A washer and dryer are one of the most desired appliances in a house. This appliance acts as an extra pair of hands-on busy days.
However, a washer and a dryer are commonly installed inside your house. But often, we are asked questions related to installing them outside. So, today in this article, we shall try to break things down for you and help you get rid of all your confusion.
Can you have a washer and dryer outside?
You can have your washer and dryer outside. But you must ensure that the appliance is protected from direct contact with the sun and rain. The external parts and electrical lines need to be protected. So, yes. You can have your washer and dryer outside.
Placing the washer and dryer outside the house might be proven helpful. This helps in increasing the overall space inside the house. Moreover, cleaning dirty fluids, i.e., soapy water, becomes a piece of cake.
Although, some electrical and plumbing might be required to get them working. This absolutely depends on the place where you live. However, you may place them on the balcony, porch, or garage. Or somewhere where they are easily accessible.
Make sure that your garage is clean if you choose to place them in there.
Additionally, a great thing about installing them outside is they are easy to clean. You may not have to worry about dusting them or cleaning a wet floor regularly. But they will still require occasional cleaning.
If they go a long way without cleaning, debris and bacteria build-up may turn the place unpleasant.
Removing the washer and dryer from the house will play a significant role in changing the setup of the house. A washer and dryer consume a large amount of space when put inside the house.
Whether they can be placed outside depends on factors such as the location of placing them, a proper electrical output, and protecting the electrical wires.
Is it safe to keep washing machines on the balcony?
You surely can keep the washing machine on the balcony, but it is not recommended.
Although, most appliances are made to resist the elements of nature. Exposing them to direct sunlight or rain may reduce their lifespan. So, we do not suggest you do it.
However, the washing machine can be placed inside a cabinet. Resin or metal-made cabinets are preferable.
Before putting your washing machine out on the balcony, you might need to take some precautionary measures. These measures include using foam panels or used blankets to protect the machine.
Moving your washing machine out in the balcony may help in adjusting the water supply. But if the machine is left uncovered, it may cause the washer to malfunction.
Even if the machines are inactive, it would be preferable not to place your washing machine on the balcony. But, if you truly need to place it out there, be sure to take the necessary measures.
How to move a washer & dryer to a back porch? How to hide the washer and dryer outside?
Placing your washer and dryer outside is simple and hiding them is much easier. Here are a few methods mentioned step by step for moving your washer and dryer on the back porch:
Cleaning the clutter:
Before moving any appliance, you must ensure cleaning the clutter on or around it.
Disconnecting all the units and cleaning pipes:
Ensure that you have disconnected all the units. Empty all the water pipes before moving.
Securing all the doors and latches:
Lock all the doors and latches properly.
Covering with foam core and moving:
Cover the appliances with foam core or blankets to keep them secured.
Getting them on a dolly:
With the help of a partner, slide the washer and place the dolly under it.
Here is a way you can use to hide your washer and dryer:
Hiding washer and dryer using curtains:
Before you hang the curtains, make space for the curtain rods. Choose a wall. Drill holes in the wall and place curtain rods in the wall.
Adding hooks:
Add hooks to the curtains or the curtain rods. This will help the curtain rod to hold the curtains.
Taking measurements:
Measure the size of your washer and dryer in length and width.
Measuring the curtains:
Measure the length of the wall and the length of the curtains. Use multiple curtains if required.
Adding vinyl if required:
Additionally, you can add vinyl to your appliances, and this will help them blend with the interior of the room.
How to store a washer and dryer outside? How to protect an outdoor washer and dryer?
Although storing your washer and dryer outside is not recommended, it has its pros. First and foremost, the condition is to protect the appliances from direct sunlight, rain, and freezing temperatures.
Below we are mentioning some ways to store and protect an outdoor washer dryer:
Using a patio cover:
Using a patio cover is the best way to protect your machines from sunlight, rain, and cold. Nowadays, patio covers are available in materials like steel and polycarbonate.
The canopies help to prevent UV rays. These covers come in all sizes and are considered ideal for deck and house porch.
Usage of vinyl tarps:
Vinyl tarps are much affordable and sustainable when it comes to protecting your washer and dryer. They act resistant to sun, rain, mildews, and chemicals.
This protects your appliances and gives them a long-lasting life. Once you have vinyl tarps, you may use them to make your personalized shelter.
Purchasing custom-made machine protection:
One more way is to get a customized machine cover. This can be a terrific option when it comes to protecting your machines.
Customized machine covers are available that can be fire or heat proof, water-resistant, oil-resistant, abrasions resistant, and much more. These are ideally made to protect outdoor machines.
Will it hurt a washer and dryer to get rained on outside?
It will most likely hurt the washer and dryer if it gets rained on. The water from the rain may cause the washer and dryer to malfunction.
It can also damage the internal parts. Especially the electrical zones, that is something to be concerned about.
These appliances aren’t usually built for outdoor usage. The issue here is that the water from rain may create a critical disturbance, especially in the electrically controlled areas.
It cannot be ensured if the water in the internal parts will dry out or not. In case the water stays inside for a long time, corrosion in circuit boards and other parts may get created.
Therefore, it is always better to wait several days. Once you feel it’s dry. It’s time for your appliance to get checked.
The best way to get it dried is to place the washer and dryer in a part of the house where it’s comparatively dry. Keeping it in the same place may make things worse.
So, just wait for a few days and then get in touch with an expert to bring things back on track.
What happens if a washer gets rained on outside?
If a washer gets rained out, the first thing to happen will be that the machine will stop working. The following are a few things that can occur if your washer gets rained on:
Internal parts may get corroded:
Washers are made to be used with water. But that doesn’t make them waterproof. The water systematically gets inside the machine and causes no damage to the machine.
But, when a washer gets rained on, the water may tamper with various parts of the machine. Whether the fluid is clean or dirty, it will hamper the electrical control panel, the motor, or other internal components.
Eventually, this may cause the parts to rust out and leave you with a dysfunctional machine.
It may stop working:
If the rainwater stays inside for too long, it will cause the machine to malfunction. The water will cause corrosion in the electrically controlled parts.
Therefore, the machine will stop receiving any type of commands. In the worst-case scenario, the machine may completely stop working.
Pipes may get damaged:
Rainwater or freezing temperatures may cause damage to the pipes. You must keep in mind that water makes the machine vulnerable to cold weather.
Water stuck inside the machine may create room for new issues and cause the machine to malfunction.
Final Thoughts
You can have your washer and dryer outside your house. It is better not to do so. We do not recommend it as you may face issues with direct sunlight or rainwater. Both of them will cause damage to your appliances. But it always depends on your own preference.
So, if you are having your washer and dryer outside, Don’t forget to keep them protected.