Is your washing machine making a deafening racket during the spin cycle—so loud it sounds like it might blast off into orbit? Does it shake so violently that you’re worried it might walk out of the laundry room? Don’t worry—this is a common problem, and in many cases, you won’t need to call in a repair technician or replace the machine.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to identify and resolve the issue: