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Best quiet washing machines for whisper-quiet laundry

Best quiet washing machines for whisper-quiet laundry

by Lucy Cotterill | mumsnet, January 2025


Want a washing machine that won’t disturb the peace in your open-plan kitchen? Here’s our pick of the best quiet washing machines, recommended by Mumsnet users.

If your washing machine is properly levelled but still sounds like it's taking off during the final spin, it may be time to invest in a newer, quieter model. 

Many washing machines designed for modern, open-plan kitchens now benefit from lower decibel ratings. They use features such as brushless motors, anti-vibration walls, and special silent programmes to run more discreetly in your home. The best quiet washing machines will even boast a Quiet Mark certification, independently tested and approved as a quiet, high-performing appliance. 

I spoke to Quiet Mark founder Poppy Szkiler - here are her top tips for a quiet washing machine:

  • "Lower the Spin Speed: Reducing the spin speed can significantly decrease noise levels. While slightly damp clothes may require longer drying time, it can make a noticeable difference in noise reduction.

  • Ensure Level Feet: Uneven feet can cause vibrations and increase noise. Take the time to ensure all four feet are firmly and evenly placed on the floor.

  • Regular Maintenance Wash: Running a regular maintenance wash is crucial. This involves setting the machine to the highest temperature wash cycle with just a little power detergent and an empty drum. This not only helps prevent noise issues but also helps avoid unpleasant odours."

     

To bring you our pick of the best, we’ve researched countless consumer reviews and the verdicts of consumer champions. We then tapped into the views of trusted Mumsnet users, gathering their tried and tested feedback on washing machines of all shapes, sizes and brands. 

 

Best quiet washing machines - at a glance - as recommended by Mumsnet users:

 

Whether you’re looking for a quiet freestanding or integrated washing machine, or a quiet high-capacity washing machine that can accommodate your family’s never-ending laundry pile, we’ve found whisper-quiet models to suit every household - whatever your budget or kitchen size.

What's more, we're on a mission to save the UK's eardrums and nap times, with our round-ups of the best quiet dehumidifiers, best quiet dishwashers and the best quiet fans.

Here are the best quiet washing machines to buy in 2025:

 

 

Best quiet washing machine overall

Bosch WGG254Z0GB 10KG 1400 Spin Washing Machine


What Mumsnet like

  • Large capacity suitable for families
  • QuietMark certified  
  • Easy and intuitive to use
  • Excellent energy efficiency
  • SuperQuick 30 minute cycle 

What Mumsnet don't like

  • Anti-stain symbols are a little confusing 
  • No smart technology


Mumsnet verdict

Reviewed by Mumsnet Head of Editorial Content Tina Williams: 

With a generous 10kg capacity, the Bosch WGG254Z0GB is an excellent all-rounder for families, offering fast and energy-efficient programmes for all your household’s washing needs.

With a choice of seven programmes, you can switch between a rapid 30-minute quick wash and a clever Anti-stain programme that tackles stubborn stains such as grass and pasta sauce. If you’re short on time, the SpeedPerfect function can also help reduce the cycle length by up to 65%.

Our tester Tina, loved the handy reload function, meaning you can always add in that rogue sock once the cycle has started. The Iron Assist programme is also a welcome addition for parents – using steam to refresh school uniforms and reduce wrinkles between wears.

Quiet Mark-certified, Tina described this Bosch washing machine as a ‘game-changer’ in her open plan kitchen, able to have a normal conversation over the sound of the drum, even on the fastest spin cycle.

 

 

Best quiet integrated washing machine

NEFF W544BX2GB Integrated 8 kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine


What Mumsnet like

  • 15-minute quick wash for smaller loads
  • QuietMark certified
  • Time light projects how long is left on the cycle
  • Uses sensors to adapt water usage to the load size and level of soiling
  • Silence mode reduces spin speeds for even quieter operation 
  • 10-year guarantee 

What Mumsnet don't like

  • More costly than some


Mumsnet verdict

If you’re seeking an integrated washing machine to blend seamlessly into your kitchen, this Neff appliance is certainly worth considering. While it’s more costly than some, the unique wave-shaped drum offers gentle cleaning over longer periods, combined with a 10-year guarantee for peace of mind.

There are an impressive 14 programmes on this appliance, from anti-stain programmes for your kid’s grass-stained football kit to 15-minute quick washes for refreshing their school uniform. We love the built-in time light that projects the length remaining onto your kitchen floor, but on days when you’re really pressed for time, the handy SpeedPerfect function can reduce programme lengths by up to 65%.

With a 66dB running volume, the Neff W544BX2GB makes a discrete choice for open-plan kitchens. If you want to run a load once the kids are in bed, you’ll love the SilencePlus programme, which uses slower spin speeds for whisper-quiet operation. 

With a C rating for energy efficiency (pretty good for an integrated design), we love how smart sensors accurately measure the load size and level of soiling to use the exact amount of water required. 

 

 

Best quiet 10kg washing machine

LG TurboWash™ F4A510WWLN1 10kg Washing Machine with 1400 rpm


What Mumsnet like

  • 14-minute quick wash for small loads
  • QuietMark certified
  • Large capacity ideal for families
  • TurboWash cleans full loads in less than an hour 
  • Approved by the British Allergy Foundation 
  • AI DD technology adjusts the settings based on your fabrics and load

What Mumsnet don't like

  • No stand-alone spin cycle 
  • Some reviewers found it tricky to level during the installation


Mumsnet verdict

With a spacious 10kg drum, this QuietMark-approved LG washing machine uses Direct Drive technology – accurately detecting the fabric types and the size of your load to tailor the wash cycle to the contents. Not only can this protect your clothes from damage, but it can also save on water and electricity. 

In addition to the 14-minute quick wash for small loads, the powerful TurboWash™ technology uses powerful jets to clean even heavily soiled clothing in just 39 minutes. If your family have sensitive skin, you’ll also love LG's sanitising steam technology - approved by the British Allergy Foundation for its ability to remove allergens and bacteria from your clothes.

Some reviewers found this washing machine a bit tricky to level on installation and it’s worth noting that there’s no stand-alone spin cycle for a final whirl of your towels. We feel both are minor niggles however on an otherwise efficient and affordable appliance.

 

 

Best quiet energy efficient washing machine

MIELE W1 WWD020 WCS 8 kg 1400 Spin Washing Machine


What Mumsnet like

  • QuietMark certified
  • AutoDos technology
  • Honeycomb drum is more gentle on clothes
  • Range of cycles including delicate and steam wash

What Mumsnet don't like

  • Costly 
  • Families may prefer a larger capacity


Mumsnet verdict

It may not come cheap, but this trusted Mumsnet brand tests all their appliances over the equivalent of 20 years of use – so you can be confident it’s built to last. Rated A for energy efficiency with low water consumption, it even benefits from AutoDos technology, meaning the machine measures out the precise amount of detergent needed based on the size of your load.

QuietMark certified, this quiet washing machine won’t disturb your surroundings even during the spin, with a honeycomb drum that protects your fabrics and keeps them looking their best.

With 12 programmes to choose from including an express 20-minute wash for small loads, a powerful 49-minute quick wash and SteamCare to remove unwelcome smells and creases, you can even control the programmes via the handy Miele@Home app. 

 

 

What to look for in a quiet washing machine

As well as the decibel rating, here are some things to consider when choosing the right quiet washing machine for your home.

  • Drum size - How big is your household? For couples and smaller families, an 8kg capacity should be ample for your needs. For bigger households and families with multiple children, a larger washing machine allows you to wash more clothes at once, saving you time and money. They can also accommodate larger items such as duvets, which saves you a trip to the local laundrette. 
  • Energy efficiency - Most modern washing machines now feature the new energy-efficient scale (which was revised in March 2021). For freestanding washing machines, you can look for A-rated appliances which will keep your energy bills down while minimising water consumption. For integrated designs, the energy efficiency rating is more likely to have a B or C rating. 
  • Maximum spin speed - How fast is the spin speed of the appliance? The higher the spin speed (measured in rotations per minute or RPM), the less moisture will remain in your clothing at the end of the cycle. This can help them dry faster on your heated clothes airer, or require less time in your tumble dryer after a wash.
  • Freestanding or integrated? - A freestanding washing machine is one you just plug in and use, as long as it's connected to a drain. An integrated washing machine that connects to your kitchen unit can be trickier to install and remove. Freestanding machines are the most common, so when you're looking for a new one, you'll have more choices.
  • Number of programmes - Consider the overall number of programmes available on the appliance - including quick wash cycles and options for delicate clothing such as wool or silk. Review the length of the cycles you’re likely to use most frequently as well as options to speed up the programmes on days you’re pressed for time. 

 

What makes a washing machine quiet?

The volume of the washing machine’s wash and spin cycles are measured in decibels (dB), and during the spin (the loudest part of the programme), you can expect quiet volumes to be around 70dB. Most quiet washing machines use technology such as brushless or inverter motors and anti-vibration systems to lower noise distribution.

 

How Mumsnet chose the best quiet washing machine 

Recommendations from real Mumsnet users

To begin our search for the best quiet washing machine, we turned to the Mumsnet forums to draw on the wealth of experience from our 10 million Mumsnetters. We know that laundry is a popular topic, so we wanted to know which washing machines parents really loved and were built to last. We also looked for any negative reviews, where Mumsnet users highlighted products that they felt were poor quality, overpriced or failed to bring clothes out looking their best. That way, we could exclude these from our list.

Expert opinions

Next up, we considered reviews and feedback from trusted industry experts. We always want to be confident that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we looked out for award-winning or well-regarded products, including any recommended by consumer champions such as Which?.

Verified customer reviews

Finally, we thoroughly investigated genuine customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, AO.com and Currys to get a comprehensive picture of consumer experiences regarding the products on our shortlist.

Celebrated washing machines 

Using our triple-check vetting process has allowed us to guarantee that every tumble dryer on this list has earned its right to be there, creating a guide to the best quiet washing machines that is honest, balanced and up-to-date. 


Why you should trust Mumsnet

We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.

Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.

 

 

This article is adapted from the mumsnet article 'Best quiet washing machines for whisper-quiet laundry'.
Click here to view the original and unabridged mumsnet article by Lucy Cotterill

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