Where to Put Washing Machine and Tumble Dryer
Most South African homes do not have a dedicated laundry space so where do you put a washing machine and tumble dryer?
08/10/2023
I often come across ideas for a small laundry but rarely come across solutions that deal with what you can do if you don't have any laundry at all. Here in South Africa, few homes have a laundry room or a dedicated space to do laundry and yet it makes so much more sense than having to find the space in a kitchen or bathroom. In both those rooms space is already at a premium and it would be far better to have a laundry elsewhere than take up valuable space needed for storage in a kitchen, or just space to move around in the bathroom.
Not everyone enjoys doing laundry but it is something that has to be done regularly unless you use a laundry service. However, there are plenty of ways to have a functioning laundry space without losing too much valuable floor space in your home.
The problem with finding the right place for a washing machine is that it needs access to electrical, water and waste. You need a tap close by for filling the washing machine and waste to drain the water away and that makes it difficult to place. A tumble dryer needs a place to vent hot dusty air, preferably not the kitchen or bathroom.
This sliding barn door [below] discretely hides the small laundry and is easy to make on your own. Find instructions here on houseonlongwoodlane.com.
A sliding barn door is a great solution for hiding a recessed washing machine and tumble dryer behind closed doors. These doors can be designed to be modern or rustic and take up far less space than a door that opens and closes.
If space in your home is limited, here are a few suggestions on where to put a washing machine /tumble dryer and make it happen for a laundry space:
Where to put the laundry area?
Select a space where you think a washing machine and tumble dryer will fit. The machines can be arranged side by side or on top of each other, as long as safety brackets are used to hold the tumble dryer (on top) in place. Measure the width, depth and height of the washing machine and tumble dryer and be sure to allow at least 10 centimetres of space at the back for plumbing.
Provide necessary services
Once you have determined where they will fit, your next decision is whether or not there is an electrical, water and waste outlet close by. For the tumble dryer, you will need ducting to vent the tumble dryer outside. With this information in hand, you can start contacting plumbing and electrical contractors to offer quotations - and suggestions - on the work that needs to be done.
To keep the washing machine and dryer out of sight, no matter where they are installed, a built-in cabinet will allow you to close the door.
Incorporate built-ins
When you are measuring up the space required for the washing machine and tumble dryer, also include measurements for any cabinetry you want installed around the machine. This will not only work to provide you with a small amount of space for laundry functions but also be able to hide the machines behind closed doors. Any carpenter/handyman would be able to do this project for you if you are not able to do it yourself.
Venting is required for a tumble dryer to prevent moisture problems, including mould. Have ducting installed from the dryer to the outside.
Any changes to your property that enhance the living space can only add value. Incorporating a separate laundry area, particularly one that is well-designed, will offer a good return on your investment.