Is it worth putting a washing machine in the kitchen
Not a single family bypasses the issue of installing a washing machine. And if you have a small apartment, a dilemma arises: where to put the washer? 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 figure it out.
Parsing. Should you put a washing machine in the kitchen?
Let's start with the good, or rather with the pros.
Ease of installation. All communications needed to connect the washing machine are at hand.
- Safer than 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 possibility of ventilation make it more suitable for the washing machine
If you install a washing machine in the kitchen, the bathroom will be much freer. For small apartments, every centimeter counts- By installing a washing machine in the kitchen, an additional full-fledged work surface appears. In a small kitchen, it is very necessary. Many build a washing machine into the facade of the headset. So it does not stand out from the design, it looks concise and neat. If this is not possible, it is enough to install the top tabletop in the color of the headset. Cheaper, but no less popular option.
- Possibility of washing 24 hours a day. When placing washing machines in the kitchen, you do not need to wait for someone to leave the bathroom or toilet (if the bathroom is combined).In the absence of a separate bathroom, the number of expectations increases significantly.
- Installation options. The washer can be placed in any corner. There are much more places for installing a washing machine than in a bathroom: a headset under the countertop, under a window sill, in the corner of a room, under a sink, built into a headset.
Now let's deal with the cons.
- When installing, you may need to buy additional hoses.
It is necessary to resolve the issue with the outlet, if there is no free one nearby or the cord is shorter than necessary
- It is necessary to maintain a distance between appliances, at least 45 cm from the stove and refrigerator. Not every kitchen can withstand such a test. And if the place allows the rearrangement is inevitable.
Washing machine above or below headset level. In such a situation, a lot of problems immediately arise. If the washer is higher, it must be placed outside the headset or raise the level of the countertop, if lower, lower it.- It is not convenient to pour the powder into the tray. This is a common problem. And in any case, it will need to be addressed. Otherwise, washing simply will not take place.
- Doesn't fit with kitchen design. The kitchen looks much better if all the details are in harmony with each other. The color solutions of washing machines are not diverse. Color variations are minimal: white, metallic gray, black.
- Open door of the loading hatch. Everyone knows that for a longer service life, the washing machine must be ventilated. An open hatch is very inconvenient. It sticks out at least 20 cm. It is impossible not to hurt him in a small kitchen.
- Lack of storage space for laundry and washing machine care products. If it’s clear with the washing machine itself, then where to put all household chemicals? Well, if there is a pantry or a small locker in the hallway.Making a separate rack or cabinet is quite expensive in terms of money and space in the kitchen.
Where to put dirty laundry is another point. Agree, the presence of dirty clothes in the kitchen is completely unacceptable. We'll have to look for a place for him in the corridor or pantry. If you still find a place, you will have to carry it through the kitchen, then hang it up and carry it to the bathroom. Absolutely inconvenient.
But as they say, every problem has a solution. Below I will give some practical advice on how to turn minuses into pluses, or at least get rid of them.
- The cost of hoses is not so high and worth it if you decide to put the washing machine in the kitchen
- It is not so difficult to move the outlet if there is a “master with hands” in the house. In the worst case, use a network extension cord. It is found in every home.
- Need a change? So it might be for the best. Rational use of space without it is impossible. Yes, and physical activity is not superfluous for a modern person. Call guests - they will help.
- The level of the washing machine can be lowered by removing the washing machine feet. On a flat floor, they are not needed. If this is not an option, by ordering or making a multi-level countertop, you can turn the kitchen into a work of design art.
The laundry tray may not be needed at all if you use laundry capsules. This will save space as well.
- The open facade of the washing machine can be pasted over with a decorative film or film to match your headset. A curtain, a screen is an even simpler way to solve the problem. There are many companies that, for a reasonable price, will succinctly fit your “assistant” into the design of the kitchen.
- I recommend opening the loading hatch at night. So he will not interfere with anyone and you will not notice this problem.
- The lack of storage space for detergents and linen is difficult, but solvable. In this case, I recommend placing a laundry basket in the bathroom. And for laundry detergents, purchase tight-fitting containers. If there is no place in the bathroom, there is no pantry - there is only one thing left. Place in the hallway. To make everything look decent, get 2 identical wicker baskets with lids. This will be an additional decoration.
Conclusion from all, a washing machine in the kitchen is a good solution for small (and not only) apartments for safety reasons and additional space in the bathroom.
I hope this article was helpful to you.
