To choose a washing machine for a noise-sensitive flat, start by comparing the noise emissions during the spin cycle, in dB and by class, then choose a size that fits properly in the space available. According to the European Commission, this data describes airborne noise; it does not predict vibrations transmitted through your floor. Before considering pads or a mat, follow the instructions to remove the transit bolts and stabilise the machine.
If the machine shakes during the spin cycle and you can feel it in your home or your neighbours’ homes, first check that it can sit securely on a stable floor without rocking. Bosch and Electrolux stress the importance of removing the transit bolts and levelling the machine.
If your washing cycles could disturb your household or neighbours, compare the declared noise during the spin cycle, while also taking account of the times and rules that apply in your building. A dB rating does not guarantee that a night-time wash will be acceptable.
If the space is tight or access is difficult, check the dimensions and the clearance needed to open a top-loading lid or a front-loading door. The machine must not only fit in the room; it also needs to be installed securely, and its noise data must be easy to compare.
First rule out models that cannot be installed securely in your space, then compare their spin-cycle noise on a like-for-like basis. The label described by the European Commission includes information on noise emissions, but it does not describe how vibrations travel through your building.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Stability and vibration | Make sure you have a hard, level floor, access to all four feet and enough space for the hoses. Remove the transit bolts as instructed before using the machine for the first time. | If the floor carries vibrations through the building, I want to be able to install a machine that does not rock before trying an accessory. Around 36% of consumers put this stability requirement first. |
| Spin-cycle noise | Compare airborne noise emissions during the spin cycle, in dB, and the A to D noise class for the exact model. | When I do my washing at a sensitive time, I need to compare machines using data that relates specifically to the spin cycle. This is the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space and access | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the clearance needed to open the machine: above it for a top-loader and in front for a front-loader. | In a narrow alcove, I first need to be able to position, open and load the machine without compromising its installation. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this access requirement. |
| Spin and drying | Check the spin-drying efficiency class and, for the Eco 40-60 programme, the water used per cycle and energy used per 100 cycles. | If I dry my washing indoors, I’m looking for a balance between how damp it is after washing and the consumption figures shown on the label. This is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
A rating is only useful for comparing washing machines if you know which phase was measured. Airborne emissions during the spin cycle do not describe vibrations travelling through the floor either.
Compare the dB rating and spin-cycle noise class using information for the exact model, as described by the European Commission.
Bosch and Electrolux instructions list transit bolts and levelling among the points to check if a machine shakes during the spin cycle.
Before using the machine for the first time, remove the transit bolts and adjust the feet as instructed. Check that the machine does not rock.
A mat is no substitute for levelling the machine or checking the load and hoses. First, you need to find out whether the machine is stable on its floor.
Only consider pads or a mat after these checks, and make sure they are compatible with the feet and the manufacturer’s instructions.
In France, Article R1336-5 of the Public Health Code, published by Légifrance, applies to noise that affects the peace and quiet of neighbours or people’s health because of its duration, repetition or intensity.
If you plan to run cycles at sensitive times, also check your building’s co-ownership or house rules, as well as the local rules that apply. ANIL recommends checking the rules for co-owned buildings.
Worth considering if you want to check the installation and support guidance for a specific model.
Worth considering if you want to check the installation and loading guidance for top-loading and front-loading washing machines.
Worth considering if top loading suits your space or access requirements.
Worth considering if you want to look at the label data for a specific front-loading model.
Compare their airborne acoustic noise emissions during the spin cycle, in dB, along with their A to D noise class. The European Commission says this information is shown on the label; it does not directly measure vibrations transmitted through the floor.
Check the installation first before considering a mat. Follow the instructions to check that the transit bolts have been removed, the feet are adjusted, the machine is stable and the hoses are positioned correctly. Then make sure the accessory is suitable for your model.
The loading style alone is not enough to compare their noise levels. A top-loader may suit a narrow space or access requirement, but compare the spin-cycle data for the specific models and make sure each one can be installed securely.
Do not assume that a quieter machine means you can run the spin cycle at any time. In France, Article R1336-5 of the Public Health Code, published by Légifrance, covers noise that affects the peace and quiet of neighbours or people’s health because of its duration, repetition or intensity. Also check your building’s co-ownership or house rules and any applicable local rules.