HOW TO SOUNDPROOF A WASHING MACHINE and WHITE GOODS

Please note the Anti-vibration Pad shown in the video has been replaced by a more efficient die-cut texturised 10mm version .

Washing machine mounted on an Anti-Vibration Pad to reduce structure borne noise and vibration |Diagram of anti-vibration pad with protective board to reduce structure borne vibration

Overview

Noise emitted from domestic appliances such as washing machines can be of particular annoyance to neighbours. This noise is due to the vibration that is easily transmitted through lightweight structures such as timber suspended floors into adjoining rooms and property. If the appliance is located within a cupboard then the airborne noise from the appliance will reverberate around within the cupboard making the noise worse. This is because the reflection of the noise within the cupboard amplifies the noise making the overall noise problem much louder. The questions and answers below will help you to understand these noise problems and how to address them.

Q. Can I reduce the noise & vibration caused by my washing machine?

A.Yes by using our Anti-Vibration Pad, this is a 10mm black recycled resilient rubber pad designed to absorb and reduce point load vibration for use under washing machines and some gym equipment such as treadmills and rowing machines.

It will not significantly reduce airborne noise that these items may create in the immediate area but helps to de–couple the vibration that would otherwise transmit noise to adjoining rooms. The vibration given off by noisy equipment is what passes through the floor joists to adjoining rooms alongside as well as above and below.

Image of an Anti-vibration pad for isolating noise and vibration

The Anti-Vibration Pad panels are 600mm square and 10mm thick and can be easily cut to smaller sizes if necessary with a saw, jigsaw or a sharp knife.

If a greater noise reduction is required for heavier machinery, we advise doubling up the panels to create a 20mm resilient mat.

A thin board has to be placed on top of the pad before fitting the appliance to give support to the feet and will also spread the load. Without this the feet will simply sink into the anti-vibration mat and will quickly render the mat ineffective. A suitable thin board can be sourced from any DIY store that sell timber products.

The Anti-Vibration Pad is also often used under:

Bass speakers

Tumble Dryers

Home cinema sub woofers

Treadmills

Rowing machines

Mini Trampolines

PLEASE NOTE: WE ONLY PROVIDE THE RESILIENT Anti-Vibration Pad AND NOT THE WOOD PANNELLING NECESSARY FOR THE TOP.

Q. Will this reduce the other sound it makes in the house?

A. The Anti-Vibration Pad will only reduce the vibrations that are being transmitted from the machine. If you also want to reduce the airborne noise that appliances emit then you will need to build a cupboard around the machine and line the walls with our sound absorbing foam or Foam Laminate

This product will help absorb the airborne noise and make any machine noise quieter in the house. To see this product please click HERE

Written by Stephen Young