The popularity of tiny homes is rising, and more people than ever are swapping a minimalist lifestyle. But, tiny houses have their challenges.
For example, where do you find space for a tiny house washing machine or washer dryer?
And how do you set up an effective drainage system?
This article covers everything you need to know for setting up a portable and energy-efficient appliance in your tiny home.
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Can you have a washing machine in a tiny house?
You can have a washing machine in a tiny house, but there are two challenges that you have to overcome.
The first lies in finding ample space to house your appliance; the second in ensuring that your draining system allows adequate water flow and ventilation.
If you’re looking to install a washing machine in your tiny home, you need to factor in size, cost, and functionality. In addition, you may need to upgrade your ventilation and drainage system in your tiny house laundry room for optimum efficiency.
Can you have a washer and dryer in a tiny house?
You can have a washer and a dryer in a tiny house, though your primary consideration will be the space these large appliances require.
One of the most straightforward options to overcome this problem is to purchase a combined washer/dryer that offers a two-in-one service.
When you have a lot of washing to get through each week, a combined washer/dryer may not be efficient. If this is the case, you can purchase a stackable washer and dryer or explore alternative options for drying your washing, such as folding racks or drawer dryers.
These washer dryers are best suited for your tiny house bathroom.
What is the best tiny house washer dryer?
Doing your weekly laundry loads can be challenging in a tiny home; thankfully, innovators have designed some pretty efficient washer/dryer combos to make your life easier. Here are four options for tiny house washing machines:
1. Samsung Smart 4.5 Cu.ft Washer and Dryer
This front-load washing machine has a closet-depth design which allows you to install it in tight spaces. Its compact design makes it easier to accommodate, and it maintains a good level of functionality. Using its Superspeed settings, you can complete a wash load in less than 30 minutes.
Thanks to VRT technology, noise and vibrations are minimized, and it comes with 12 cycle options to suit your washing needs. It has Wifi technology installed so you can control it from your smartphone and its Energy STAR certificate indicates energy efficiency qualities in the product.
This device has a great balance of features and a simple, compact design that is easier to accommodate than a regular washer/dryer. But, it’s an expensive option, and the seals are prone to mildew, so it may require some maintenance work.
2. Maytag 6.0 Cu.ft Washer and Dryer
This appliance is the go-to washer and dryer for families to get through large amounts of laundry each week.
This machine possesses one of the best load capacities of any model on the market and can do up to three days’ worth of laundry in one go. In addition, its steam function removes wrinkles from your clothes, eliminating the need for ironing.
However, this is one of the bulkier options, with a depth of 30 inches and a height of 43.7 inches. It carries a high price tag and takes over an hour to get through one wash load. But this isn’t too bad when you consider the volume of washing that it’s completing.
3. Conserv 24″ Compact Combo Washer Dryer
This compact washer dryer weighs just 180lbs and comes with impressive features. It is the only combo that offers vented (hot air) or ventless (cold water) options, which you can change seasonally with the flick of a button. Its high spin rate of 1400 rpm extracts more water from your clothing, which reduces the overall drying time – while the cycle operates at low revolutions for a quieter noise level of less than 60dB.
4. Portable Washing Machine TG23
Look no further than the ThinkGizmos dual tub machine for the ultimate lightweight model, which weighs in at just 26.4lbs. This model offers preset cycles that last for around 15 minutes, and it’s super easy to operate.
Another huge benefit is that this machine does not require any plumbing, thanks to its built-in drainage area. Everything you need comes with your purchase, including a lint filter, a water fill hose, and a manual. This is an excellent option for small weekly washloads but does come with a few drawbacks.
Short cycles mean that the quality of the wash is average, and for dirty clothes, you’ll probably have to put them through twice. You have to transfer the washload from one tub to the other manually. This machine isn’t designed for large families or big loads of laundry, but it is a compact and efficient machine for a tiny home.
How to choose a tiny house washer dryer or washing machine
When choosing the best washer drying for your tiny home, there are a few key factors that you’ll want to consider.
Size and dimensions
With size, it’s all about achieving the perfect balance. You’ll want a compact design that can slot into your home easily; at the same time, you’ll want an appliance that is big enough to accommodate your laundry needs each week.
Cost
When factoring in the cost of the tiny house washing machine, you’ll want to consider the long-term investment and the short-term output.
For example, an energy-efficient model might be double or even triple the cost of a standard model. But the energy-efficient model will save money on your monthly power bills and reduce your living costs over time.
Functionality
Finally, the functionality that you require all comes down to your family’s needs. If you live alone or in a couple, a compact, low-capacity machine might be perfectly suitable for your home and provide everything you need.
However, if you have a larger family, you may have to accommodate a larger machine to have the capacity you require.
Alternatives to tiny house washing machines
If you don’t have space for a washing machine in your tiny home, alternative options are available.
Tiny homes weren’t designed with big, bulky machinery (such as washing machines) in mind. But thanks to technological advancements, smart devices now offer many of the services of a traditional machine from a simple handheld device.
Ultrasonic washing machines use ultrasound plus a cleaning solvent to do your laundry. This technology is gentle and can penetrate the difficult to reach areas.
These compact machines can weigh less than 1lb and use 40% less energy than other washing machines.
All you need is a container for washing, water, and detergent. You can use any container for your laundry, plus these handy devices clean up to 4lbs of clothes in one go.
With 50,000 vibrations per second, a portable ultrasonic washer cleans your laundry at a microscopic level. The only drawback is it’s not suitable for big and bulky washloads.
If you’re looking for something a little more substantial that’s not as big as a conventional tiny house washing machine, you can try a manual device. These small machines are perfect for people on a budget who want to decrease their overall energy consumption.
This method is time-consuming and requires physical effort; it can’t take heavy loads, and there is no dryer available. But for small regular loads, this machine is an affordable, eco-friendly option that is good for delicates.
It’s much smaller to accommodate than a full size tiny house washing machine and will save you hundreds of dollars on your power bills.
If you opt for a device that has no drying capacity, there are smart furniture items that you can incorporate into your space to act as a drying area.
Wall-mounted folding racks allow you to double up your kitchen as a laundry. They provide ample drying space for your clothes and can be folded out of sight when not in use.
Other similar products on the market include drawer dryers and hanging rails.
Finally, you can always use the local laundromat if all else fails.
This can be an excellent option if you’re in a fixed property but more challenging for those who travel. Using an external laundry means saving space in your home while getting an effective laundry service.
But, it does also mean that you have to rely on outside sources to get your washing clean each week.
With so many options available, there are no more ways than ever to find an effective method to do the laundry in your tiny home.