Having in-unit laundry machines is a luxury right up there with having a dishwasher, a flood of natural light and perhaps parking. When you get a stain, have guests over or just plain need something clean to wear, there's nothing better than being able to do a quick load without having to schelp all your stuff to the laundromat. If you have a little space that you can give up in your bathroom or closet, you might be able to gain a whole laundry area.
While in my own building there are shared coin-operated laundry facilities in the basement, many of the units have figured out clever ways to sneak laundry machines into their home — either in existing closets or bathrooms — without any major renovations. Here are the tips we've learned:
Find Existing Plumbing: Your best option for a low-cost laundry retrofit, is to install the machines on the same wall as existing plumbing stacks. This might mean adjacent to, or on the backside of, your bathroom or mechanical room wall. Existing plumbing means both water supply and waste lines are easily accessible, without these plumbing could be the most expensive component of your project.
Stackable Machines: Front-loading units, as opposed to all-in-one, give you a full-size washer and dryer option, that can be stacked on one another to save space. You can then consider installing shelving or cabinets above for extra storage. You will need to install a vent from the machines to the exterior wall, which can run within the ceiling joists if there's space, or you'll need to create a soffit to conceal it under the joists.
Combined (All In One): Popular overseas, combination units are becoming more common in the US as technology improves. A combination machine works as both a washer and dryer in a single unit. Because of this, the laundry cycle takes longer, but the payoff is in the small footprint and lack of need for an exterior air vent. These units are sized to conveniently fit under counter or inside a closet. If you don't like seeing exposed appliances, consider concealing the machine behind a door that matches your bathroom cabinets.
Under Counter: If you currently have a large vanity, all you need to do give up a little cabinet space and possibly that extra sink, to make room for laundry. You could either install the combo unit under counter, or shorten the vanity space altogether and install the stacked unit option.
Closet: If you have a linen or hall closet to spare, these make really great laundry location options. You'll want to make sure the closet is large enough to have at least a 2'6" wide door to easily access and fully open the machine doors. The closet should be at least 2-6"-2'9" deep, but ideally closer to 3'0" deep to fit full sized units.
Extra Built-ins: If you have any extra room to spare, consider converting cabinets and drawers to convenient and space-saving pull-out hampers and ironing boards — Rev-A-Shelf has some great options.
RELATED LAUNDRY & BATHROOM POSTS ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• Laundry/Bathroom Combinations from Innerspec
• Integrating Laundry Facilities Into the Bathroom
• Hiding The Washer & Dryer in the Bathroom
• 5 Great Integrated Washer & Dryers
(Images: 1. Apartment Therapy, 2. Apartment Therapy, 3. Apartment Therapy, 4. Rev-A-Shelf, 5. Rev-A-Shelf)
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I used a combo washer/dryer when I was in England for Christmas and it BLEW MY MIND. I don't think I'd get one, it was small and it seemed like the dryer setting took forever to get my clothes to semi-dry before I just took them out and hung them, but considering dryers there are generally a big rarity, it felt pretty luxurious. They definitely make sense for people with small spaces, and also people who hang dry most of their clothes anyway (which is usually me).
I lived in a house where the stackable washer and dryer were in a second floor bathroom. Whenever the washer went into spin cycle mode the whole house shook. Thus, I wouldn't advise putting a washer on the second floor of a balloon frame house -- they're just not rigid enough.
Probably the most important tip I could get from this is using different type of cabinets, that complement each other of course, for the vanities and for the laundry cabinets. It's the best way to both integrate the space and define the areas as well.
I converted a second floor closet to a laundry room. And I took a foot from an adjacent closet, too, to get full sized units in there, side by side. There are washers that are known for managing the vibration better and while we can tell the spin cycle is on if we are in a nearby room, the whole house does not shake. Anther second floor consideration should be putting the units in a metal "pan" on the floor in case of leaks, preferably with a drain, and having easy-access water shut offs right there so you can shut the water supply off when on vacation or whatnot.
Lastly, in any situation where you do end up running new plumbing up (we went up through the closet below and just boxed it in) you also need to consider where to vent that plumbing. There are numerous rules about how close to windows, etc. that vent can be. It was the single biggest challenge to getting this project done for us.
Worth it? Oh, yes!
(http://tiny.cc/nyxik)
One thing to keep in mind is the amount of room the dryer vent will need. Our machines are in our bathroom and they protrude into the space quite a bit (they basically take over the room) because of the vent.
Davidalex, when it comes to the house shaking, this is due to the unit not being properly leveled. The majority of people and delivery guys drop em off, plug em in, hook up the hoses and run em. They have adjustable feet, you need to make sure completely level or you can get some pretty bad vibrations which are annoying and will also decrease the life of the unit itself. If the house is still shaking after the units been leveled, you either have a defective unit, or your house is structurally unsound.
Anyone got any tips on fitting a bathroom into a basement laundry room?
Keep in mind you can buy ventless dryer units. No ducting is required, and they work very well! Also consider installing an automatic shut off valve in case of leaks.
For a site called APARTMENT therapy, I find this (and some other) post rather humorous. I don't know many folks living in an apartment with enough room in the bathroom for laundry. I certainly have not seen an apartment bathroom as large as any of the ones pictured above.
One important laundry innovation that was overlooked is the ventless, condensation dryer. This type of dryer, available from the major European manufacturers, does not need venting, instead, moisture generated by the drying process is collected in a bucket like a dehumidifier, or pumped out into a nearby drain. If you're willing to put up with the higher humidity levels, a 120 volt electric dryer need not be vented outdoors. For many years my dryer vented into a lint catcher box in the closet where it was stored.
I have had a washer and dryer in several apartments. Key to their successful installation was the creation of custom-made industrial strength water supply hoses and a washer storage location near the kitchen sink. This was an easy and fairly inexpensive process which simply involved visiting an industrial hose supply and ordering the hose for the appropriate length and diameter; adding plumbing tees to the kitchen faucet hot and cold water supply lines; and adding a dishwasher tee to the kitchen sink drain. I have successfully implemented my laundry installation in 5 different apartments.
I SO wish I could do this but our landlord wouldn't let us bring in a washer/dryer. Being the sneaky person I am, I did bring in a portable washer though.
Yes, the rooms pictured are huge, but I'm actually considering moving the stacked laundry from the kitchen to the bathroom in my 900-sq-ft apartment. It will be a tight fit, but there's room.
I may have to consider doing this. In my last apartment it was spelled out in the contract that you could not hookup a washer or dryer. My new apartment doesn't state this, but I agree. i have never seen a bathroom with enough space in the SF bay. My SF apartment had more rrom than my current apartment in Alameda, but I think it would fit better in my kitchen.
@the green cat
and despite their high caloric value, they're remarkably easy to prepare.
Your mistake.
@the green cat
That is:
For a site called APARTMENT therapy, I find this
Your mistake. Copypasta fail is my mistake, obviously.
I disagree that this post is not appropriate for AT. In my little condo, I had a stacked washer & dryer was in a space that could be either a storage closet or laundry nook, it was up to the individual owner. I also lived in a studio that had converted one of two walk ins in the entryway into a laundry space. I've also looked at rental units that had a big master bath which could have implemented pic #1 (which I love by the way). My favorite was a unit that had a huge bedroom and living area, complete with walk ins and a double sink master bath. Kitchen was tiny but it was located near downtown so it was perfect for the urban professional couple who didn't cook at home every night, the only reason I didn't rent it is because there was no guest parking and street parking in that area was impossible to find.
AT may have started with apartments but they definitely feature houses too. I think of it is a home/design sight, I like the varied content.
I just renovated my condo bathroom and included a stacked washer/dryer. The stacking kit includes a pull out shelf in between the two units so you can fold on that. It's great for a small space. Other models have a pull-out ironing board, which is also great.
This is definitely an appropriate post for AT -- but if you want to knock this site for inappropriate posts, there are house tours galore that has squat to do with apartments. I don't think this site has been strictly about apartment living for a long, long time. I wish it still was.
My stacked Blomberg washing machine and dryer have a total footprint of 24" wide by 24" deep by 68" tall so not exactly huge. And yes, they are in my bathroom.
Oh please. The very first apt tours featured places that the occupiers (dunno if they owned or rented) could pretty freely and extensively renovate/remodel and who hired a designer to assist them in the process. That designer being Maxwell, naturally.
More importantly, think of all the space you can free up when the entire bathroom is your shower stall! :D You can rinse down the toilet so easily! :D :D :D?
I can barely fit myself in my teeny tiny bathroom, but I did fit a ventless LG combo washer/dryer unit in my kitchen... http://ow.ly/8RYWW ...under the counter to the left of the sink. I downsized appliances and reconfigured the kitchen to be more open and allow space for the w/d. I will say that condensation dryers do take some getting used to. I do smaller, more frequent loads and pull the clothes out a bit damp to hang dry. If you dry them all the way, they become quite wrinkled - especially wovens. As a previous commenter noted, it does also take some time for the unit to dry clothing. Still, I couldn't be happier that I no longer need to deal with a laundromat.
Here in the UK I have picture no 2. Took it out of the kitchen (the usual place in the uk for a washmachine) so that I could have space for a dishwasher...... trick for combination washer/dryers - remove half of the clothes from the wash cycle (once complete) and things will dry quicker - ridiculous process, I know, but it works......as an aside. Flats (apartment) blocks in the UK don't usually have a central laundry room - everyone has a washer in their property.
Yes you're right LMV. Everyone here does have a washing machine in their property ...... except ME! And why don't we ever have central laundry rooms? I love my flat but the lack of facilities is a nightmare. I can but lust over the bathrooms pictured as we're only in 230 square feet and unless I attach a unit to the ceiling above the bed, I don't think I can squeeze one in :(
Also I really think that an ironing board in the bathroom drawer is too far. For one thing ironing boards take up very little space as it is and for another I struggle to believe there are people out there who iron anywhere else but in front of the tv.
Great use of space!
I have a combination washer-dryer in my second home. The dryer takes forever - 3 to 4 hours usually, in addition to an hour for the wash. The clothes come out very wrinkled and not quite dry - though they dry pretty fast once you hang them up. I don't know if it's just that the one I bought is no good, or if all washer-dryers work this way.
But, if you are thinking of getting one, do your homework and make sure you get what you need.
What I wish I had is a separate washer and a dryer that doesn't need to be vented. My sister had one in her flat in France and it worked incredibly well. I haven't seen them in the States, though.
@dulcibella
I am in the USA and have a dryer I got off CL that doesn't need to be vented, although it does expel moist warm air from the front (certainly fine in winter when it's dry and if there's little risk of mold). Here's one by Avanti which mine (a Sanyo) seems to share dimensions with, and from the description seems sort of similar? Obviously can only handle small loads at a time.
I love the first bathroom/laundry image. It'd be so convenient to take a shower while you're sitting on the toilet - think of the time you'd save in the morning!
I have a loft with shared laundry units (free) but I got used to hanging my clothing to dry long ago so I seldom bother. I now have a flat in Hong Kong w/ a combo unit in the kitchen & I love it. I also hang my stuff to dry there-a load will dry on the shower rod overnight. I add a fan/space heater if it is real humid. Agreed a combo unit might take hours to really dry but I doubt I'll go back to the seperate type of units again. I don't notice many wrinkles but if I do I hang the item in the bathroom while I shower to steam it. I also make an effort to have low maintenance clothing.
In another place I also removed the tub and redid the tile for an open shower. I also have seperate flow controls for dual shower heads. The room seems huge. You could also do a ledge on the bottom w/ a curtain if you have room or want to make sure kids don't flood the room.
It very well may already be in one of the "Related Posts," but Ikea has a great layout for laundry in a small bathroom.
How exciting! We are in the process of planning a combination full bath and laundry room in our basement! It was actually my dad's idea, since we have a too-large space to finish and it would make the current laundry room more of an open transition area. Just as inspiring as this post? All the comments above mine!
This is super helpful - we're trying to figure out how to add a BATHROOM to our LAUNDRY ROOM, so it's a little reversed. We are for sure looking into stacking washer/dryers to help with space.
In Germany it is pretty standard to have your washer in the bathroom, even a small one. Can't say that I miss it.