Can you put a dryer in a closet?

Can I put a dryer in a closet? Most of us live in small apartments, where it's extremely difficult to find space even for a washing machine, let alone other appliances. Therefore, many people wonder whether it's possible to install a dryer in a closet and thus save space. Let's find out whether this type of installation is possible and how to do it.

Is it legal to place a dryer like this?

Most modern dryers use a condensation mechanism. In short, at some point, moisture from the condensed air drains either into a special container or down the drain. Depending on the preferred option, the user either connects the dryer to the sewer or not.

Accordingly, theoretically, such a unit can be installed anywhere, as long as it's close to a power outlet. However, the operating specifics of each individual model dictate its own requirements. Units from more expensive brands are quiet and emit almost no heat, while owners of cheaper models complain of the opposite. placed the dryer in the closet

Inexpensive dryers tend to increase humidity and temperature in the room in general and cause mold growth. If such a machine is installed in a small closet, and these are chosen in order to save space, it can harm both the items stored there and itself.

But dampness and mold aren't the worst things to worry about. The worst thing is when the unit gets very hot during operation and generates a lot of heat. Putting such a thing in a closed wooden cabinet is a surefire way to risk a fire. If there's no other way, you'll have to improve the ventilation inside the niche.

A good solution is to install a flow-through ventilation system with a vent on one side and a forced-draft exhaust on the other. This will ensure that excess heat and moisture are properly removed from the cabinet.

What is the best way to place a dryer?

There are several basic options for installing a tumble dryer in a living space. Below, we'll take a closer look at each and its features:

on top of the washing machine column;
on the side of the washing machine in line;
in a pre-prepared niche made of plasterboard panels;
under the sink in the bathroom or kitchen or under the countertop;
on the balcony.

Installing a dryer on top of a washing machine will save valuable space in a small apartment. With proper installation, the drying and washing process will be as comfortable as possible. Theoretically, this setup can be done in any room or utility room. installation of a dryer next to and in a column

This type of installation is performed in two ways:

using fasteners that allow you to place the dryer directly on top of the washing machine and are usually included with the dryer;
using special rails that are attached to the wall above the washing machine and on which the dryer is installed.

As for the second option, it's rarely used, as the overall design looks odd and requires additional work and equipment. The first option, however, is quite popular and relatively easy to implement.

First, level the floor perfectly for the washing machine, install the unit in its final position.
Install the dryer mount on the top panel of the washing machine.
Place rubber pads between the stand and the surface of the washing machine to reduce vibration.
Secure the stand with bolts.
Place the dryer on top so that its legs fit neatly into the recesses on the stand.
Seal the outer recesses on the mount with plugs.

This is the most difficult type of installation. Firstly, the units cannot be stacked on top of each other without additional fastenings. Secondly, the dryer must always be positioned on top and be smaller in size than the washing machine. Only these conditions will ensure the column is sufficiently stable.

When placing vertically, it makes sense to pay attention to the following features:

Do not mount the unit on a mount whose quality and reliability you are not sure of;
If you are attaching wall slats, calculate the load in advance to prevent the structure from collapsing later;
Under no circumstances use both units simultaneously.

Caution! Like a washing machine, a dryer vibrates heavily during operation, so avoid placing it close to a wall.

When installing a column, it's best to use both units from the same manufacturer. Firstly, they'll fit together perfectly in terms of size, and you can be completely confident that the mounting hardware is secure and suitable. Secondly, such an ensemble will look harmonious in the interior and won't look like an incongruous clutter of appliances. If it is not possible to purchase a tumble dryer from the same manufacturer, use the recommendations above when selecting a "foreign" unit (width, depth, other dimensions).

The simplest option for installing a dryer is to install it horizontally next to the washing machine. While this does require additional space, it's essentially the only major installation requirement. All you need to do is position the dryer, level its feet, and then connect it to the utility lines.

During the early stages of a renovation, you can try constructing a dryer niche out of drywall. While this will require additional materials and labor costs, it's a worthwhile interior solution. If you have the budget, desire, and opportunity, this option is worth pursuing.

Another solution for larger spaces is to install a drying rack under the sink or countertop. Connecting equipment to utilities will only require connecting to the power grid and sewerage system (and the latter is not necessary).

Important! When installing the dryer using any method, it's crucial to ensure there are grounded outlets nearby, as well as, if necessary, sewer and ventilation outlets.

Thus, when installing a tumble dryer, it is necessary to take into account many nuances, but there are quite a few installation options, so choosing one that suits your taste and other considerations is quite easy.