How to Stop a Dryer From Shaking: Level the Feet, Add Pads
A shaking dryer usually has an unlevel foot or a lopsided load. Level it, check the floor, and add anti-vibration pads under each foot.
By Jamilur Rahman Updated November 5, 2026 · 6 min read
- Time
- 20 min
- Cost
- Under $20
- Difficulty
- Easy
In this guide
Quick answer
To stop a dryer from shaking, level it. A dryer that rocks on one uneven foot vibrates every time the drum turns. Adjust all four feet until the machine does not rock when you push a corner, spread the load evenly, then put anti-vibration pads under each foot to dampen what is left and keep it from walking across the floor. If a steady thump continues, a worn drum roller or glide is the likely cause.
Free fix vs. permanent fix
Level the feet and balance the load
- Unplug the dryer and pull it out a little
- Turn each foot until the dryer stops rocking
- Tighten the lock nut against the base of the dryer
- Do not overload, and spread bulky items around the drum
How long it lasts: Fixes most shaking for good on a solid floor. It can creep back as the feet loosen or if the floor flexes.
Anti-vibration pads for dryers
Pads sit under each foot, absorb vibration and grip the floor so the dryer cannot creep. They cut the rattle on wood or upper floors, where the floor acts like a drum. Pads help, but they do not replace leveling.
What to get: Anti-vibration pads for washers and dryers
How long it lasts: Years. Rubber and rubber-foam pads keep damping the vibration and grip the floor.
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What you'll need
-
Phone level app
A quick check, though a real level reads better
Free -
Adjustable wrench or pliers
Turns the feet and lock nuts
You have it - Illustration
Torpedo level
Sits flat on top of the dryer
- Our pick Illustration
Anti-vibration pads for dryers
One under each foot
- Illustration
Replacement dryer leveling feet
Only if a foot is cracked, stripped or missing
Why it happens
Feet that are not level or not touching
A floor that slopes or a single foot set a little too short lets the dryer rock. Each turn of the drum then bangs it back and forth.
A lopsided load
A wet comforter, a rug or a few heavy items bunch to one side of the drum. The weight swings around and shakes the whole cabinet.
A weak or springy floor
Wood floors and upper floors flex and amplify the vibration. The dryer may be fine, but the floor makes it loud.
Worn drum rollers or glides
A steady thump once per turn, or a squeal, often means a worn roller, glide or belt. That is a repair, not a leveling problem.
Try this first (free)
Do these in order, starting with the simplest.
-
Check the load first
If the shaking happens only with a comforter, a rug or one heavy item, dry that item alone or with a few towels so the load balances.
-
Unplug and pull the dryer out carefully
Unplug the dryer and pull it out only as far as the vent hose and cord allow. Do not crimp the vent. On a gas dryer, do not strain the gas line. If you smell gas, leave and call the gas company.
-
Level the dryer
Tool used: Torpedo levelSet the level on top, side to side and then front to back. Turn each foot up or down until the bubble centers. Then push each corner: it should not rock.
-
Lock the feet
Tool used: Adjustable wrench or pliersTighten the lock nut on each foot snug against the base so the setting does not drift. Do not over-tighten.
-
Add pads under each foot
Tool used: Anti-vibration pads for dryersTilt the dryer back with a helper and slide a pad under each foot. Re-check the level, because pads add a little height. Reconnect the vent without kinks and test with a full load.
IllustrationCheck price on AmazonTool for this step
Anti-vibration pads for dryers · One under each foot
When free fixes aren't enough
If the dryer is level and the load is balanced but it still thumps once per drum turn, a worn drum roller, glide or belt is the likely cause. That is a repair, not a leveling fix. A dryer that shakes with a grinding noise or smells hot should be stopped and checked. Pads work best for a hum or rattle that travels through the floor. If the floor itself bounces, put the dryer on a stiffer base or have a pro check the floor.
Buy the fix
Still stuck after the free fixes? These are the products we would look at.
| Pick | Product | Fixes | Who it's for | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best pick | Anti-vibration pads for washers and dryers | rattling, floor noise and the dryer walking | Dryers on wood floors or upper floors. | Check price |
| Budget pick | Torpedo level | guessing whether the dryer is truly level | Anyone without a level. | Check price |
| Upgrade pick | Replacement dryer leveling feet | stripped, cracked or missing feet that cannot hold level | Dryers whose feet will not adjust. | Check price |
Anti-vibration pads for washers and dryers
Fixes: rattling, floor noise and the dryer walking
Look for: Rubber or rubber-foam, thick enough to absorb vibration; A cup or non-slip top that keeps the foot from sliding; A set of four, one for each foot.
- Who it's for
- Dryers on wood floors or upper floors.
- Honest downside
- The feet are not level yet. Level first. Also skip pads if the dryer is stacked on a washer and the maker says not to.
Torpedo level
Fixes: guessing whether the dryer is truly level
Look for: A flat base that sits on the top of the dryer; Clear bubble vials; About 9 inches long.
- Who it's for
- Anyone without a level.
- Honest downside
- A phone level app works well enough for you.
Replacement dryer leveling feet
Fixes: stripped, cracked or missing feet that cannot hold level
Look for: A thread size that matches your dryer, so check the manual; A rubber base; A set of four.
- Who it's for
- Dryers whose feet will not adjust.
- Honest downside
- Your feet turn fine. Just level them.
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How we picked: How we picked: this page is based on dryer owner manuals, appliance repair guides, directions from pad and foot makers, and the problems and fixes owners report in reviews. We do not test products by hand.
How to stop a dryer from moving across the floor
- Level all four feet so none hangs in the air.
- Use pads with a grip under each foot, and keep the floor and feet clean and dry.
- Balance the load and avoid overstuffing with bulky items.
- Check the vent so a stiff duct is not pushing or pulling the dryer out of position.
What to skip
Cardboard and towel wedges
Folded cardboard or a towel under a foot compresses and slips, so the dryer goes out of level again within weeks. Use the leveling feet and rubber pads made for it.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my dryer shaking so much?
How do I stop my dryer from moving across the floor?
Is it safe to use a shaking dryer?
Do anti-vibration pads work on dryers?
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