How to Soundproof a Laundry Room? Find And Fix It!

Home laundry rooms, especially in the middle of the house, can bring problems, like the noisy sounds from washers and dryers. Surely, you don’t want to deprive yourself of the handy laundry room but still want to cancel out the noise, you might wonder how to soundproof a laundry room.

You can effectively soundproof a laundry room by stopping the vibrations produced by the laundry appliances. Some proven methods for soundproofing the laundry rooms include furnishing the empty space, layering the walls, insulating the floors, windows, and doors, using anti-vibration mats, and so on.

To learn the best practices for soundproofing your laundry room, all that you need to do is locate the primary sources of noise in your laundry room, such as the washing machine, dryer, and any other appliances.

Once you have pinpointed the sources of noise, you can effectively reduce it by employing the methods of your preference mentioned in this article.

I researched various types of noise disturbances that commonly happen in laundry rooms, allowing you to identify the exact solutions provided here.

Therefore, this guide includes factors you should consider before soundproofing your laundry room, so be sure to stay with me until the end.

Best Ways to Soundproof the Laundry Room Appliances

Laundry rooms themselves may not be noisy, but the machines within can be quite bothersome. The consistent hum and vibration from a running washing machine are undeniable annoyances, prompting the need for soundproofing the laundry space.

Here’s how you can fix the issue:

Use Anti-Vibration Solutions for a Quieter Laundry Experience

Alright, let’s simplify the process of reducing the noise from your laundry machines.

Most of the racket is caused by the energy bouncing around from your vibrating washing machine to the floor and then spreading through your home. Here’s where our first step comes in.

Anti-Vibration Mats or Pads: Your washer and dryer are probably chilling on a hard floor, which doesn’t play nice with these structural vibrations. To stop this noisy energy transfer, you need to break the connection between the machine and the floor. Enter the heroes of the story: vibration isolation pads or anti-vibration mats. Think of them as the silent guardians against sound chaos.

Material Matters: For these pads or mats to work their magic, they’ve got to be made of 100% rubber. Why rubber? Because it’s like the superhero of materials when it comes to isolating machinery from the floor. It works for noisy fridges and dishwashers, and it sure works for washers and dryers too. By blocking the vibrations, you’re saying goodbye to a big chunk of the noise.

Say No to ‘Walking’: Not only do these pads or mats hush the noise, but they also keep your washer or dryer from doing the tango across your floor. If your machine is dancing off its isolation pad, that’s a sign something’s up. A small pad made of neoprene rubber under each corner is a noise reduction champion. However, the full isolation mat works wonders too. When picking pads, check for their maximum load and the load that makes them deflect vibrations best.

Weight Matters: Imagine your machine is a rockstar weighing 200 lbs. One pad per corner is the jam. But if it’s a heavyweight at 300 lbs, go for 2 pads per corner to rock your sound isolation game.

Avoiding Wall Bumps: If your machines are high-fiving the walls or cabinets due to vibrations, don’t panic. You can’t always play musical chairs with your laundry setup, but you can use something like Overkill closed cell foam. Stick this lightweight, high-performance decoupler on the sides of your machine to cushion the impact. Choose either ⅛” or ⅜” thickness based on your space. This nifty material keeps hard surfaces from chatting too much, deflecting that structural energy and saving your walls and cabinets from a rattling symphony. Easy as pie, right?

Enhance Sound Reduction with a Sound Deadener

Let’s crank down the volume on your laundry machines even further. If you’re up for a different strategy or just want extra quiet, here’s step two.

Sound Deadening Mats: Picture this as putting your washing machine or dryer on a silent diet. Damplifier Pro sound deadening mats are like a hush-hush superhero for metal. Apply these directly to the metal parts of your machine for some serious sound reduction.

Where to Apply: For washing machines, go inside the metal casing. For dryers, aim for the bin. Peel off the backing, and with a hand roller, press it on firmly to get rid of any sneaky air pockets. But, and this is crucial, be mindful of ventilation, drainage, and electrical components – we don’t want to mess with their game.

Cover it All: When covering the metal casing or dryer bin, go all-in. Aim for as close to 100% coverage as possible. Why? Because more coverage adds density to the metal casing. This not only stops airborne noise but also puts a damper on those structural vibrations causing the commotion.

Soundproof Your Laundry Space:

If you’re on a quest for maximum quiet, it’s time to think beyond the washer and dryer. We’re diving into soundproofing the laundry room or even the closet door itself.

1. Door Upgrade:

First things first, let’s talk doors. If you have a hollow door, it’s time for an upgrade.

In-house doors are usually very thin. Due to this reason, these doors can’t stop the sound from traveling through them. Replace hollow-core doors with solid-core doors. Solid doors can help block sound better than hollow ones.

However, if you are on a low budget, you can modify the existing laundry room door and make it soundproof.

You can insulate the door with soundproof blankets, foam, or sheets. You can also add weather-stripping tape to the gaps to keep the sound from passing through the gaps in the door.

Note: Opt for foam rubber weatherstripping – it is easy to install. Just peel and stick it around the door, creating a highly tight seal. Plus, it is pocket-friendly, so you don’t have to break the bank for a quieter laundry experience.

For a classic and effective approach, go for felt material. Available in rolls, with or without adhesive, felt weather stripping has proven its worth over time. It’s a reliable choice to enhance sound insulation around your door.

Here’s where the magic happens – install a Sound Lock Door Seal Kit. These kits are like the superheroes of DIY, sealing off the gaps around the door’s perimeter and bottom. Why? Because that’s usually how most of the sound escapes.

The beauty of these kits is that you can do it yourself. No need for a superhero cape – just follow the instructions. By closing those gaps, you’re not fixing a dancing washer or stopping vibrations through the wall. Instead, you’re creating a fortress against airborne noise, preventing it from sneaking out the door and into the rest of your home.

2. Layer the Floor with a Mat/Carpet:

There are many thick anti-vibration mats and carpets available in the market. And you can lay a soundproofing mat under the washer and dryer to suppress some of the unwanted vibrations. This step will be especially beneficial for second-floor/upstairs laundry rooms.

However, for this step to be helpful, it is important you choose a thick carpet as a thin one won’t benefit you much.

3. Soundproof the Windows:

If your laundry room has windows, you might want to soundproof them as well because a lot of noise might be making its way into the rest of the house through windows.

So, it is suggested you hang thick acoustic curtains on the walls.

Why Noise-Canceling Curtains?

These heavy-duty champs are crafted from thick, heavyweight fabric that’s like a sound-absorbing superhero. They swallow up those pesky sound waves, turning your laundry room into a serene oasis.

Also, if you have louvered doors these curtains might do a great job!

Easy Installation:

Hanging these curtains is a breeze – just like regular curtains. Use a rod or hooks, whichever suits your style. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and styles, so finding one that blends seamlessly with your laundry room’s vibe is a piece of cake.

Bonus: Most of them boast a liner made of heavyweight materials like PVC, providing an extra layer to keep noise at bay.

You can also throw in some soundproofing door sweeps for good measure.

Or,

You can seal the gaps in the windowpane with weather-stripping tape or caulk to further soundproof the windows. This helps prevent sound from escaping the room.

4. Furnishing the Room:

If your laundry room consists of a washer and dryer, it could be one of the reasons why there is so much noise. Empty spaces enhance the sound produced. So, you can also try stacking more furniture in the laundry room.

You can stack cabinets, cupboards, laundry bins, and even an ironing stand (if your laundry room is big enough) into the laundry room. You might think it is not a huge thing; however, you’ll be surprised to see the difference.

5. Install Custom Cabinetry:

Transform your laundry room into a stylish space by considering custom cabinetry, a solution that not only adds a touch of elegance but also dials down the noise of your trusty washer and dryer.

Why Custom Cabinetry?

Built-in cabinetry not only conceals your laundry machines but also acts as a noise absorber. According to Kristina, these solid structures work as barriers, deflecting and absorbing the sounds produced by your machines.

Bonus: Custom cabinetry is not just about aesthetics; it’s a storage powerhouse.

Design Tips from the Pros:

1. Open Shelving Elegance: Integrate open shelving within your cabinetry for a sleek look. Use it to showcase stylish items like towels, linens, or baskets. It’s a perfect way to blend functionality with elegance.
2. Conceal the Mess: Behind closed doors, stash away the less glamorous side of laundry – products like stain removers and, of course, the dirty laundry itself. Keep the mess out of sight for a neat and tidy laundry room.

So, it’s time to turn your laundry room into a stylish retreat!

6. Soundproofing Your Laundry Room Walls

Another thing you can do to soundproof the laundry room is to soundproof the walls. You might think that sounds don’t travel that well through walls. However, you’ll be surprised to know that walls cannot stop soundwaves from traveling through them.

But you can keep some of the noise from passing through walls by soundproofing the walls using these ways:

• By covering the walls with thick blankets.
• By covering the walls with acoustic foam.
• By insulating the walls with blinds/sheets.
• By attaching Mass-Loaded Vinyl sheets to the walls.

Additional Tip: Apply soundproofing paint to the walls. While not as effective as other methods, soundproofing paint can add an extra layer to help reduce noise.

Here’s an in-depth review of the solutions mentioned above:

Acoustical Sealant Magic:

The easiest and budget-friendly way to dial down the noise is to seal up any gaps around the wall’s perimeter. Think of airborne noise like water – it loves to flow through any little openings it can find. Use acoustical sealant to seal those gaps and penetrations, creating a barrier against the sneaky sound waves.

Note: Acoustic insulation can be in the form of specialized insulation materials or even standard fiberglass insulation. Ensure that the insulation fills the wall cavities completely.

Beef Up Your Walls:

Now, if airborne noise is the culprit, you need to add some muscle to those walls. The secret weapon: an extra layer of ⅝” drywall with a layer of Green Glue sandwiched in between. No need for major renovations – just stack it on top of what you’ve got. It’s like giving your walls a cozy noise-canceling sweater.

An additional layer of drywall isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s a noise reduction powerhouse.

The logic is simple: more layers mean fewer vibrations slipping through, resulting in a quieter laundry experience.

Choosing the Right Soundproof Drywall: This specialized drywall is denser than the standard version, designed specifically to absorb and dampen sound. It’s like giving your laundry room a noise-proof shield.

This upgrade requires a bit of effort, but the payoff is worth it. The installation process might take a few days. The steps involve installation, taping, mudding, sanding, and finally, painting. It’s a manageable undertaking that can be wrapped up in about a week.

Pro Tip:

If the extra layer of drywall isn’t feasible for you, consider adding acoustic panels to your laundry room.

Install Acoustic Panel:

These panels are designed to absorb sound and can be effective in reducing noise.

The placement of acoustic panels in a room depends on the specific characteristics of the space and the nature of the sound you want to address. However, here are some general guidelines for placing acoustic panels:

1. Reflection Points:
   • Identify the reflection points in the room where sound waves bounce off surfaces. These are typically the points opposite the sound source. Place acoustic panels on these surfaces to absorb and reduce reflected sound.
2. First Reflection Points:
   • For a standard rectangular room, the first reflection points are often the walls beside and in front of the sound source. Place panels on these walls at ear level to mitigate direct reflections.
3. Ceiling Clouds:
   • If the room has a high ceiling, consider hanging acoustic panels or clouds from the ceiling. This can help absorb sound reflections and prevent the buildup of reverberation.
4. Behind the Sound Source:
   • Place acoustic panels on the wall behind the primary sound source. For example, if you have a home theater system, consider placing panels on the wall behind the speakers to absorb sound and prevent it from bouncing back into the room.
5. Bass Traps:
   • Place bass traps in corners where low-frequency sound tends to accumulate. Bass traps are particularly effective in addressing low-frequency issues and can be placed vertically or horizontally in room corners.
6. Spread Throughout the Room:
   • Distribute acoustic panels evenly throughout the room rather than concentrating them in one area. This helps create a balanced acoustic environment.
7. Diffusers:
   • Consider using diffusers along with absorption panels, especially on walls where direct sound reflections are important to maintain. Diffusers scatter sound waves, reducing their intensity without absorbing them completely.
8. Behind Furniture:
   • Place acoustic panels behind furniture or large objects that cannot be easily moved. This can help absorb sound that may otherwise be reflected by these surfaces.
9. Test and Adjust:
   • Experiment with the placement of acoustic panels and make adjustments based on the specific characteristics of your room. Use your ears and possibly acoustic measurement tools to identify areas that need further treatment.

Note: The ideal placement may vary depending on the room’s purpose, size, and shape, so some experimentation may be necessary.

Washing Machine Soundproofing: Easy Fixes

Here’s how you can tackle the noise from your washing machine with some quick and straightforward solutions.

1. Level the Feet:

Imagine a wobbly chair at a restaurant – the more it shakes, the worse it gets. Same goes for your washing machine. If your floor or machine isn’t level, it’ll shake more, leading to more noise and potential damage. To check if your machine is level, give it a gentle push from the front. If it rocks, it needs leveling. Use a bubble level on the floor, top of the machine, and control panel. If it’s not right, lift the front and adjust the feet, then do the same for the back. Tighten the locking nut to keep everything steady.

2. Check for Shipping Bolts:

When your washer travels from the manufacturer to your home, it comes with shipping bolts to prevent drum wobbling. These bolts need to go after installation. Press the inside of the drum – if it wobbles, you’re good. If not, check underneath for those plastic bolts. Pry them out if you find them, or use pliers if needed.

3. Balance the Load:

Here’s a laundry tip – balance your load. For top-loading washers, especially, evenly distribute your items, and don’t overload. An unbalanced load causes the drum to spin unevenly, creating shakes and bangs. Wash items with similar fabrics and weights together to keep things smooth.

4. Check the Floor:

If your machine is making your whole floor shake, focus on soundproofing the floor, not just the machine. Check if the floor near your machine shakes when you walk on it. If it does, add a rigid plywood sheet under your washer and dryer for added stability. It won’t stop vibrations, but it can dampen the noise from the floor shaking.

5. Stacked Machines:

Got a stacked washer and dryer? If you hear rattling, it might be the hardware connecting them. Stacked units usually have a metal frame. Ensure the connections are secure, and both units, along with the frame, are installed level, securely, and evenly.

These quick fixes will have your washing machine humming a quieter tune in no time.

Why Do Washers and Dryers Make Noise?

Your laundry machines, like washing machines and dryers, create noise because they move to get the job done. Imagine this: when your washing machine spins your clothes, it’s like a little dance, and this dance is not always quiet.

Now, why isn’t it quiet? Well, it all comes down to vibrations. When the machine moves, it vibrates, and those vibrations create sound. When everything is working smoothly, you hear very little noise. But if something is a bit off, that normal spin can turn into a bit of a racket.

Here’s an interesting tidbit: older machines tend to be noisier. But did you know that front-load washers are also louder than top-load ones? That’s because they spin faster and in a different way. The clothes spin to the top of the drum and then fall down, creating a thumping sound.

Laundry machines that are probably sitting on a hard surface, like tile or hardwood make things even louder because the floor doesn’t absorb the vibrations – it amplifies them. To make matters worse, all this movement can even damage your floors.

If you have the luxury of choosing where to put your washer and dryer, consider placing them farther from your living areas with walls in between. The farther the sound has to travel and the more barriers between you and the noisy machines, the less noise you’ll have to endure.

Final Solution: Buy New Laundry Equipment

If you have tried everything but still haven’t had much luck soundproofing the laundry room and you have the budget, you can consider investing in a new washer and dryer.

The most recent models of washers and dryers are not as loud as the older ones. Moreover, the newer models also outperform the older ones in terms of performance, features, and build.

Conclusion

Soundproofing a laundry room might be an excellent idea for those with a laundry room next to their living room or bedroom. So, if you are searching the internet for how to soundproof a laundry room, you can imply the soundproofing techniques mentioned in this article to cancel out 80-90% of the noise disturbance.

Remember that a combination of these methods is often more effective than relying on just one. Additionally, the effectiveness of soundproofing measures may vary, so it may be helpful to experiment with a few different strategies to find the best solution for your specific situation.

However, if nothing works for you, you can go ahead and buy new appliances and give your laundry room an upgrade.