How to transport washing machines. In what position is it better to transport the washing machine?

Transporting a washing machine just bought in a store is much easier than transporting a used one, because the manufacturer has made sure that it is reliably protected from shocks and other mechanical damage.

In addition, a good half of dealers offer delivery and sometimes installation completely free of charge, especially when it comes to purchasing mid-price or premium segment equipment. It is also worth noting that if the seller transports the washing machine, then all the problems that arise along the way fall on his shoulders, and you only have to indicate the address and a convenient time. In any case, when purchasing new equipment of this type, it is better not to skimp and pay for delivery. This will save you a lot of hassle.

Transportation problems

But serious difficulties arise for those who decide to transport the washing machine themselves. There are many reasons for this, and the most common is relocation. By that time, the packaging had probably already rotted somewhere at the dacha, and the shipping bolts had been lost in the depths of the pantry. In addition, when moving, many people have to use not specialized transport designed for transporting goods of this class, but one that is more accessible and cheaper.

In this regard, many people ask quite logical questions: “Is it possible to transport a washing machine lying down, on its side, standing, or in any other way?” The domestic consumer either does not read the operating instructions or loses them immediately and forever, so this problem is more than relevant.

So, let's try to figure out how to transport a washing machine, what steps need to be taken and what should be avoided when transporting such equipment. When compiling the article, we took into account the recommendations of car manufacturers, as well as the sad experiences of owners reflected on thematic forums.

Preparation

Many people ask: “Is it possible to transport a washing machine as it is?” That is, unscrew the hose, unplug it from the outlet - and off you go. Experts unanimously answer that no, only after preparation. A washing machine is a stationary appliance with specific mechanisms and housing elements that are designed to operate in one position. The same applies to transportation.

The first step is to drain the remaining water from the tank, and there will definitely be some there if you did the laundry a day or two ago. To do this, just tilt the car back a little so that the drain pipe is below the level of the pan. Afterwards, it is advisable to leave the laundry hatch open for several hours, which will allow any remaining moisture to evaporate.

Hoses, wires, hatches, trays

If the water supply hose becomes detached, it is best to remove it and transport it separately. Otherwise, securely tape it behind the machine along with the power cable. As a rule, premium equipment is equipped with special grooves and holders for hoses and wires, so there should be no problems here. Additionally, you can wrap everything that dangles in a soft cloth or packaging film with pimples.

The laundry hatch along with the tray should also be securely secured with the same tape, preferably in two or three layers. In extreme cases, you can transport the washing machine lying down. Then the door with the tray will definitely not open, but not every equipment is designed for such a violation of the transportation instructions.

Drum fixation

One of the main rules for transporting washing machines is to securely secure the drum. Many people neglect this, and as a result, half-dead equipment with a squealing drum, if not working at all, arrives at their new place of residence.

The best option is to fix it with the shipping bolts included in the package. To do this, there are special holes in the back of the machine where you need to screw them. But as mentioned above, not everyone has such bolts, so you have to use improvised means.

Here, one proven option acts as a panacea. To fix the drum, you need to unscrew the back panel and, if necessary, a few more to have full access to the inside of the machine. Then the void between the body and the drum must be filled with some soft or pliable material. Foam rubber, polystyrene foam, and ordinary rags will do just fine. The main thing is that the cylinder does not move and is securely fastened.

Package

If the original packaging with polystyrene foam has been preserved, that’s good, but if not, then you can use improvised means. Experts recommend covering the machine with stretch film or corrugated cardboard, and then wrapping it all with tape in several layers.

If neither the first nor the second is at hand, then you can simply cover the equipment with a blanket and secure it with a rope around the perimeter. It’s better not to skimp on the latter, because the fabric will slide while moving along the body.

Transportation rules

If we summarize all the operating instructions for washing machines, we can outline a small set of rules that will help you get the equipment to your destination safe and sound. Following them will help you avoid a lot of problems and breakdowns on the road.

1. Transport equipment strictly in an upright position.
2. Securely secure the drum with the shipping bolts.
3. Completely empty the machine of water.
4. Use only soft packaging for the unit.
5. Securely secure the machine in the back of the vehicle.
6. Avoid sudden braking and turning.

The rules seem to be simple and obvious, but for some reason many stubbornly ignore them, relying on our notorious Russian maybe.

It is also worth noting that transporting the washing machine on its side is highly not recommended. If the drum makes at least a few serious jumps in this position, then you can give up on the counterweights - there will be no normal washing. You will have to put up with the squealing of the cylinder during operation and the “traveling” of the machine around the kitchen or bathroom. Well, or pay a lot of money to repair the counterweights. In addition, in this position, residual moisture may get on the electronic control unit.

As for the “on your back” position, not all equipment can be transported in this way. Simple budget models are not designed for such transportation, while devices from the mid-price and premium segments survive this situation with dignity.

When a move is imminent, the rules for transporting household appliances are often violated. As a result, after moving, she may refuse to work.

We will tell you how to prepare a washing machine for transportation and whether it is possible to transport the washing machine lying down, on its side or upside down. Find valuable recommendations and useful tips below.

Almost everyone knows: before transporting a washing machine, you need to pack it. It’s great if the original packaging has been preserved - then the car is carefully placed in a box, sealing the walls with polystyrene foam or sheets of foam rubber.

But when 3, 5, 7, or even 10 years pass from the date of purchase of the car, it is unlikely that the packaging will survive until that glorious moment - your move. Therefore, transporting a washing machine and the correctness of this process depends on your ability to improvise.

Before transporting the washing machine in a car, you should take the following measures:

Drum fixation

Next, we’ll look at how to secure the washing machine drum during transportation. The ideal option provided by washing machine manufacturers is fixation with transport bolts. If you have them, take them out and screw them into the special holes located on the back panel of the CM.

Fixing the drum with improvised means

Another question is how to transport a washing machine without shipping bolts.

If they have not been preserved, you cannot leave everything as is. Unscrew the back panel of the machine and insert into the space between the tank and the wall anything that is suitable to soften vibrations - polystyrene foam, foam rubber, soft rags.

Attach the panel in place.

Package

An equally important question is how to pack a washing machine when moving if the packaging has not been preserved. The body also needs protection, and we will tell you what can be done. Simply wrap the body with the material you have on hand:

Then tie the body with rope to securely secure the makeshift package. Since non-factory packaging is not very reliable, be careful when driving the car.

Important! If you're wondering how to move your washing machine to another city, don't worry - if you follow all the instructions correctly and drive carefully, the machine can travel hundreds of kilometers without any damage to it.

Transporting the washing machine

Now you know how to pack a washing machine to transport it in a car or truck. The next stage is the transportation itself, which is preceded by transportation and loading.

Important! Think it's okay to turn your washing machine upside down while you're taking it down from your floor? In no case! If carrying is uncomfortable, maintain only a slight backward tilt, but do not invert the SMA.

Next, we decide whether it is possible to place the washing machine on its side when loading it into the car. Although such transportation of a washing machine is undesirable, it is still acceptable. If there are no other options, transport it on its side, just be careful.

You can also transport the machine in the following positions:

• standing;
• placing it on the back wall.

IDEAL transportation, according to service center specialists, is with a fixed tank. The car turns sideways in the direction the car is moving. If there are other things, it is worth clamping the machine with them. This will ensure the safety of shock absorbers, contacts and pipes.

Subtleties of transportation

Attention! Do not turn the CM over under any circumstances!

It is better to organize transportation on your side or lying down than upside down. In any case, moisture will remain in the machine, which can drain onto the control panel. Repairs will be expensive, so either dry the car before transporting it or don't turn it over.

Before transporting the washing machine on its side, if there are no bolts for transportation, secure the tank with foam rubber.

And don’t forget about the detergent intake - there may be water left in it that will pour onto the board. It is better to take out the cuvette and transport it separately from the body. If this is not possible, wipe the part dry.

Carrying on the rear wall is available for all SMA models except Zanussi. In machines of this brand, heavy counterweights are located in such a way that in the “back” position they can crush the filler valve.

Not knowing how to transport a washing machine correctly, some owners manage to carry it to the front wall. This is strictly prohibited. In this case, it is almost impossible to deliver the entire hatch and cuff to its destination.

What happens if you neglect proper transportation?

Not knowing how to transport a washing machine in a car, washing machine owners sacrifice the serviceability of their equipment. Just one short trip, even lasting 10-15 minutes, can result in a complete breakdown of the SMA.

These problems await malicious violators of transportation rules:

1. Broken power cord.
2. Breakage of plastic parts of the case.
3. Hatch cuff rupture.
4. Damage to the hatch fastener or guide.
5. Damage to shock absorbers.
6. Rupture of rubber parts: pipes and hoses.
7. Oxidation and short circuit of wiring, contacts.
8. The program selector wheel on the control panel is damaged.
9. Drain pump failure.
10. Breakage of an unsecured powder tray.

As a result, it becomes clear that before transporting the washing machine, it is worth preparing it thoroughly for this.

Keep a close eye on it during the entire move - from the door of the old bathroom or kitchen to the new location where the SM will be installed.

Now you know whether it is possible to transport a washing machine on its side, how to do it correctly, and what the consequences of handicraft transportation without observing safety precautions can be.

P.S. Advice for drivers. When moving along our roads, you should avoid bumps and slow down in time. The optimal speed limit will ensure the delivery of the machine safe and sound.

Household appliances require special handling during transportation. The presence of small moving parts requires careful consideration of the movements of such objects. This is especially true for washing machines. Inside there are movable drum and tank, which can be damaged if not secured.

The need to secure the insides of the machine

The basic configuration of the washing machine from the store contains special shipping bolts designed to secure the parts. If the equipment has already been used and there is a need to transport it to a new installation location, these bolts may be lost, and you have to resort to improvised means. It could be:

• Textile;
• Foam rubber;
• Styrofoam.

These products must be placed inside the machine after disassembling it - removing the top cover. To do this, you need to unscrew the bolts, then put soft materials inside, make sure that the drum and tank are secured, and put the cover in place.

After this, you should also handle the equipment carefully. Fixing internal moving elements does not mean that the outer covering is invulnerable. It should also be wrapped in fabric, corrugated cardboard or film.

The machine can be transported only in a vertical position. If it is placed in a cardboard box that is not the right size and there is space left inside, it must also be filled with soft materials.

Transportation rules

When transporting this equipment by truck, the machine must be placed sideways in the direction of travel.

If it is adjacent to other objects in the car body, it is necessary to place it closely or fill the empty space between things. Moving the machine along the body while driving can lead to damage to the outer casing, pipes, contacts or adjacent things.

Attention! The corners of washing machines are quite sharp. To avoid damage to other equipment or furniture during transportation, it is recommended to visually calculate possible contacts and isolate the corners with a soft cloth and tape.

Before moving the machine into the car, you must do the following:

• Secure the drain hose with tape or adhesive tape to the back wall of the machine;
• Make sure the door is securely closed. Despite the presence of a locking mechanism, it is better to additionally seal it with tape or wrap it with rope;
• Check that there is no powder or conditioner in the compartment.

Difficulties in carrying equipment may arise if you move the machine from the upper floors of a building without an elevator. Professionals and store technicians have special equipment and skill in this difficult task. But you can successfully move the washing machine from any floor yourself.

Features of manual carrying

Despite the seemingly compact dimensions and voids inside the machine, it is quite heavy in weight. In order to move it correctly and without damage, it is necessary to begin the task together. Three people are unnecessary for this purpose, and one person cannot carry the object (with the exception of heavyweight athletes).

The washing machine can only be carried vertically or with a slight tilt (no more than 30 degrees). To do this, one person takes it from behind by the bottom, and another from the front. It is more convenient if it is in front - the carrier will capture the equipment not behind his back, but directly in front of him. This increases the chances of transfer without damage. The only inconvenience is that you have to go down the stairs backwards.

It is also not recommended to drag the washing machine. In addition to the obvious possibility of severely damaging the floor surface, you can accidentally chip or wrinkle the edge of the machine. The washing machine has a fairly streamlined shape, without additional handles or stop devices, so before any movement it has to be slightly tilted. Before doing this, it is better to enlist the help of another person on the side where you are tilting the equipment.

Loading into the car

If freight transport is offered, there will be no problems with loading. Any washing machine will fit “standing up” into any gazelle or KAMAZ. But with a passenger car you will have to work hard. There are three options for transporting a passenger car: on the back wall, on the side or standing.

The third option will not cause any inconvenience if the machine can accommodate equipment. When transporting on its side, many do not secure the internal drum and tank, but extra precautions will not hurt. Particular care should be taken when checking the internal contents of the machine during such types of transportation as on its side or on the back wall. If water or powder remains in the tank, this can lead to damage to the electronics, including complete destruction of the mechanisms.

The most capricious brand of car for transportation is Zanussi. A drain valve located near the counterweight prevents it from tilting or lying down. If the machine is placed like this, the valve breaks.

Signs of damage due to improper transportation

After transporting this equipment, it is recommended to immediately turn it on and check for damage. If the place where it will stand is not yet ready, just connect the water supply hose and simply hang the drain hose into the bathtub or sink.

The most common damage after transportation

• Damage to the body. It could be a simple scratch or chip. Such damage is found not only during independent transportation. The appearance should be carefully checked when delivering a new machine from the store;
• Drain pump failure. May become detached, torn, or detached from the housing;
• Damage to the powder and conditioner compartment. Occurs due to its falling out without proper fastening;
• Failure of the control panel;
• Water ingress and failure of electronics;
• Shock absorber failure;
• Broken power cable.

Any damage can be repaired, except for a broken case or complete failure of the electronics. You can connect the washing machine only after completely unpacking and removing the packaging material from the inside. If the drum is still secured with bolts, they must be removed.

It is possible to reuse the bolts, so it is better to put them in a safe place or, if space allows, secure them in a plastic bag directly on the back of the machine body. Before installing the machine in its permanent location, you need to make sure the floor is even.

The machine is strictly contraindicated to operate on an uneven floor. Its movements during washing, especially when spinning at high speeds, can cause the device to move along the floor, leading to disconnection of hoses and “accidents” with the machine leaking.

Before packing the machine or unscrewing its lids, you need to make sure the inside of the device is dry. To do this, you need to remove the powder compartment, rinse it and dry it. To drain liquid from the inlet or drain hose, you can tilt the machine and lower the end of the hoses into a basin or bathtub. You cannot disconnect the hoses from the machine - they form a single composition.

When the machine has just been brought from the store, it is recommended not to throw away not only the box from it (in order to guarantee the product), but also the foam in which it was packaged for at least the first year. This will guarantee a safe move for the device, and will reduce your problems with packing the washing machine.

Transporting large household appliances, which includes a washing machine, is a separate topic for discussion. Regardless of whether you are buying new or transporting an item when moving, you must comply with the manufacturer's requirements. There are no problems when transporting new equipment in its “original” packaging - just follow the markings on the box.

Things are more complicated with a machine that is in use. Ideally, the equipment is placed in the original packaging, and foam is placed in the wall. However, buyers usually store the packaging for 14 days, and then dispose of it like any other household product. Instructions, components and fasteners are rarely preserved. What remains is a “lonely” washing machine, the transportation of which will have to be improvised.

The process of transporting a washing machine by movers from the Rus Pereezd company in Novosibirsk begins with preparatory work:

After completing the preparatory stage, the loaders of the Rus Perezd company transfer and load the washing machine into the GAZelle car. If the house is equipped with a freight elevator, then delivering the device to the lower floor will not be difficult. It’s another matter if there is no elevator, and you need to lower the car from the top floor of a multi-story building - this is more difficult (taking into account the dimensions and weight of the equipment). Our specialists carry the device in a strictly vertical position - without turning it over. A slight tilt back is allowed.

This is followed by loading into the GAZelle car and placing it in a natural vertical position - standing (remember that the tank is fixed). In the back, the equipment turns in the direction of movement of the vehicle and is securely attached to the side with rigging straps.

Subject to the transportation rules and our preparation tips, the machine is safely delivered to the new place of “work”.

Transport without transport bolts

If the transported bolts have not been preserved, the upper wall of the device is removed, the space between the walls and the tank is filled with foam rubber, polystyrene foam, or anything with a fabric base (some people use kitchen sponges for dishes, pieces of old padding polyester blankets). After fixing the tank, the top wall is returned to its place and secured.

Before using improvised means, visit the nearest hardware store and purchase transported bolts - this way you are guaranteed to protect the washing machine from possible damage during road rolling.

Is it correct to transport lying down or standing?

When ordering turnkey transportation of a washing machine (), the specialists of the Rus Pereezd company place the device exclusively in a natural position - standing.

If you plan to transport the car yourself, you should follow the transportation rules:

Features of transporting vehicles with vertical loading

Above we described the process of preparing, carrying, loading and transporting a front-loading automatic washing machine. There is only one peculiarity of transporting machines with vertical loading - you only have to fix the loading hatch (the machine does not have a separate cuvette for detergent, the powder receptacle is built into the hatch or is absent altogether - as, for example, in a semi-automatic machine).

If you do not follow the rules for preparing and transporting the washing machine:

The process of transporting a top-loading and front-loading washing machine by specialists from the Rus Pereezd company in Novosibirsk does not take much time compared to trying to do it yourself. Negligence and inattention of handicraft workers will lead to damage to the integrity of the housing and malfunction of the electronics. In this case, the funds saved on transportation by a specialized company will be used for repairs, or in the worst case, the purchase of new household appliances. Remember that “the miser pays twice”!

The washing machine is a fragile household appliance that is designed to work in one place and painfully survives any movement. Travel from the manufacturer to the store and to the buyer's home does not count, because the original packaging involves securing all moving parts to minimize damage. Difficulties are caused by machines that have been in working order for a long time. They were already left without the box, the shipping bolts for the drum were also removed. In this situation, it is important to correctly place the washing machine in the transport and secure it correctly so that it arrives intact.

Preliminary preparation

Before transportation begins, a number of preparatory measures must be taken:

• It is impossible to move the machine from its place of permanent operation without disconnecting from communications. You need to disconnect the water supply and drainage hoses, and also unplug the device from the outlet. If you do not disconnect the hoses, there is a possibility that they will break and flood the kitchen or bathroom.
• It is necessary to carefully remove any remaining moisture from the device itself. Typically, water remains in the supply hoses, tank, pipes, drain and injection pumps. If there is protection against leakage in the form of a storage tray, then up to several liters of stagnant water can be found there.
• Almost all cars have plastic fasteners on the back side. They are designed to secure wires and hoses in a folded form, which greatly facilitates transportation.
• The main hatch, which closes the drum during washing, must be secured with a latch.
• It is advisable to transport the cuvette for powder and rinse aid separately, after thoroughly drying it.
• If there are sharp corners on the body, for safe transportation they can be sealed with soft, clean rags, newspapers, or multilayer polyethylene. All edges, corners, protrusions are covered with soft material and secured with tape.
• Due to the weight, it will be difficult for one to carry the device to a vehicle; this requires outside help from at least one more person. It is recommended to use transport straps.

Preparatory measures reduce the risk of damage to the washing machine during transport and make it easier to transport.

Properly carrying the washing machine

Drum fixation

A separate point worth mentioning is the need to secure the main moving part - the drum. It is suspended and secured by four or more springs. The elastic mounts are designed to absorb vibration from the drum as it rotates at high speeds, causing the entire machine to resonate only slightly. During transportation, there is a possibility that the springs may break, causing the drum to fall to the bottom of the housing, damaging the motor and electronics.

In order to secure the drum during transportation, machine manufacturers have provided special bolts. They statically and reliably fix the drum, preventing it from moving freely in space. Depending on the company, the bolts look different, but in general everything is the same - in the back wall of the case there are four holes into which you need to screw the bolts using a wrench or screwdriver.

Static drum mounting with bolts

Usually the manufacturer immediately tightens these bolts when he delivers the equipment to the warehouse or to the buyer’s home. To install the unit, they are unscrewed and set aside. Over the years of use they often get lost. An alternative is polystyrene foam or rags, which must be placed as tightly as possible between the drum and the walls, after first removing the top cover of the housing.

This ensures that the drum without transport bolts will not wobble during transport and cause damage to the rest of the device.

Transportation of a prepared vehicle

When all moving parts are secured and sharp corners are protected, you can begin packaging. It's good if the original cardboard box remains. If not, it can be glued with tape to the size of the case from other boxes. Instead of cardboard, packaging polyethylene is suitable, which should be used to wrap the car on all sides in 5-6 layers. After this, the device is ready for loading into transport and transportation.

The machine must be transported in a car only in an upright position. This is due to the fact that in a natural position the risk of residual moisture entering important mechanical and electronic components is significantly reduced.

If it is transported lying down or on its side, then there is a possibility that drops of moisture will spill into places that are not protected from it. This may not immediately affect the performance of the device, but corrosion of electrical circuits and exposed metal will quickly lead to short circuits and damage to integrity. In addition, some models have a loose load (which presses down the machine during operation and prevents it from jumping at high speeds). If they are placed on their side, there is a possibility of a heavy block falling onto fragile elements, which will lead to serious and sometimes even irreversible damage.