HOW TO CREATE A WASHER AND DRYER CLOSET IN ANY HOME
Creating a washer and dryer closet in your home can be a great way to save space and help keep you organized on laundry day. With the right planning, you can create a functional closet that fits your lifestyle and budget. Read this article to learn more about how to create a washer and dryer closet in your home to help you easily tackle laundry day.
CAN YOU PUT A WASHER AND DRYER IN A CLOSET?
Adding a washer and dryer to a closet is possible with the right preparation. Before installing, ensure you know your washer and dryer dimensions, and have enough space and adequate ventilation. Electrical and plumbing connections must also be considered.
To maximize the use of the space, you can consider adding shelves, hangers, drawers and a shower rod or curtain. You can also consider using stackable or all-in-one washer and dryer units to help you make the most of your space. With careful planning, you may be able to turn a closet into a functional laundry room.
It is important to read your installation instructions carefully to ensure that you are accounting for the proper amount of space in the closet, as well as behind and between the appliances.
GUIDE TO CREATING A WASHER AND DRYER CLOSET
Having a dedicated space to conquer your laundry can make all the difference in a home. Not only does it free up valuable space in other areas, but it also creates a convenient and accessible spot for all your laundry needs. Creating a washer and dryer closet allows you to optimize your space with a smaller footprint. Read on to learn more laundry closet ideas.
1. EVALUATE AND MEASURE HOW MUCH SQUARE FOOTAGE YOU HAVE
The first step to creating your washer and dryer closet is evaluating and measuring your square footage. You will want to know how much space you have for the washer and dryer and how much space is left over for things like shelving or drying racks. Consider the size of your family and the number of people you will be doing laundry for. You’ll also want to decide if you are going to stack your washer and dryer or have them side by side. It’s important to consider the clearance needed on either side of and in front of the appliances as well.
For a side-by-side set, you will need about 56 inches of width. If your appliances are front-loading, you should have about 4 feet of space in front of them to allow for comfortable loading and unloading. Also keep in mind that if you plan to place washer and dryer pedestals under your appliances, that will add about 15 inches of height. Behind your washer and dryer, you should allow for about six inches of space and between side-by-side units, about an inch. You should also leave about 1 inch of space between your appliances and the wall.
If you plan to stack your washer and dryer, you will need a laundry area that is about 29 inches wide, 80 inches tall and 32 to 34 inches deep. Again, you will need at least six inches of clearance between the appliance and the rear wall for proper ventilation and at least one inch of space between each side of the appliance and the wall.
2. DETERMINE ELECTRICAL, GAS & VENTING NEEDS
For this step, it is recommended to hire a professional to add any necessary electrical, gas or venting needs to your space. If you are buying new appliances, you may want to consider electric, ventless options to make creating your space the easiest. Once these important factors have been considered, you can focus on things like doors, lighting, flooring, shelving and organization.
3. CHOOSE A DOOR
To help reduce noise in your home, consider opting for a door rather than a curtain for your washer and dryer closet. When choosing a door, make sure that your appliances can fit through the doorway and can be removed for any necessary cleaning and maintenance.
Be sure that your washer and dryer doors can open fully and that you have left space above and below the door for ventilation. There should be about 1 inch of space between the front of your appliance and the door and about 3 inches of space at the top of the door and the bottom of the door to allow for ventilation.
4. FLOORING AND DRAIN
Consider using tile flooring in your laundry closet to make any water issues easier to clean up. If feasible, also think about adding a drain to the floor. If you can’t add a drain, a pan underneath the appliances is another great option. You may want to hire a professional if you are not comfortable with adding flooring or if you opt to add a drain to your laundry space.
5. LIGHTING
Another important thing to consider in your washer and dryer closet is lighting. Your closet may already have lighting, but if not, adding some will enhance your laundry space. If electrical is needed in order to add lighting, it may be necessary to consult and hire a professional.
Some lighting options that might work well in your washer and dryer closet include LED light strips, lights that turn on when the door is opened or recessed lighting.
6. SHELVING AND ORGANIZATION
When making shelving and organization choices in your washer and dryer closet, consider what will save the most space while providing you with the most storage and accessibility. Here are some tips to help you make shelving decisions to maximize your laundry room storage:
- Install open shelves above your washer and dryer to make laundry supplies easily accessible.
- Store smaller items in labeled baskets to keep open shelving neat and organized.
- Maximize your use of available space with corner shelves. They're a practical yet stylish addition to your space.
- Add hooks to the underside of shelves for even more organization.
- Install laundry pedestals like these options from Maytag brand to increase storage without taking up additional floor space.
Transform an unused bookshelf into supplementary storage space for a laundry room that lacks built-in storage options.
Install adjustable shelves to accommodate your family’s changing needs.
Consider wall-mounted drying racks that you can expand and collapse as needed.
SHOP MAYTAG® LAUNDRY PEDESTALS
LAUNDRY CLOSET CONFIGURATION IDEAS
There are a few different ways you can configure a laundry closet with a top load, front load, stackable or all-in-one unit. Explore the ideas below for your chosen washing machine and dryer setup.
1. STACKABLE WASHER AND DRYER PAIR
A stackable washer and dryer pair is a great way to make the most of the space you have without sacrificing the function or the capacity you want in your laundry appliances. Only front load washers and dryers are stackable, and you’ll need to consult your owner’s manual to learn the specifics of stacking your set.
Proper ventilation is important when stacking a washer and dryer. To ensure adequate air circulation, allow 1-5 inches of space on the back and sides. Keep at least 5 inches between the washer and wall, and at least 1 inch on each side. Always make sure that your appliance doors can open and close fully. The doors of your closet should have about an inch of space from the bottom of the door to the floor to help with air circulation, and if a closet door or louvered door is installed, top and bottom air openings in the door are required.
Stackable washer and dryer pairs from Maytag brand are built tough to help you tackle your loads.
2. FRONT LOAD SIDE-BY-SIDE PAIR
A front load side-by-side washer and dryer allows you to make use of the top of your machines for counter space. Installing a counter across the top of your machines and shelving above is a great way to make use of all of your space in the laundry closet.
Other front load benefits include the use of less water and higher spin speeds that allow for shorter drying times, depending on the cycle. Remember to ensure that your washing machine and dryer have proper ventilation and that you can fully open and close the doors of your machines.
If it’s time to upgrade your washer and dryer, explore the Maytag brand front load washer and dryer pairs, with features built to work together to power through loads of laundry.
3. TOP LOAD SIDE-BY-SIDE PAIR
If you choose to install a top load side-by-side pair in your laundry closet, you won’t have to worry as much about space for the washer door to open and close, and you may enjoy less overall maintenance for your machines. Top load washing machines can also be more comfortable to load and unload as they don’t require you to bend down and reach inside.
Select Maytag® top load washing machines come with features like a Power impeller and Deep Fill option.
ALL-IN-ONE WASHER AND DRYER
An all-in-one washer and dryer will help you make the most of the space in your laundry closet and finish your loads in less steps. Whether you live in an apartment, a condo or just need to save space in your laundry area, an all-in-one appliance might be your best bet. You won’t have to transfer the clothes between loads and with the ventless options available, you can install an all-in-one washer and dryer in basically any location in your home.
SMALL SPACE STYLE AND LAUNDRY TIPS
Install countertop across front load machines for a convenient folding station.
Create a laundry space in a bathroom to help maximize square footage and utilize available water hook-ups.
- Use all of your available space by finding storage units and hampers that fit snugly next to or around your appliances.
- Install laundry pedestals with storage drawers beneath front load machines.
Don’t be afraid to be bold with your style choices and infuse your personality into your small laundry room design.
HOW DO I INSTALL A WASHER DRYER IN A CLOSET?
Determine the gas, water and electrical hook-ups that you will need. If you need to add any of these utilities, you may want to hire a professional. If not, you may be able to install your washer and dryer yourself per your owner’s manuals. Remember to allow for proper ventilation and door clearance. You can read more about how to install a washer and dryer in this step-by-step guide.
SHOP MAYTAG® WASHERS AND DRYERS
If it’s time for a laundry room upgrade, Maytag® washers and dryers are ready to tackle your tough messes. Explore features like the Extra Power button and the Fresh Hold® option on select washing machines and Advanced Moisture Sensing and Steam Refresh cycle on select dryers.
