Should you put a washing machine in the kitchen?
No family can ignore the issue of installing a washing machine. And if you have a small apartment there is a dilemma: where to place the "washing machine"? There are only two options: in the bathroom or in the kitchen.
In this article, we will try to reveal all the pros and cons of installing a washing machine in the kitchen. Let's sort it out.
Disassembly. Is it worth putting a washing machine in the kitchen?
Let's start with the good, or rather with the pros.
The convenience of installation. All the necessary communications to connect the washing machine at your fingertips.
- Safer than in the bathroom. This is due to the constant high humidity in the bathroom. In the kitchen, the humidity is much less. The level of ventilation and the ability to ventilate it makes it more parochial for the washing machine
If you install the washing machine in the kitchen, the bathroom will be much freer. For a small apartment, every inch counts.- By installing a washing machine in the kitchen there is an additional full-fledged work surface. In a small kitchen, it is very necessary. Many people build the washer-dryer into the front of the cabinet. So it does not stand out from the design, it looks laconic and neat. If this is not possible, it is enough to install the top table top in the color of the set. A cheaper, but no less popular option.
- The possibility of washing 24 hours a day. When placing washing machines in the kitchen, you do not need to wait for someone to come out of the bathroom or toilet (if the bathroom is combined). If there is no separate bathroom, the number of waits increases many times.
- Options for installation. The washing machine can be placed in any corner. There are many more places to install the washing machine than in the bathroom: under the countertop, under the window sill, in the corner of the room, under the sink, built into the set.
Now let's deal with the disadvantages.
- When installing, you may need to buy more hoses.
Must solve the problem with the outlet, in case there is no free nearby, or the cord will be shorter than necessary.
- It is necessary to maintain a distance between the appliances, at least 45 cm from the stove and the refrigerator. Not every kitchen will be able to withstand such a test. And if the space allows it, rearrangement is inevitable.
The washing machine is above or below the level of the set. In such a situation there are a lot of problems at once. If the washing machine is higher, it must be placed outside the set or raise the level of the countertop, if lower, it must be lowered.- It is not convenient to pour the powder into the tray. This is a common problem. And it will have to be solved in any case. Otherwise, the washing simply will not take place.
- Does not fit into the design of the kitchen. The kitchen looks much better if all the details are in harmony with each other. The colors of the washing machines are not diverse. The color variations are minimal: white, metallic gray, black.
- The open door of the loading hatch. Everyone knows that for a longer service life, the washing machine must be ventilated. The open hatch is very uncomfortable. It protrudes at least 20 cm. It is impossible not to hit it in a small kitchen.
- Lack of storage space for washing and care of the washing machine. If with the washing machine itself is clear, then where to put all the household chemicals? It is good if there is a pantry or a small cabinet in the corridor. Make a separate rack or cabinet is quite expensive for money and space in the kitchen.
Where to put the dirty laundry - another point. Agree, the presence of dirty clothes in the kitchen is absolutely unacceptable. You will have to look for a place for it in the hallway or pantry. If you do find room, you have to carry it through the kitchen, then hang it up to carry it to the bathroom. Completely inconvenient.
But, as they say, every problem has a solution. Below I will give some sound advice on how to turn a minus in a plus, or at least get rid of them.
- The cost of hoses is not so high and worth it if you decide to put a washing machine in the kitchen
- Relocate the outlet is not so difficult, if you have a "master with hands" in the house. In the worst case, use a power strip. It can be found in every home.
- Need to rearrange? So maybe it is for the best. Rational use of space without it is impossible. And physical activity is not unnecessary for the modern man. Invite the guests - they will help.
- The level of the washing machine can be reduced by removing the washing machine supports. On a flat floor they will not be needed. If that's not an option, ordering or making a multi-level countertop can turn your kitchen into a work of design art.
You may not need a laundry tray at all if you use laundry capsules. It'll save space, too.
- The open front of the washing machine can be glued with a decorative film or film to match the tone of your garnish. Curtain, screen-an even easier way to solve the problem. There are many companies that for reasonable money will laconically fit your "helper" into the kitchen design
- I recommend opening the loading hatch at night. This way it will not interfere with anyone and you will not notice this problem.
- The lack of storage space for laundry detergent and laundry is difficult, but solvable. In this case I recommend placing a basket for laundry in the bathroom. And for laundry products purchase tightly closing containers. If there is no space in the bathroom, no pantry - there is one thing left. Place in the hallway. To make it look decent, buy two matching wicker baskets with lids. This will be an extra decoration.
The conclusion from everything, a washing machine in the kitchen is a good solution for small (and not only) apartments for safety reasons and extra space in the bathroom.
I hope this article was helpful to you.
