
Is the concrete in a washing machine made of concrete?
Yes, that is in fact a block of concrete in the picture above. The concrete is there to balance the equally heavy electric motor, which drives a very heavy gearbox that is attached to the steel inner tub. There are lots of heavy components in a washing machine. The washing machine has two steel tubs. The inner tub is the one that holds the clothes.
Why is my concrete block breaking up?
With this, you may be able to buy another concrete block. Usual reasons for the concrete breaking up are machine run with transit brackets on (it wouldn't have lasted this long though), loose bolts holding the weights or bad design so it shakes about too much.
What makes a washing machine so heavy?
If we take a look under the washing machine, you'll see what makes it so heavy. Yes, that is in fact a block of concrete in the picture above. The concrete is there to balance the equally heavy electric motor, which drives a very heavy gearbox that is attached to the steel inner tub. There are lots of heavy components in a washing machine.
How bad is it if a concrete block is overloaded?
Well two out of three ain't bad. Overloading also can cause this, as its suspension will collapse allowing the concrete block to hit the casings. New machine time im afraid...

What is the concrete block in a washing machine?
GE and Hotpoint washers often have a concrete cinder block sitting inside the case. It serves as a counter-balance to out of balance loads.
Do you remove the concrete block from a washing machine?
The concrete blocks are meant to balance the washer during the high-speed spin and it's not recommended to remove them as it will not only void the warranty but also destabilize the washer.
Why are there stones in my washing machine?
The material is probably Zinc. The drum mount is made from zinc, it is part of the built in obsolescence in these machines, it slowly disintegrates over time. It can look like gray stones in the washer or drain filter.
What is the Black build up in my washing machine?
The black bits in washing machines are essentially a build up of bacteria, grease, and mould. Over time and without regular cleaning, a washing machine will get clogged up with leftover detergent and debris, which will then become a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mould.
Do washing machines still have concrete in them?
A typical budget washing machine is weighted by 25kg of concrete to stop it moving while on a spin cycle.
How do you clean a washing machine with mega blocks?
We recommend that you clean your Mega Bloks® building blocks by hand with warm water or a damp cloth. You can air-dry parts at room temperature or use a dry cloth. Please do not put Mega Bloks® building blocks in washing machines or dishwashers or attempt to dry them in ovens, microwaves, or by using a hair dryer.
How do I get the gem out of my washing machine?
Green Gem: Laundry Room – In the middle washing machine in the laundry room. Use the Suction Shot on the washing machine door to pull it open. Purple Gem: Laundry Room – In the painting in the hallway outside the parking garage. Use the Dark-Light on the painting of the gem to make it really appear.
How do I prevent calcium build up in my washing machine?
Protecting Your Washing Machine from Hard water Once again, vinegar is the key. If you have extremely hard water in your taps, run every load with a little bit of vinegar in the washer with the clothes. Diluted with water and combined with detergent, there will be no residue smell. Then use a dryer sheet in the dryer.
Is it normal for a washing machine to rock?
A small amount of washing machine shaking is normal, particularly during the spin cycle. However, your washer shouldn't “walk” across the floor and you shouldn't hear thumping, banging or loud vibration. If a washer is installed and used properly, excessive shaking is unusual and there may be a simple fix.
Do all front load washers have mold problems?
Mold problems in front-load washing machines are very common, but not inevitable! The key culprit for this problem is the front-load washer's sealing door. Unlike Top Load Washers , a front-loader has a door surrounded by a rubber gasket that creates an airtight seal when shut.
Is black mould in washing machine harmful?
Yes. Just like any mold, mold in the washing machine can make you sick.
Can black mold grow in washing machine?
Mold grows in dark, moist areas, which is what your washer becomes after you've unloaded the clothes. Keeping the lid closed traps moisture, which can lead to built-up bacteria and a bad smell. Leaving the washing machine door open helps ventilate the area and prevents mold from growing in the first place.
What happens if you don't remove transport bolts from washing machine?
The transit bolts need to be removed when the appliance is being installed. They are designed to hold the drum in a fixed position while being transported. Failure to remove this will void the warranty, so please refer to the appliance manual for additional guidance.
How do you remove concrete from machines?
Applying a concrete dissolver is one tactic used to soften old mortar on masonry tools, equipment, and vehicles. Its mild acid and foaming agent also dislodge unwanted concrete deposits from glass, metal, most plastic, painted and wood surfaces.
How do you remove build up from a washing machine?
Set your washing machine to the highest and hottest water setting. Add in four cups of white vinegar, and start a cycle. Once the washing machine is filled up and barely started, pause it and allow the water and white vinegar to soak the drum for an hour.
How do you remove blockage from washing machine?
When your washing machine or washer dryer combination is clogged, you can easily unclog it with these tips:Tip 1. Clean the trap.Tip 2. Pour boiling water and baking soda down the drain.Tip 3. Unclog it with a drain snake.Tip 4. Use drain unblocker.Tip 5. Rinse the drain with a high-pressure cleaner.
Why do we need concrete blocks for WM?
Most if not all WM have these concrete blocks these days..They are used to damp the spin forces and stop the machine from shaking (along with proper adjustment of the feet). I've not come across one shearing off before... If the concrete itself has broken I'm not sure you can do anything about it...if the metal bolts which hold it in place have broken then you may be able to replace them...If the machine is getting on in age its probably cheaper to replace it.
Do you bolt on a drum if it has sheared?
They usually bolt on if it has sheared the mounts on the drum it will be a new drum required or part of depends on model.
Why is the inner tub on a washing machine mounted?
Because the inner tub vibrates and shakes during the wash cycle, it has to be mounted in a way that lets it move around without banging into other parts of the machine . The inner tub is attached to the gearbox, which is attached to the black metal frame you see in the picture above.
Why is the inner tub bolted to the body of the washer?
Because the inner tub vibrates and shakes during the wash cycle, it has to be mounted in a way that lets it move around without banging ...
What is the concrete in a washing machine?
The concrete is there to balance the equally heavy electric motor, which drives a very heavy gearbox that is attached to the steel inner tub. There are lots of heavy components in a washing machine. The washing machine has two steel tubs. The inner tub is the one that holds the clothes.
What is damping in a washer?
A laundry machine has a damping system that use s friction to absorb some of the force from the vibrations. In each of the four corners of the machine is a mechanism that works a little like a disc brake. The part attached to the washer frame is a spring.
How many pulleys are there in a sandbox?
There are a total of three pulleys, so that if one side of the frame moves up, the other side moves down. This system supports the weight of the heavy components, letting them move in such a way as not to shake the entire machine.
When did Karim Nice write How Washing Machines Work?
Karim Nice "How Washing Machines Work" 31 October 2000.
Why does concrete break up?
Usual reasons for the concrete breaking up are machine run with transit brackets on (it wouldn't have lasted this long though), loose bolts holding the weights or bad design so it shakes about too much . If you're asking what you should do about it then obviously a new weight, maybe new fixings, but check it hasn't hit & damaged anything else while it's been dancing about.
What causes concrete to hit casings?
Overloading also can cause this, as its suspension will collapse allowing the concrete block to hit the casings.
What counterweights does Miele have?
Upgrade to Miele and they all have cast iron counterweights.
How to seal a block in a house?
Maybe use flexible metal strips wrapped around the block and then sealed in place with duct tape.
Curious
My washing machine seems to be leaking from behind a lump of concrete which I guess is used to balance the drum. I can't see why it should start leaking from here but the concrete is wet and lines up roughly with the wet spot on the floor.
Whitegoodshelp (Andy)
It could be leaking from the outer tub. Old washing machines with vitrious enamal tubs can leak from the concrete block fixing struts brackets and new washing machines with plastic tubs can get damaged by coins and obstructions left in pockets.
Curious
Thanks for your reply. I suspect you are right about the door seal. Now, next question - do you happen to know a company (with website perhaps?) that would be able to send me a replacement door seal for such an old washing machine?
Whitegoodshelp (Andy)
Warning: Read this before attempting any diy repairs . No representations or warranties are made (express or implied) as to the reliability, accuracy or completeness of advice.
