The drum that turns
A washing machine makes a sound that many people find oddly soothing: a deep rumble with a slow rhythm. Our version is made live by your browser. Underneath, the low rumble of the drum. On top, the sound of laundry and water falling at each turn of the drum, every 1.5 seconds, rising and falling softly. And a low motor hum, steady in the background. The loop joins without a seam, so the cycle never ends unless you want it to.
This rhythm is what sets it apart from the other sounds. White noise and the fan are flat; the washing machine rocks. That is why some parents use it for babies, and some adults use it to fall asleep: the slow pattern is easy to follow, then easy to forget.
For babies
Many babies calm down near a running washer or dryer, and the reason is probably the same as for other household sounds: a loud, steady background with a gentle rhythm. Use the same care as with any sleep sound: the phone across the room, a low volume, and a timer. A 2014 study in Pediatrics found that infant sleep machines at full volume can be too loud near the crib. More on our white noise for babies page.
| Sound | Rhythm | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Washing machine | A turn every 1.5 s | Very deep |
| Vacuum | Steady | Middle |
| Heartbeat | 70 beats per minute | Deep |
| Fan | Steady, light flutter | Soft |
Settings
Most of the washing machine’s energy is in the low end, so a phone speaker will play it softer than headphones or a larger speaker. Start at volume 3 to 5 and adjust. For falling asleep, a timer of 30 to 45 minutes is a good start; the last minutes fade out slowly, like a cycle that ends. For a whole night, choose no limit and keep the volume low. If you like the depth but not the rhythm, brown noise is the same kind of rumble with no movement at all.