A loud washing machine is probably at the top of my list as the most annoying noise in a house. Quieting down my laundry room by soundproofing the door was on my to-do list for some time.
The main problem is that my laundry room resides in the hallway of the house. This causes a lot of echoing from the washing machine and dryer throughout the hall and into the rooms.
Since there are no other washer and dryer hookup outlets in my house, I was unable to move them without a whole remodel of a room.
That was certainly out of the question. The only option I had left was to somehow soundproof the laundry room door.
There are many different ways to go about doing this. I will show you the best methods that I have found, and you can decide what best suits your needs based on your budget.
Install a Door Sweep
Leaving a nice big gap or opening underneath your door is the perfect exit for your loud washing machine and dryer.
The gap underneath your laundry room door is the first place sound will escape. This is where installing a door sweep will come in handy.
The first thing you should do is check your door to see how close it is to the ground.
If there is a big gap, then you can try installing a simple door sweep to eliminate the gap altogether.
You should first measure your door and the gap so you know what size of a sweep you will need to purchase. The door sweep should be nice and snug to keep any sound from escaping.
If the door sweep is too tight, then opening your door will be more trouble than it’s worth.
I recommend using this door sweep from amazon. It has a high number of reviews and is very easy to install. The door sweep comes with everything you need to attach it to your door.
Installing a door sweep is one of the most basic methods you can choose when it comes to soundproofing a door.
I would strongly suggest that you take other soundproofing measures into consideration as well since this most likely won’t solve your issue by itself.
I believe that installing a door sweep should be a complement to other methods. It’s like adding sugar to your already sweet cereal just to make it that much better.
How to Make Your Own Door Sweep (DIY)
An even cheaper alternative to purchasing a door sweep is to make one yourself.
The best way to go about doing this is with tube-shaped foam insulation. Specifically foam insulation for pipes.
This pipe insulation will work great if your gap isn’t too big. The measurements you are looking for with the foam are 1/2 x 3/8.
This will make sure that the foam will securely fit underneath the door.
To make this work, you will just need to simply cut it to the correct length depending on the length of your door.
The tube foam that I recommended is six feet in length. Once it is cut to the correct length, you will then need to cut a slit across the entire top of the insulation foam.
The slit will allow you to slip the insulation onto the bottom of your door.
Most piping insulation should already have a slit across the entire tube, but if it doesn’t, then you will be the one making the slit.
If implemented correctly, this method can be just as effective as purchasing a more expensive door sweep.
The only downside to this method is that it doesn’t look as professional as a traditional door sweep.
Install Door and Window Silicone Weatherstripping
This is another option to help soundproof your laundry room.
Weatherstripping material is simply used to seal all gaps and cracks in a door and window.
Weatherstripping is usually made of silicone and works great at creating a soundproof and weatherproof seal.
This silicone weatherstripping material from amazon is priced great and will work perfectly for this situation.
There is adhesively attached to the silicone strip, which makes it easy to apply. All you need to do is cut the silicon to length and stick it on the bottom of your door.
This is a door sweep, but it is a lot more flexible as it can be used for many different situations than just a door.
You can also use this on the windows in your laundry room to help create a better seal for both sound and weather.
Install a Soundproof Blanket on the Inside of the Door
Most doors are hollow since it is less expensive. A hard, solid, wood door is a lot more pricey and is usually only installed in homes that request it as an option.
Installing a soundproof blanket is a lot cheaper than replacing your entire door.
Soundproof blankets are usually made of thick polyester to absorb vibrations and noise. This soundproof blanket on amazon works perfectly since it has grommets.
The grommets can be used so you can hang the blanket on your door. Installation is pretty quick and simple as well.
Hanging the Blanket on Your Door
Simply tack nails into your door through the blankets grommets. I wouldn’t recommend this method since it will ruin your door.
If you ever decide to remove the soundproof blanket, there will be holes left over from the nails.
I personally recommend using some type of hook with a strong adhesive.
These adhesive hooks work great and will be strong enough to hold the blanket on the door without falling. If you ever decide to take down the blanket, your door will not be damaged.
Alternative Ideas for Soundproofing a Laundry Room
If you are not satisfied with the noise reduction from the recommendations above, then there are additional methods you can try to limit the amount of noise your laundry room creates.
Sometimes just soundproofing the laundry room door will not be enough if your specific case.
There are many factors that apply when it comes to noise cancellation.
Many of these options may cost more than 35 dollars are listed below, so if you are on a budget, then these may not be the best options for you.
Use Shock Absorbing Pads Underneath Your Washer and Dryer
This is especially prominent if your laundry room is on the second floor. The best possible way to loud noises due to vibrations is to use anti-vibration pads on both of the machines.
These anti-vibration pads on amazon do an excellent job for a washing machine and dryer.
Make sure to get two sets of four so you will be able to put them underneath both of your machines.
Simply place one pad underneath each foot of your machine. Most machines have four feet. If, for whatever reason, your machines have more feet, then make sure to get enough for each one.
This fix is so easy and effective. Soundproofing your laundry room door is great, but a door won’t stop the vibrations and banging on the floor coming from the structural sounds of your machines.
You can also try making your own anti-vibration pads using different materials cut to size.
Thick foam pads, silicone, and any other thick material, in general, that would absorb shock and sound may be used.
You may not get the same amount of effectiveness, but you will still notice a difference in sound reduction.
Change Your Laundry Room Door to a Solid Door
This option is probably the second most expensive way to soundproof your laundry room door.
As I stated earlier, most doors in a home or apartment are usually hollow. Having a hollow door is the main contributor to noise escaping from your laundry room.
The best place to look for a new door is at your local home improvement store like Home Depot.
When browsing for a new door, make sure that you measure your existing door since there are many different sizes to choose from.
Talk to the customer service representatives on the floor and let them know what traits and characteristics you are looking for in a door.
They will usually point you in the right direction about the best door you can get for sound reduction. Make sure that the door is solid.
The denser the door is, the better it will be at keeping sound in.
Invest in a New Washer and Dryer
This is probably the most expensive route you can take. This may also be the most cost-effective solution long term as well.
There are many advantages to purchasing a new washer and dryer. Older machines tend to be noisier.
The internals is just simply out of date.
Newer technology has allowed these machines to do their jobs quieter by sometimes up to 50%.
Not only are newer machines much quieter, but they are also much more Eco-friendly. Newer machines tend to use fewer resources. Less water, less power, and less heat.
This will result in a lower utility bill and a quieter home. After some time, the savings you will get from these machines will be well worth the purchase.
Relocate Your Washer and Dryer
This is another high-cost option that you have available.
If you have your washer and dryer upstairs, in a room close to living quarters, or just in an inconvenient spot in general, then it may be in your best interest to relocate them.
Relocating your washer and dryer isn’t as simple as unplugging the machines and moving them. The place you want to move them to has to be specifically designed to house a washer and dryer.
This includes things like a water supply, electricity, heat, and a ventilation system. If relocating your machines has been on your mind for a long time, then I strongly advise moving them either outdoors or to a garage.
Move them to a place in your home where they are least likely to be heard when they are running.
The most expensive option is to build a small shack or shed in your backyard specifically designed just for your washing machine and dryer, similar to how an apartment would have them for public use by its tenants.
For this method, you would obviously need to hire professionals if you are no expert at construction or plumbing, and it will be very costly.
I will use this option as a last resort if your budget allows for it.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to quieting your laundry room, I personally recommend starting cheap. Start with a door sweep and some anti-vibration pads to put underneath your machines.
Older machines tend to make more noises due to the washer or dryer having imbalances during cycles which can stimulate the loud banging and vibrations.
Using a thick soundproof blanket on the inside of your laundry room door can be a cheap alternative to replacing the door altogether, but it may not be the best aesthetically.
Once you have tried a few cheap techniques, you can then gauge if you need to further reinforce your room or start saving for more expensive items like a new door or washer and dryer set.
If you really just want to solve the issue without any doubt, then you can just relocate your washer and dryer to a secluded area in your home.