Independent comparisons. We may earn from shop links. More info

How to fit anti-vibration pads safely

Updated: October 2026

Learning how to fit anti vibration pads starts before you lift a corner of the machine. On a new washing machine, transit bolts left in place can cause violent movement and damage. On any machine, unlocked or uneven feet can make an accessory look like the solution to an installation fault. Find the appliance manual, a spirit level and the clearance measurements, then identify whether you have loose squares, a full sheet, foot cups or threaded replacement feet. Our [anti-vibration pads comparison](/hub/tool-accessories/anti-vibration-pads) shows which form each product uses. A qualifying purchase can earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Learning how to fit anti vibration pads starts before you lift a corner of the machine. On a new washing machine, transit bolts left in place can cause violent movement and damage.

Our top picks

Loxley Loxley Benedict 60 cm mat

Best overall

Loxley Loxley Benedict 60 cm mat
8.2/10about £27.99
View offer
YuhooTech YuhooTech foot cups, pack of 4

Alternative

YuhooTech YuhooTech foot cups, pack of 4
7.3/10about £8.59
View offer
FUX FUX 90 × 90 × 15 mm, pack of 4

Best value

FUX FUX 90 × 90 × 15 mm, pack of 4
7.9/10about £6.49
View offer
On this page
  1. 1.Remove the transit bolts and keep them
  2. 2.Level the feet and measure the gap
  3. 3.Place squares, cups or a full sheet
  4. 4.Test the installation and know when to stop

Remove the transit bolts and keep them

Transit bolts secure a washing-machine drum for transport and must come out before normal use. Beko UK warns that operating the product with them fitted can damage it, while LG UK shows four bolts in its example. Follow your model's manual rather than assuming every washer has four. Switch the appliance off and isolate it from the mains. Remove each bolt with the specified tool, take out any spacer and fit the supplied caps. Keep the bolts for the next move. If a bolt is seized or does not match the instructions, stop. Some machines also have base packing. LG advises two people when the appliance needs tipping to remove it. Do not tip a full-size washer alone. A pad cannot compensate for transport hardware that remains attached.

Level the feet and measure the gap

Place a spirit level across the top from side to side and front to back. Adjust the manufacturer's feet until the cabinet is level, then lock the feet with their lock nuts if the design uses them. Press diagonally on opposite top corners, as LG suggests: the machine should not rock. Repeat after every adjustment. Measure before adding the pad: worktop clearance, hose space and the feet. An extra 15 mm can turn a safe gap into contact with a worktop. A square must support the whole foot, and a cup groove must accept it without balancing on an edge. The floor should be clean, dry and sound. Dust or detergent residue can make a product slide even when it is described as non-slip. The washing-machine guide explains why pads alone may not cure a flexible timber floor.
Loxley Loxley Benedict 60 cm mat

Testsieger

Loxley Loxley Benedict 60 cm mat
8.2/10about £27.99
View offer

Place squares, cups or a full sheet

For four loose pads or cups, have another adult steady the appliance. Avoid pulling on the door or hoses. Raise only enough to place one support under each foot, and keep hands out of the crush zone. All four feet must sit fully on their supports. Repeat the level and rock checks, then lock the feet. With cups, each foot must sit inside the groove. Cut a sheet such as the 60 × 60 cm Loxley mat outside the bay. A review says the full sheet would not fit beneath a fitted worktop, so test the access route first. Sound Service advises a thin board above its 10 mm sheet so feet do not punch into soft material. Threaded feet are a different installation. The TopHomer product uses an M8 screw and belongs on a machine designed to accept it. HSE notes that a bolt which bypasses a resilient mount can short-circuit isolation. For choosing among these forms, use the anti-vibration pad buying guide.

Test the installation and know when to stop

Reconnect hoses and power only after confirming that nothing is kinked, trapped or stretched. LG suggests a small rinse-and-spin after installation. Stay nearby, begin with a small load and stop the cycle if the machine moves, bangs or contacts cabinetry. Look for a stable cabinet rather than silence. Pads may reduce some structure-borne vibration, but they do not remove pump or water noise. If the machine slides instead of bouncing, stop. The rubber versus plastic comparison separates grip from isolation. Call an engineer if violent movement, grinding or a fault remains after the basic checks. Worn suspension or bearings cannot be repaired with pads. Seek help if the machine is too heavy for two people.

Common questions

Must I remove transit bolts before fitting pads?
Yes, on a washing machine that uses them. Beko UK warns that running the machine with transit bolts installed can damage it. Use the manual to identify every bolt and spacer, fit the supplied caps and keep the removed parts for the next move.
How do I know the machine is level?
Check side to side and front to back with a spirit level, adjust the feet and secure their lock nuts. Press diagonally on the top corners; the cabinet should not rock. Repeat the check after placing pads because their thickness and compression change the support.
Can I tip a washing machine by myself?
Do not tip a full-size washing machine alone. LG's installation guidance calls for two people when tipping is needed to remove base packing. Use another adult, follow the model's moving instructions and keep hands away from potential crush points.
Can I cut a full rubber mat?
Only if the listing permits it; Loxley says its sheet can be cut to size. Measure the appliance and access route first, cut outside the bay and preserve enough area to support the intended load. Do not obstruct ventilation, drainage or hoses.
What if the machine no longer fits under the worktop?
Remove the pads and reassess rather than forcing the appliance into contact with cabinetry. Clearance requirements vary by model, so consult its manual. A thinner compatible product may fit, but correct levelling and safe hose space still take priority.
When should an engineer take over?
Stop if the machine moves violently, makes a new grinding or heavy knocking sound, shows a fault or remains unstable after bolts, level and load are checked. Pads cannot repair suspension, bearings or a damaged floor, and repeated test spins may worsen the fault.

Related pages

Best anti-vibration pads

Anti-vibration pads

Anti-vibration pads buying guide for the right form

Rubber or plastic anti-vibration pads for each job

Washing machine anti-vibration pads and what they do

Sources

Public UK sources for isolation, appliance setup, and noise-nuisance context. Listings checked 17 October 2026. Prices on amazon.co.uk move.

  1. HSE, Top 10 noise control techniques (retrieved 17 October 2026)
  2. HSE, power-pack noise case study (retrieved 17 October 2026)
  3. Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 (retrieved 17 October 2026)
  4. Environmental Protection Act 1990, section 79 (retrieved 17 October 2026)
  5. GOV.UK, noise nuisances (retrieved 17 October 2026)
  6. Breckland Council, domestic appliance noise (retrieved 17 October 2026)
  7. Bosch UK, washer vibrates and moves (retrieved 17 October 2026)
  8. Electrolux UK, stop a washer vibrating (retrieved 17 October 2026)