How loud is a washing machine?
A washing machine is about 70 dB, with a typical range of 55–75 dB. Louder during the spin cycle.
That is about 2 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 10 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
No – 70 dB is well below the 85 dBA level at which prolonged exposure starts to risk hearing damage.
How sound level changes with distance
Decibel figures always depend on distance. For a small source in open air, every doubling of distance lowers the level by about 6 dB; indoors, reflections reduce that drop. Use the sound-vs-distance calculator to estimate the level where you are.
Sounds as loud as a washing machine
Window unit or indoor split unit at a few metres.60 dBDishwasher
Quiet models are rated 40–45 dB; older ones exceed 60 dB.60 dBNormal conversation
Two people talking at about 1 m.60 dBOcean waves on the shore
Standing on the beach; storm surf is much louder.70 dBSnoring
Loud snoring measured near the sleeper can approach 90 dB.75 dBBusy restaurant
Hard surfaces and many voices push levels up.75 dBToilet flush
Pressure-assisted toilets are the loudest.75 dBVacuum cleaner
At the operator's position.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 70 dBA | 256 hours | 128 hours |
| 73 dBA | 128 hours | 84.4 hours |
| 76 dBA | 64.0 hours | 55.7 hours |
NIOSH: 85 dBA for 8 hours with a 3 dB exchange rate; OSHA: 90 dBA for 8 hours with a 5 dB exchange rate. General information, not medical advice – see a hearing professional about ringing ears, muffled hearing or pain.
More recordings elsewhere
- washing machine Moderate Spin, Wash .wav by afnan808 – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- washing machine washing 1 by Ama_Dis – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- washing machine by qlevihirs – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- washing machine washing 2 by Ama_Dis – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- washing machine, centrifugue by ohrpilot – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is a washing machine?
About 70 dB, with a typical range of 55–75 dB.
Is a washing machine louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while a washing machine is about 70 dB.
How are these levels measured?
With a sound level meter, usually A-weighted (dBA) to match human hearing. Published figures depend on distance and conditions, so treat them as typical values.