouldn’t exceed 8 pounds. You can still separate the wash and dry cycles if you want to maximize the 15-pound capacity and reduce the load before drying.
5. Bosch Exxcel Washer Dryer
This appliance comes with an LED screen that displays all the relevant information, including the maximum load, spin speed, temperature, foam detection, the program process, and the remaining time. It combines well with a fully electronic control dial with touch buttons.
The Exxcel drum has a unique structure with isometric paddles and raindrop design derived from SoftSurge technology, significantly improving the water flow for a gentler wash that is easy on your fabrics.
It comes with a 15-pound wash and 8-pound drying capacity, meaning its non-stop wash and the dry program can accommodate 8 pounds. The maximum noise level approximations in these stages are 70 dB while spinning and 52 dB while washing.
It has an auto-dry function with time selection options, allowing you to preset the degree of dryness you want your laundry to get from the machine.
How to Make Your Washer and Dryer Machine Quieter
Despite the rigorous selection process, your quiet washer and dryer will still produce some noise which can cause various levels of disturbance, depending on your home setup. This increases as the appliances get older, so you need to have ways of mitigating the irritation. Below are a few easy tricks to dampen the noise
Load The Washer Within Its Prescribed Capacity
Overloading will cause clogs as the clothes are likely to wrap around the machinery and get stuck, causing a lot of noise. Under loading, on the other hand, allows zippers, buttons, and other hard items to hit the insides of the washer. Without extra material to absorb the impact, the clanking can be overbearing.
Replace Worn Out Components
Take time to investigate where the noise is coming from. The moving parts wear out due to friction against each other. Once bearings or shock absorbers are compromised, the noise only gets worse. Some repairs you can do on your own, while others require professionals. Study the warranty terms before attempting any repairs so you don’t inadvertently void it.
Ensure The Feet Are Balanced
Whenever the feet are uneven or the washer is placed on uneven ground, the vibrations increase significantly due to the added allowance for mobility. This naturally increases noise production. You can change where the machine is placed, find a way to make the feet even, or replace the feet entirely with an even set.
Add Anti-Skid Pads
These are shock and noise-canceling pads that can be used universally and applied to all sizes of washers and dryers by attaching them to the bottom-like feet. Because they absorb vibrations, they can reduce reverberation and dampen soundwaves, significantly reducing noise intensity.
The anti-vibration pads also anchor your appliances, preventing them from walking and skidding due to vibrations while you are doing your laundry. Because there is no more friction between the appliance and the floor, both the floor and the washer are protected from scratches, kinks, and other damages.
VIBRASHIELD Anti Vibration Pads by Sumato Stuff feature dual HexaGrip anchors whose unique design increases the pad surface area in contact with the floor, providing superior traction.
Use Vibration Isolation Mats
Besides reducing friction between your washer’s feet and the floor, these mats should be capable of absorbing the unit’s vibrations as a whole, barring them from transmitting through the floor and structure of the building. The ideal pads have sturdy rubber components which are non-skid and can insulate vibrations.
These vibration Isolation pads from PneumaticPlus are a combination of rubber and cork designed to resist compression, water, and oil. Their texture has alternate rib heights, which give them an added advantage for vibration isolation, and they perform equally well under high and low weight loads.
Our Take On Quiet Washer and Dryers
Many urban apartments, condos, and general living spaces are small, and the occupants need to be creative about utilizing the space. This has increased the popularity of compact household appliances, including washing machines and dryers.
Combined washing machines and dryers are especially popular among dwellers of small urban properties due to their small footprint and shortness. They only occupy half the space you would need if you had both a washing machine and a clothes dryer. They will fit in confined spaces such as under the kitchen counter or inside your closet. Many washer dryer combos don’t need an external air vent and are portable, so you can attach them to the sink without having to introduce an extra water line.
The ability to automatically wash and dry your clothes in one cycle is also enticing as it saves a lot of time and effort.
That said, you shouldn’t feel like you are riding a superbike without earplugs every time you do your laundry. The loud noises also affect other members of the household and your neighbors. Everyone benefits from a quiet washer and dryer.
