New or unfamiliar noises from a washing machine often trigger immediate concern.
But most noises that appear mid-cycle are normal — especially on modern machines.
What’s changed isn’t reliability.
It’s how much you can hear the machine thinking.
Why modern machines make more varied sounds
Older machines had:
- fewer speeds
- fewer sensors
- fewer adjustments mid-cycle
Modern machines constantly change:
- drum speed
- direction of rotation
- water movement
- motor load
Each change can sound different.
So instead of one steady noise, you hear a range of sounds.
Common normal noises — and what they mean
Clicking or soft knocking
Usually caused by:
- drum reversing direction
- load redistribution
- internal relays switching
This often happens before spinning or during balance checks.
Humming or low buzzing
Often the sound of:
- the drain pump running
- the motor holding position
- water circulation systems
It can continue even when the drum isn’t moving.
Sloshing or rushing water
Normal during:
- rinses
- drainage checks
- partial refills
Water doesn’t always move in obvious stages anymore.
Brief whirring or acceleration sounds
These happen when the machine:
- tests spin speed
- ramps up slowly
- aborts a spin attempt
Short bursts are normal. Sudden sustained noise is not.
Why noises appear at different points each wash
Noise depends on:
- load size
- fabric type
- water level
- balance
- cycle chosen
That means the same wash program can sound different on different days.
Inconsistency feels like a fault.
It’s usually just adaptation.
Why new noises don’t always mean wear
People often think:
“It didn’t make that noise before — so something must be wrong.”
But modern machines:
- change behaviour as software updates
- adjust patterns as components age
- respond differently to different detergents and loads
New does not automatically mean bad.
When mid-cycle noises are usually normal
They’re usually normal if:
- the noise is brief or rhythmic
- it changes rather than gets worse
- the cycle completes normally
- there’s no burning smell or vibration
Odd but controlled sounds are part of normal operation.
When noises may indicate a problem
Noise may indicate a fault if it is:
- loud metal grinding
- constant banging
- high-pitched squealing
- getting progressively worse each cycle
Those sounds suggest mechanical wear, not control behaviour.
The useful rule of thumb
Ask yourself:
Is the noise part of a process — or a sign of strain?
Process noises:
- start and stop
- change character
- come and go
Failure noises:
- persist
- worsen
- dominate the cycle
The key takeaway
Modern washing machines make more noise because they do more adjusting.
Hearing those adjustments doesn’t mean something is wrong.
It means the machine is actively managing the wash.