Methods and apparatus are provided for acoustically insulating a washing
machine and, specifically, a laundry tub. An acoustical blanket of
thermoplastic material extends around and insulates the laundry tub. A
wall of the tub has at least one protuberance for mating with a hole of
the acoustical blanket. The acoustical blanket may be crimped over a top
of the wall. Protuberances include knobs and elongate members. The
thermoplastic material is selected from a group consisting of a polyester,
polyethylene, polyolefin, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate,
rayon, nylon, acrylic, hemp, kenaf, cotton and combinations thereof. A
facing layer(s) may additionally be provided on the acoustical blanket.
The facing layer being selected from a group consisting of polyester,
rayon, metallic foil and combinations thereof. The blanket may also mate
directly with a cylinder around the tub.