A washing machine is a modern technological achievement. It has made laundry easier, as it's one of the most labor-intensive and time-consuming tasks for a housewife. Every apartment now has a washing machine; it's a standard for comfortable living.
Where is the best place to install the machine?
The bathroom is ideal for washing machines because all water treatments take place there. It allows you to remove clothes and throw them in the drum, and it also stores detergents and powders. However, space constraints can be a problem, so sometimes washing machines are installed in kitchens.
You should choose the unit that best suits your family's needs. You can create an aesthetically pleasing design by integrating the machine into your kitchen cabinets and hiding it from view. If your kitchen has a balcony, this is a good option for hanging laundry to dry after washing.
Installation methods
To install a washing machine in the kitchen, it is better to order a custom-made set, because standard solutions do not have space for it.
Let's look at the installation methods.
Washing machine with refrigerator
You can place a dishwasher under the dining table, and build a refrigerator into the cabinet, providing it with good thermal insulation. This way, you can make a minimal space functional. Some furniture can be placed on the window sill, saving space and still accommodating all the modules.
If a built-in refrigerator isn't possible, simply place it against another wall next to the dining table. It's a good idea to place pull-out drawers between the stove and washing machine for safety reasons.
Hide with a facade and countertop
You can conceal appliances with doors: dishwasher, washing machine, cooktop, refrigerator, and freezer. Electrical appliances are located on the lower level, and the floor is reinforced. Uneven surfaces should be corrected, as adjusting the washing machine's feet isn't always sufficient. During the spin cycle, the appliance will vibrate and may shift.
To ensure proper operation of the machine, leave a 2 cm gap between the equipment and the floor on each side. If the drum is lightly loaded, vibration will be more noticeable.
Under the table top in open position
The front may not cover the machine. However, its modern design looks appropriate in a minimalist kitchen. Furthermore, the metallic finish complements the refrigerator's finish.
To make the facade visually appear part of the furniture, it is covered with film or painted. Appliances can be decorated as desired.
With a U-shaped kitchen layout, the distance between modules should be at least 1 meter for comfortable use of the kitchen.
In cabinets and cupboards
Manufacturers have developed a variety of cabinets, stands, and shelves that can accommodate washing machines. They vary in size, style, and appearance.
Floor-standing cabinets are selected to match the height of the machine. They can include shelves and a clothes dryer, and the sink pipes can be hidden. A countertop is installed above. A sink can also be integrated into the unit to save space.
You can simply place the machine on the shelves and use them to store towels, rags, and household chemicals. This is convenient for those housewives who find it difficult to bend over to load laundry into the drum.
Cabinets can be installed either above or below the machine, saving space.
Pros and cons
Among the advantages of placing a washing machine in the kitchen, it is worth noting:
- Proximity of communicationsThe machine is easy to install thanks to the presence of sockets and water and sewer pipes in the kitchen;
- Ease of useFree access to the machine will allow you to easily fill it with laundry;
- Moisture protectionThe kitchen is less humid than the bathroom, so electrical cords and outlets are better protected;
- Spacious bathroomThis way the bathroom becomes more spacious;
- Selecting a designThanks to ample space in the kitchen, you can choose a machine of any size.
Among the negative aspects of installing a machine in the kitchen:
- You should decide on the installation right away, because it is more difficult to change something in an already finished kitchen;
- The appliance's appearance may clash with the facades and detract from the overall interior design. For example, if the kitchen is classically styled but the appliances are modern;
- It will be necessary to create additional space for dirty clothes;
- The machine door may be in the way when open, but it will have to be opened to ventilate the drum – as stated in the instructions, otherwise mold may appear.
- Laundry detergent can become airborne, which is not good for a kitchen area where food is stored.
Installing a washing machine in the kitchen should be a rational decision, driven by the desire to free up space in the bathroom if it's not large enough. It's important not only to find a suitable location for it, but also to integrate it harmoniously into the overall interior design.
