Tag: laundry room

Laundry Room Essentials: Your Washer and Dryer Buying Guide

The laundry room is often an overlooked but essential space in our homes. It’s where the magic happens – the transformation of dirty clothes into fresh, clean ones. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner looking to upgrade or a first-time buyer setting up your laundry room, selecting the right washer and dryer is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make an informed decision when buying a washer and dryer.

Assessing Your Laundry Room

Before diving into the world of washer and dryer options, let’s begin by understanding your laundry room’s space and requirements. Here are a few key factors to consider:

  • Room Size: Measure your laundry room to determine how much space is available for your appliances. This will help you decide on the size and type of washer and dryer that will fit comfortably.
  • Utility Connections: Check if your laundry room has the necessary utility connections, including water supply, drainage, and electricity. If not, you might need to budget for installation or choose ventless models.
  • Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture buildup and mold. Ensure your laundry room has proper ventilation options.

Types of Washers and Dryers

There are several types of washers and dryers available, each with its unique features and benefits. Let’s explore the most common options:

Washer Types:

  • Top-Load Washers: These are the traditional washers with a lid on top. They’re easy to load and are available in both agitator and high-efficiency models.
  • Front-Load Washers: Front-load washers are known for their efficiency and larger capacity. They use less water and have various wash cycle options.
  • Stackable Washers: Perfect for small laundry rooms, stackable washers save space by stacking the dryer on top of the washer.
  • Compact Washers: Ideal for tight spaces or apartments, compact washers are smaller in size but still pack a punch in terms of performance.

Dryer Types:

  • Electric Dryers: These dryers use electricity to generate heat and require a 240-volt power outlet. They are commonly found in most homes.
  • Gas Dryers: Gas dryers are more energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long run, but they require a natural gas connection.
  • Ventless/Condenser Dryers: Ventless dryers do not require an external vent for moisture removal, making them suitable for apartments and spaces with limited ventilation.

Features to Consider

When choosing your washer and dryer, several features can enhance the functionality and convenience of your laundry routine:

  • Capacity: Consider the size of your household and the amount of laundry you do. A larger family may require a washer and dryer with a higher capacity.
  • Energy Efficiency: Look for appliances with an ENERGY STAR certification to ensure they are energy-efficient, which can save you money in the long term.
  • Wash and Dry Cycles: The variety of wash and dry cycles can make your life easier. From delicate to heavy-duty cycles, having options ensures you can care for all your laundry needs.
  • Noise Level: Some washers and dryers can be noisy, so if your laundry room is close to living spaces, opt for quieter models.
  • Smart Features: Modern appliances often come with smart features, such as remote control and monitoring through smartphone apps, saving you time and effort.
  • Warranty: Ensure your appliances come with a warranty for peace of mind and protection against unexpected repairs.

Maintenance and Care

Maintenance and care are crucial aspects of ensuring the longevity, efficiency, and safety of your washer and dryer. Regularly attending to these tasks can prevent malfunctions, reduce the risk of breakdowns, and contribute to the overall performance of your laundry appliances. Let’s delve deeper into the maintenance and care practices for both washers and dryers:

Washer Maintenance and Care:

  • Clean the Lint Filter: Many modern washers come with a lint filter that should be cleaned after each use. This filter captures lint and debris from your clothes, preventing them from clogging the drain and causing drainage problems.
  • Inspect Hoses and Connections: Regularly check the water inlet and drain hoses for any signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. Ensure that all connections are tight and secure to prevent water leakage.
  • Use the Right Detergent: Different types of washers, especially high-efficiency models, may require specific detergents. Using the wrong detergent can create excessive suds and lead to poor cleaning or even damage the machine. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the appropriate detergent.
  • Leave the Door Open: After each wash cycle, leave the washer door slightly ajar to allow air to circulate and prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors.
  • Clean the Dispenser Drawers: If your washer has a detergent or fabric softener dispenser drawer, remove it and clean it regularly to prevent detergent residue buildup.
  • Inspect and Clean the Drum: Periodically check the drum for any foreign objects, like loose change or buttons, that might be causing damage. You can also run an empty hot water cycle with vinegar or a washer cleaner to remove any mineral buildup.

Dryer Maintenance and Care:

  • Clean the Lint Trap: Before or after every drying cycle, clean the lint trap or lint screen. A clogged lint screen can restrict airflow, reduce drying efficiency, and pose a fire hazard.
  • Inspect and Clean the Vent and Duct: Regularly check the dryer’s exhaust vent and duct for lint buildup. Accumulated lint is highly flammable and can lead to fires. Ensure that the vent is unobstructed, and clean it annually, at the very least.
  • Check for Unusual Noises and Vibrations: Pay attention to any strange sounds or excessive vibrations during operation. These could be early warning signs of a problem with the dryer’s motor, blower, or other components.
  • Regularly Replace the Dryer Belt: The dryer belt is responsible for rotating the drum. If it starts to wear or break, it can result in inefficient drying. Replace it if you notice any signs of wear or if the drum is not turning properly.
  • Keep the Area Around the Dryer Clear: Ensure there is sufficient space around the dryer for proper ventilation. Remove any items or debris that might obstruct airflow or create a fire hazard.
  • Inspect the Gas Line (Gas Dryers): If you have a gas dryer, inspect the gas line for leaks or damage. Gas leaks are dangerous and should be addressed immediately by a professional.

In addition to these maintenance and care practices, it’s a good idea to consult your washer and dryer’s user manual for manufacturer-specific guidelines. Following the recommended maintenance schedule and best practices will not only extend the lifespan of your appliances but also help them operate at peak performance, saving you energy and money in the long run. Regular maintenance also contributes to the safety of your laundry room, as it reduces the risk of fire hazards associated with lint buildup and gas leaks (in the case of gas dryers).

Installation and Setup

Proper installation is crucial for the safety and functionality of your washer and dryer. If you’re not experienced with such installations, it’s advisable to hire a professional. Here’s what you should consider:

  • Location: Choose a level, stable, and well-ventilated location for your appliances.
  • Utility Connections: Ensure water supply, drainage, electrical, and gas connections are correctly installed and meet local building codes.
  • Ventilation: Properly vent your dryer to the outside to prevent moisture buildup and potential fire hazards.
  • Stacking: If you have a stackable set, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for secure stacking.

Making the Final Decision

After assessing your laundry room, understanding the types of washers and dryers available, considering essential features, setting a budget, and knowing how to maintain your appliances, you’re now ready to make the final decision.

  • Research: Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and visit showrooms to see the appliances in action.
  • Compare: Create a list of your top choices and compare them based on capacity, features, and budget.
  • Check Dimensions: Double-check the dimensions to ensure the appliances will fit in your laundry room.
  • Retailer and Warranty: Choose a reputable retailer and inquire about the warranty terms.
  • Delivery and Installation: Discuss delivery and installation options, and make sure they can accommodate your schedule.

Final Thought

Selecting the right washer and dryer for your laundry room can significantly impact your daily life. By assessing your laundry room, understanding the different types and features, and following the budget and maintenance guidelines, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and enhances the efficiency of your laundry routine. Now, go ahead, make your choice, and enjoy fresh, clean clothes with ease!

If you’re considering a new washer and dryer, you can explore your options with this online collection, or for further help or guidance, speak to a home appliance expert.

Clever Ways to Upgrade Your Laundry Room

If your washing machine is just about ready to give up or your dryer has stopped drying, you may have considered upgrading your laundry room. Putting brand new, shiny appliances into a tired laundry room is not likely to give you much pleasure, or make you want to spend time in there folding. Fortunately, there are some great ways to upgrade your laundry room and make doing this chore a little more pleasant.

Create Storage

Storage is important in virtually every room of your home, but it is often overlooked in a laundry room. Bins, cabinets, shelves and other storage can be invaluable for organizing bleach, detergent, dryer sheets and all the other items that are needed for dealing with your laundry. Proper storage will make laundry more manageable and also make the entire chore a little less overwhelming. Laundry rooms tend to end up as a dumping ground for all those bits and pieces that don’t seem to have a proper place in your home. This can mean that you not only need to get the laundry done, but you need to create space to get it done in the first place. By having sufficient storage, you can create a folding station, so you can get everything done in one place and keep everything neat.

Brighten It Up

If your laundry room has lots of natural light, you are very fortunate. Many laundry rooms tend to lack natural light, so they can end up feeling dark and gloomy. This means that you’re not likely to want to spend time in the room, folding clothes or sorting laundry. Fortunately, you can counter this and make your room a more soothing place by brightening it up with paint. Choose a color scheme that will make you feel a little brighter when you step into the room. You can add splashes of color, but remember that smaller rooms tend to feel bigger and lighter if you avoid darker paint colors.

Add Some Personality

Finding some creative ways to make a laundry room more exciting may seem difficult, but it can actually be quite easy. Tackle the decor as you would any room; choose a theme and decorate accordingly. There are lots of ways to make your room feel creative yet functional. For example, put your detergent and other knick-knacks in mason jars that can sit on an open shelf. Or you could add cute little signs, framed photos or even artwork to brighten your space. With some creative ideas, you can make your laundry room a little haven of peace where you can get away from the hectic activities of your home and be in the moment folding laundry.

Create Sorting Stations

Finally, it is inevitable that your laundry room will have clothes, towels, linen, and bedding in different states of cleanliness at any time. So, instead of kidding yourself that you will make sure everything will get put away immediately, plan for dealing with your laundry loads. Create sorting stations; you can have a basket or box for handwash items, laundry awaiting folding or even items that need special attention. This means that you won’t need to carry dirty laundry back into your room if you don’t have a full load.

Upgrading a laundry room only requires a few tools and a little motivation to make it feel a much more pleasant place to spend some time.

If you’re considering upgrading your laundry appliances, you can explore the options with this online collection of washing machines and dryers, or speak to a home appliance expert for a more specialist service.

Tips to Plan Your Perfect Laundry Room

Many of us find laundry a cumbersome and annoying task. In a busy family home, it can mean doing loads of laundry every day, and when you have your washer and dryer lurking in a basement or tucked away in a garage, you may dream of creating a laundry room. This can not only make your life easier, but could add to the value of your property. In fact, a National Association of Home Builders 2017 survey found that the number one on a list of most desired features for a new home is a dedicated laundry room. It was shown to be considered desirable or essential by 90 percent of the survey respondents. The National Association of Realtors has also found that a laundry room is high on the list of must-haves for millennials, who are now representing the largest proportion of home buyers. So, here we’ll explore some tips to plan your home’s perfect laundry room. 

Think Dual Purpose

In addition to being a convenient location for all your laundry related tasks, your new laundry room could also serve a second purpose as a mud room. This means that you can avoid knapsacks, shoes, jackets and muddy boots coming into your kitchen and living areas. For this sort of application, you will need a 6×12 foot area ideally, but it can be accomplished with as small a 5×8 footprint.

Test For Structurally Sound Locations

Before you make a final decision on the location of your new laundry room, you need to ensure that it is structurally sound. An engineer can help you to determine this, particularly if you want a laundry room on the first floor near your bedroom. You may also need help from an architect, who can help with any space planning concerns and the incorporation of any necessary mechanical changes to the design of an existing home.

Remember that floor joists must be able to support the additional weight of the washer and dryer, along with the associated vibrations. You will also need a clear path for venting, electrical, plumbing, and even gas lines.

Consider Noise

It is worth bearing in mind that even the most modern of washer and dryer models will still make some noise, so you need to think about whether this will interfere with the usual activities in certain areas of your home. For example, while it may seem like a great idea to have a laundry room near your bedroom, you may regret it if the spin cycle wakes your children after bedtime. Of course, you can add insulation to prevent noise from traveling to adjoining rooms and those above and below, but this will add to the costs of your renovation.

Plan For Waterproofing

One of the best ways to prevent leaks flooding the rest of your home is to create a curb across the threshold of your laundry room, install a floor drain and waterproof the floor area. Since the drain will typically be dry, you will also need a trap primer to divert a small amount of water from your supply line to keep the trap full and prevent nasty smells from rising into your home.

Choose the Right Appliances

Finally, you need to choose the best appliances for your new laundry room. To minimize vibrations, you’ll need to ensure that your appliances are level and you may want to consider stack-ability to maximize space. It is also a good idea to look for efficient, low noise appliances that can offer excellent performance. Just remember that while you need a loud chime when your washer is in the basement, it can be annoying next to your bedroom or near your living area. So, look for models that allow the audible alerts to be turned down or off.

If you’re considering installing or upgrading your laundry room, you can explore your options with this online washer and dryer collection, or speak to a home appliance professional for more specialist and expert help.

Top Tips to Revitalize Your Laundry Room

Your laundry room is likely to be the most functional room in your home, but at it’s best, it is an efficient place to complete chores, but often laundry rooms are disorganized and cramped. You may even find that you avoid your laundry room, dreading when you need to go in there to complete a laundry load.  Fortunately, there are lots of ways to revitalize your laundry room to make it not only functional, but an inspiring place to get those annoying tasks done.

Update the Walls

Painting the walls can immediately revitalize a room. If your laundry room has limited natural light or lacks space, consider painting the walls in a lighter color. This will create a more airy feel in the area.

Add Some Countertops

If your laundry room doesn’t already have countertops, now is the ideal time to add some. Countertops not only provide a place to fold laundry, but they can help when sorting or allow you to keep stain remover and other products handy when you’re getting a wash load ready. Remember that you can add a sense of cleanliness and style with your choice of countertops, white quartz is an excellent example for a modern look.

Add Storage

In order for laundry rooms to function well, you’ll need access to lots of everyday items. Many homeowners keep more than laundry detergent in their laundry room. You may have products for spot and stain removal, cleaning products and even hangers for items that can’t be put in the dryer. So, it is vital that you have adequate storage. Open shelves near your washing machine can allow you to have detergent handy, but you may also need cabinets or large storage drawers for all your other laundry room essentials. You may even find baskets are a useful storage item. You can separate your laundry into different baskets, so you’ll know when you have a full load of whites or enough hand wash items to tackle this type of load.

It is a good idea to plan out your storage needs in advance so that you can tailor your storage solutions. For example, you may prefer to have a separate bin for each of your children, so they can collect and fold their own laundry, saving you an annoying task. Remember that if you have small children, it is a good idea to have detergents, and any other potentially toxic materials kept out of reach. So, if you can’t have high storage, consider a lockable cabinet that only adults can access.

Install Hanging Spaces

Your laundry room is more than a place to wash clothes, and it can also be vital for all those post laundry chores. In addition to having countertops for folding, consider installing a hanging rail to dry items or hang up items after drying to minimize ironing. Make sure that you have plenty of hangers on hand, so you can put freshly ironed items straight on a hanger and avoid creasing.

Consider Moisture

Finally, it is inevitable that there will be moisture in your laundry room. All that washing, drying, drip drying, and ironing creates moisture, and if you want to avoid musty smells, you need to think about moisture resistance. Choose moisture resistant materials such as plastic panels and ceramic tiles, but don’t forget about ventilation. Even cracking a window in your laundry room can avoid stuffy smells and unpleasant odors.

If you’re considering upgrading your laundry room, you can explore the options with this online collection of laundry appliances or speak to a home appliance expert for a more specialist service.

All You Need to Know About Ventless Dryers

Approximately 80% of homes in America have a clothes dryer, and if you don’t, you may find yourself collecting quarters to visit the laundromat. If you are limited for space, you may think that you are stuck using those giant machines and waiting around for an hour, but there is another option; the ventless dryer. These appliances are not considered mainstream here in America, but they have been used in Europe for decades. So, here we will explore all you need to know about these great devices.

Why Ventless Dryers are Popular in Europe

If you visit many European countries, a ventless dryer is considered standard and use it just as we would use our conventional dryers. The reason why these appliances are so prevalent in Europe is that European homes tend to be far smaller than a typical U.S home and they just cannot accommodate the large, vented dryers we have here. This means that if you have a smaller home, you can take inspiration from the Europeans and opt for a ventless dryer.

Ventless models can fit under a counter or even in a closet, provided there is proper airflow and an electric socket. If you do use your dryer in a closet, you will need to open the doors while you’re drying to maintain air circulation. Another attractive feature of a ventless dryer is that they can be stacked or placed side by side with your washer. This means that you can save space. For example, you could create a dining table over your washer and dryer in your kitchen to create an area for eating when you’re not doing laundry.

How Ventless Dryers Work

Vented dryers pull air from the laundry room to be heated. The air is rolled around with the clothes before it is blown out the exhaust with any evaporated moisture. In order to vent this exhaust, there needs to be a hole in the wall, but this can create problems. For example, when the air is cold, your home won’t be warmed up, so the furnace needs to work harder to compensate. The reverse can also be true; if you are drying in summer, you’ve paid money to cool your indoor air only for your dryer to warm it up again.

A ventless dryer does not need exhaust. While it does pull in cool air to heat it up, it uses a heat exchanger to cool the heated air and draw the moisture into a containment chamber. This cycle is repeated until the clothes are dried. There is no need to vent any exhaust as the water is either collected in a tray or passed down the drain.

The Benefits of a Ventless Dryer

There are numerous benefits of using a ventless dryer, but the most obvious is that there is no need to punch a hole in your wall. This also means that you’re not wasting energy heating or cooling air with your HVAC system only for it to be channeled outside.

Ventless drying is also more gentle on your clothing. You’ll find that your clothes come out of the dryer cooler. Although you may enjoy that “toasty, warm” feel from your dryer, this is not great for the fabric. In fact, the heat of a vented dryer can cause over-drying and create fading, color running or shrinking.

Ventless dryers also tend to be more economical. Not only are they less expensive to install, but they typically use 30% less energy compared to traditional models. There is also less chance of clogging as there is no vent to accumulate lint and debris to create a fire risk. So, while it does take a little longer for your clothes to dry, it should have a positive impact on your energy bills.

If you’re considering a new dryer, you can explore your options with this online collection or dryers, or for further help or guidance, speak to a laundry appliance expert.

Do You Have Bad Laundry Habits?

While you may not have given it much thought, many of us have some bad laundry habits. These seemingly minor issues may be costing you money for new clothes, washing machine repairs and even higher bills. Breaking these habits can be simple, and here we have some tips to help you get started with better habits today.

Too Much Laundry Detergent

There is an assumption that more detergent means that you’ll get cleaner clothes, but this isn’t always the case. While not using enough detergent can leave your wash less than fresh, using too much can cause a residue to be left on your clothing creating a dull look. Excessive amounts of suds can also cause damage to the pump and drain on your washing machine. So, it’s important to use the right amount of the right laundry detergent. Use the recommended amounts listed on your detergent bottle and check you’re using the right product for your washing machine.

Leaving Your Wet Clothes Lingering

As soon as your load finishes washing, it is important to transfer it into your dryer. Although it is easy to forget about a laundry load, in only 8 to 12 hours, mildew and mold can start to develop on your clean clothes. This will turn a fresh load of laundry into a smelly mess overnight. If you have a load of towels or clothing slip your mind, you’ll need to rewash them, and if there is a lingering sour smell, you should add a cup of white vinegar to the load with your normal detergent.

Tossing Clean Clothing in a Laundry Basket

If you’re in the habit of simply tossing your clean clothing in your laundry basket, you are creating far more work for yourself. If you don’t hang or fold your items straight away, they’ll end up wrinkly and in need of a really good iron. If you pull your items out of the dryer and fold or hang them while they’re still warm, they’re less likely to look wrinkled, and you can avoid standing for hours of ironing.

Overloading Your Washing Machine

Whether you’re behind on your laundry or simply want to try and get your chores done a little quicker, you may be tempted to cram extra clothes into your washing machine. Some people even believe that they are conserving water or energy, but this is not the case. In fact, overloading your washing machine causes the appliance to work harder and may contribute to a breakdown. Additionally, since there is less room in the drum for the water to circulate and the detergent to agitate, you are likely to find that your clothing doesn’t come out as clean as you would like. This means that you’ll be forced to wash them again anyway. So, it is far better to adhere to the load limits detailed by the manufacturer in your user’s manual to achieve the best results.

Not Zipping Up

The metal teeth of zippers can easily snag on your delicate items and cause damage. So, develop a new habit of ensuring that any zippers on your clothing are all the way up before they go in the wash. As an aside, this does not apply for buttons, as leaving buttons fastened on shirts and pants can actually create stress on the button and could cause them to pop off.

Putting All Your Items in The Dryer

While using a dryer is the fastest option it can also cause premature wear on clothing. Jeans and towels can benefit from always being put in the dryer as they won’t go crispy, but everything else should be hung dry where possible. You should also pay close attention to the clothing care labels and never put anything that says “line dry” in your dryer.

If you’re looking for more efficient laundry appliances, you can explore your options with this online collection or contact a home appliance expert for a more specialized service.

Why Your Dryer Needs to be a Clutter Free Zone

Most of us find our laundry room end up being a bit of a dumping ground. It is very easy to leave clothing on top of the dryer, but allowing your dryer to become cluttered is a possible safety risk and could be putting your home at risk of a fire.

The Real Possibility of a Fire Hazard

While you may be diligent about emptying your lint trap, leaving clothes on top of the dryer, while you are doing multiple loads of laundry, creates a real risk of fire. If clothes are left while the dryer is running, you can not only compromise the dryer performance, but could be putting your home in danger.

Dryers produce a great deal of heat in order to dry wet clothing. This requires space so that the heat produced can safely escape. When clothing is piled on the dryer, there is a risk that they will fall off the top of the dryer and get wedged behind the appliance. This is likely to block the vents and allow heat to build up. Additionally, since most clothing materials are flammable, there is an even greater chance of an item igniting.

Safer Ways to Store Dried Clothing

If you’re dealing with multiple loads of laundry, it is inevitable that some clothing will need to be stored temporarily until they are folded and put away. Fortunately, there are safer ways to store your dried clothing without putting your laundry room at risk of a fire.
One of the easiest ways to store your dried loads is to use a laundry basket. A laundry basket on the floor near your drier can be used for clothing straight out of the dryer, or provide a place for folded clothes.

If you like to keep everything organized in your laundry room and prefer to fold everything before it is taken to your bedroom, you could set up a table. A table can provide a place to unload the dryer or fold your clothing. If you are limited space, consider a folding table that can be collapsed when you don’t need it.

Another solution is to build a shelf over your appliances. Provided both your dryer and washer are front loading, a shelf extending above the appliances can create space for laundry detergent, cleaning products, and dried clothes. You will need to ensure that there is adequate airflow space, but a shelf will provide a sturdy space to fold and store clothing without risking items blocking the vents.

Clear All the Other Clutter

It is important to bear in mind that clothing is not the only thing that can cause an obstruction and create a fire hazard in your laundry room. If your kids are in the habit of dumping book bags, shoes and other “junk” on top of the dryer, they could be creating a massive problem. So, it is good practice to ensure that your dryer is free of any clutter, particularly before you start using it. It can be a good idea to create additional storage in your laundry room so that any items have their own designated spot rather than being left on top of your dryer. This will ensure that when you do need to do laundry, you don’t need to waste time clearing a mountain of clutter to be sure it’s safe to use your dryer.

Every home has specific requirements for laundry room appliances, and there is a wide range of helpful accessories to complement your room layout.

If you’re looking for new laundry room accessories, explore your options using this online collection or contact a home appliance expert for a more specialized service.

Tips for Front Load Washers

Front load washers can offer some impressive advantages over their top loading counterparts. These advanced home appliances allow fine control over the settings, the ability to handle large loads and smartphone-enabled features. Unfortunately, if you are used to a top loading washer, you may not be aware of how to get the best out of your new appliance. So, here are some tips for your new front load washer.

Leave the Door Open

When your load is complete, you should remove the clothing as soon as possible and then leave the door slightly ajar. This promotes air circulation and can help you to avoid mold or mildew problems. Front load washers are prone to developing unpleasant smells as mold can form around a damp door seal. Leaving the door open will allow the seal to dry out and should help to prevent mold. If you do notice an issue starting to develop, don’t ignore it; this can lead to your clothes developing a musty odor. Periodically cleaning the door seal using some mild detergent will keep it odor free, just be sure to dry it using a paper towel to avoid dampness.

Use the Right Detergent

You may not get the best performance from your new front load washer if you use your old brand of detergent. While this may have been sufficient for your old top loader, front loaders require high-efficiency detergent products. Regular detergents create more suds, and this can leave a film of residue on the drum and hoses, promoting mold. This residue may also cause mechanical or electronic damage to your appliance and could potentially void your warranty. Front load washers use less water and therefore, need less detergent. You should only purchase detergent that is high efficiency or labeled “HE” for optimum results. Remember too much soap is not a good thing, so stick to the recommended amounts.

Run the Cleaning Cycle Regularly

Most manufacturers recommend running a cleaning cycle regularly to prevent any potential issues with mildew or mold. You may find that adding a commercial washer cleaning product can keep your appliance smelling fresh and looking clean, but take note of the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Plan for Ultimate Efficiency

A front load washer tends to have a longer wash cycle compared to a top loader. As this type of machine uses less water, it can take longer to get your load clean. Fortunately, the higher spin speed means shorter drying times. So, plan your laundry accordingly. Some appliances have delay timers, so you can have your load end when it is most convenient for you.

No home is complete without a great laundry appliance. The right washing machine can be a fantastic time saver and protect your clothing from damage.

If you’re looking for a new laundry appliance, you can explore the available options with this online collection of laundry appliances or speak to a home appliance expert for further help.

How To Raise The Height of Your Laundry Appliances

Your laundry space serves as “mission control” for the modern home, and requires the proper layout for maximum efficiency. Depending on your unique needs and the size of your home, it may be a smart idea to raise your laundry appliances above their standard height.

Homeowners typically want to raise the height of their laundry units for one of two reasons. They either want easier access to front load units, or want to stack their appliances to save space. To help you meet these goals, we’ve gathered some information on two beneficial laundry accessories that will allow you to raise your laundry appliances.

Laundry Pedestals

If you like to have your front load washer and dryer side-by-side, but want easier access to your appliances, then you may want to invest in a laundry pedestal.

These useful laundry accessories can be placed below a washer or dryer to raise the height of the appliance. The additional height is ideal for front load laundry units, which offer quality washing and drying functions, but force you to bend down to load and unload the machine. Thanks to a laundry pedestal, you won’t have to bend down nearly as far. Moreover, many pedestals feature a spacious storage drawer designed to hold laundry essentials like detergent, bleach, fabric softener and more.

An effective laundry pedestal will give your laundry units the boost of height you need while helping your laundry space stay organized. It’s worth remembering, however, that these add-ons are not designed to help you save a significant amount of space in the laundry room.

Laundry Stack Kits

Should saving space be your top priority, you’ll definitely want to consider purchasing a laundry stack kit.

Stack kits are metal brackets sold separately from you laundry units that allow you to place your dryer on top of your washer, creating additional floor space in your laundry room for other cleaning tools or appliances. The vertical orientation provided by a stack kit can also help you install laundry machines in areas other than a laundry room, like inside a closet or alongside appliances in your kitchen.

While these units do not offer the built-in storage possibilities of a laundry pedestal, they will still help you raise your laundry units to a comfortable height that actually saves you space. Should you choose to invest in a stack kit, you need to check the model numbers on your washer and dryer to ensure you purchase a compatible kit.

High Quality Laundry Accessories for Every Home

Every home requires a different layout for its laundry appliances, and there are a host of helpful laundry accessories that are sure to satisfy your needs. If you want to raise the height of your unit’s and promote exceptional organization, laundry pedestals are a great investment. Meanwhile, should you need extra height for space-saving purposes, you’ll definitely want to invest in a laundry stack kit.

Are you looking for a new laundry pedestal or stack kit? Explore your options using this online collection of laundry accessories, or contact a home appliance expert for specialized service.