Many people today live in small apartments, therefore, creating conditions suitable for themselves, they come up with a variety of moves. The question arises: where and how to place a washing machine if space is limited? There are enough ideas, you just have to turn them into reality.
A washing machine above the toilet in the toilet (photos of examples are in our article) is original, convenient, and does not take up space. But before deciding on such a project, it is worth understanding this issue in its entirety. It will be necessary not only to prepare the equipment itself, but also a place where everything will work fully.
How to prepare everything?
A washing machine above the toilet is a forced decision. Therefore, if there really is no room, then this will work. If you have free space, you should not experiment for various reasons:
- Installation is not as easy as it seems at first glance due to limited space.
- Before installation, you will need to mount a reliable structure, since the device is heavy.
- When doing laundry, it is not always convenient to use the toilet for its intended purpose.
- The machine can break down, so even a minor malfunction will require removal and diagnostics. Well, then you have to put it back. This is not an easy procedure.
But these are only minor points. Once the decision is made, the installation process begins. The first is the choice of location. You need to find out what size the machine is. The back wall of the toilet is also measured, and the passage of all pipes and hoses should be taken into account. When installing a washing machine above a toilet, you should give preference to narrow models, otherwise the device will simply stick out and get in the way. Although sometimes they just take the toilet out forward. But this is an additional expense of time and money.
Option to install a washing machine in the toilet behind the toilet
One of the site visitors sent two photographs and a letter with the following content:
"Good afternoon! When renovating an apartment (toilet, bathtub), I encountered the problem of lack of space to install an automatic washing machine. I spent a long time studying people’s experiences (including those posted on your website) and eventually made a completely individual version. If you post it on your website, I think we will help some people decide on the option of installing a washing machine. Thank you!"
I liked the option of placing an automatic washing machine in a niche behind the toilet, implemented by a site visitor, as it allowed me to install a washing machine without taking up additional space in the toilet or bathroom.
The only drawback of this option is the difficulty of placing the washing machine on a small pedestal due to the interfering toilet and cistern. But the washing machine is installed once for many years and you can live with it.
How to create a reliable design?
Once the basic measurements are completed (width, depth and height), it's time to build a secure shelf. To ensure maximum reliability, craftsmen recommend using a metal corner of 40 as a basis. During the spin process, vibration will occur, and not every design will withstand this. And there are several nuances here:
- You need to cut several pieces depending on the size of the washing machine.
- The first section is mounted to the wall just above the toilet cistern. The second one is also against the wall, but parallel to the first one and slightly lower.
- Next you need to create the frame. To do this, two small corners are welded to the first one in a perpendicular position. After which they are connected by another piece, this will be the frame.
- To increase endurance, the same supports are welded at the bottom.
As a result, thanks to minor manipulations, you get a shelf that can withstand maximum loads. Everyone understands that in the process they will have to purchase iron corners. Fasteners must be no less reliable. If you don’t have a welding machine or experience working with it, then the help of a specialist is a must. It’s simply not worth creating any other shelf. If the machine falls, a lot of things will break.
After the shelf is created, it is allowed to place the washing machine above the toilet. This procedure is not easy - it will be difficult or even impossible for one person to do. Already at the planning stage, it is better to find yourself an assistant so as not to waste time.
Typical device and operating features
The devices of wall-mounted washing machines on the market are similar to each other. The pioneer in this market niche was the DWD-CV701 model; it went on sale in 2012 and has already confidently won an army of fans. Those who managed to purchase a compact device note some shortcomings, but are generally satisfied.
The Korean company Daewoo managed to surprise customers not only with the mounting features of the new washing machine, but also with a fairly wide range of functionality
The first washing machine is made in the form of a shiny parallelepiped with rounded corners - in the best futuristic traditions. The drum is loaded from the front, and the door is made of transparent plastic, through which silver parts are visible. It looks like a porthole.
Light shiny surfaces optically expand the space, and even a small bathroom seems larger and cleaner. The design of the model is ideal for rooms decorated in modern, high-tech, and minimalist styles.
The weight of the washing machine is between 16-18 kg. Even taking into account laundry and water, it cannot be heavier than 50-60 kg. This simplifies installation and allows the wall-mounted machine to be installed above plumbing fixtures. The fastenings are reliable, but if they suddenly fail, then if the device falls, the damage will be minimal
Ease of use is an important factor. If the machine is installed on the wall, taking into account the owner’s height, it is much easier to load laundry into it than into a floor-standing model. In addition, the weight of things does not exceed 3 kg, which makes the task easier.
The compartments for washing powder and conditioner in Daewoo units are shaped like spoons, making them very convenient for dosing bulk and liquid products.
The manufacturing company took care of the safety of customers and thought through a child protection system. It is turned on by pressing the “Program” plus “Rinse” and “Spin” buttons and holding them for 5 seconds.
When connecting, you need to pay attention to the location of the drain hose. There is no pump in the mounted mini-machine; the water drains by gravity. If the hose is pinched, the operation of the device will be impaired.
The functionality includes several programs. As a rule, there is a wash in cold water, a cycle for children's and delicate items, cycles for cotton at +40°C and +60°C.
You can run the device without washing - only in rinse and spin mode (700-800 rpm). After washing, things remain damp, but water does not drain from them. Some mini-washers have a hygienic drum cleaning option.
The wall-hung model is perfect as an additional washing machine (and this is the best option), but in many cases it can be used as the main one
Bonuses for picky buyers are the silent operation of the inverter motor, almost complete absence of vibration and the honeycomb coating of the drum, which protects delicate fabrics. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rating of full-size inverter washing machines.
Over time, Daewoo has diversified the range of wall-mounted units, the quality of washing has improved, the design has changed slightly, and options for delaying start and hygienic cleaning of the drum have been added. The features of different models, their functionality and user reviews are displayed in the rating of wall-mounted washing machines.
Communications supply
Installing and creating a shelf is just the first stage. When the first step is taken, you need to think through the entire process of water entering and draining. In addition, electricity supply is not the last thing. To prevent short circuits, the toilet must have a moisture-resistant socket. Few people have it, so you have to make it. Installing a washing machine over a toilet is a multi-step process, and you don't want to miss anything.
A high-quality wire protected from moisture is laid from the shield. The socket itself is mounted in the right place, the wires go into the cable channel. Already through the machine the current is supplied to the socket. Be sure to check the functionality of the outlet. To check, you can use special equipment or simply turn on something. Not everyone has electrician skills, even minimal ones; when there is not enough experience, it is better to call a specialist. The cost of this type of service is small, but the quality will be good.
Pros and cons of a mounted unit
A mini wall-mounted washing machine has several significant advantages over its floor-standing counterparts:
- Quiet operation . One of the main complaints about washing machines is the loud noise during the spin cycle. The wall-mounted model makes sounds when operating, but they cannot be heard in the next room. You can do laundry at any time of the day without the risk of waking up your family.
- No vibration . Another problem that washing machine owners face is vibration. For a suspended model this would be truly dangerous, because... the structure may simply fall off the wall during the spin cycle. To minimize vibration, the developers of mini-units used special seals.
- Easy to clean. Floor-standing models eliminate the possibility of cleaning underneath them. To clean the floors, I had to move bulky equipment. There are no such difficulties with a suspended structure: nothing interferes with general cleaning.
- Ease of loading . To put laundry in the machine or get it out after washing, you don’t have to bend over, which is inconvenient, and it’s also painful for older people with bad backs or pregnant women. If you install the mini-machine correctly, you can load things with maximum comfort.
- Economical . Washing programs are reduced, so water and energy consumption is minimal.
- Ergonomic design . The models are compact and stylish looking. The design is designed so that the device does not clutter up the space, and thanks to the rounded corners it is impossible to get hurt on the machine.
The disadvantages include a small drum volume and not the highest quality of washing. Such models are really not suitable for a large family, and they wash and spin sometimes worse than floor-standing machines of class A. But small-format equipment is indispensable if you need to quickly put things in order after a working day.
By and large, the main disadvantage of a wall-mounted washing machine is its high cost. Poor people who don’t have to wash things in large quantities can afford such a purchase.
Installation and connection may be difficult. It is difficult to install a mini-machine yourself, even despite its low weight and the presence of manufacturer’s instructions. There are few specialists with experience in such work, because the model appeared recently and is not particularly popular. This automatically leads to an increase in the cost of the service.
The compact electric assistant is ideal for a bachelor's apartment. Single people who keep their house in order rarely accumulate mountains of laundry. They usually prefer to wash things as they get dirty. The drum volume is sufficient for a set of casual clothes or bed linen.
In small apartments, sometimes there is not a single extra square centimeter, and there is simply nowhere to install a washing machine. A wall model can be a real salvation
The hanging model is indispensable for families with small children, where mothers have to wash soiled things after every walk. However, you can hardly rely solely on the mounted baby. It is advisable to also have a voluminous standard model for washing bedspreads, bed linen, and blankets.
Water connection
The main thing is to supply the water correctly. The article contains a photo of a washing machine above the toilet - they more clearly show what the main work looks like. Water is supplied as follows:
- The water supply in the apartment is turned off. There is a special tap for this. In its absence, the entire house will have to be dehydrated.
- The pipe is cut. It is convenient if it is metal-plastic. When it is metal, you have to perform welding work. A tee tap must be installed in the cut.
- Afterwards, a hose is fixed into it to run water to the machine. While nothing is done, it is left as is.
Next you need to create a drain of dirty water into the sewer. It is important here that a siphon effect does not occur. To do this, the pipe must be at the required height. What it is? If this situation occurs, then all the dirty water from the sewer will begin to flow into the machine. Therefore, everything must be done with special care.
Once this is done, the machine is lifted onto the shelf. To prevent it from moving forward during the spin process, an iron bar is fixed in front of it. Many people believe that the external appearance of such a structure is unattractive, but everyone has the right to make it more suitable, cover it with available materials or paint it. Do not be afraid that any fasteners may fall off during work. When everything is done according to the recommendations, the structure is strong and rigid.
Features of operation and installation rules
A mini hanging washing machine works the same as a standard floor washing machine. The only difference for the user is the location of the device. As a rule, manufacturers include detailed operating instructions with additional installation illustrations.
Daewoo has made sure that customers use the machine correctly. The instructions contain a detailed list of components with their images. It's impossible to get confused
When installing, you should follow several rules:
- Be sure to check the model's equipment. The technical documentation describes and depicts the necessary parts. All of them, including mounting anchor bolts, must be included.
- Install the suspended model on a solid wall . Although the machine itself weighs little, it cannot be attached to plasterboard partitions. It may break during operation.
- Follow the instructions when connecting to the water supply. Make sure that the water supply system is working perfectly and only then connect the machine. Use hoses, hose fitting.
- Consider the specifics. A short hose is provided for connecting to the sewer, so the distance should be short.
- Take care of your comfort. Install a U-shaped drain elbow. This will prevent the occurrence of unpleasant odors during washing.
As practice shows, for reliable fastening it is better to use chemical anchors. However, they will have to be purchased separately, since they are often not provided in the standard configuration.
People's opinions
Often the washing machine is placed above the toilet. Reviews are both positive and negative. The advantages are:
- Space saving.
- You can't hear the work as the washing is happening in the toilet.
But that, unfortunately, is where it all ends. Therefore, such work should be performed only in extreme cases. Because there are more negative sides:
- Labor intensive installation process.
- Probability of falling.
- It is inconvenient to combine washing and visiting the restroom, etc.
And people implement such projects only in the saddest cases, when there is no place at all. Today there are many old apartments with poor layout and limited space, so such ideas are adopted by skilled craftsmen.
Bathroom shelves
If you couldn’t fit an automatic washing machine (WMA) under the sink, you can still save space. Many users use the lids of their washing machines as a surface for placing bath accessories, microwaves, kettles and other items - despite the prohibition in the instructions.
Look up and see wasted space - above the washing machine. Why not add a few shelves here? Or even a small locker? It turns out that this idea has long been picked up by manufacturers - they offer ready-made solutions that differ both in design and in materials of manufacture.
Varieties
Shelves above the SMA can be made:
- Open. They do not have doors; any object is easy to reach.
- Closed. If you are annoyed by the color cacophony of mismatched jars and bottles, you can hide them behind the shelf doors. By combining the shelves with common walls and doors, you get a wall cabinet with shelves.
Suitable materials:
- Plastic. The shelves are not afraid of moisture and are cheap. But not strong enough. And most importantly, mold can grow on plastic. It is recommended to choose perforated products - then moisture will not collect on the surfaces.
- Metal. Durable and stylish. But you only need to choose coated metal that is not susceptible to corrosion. Stainless steel and chrome-plated metal are suitable. For interiors in Provence and country styles, forged versions, as well as bronze products, may be suitable.
- Ceramics and glass. These are usually small decorative items. They are not afraid of moisture, but are very fragile. As a rule, ceramics and glass are used together with wood or metal.
- Tree. Fiberboard and MDF sheets are most suitable - they are durable, light, and look respectable. Minus - susceptible to moisture. But you can use wood impregnated with special compounds that repel moisture.
The shelves are attached - in the bathroom or in the kitchen, using hinges, brackets and corners. Also, shelves can be a single structure united by common components.
The cabinets above the washing machine can have different designs - the imagination of the creators is not limited by anything, you only have to take into account the cost of materials and the size of the room. The cabinet can be made:
- Mounted. This is the simplest option. By making it deeper, you can even hide meters or communications in it.
- Free standing. In appearance it looks like a cabinet. The shelves are combined by side walls into a single whole.
- Floor. This is essentially a shelving unit with open shelves. An example of such a solution is in the photo below.
Combined bathroom
If you have already combined a bathroom with a toilet or are just planning to do so, then the washing machine will fit perfectly into the new interior. In this case, your room area will increase, and it will not be necessary to push the washing machine under the sink. It can also be placed separately, covered with a tabletop, which at the same time will act as an ironing board.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
The main problems arise when there is increased vibration in a running machine. The appliance may bounce or move across the floor. First of all, the user must determine the reason for this behavior of the laundry washing device. Let's consider the possible options:
- transport fasteners were not removed before installing the equipment;
- uneven floor, which leads to the machine swaying;
- a perfectly smooth and slippery floor covering (in this case, you need to install a rubber mat under the legs).
The simplest problem is considered to be twisting clothes into a lump. In this case, you need to turn off the device, distribute the laundry evenly and turn on the spin mode. A specialist can deal with technical problems, these include:
- damage to shock absorbers;
- wear of the springs on which the tank is fixed;
- destruction of the drum bearing.
Any user can connect household appliances to utilities and a power supply source. If you have the necessary tools, this will not take much time. After installing the washing machine, carry out a test run without laundry. The machine can be used if no extraneous sounds occur during the first start-up.
DIY rack
Don’t want to spend money on ready-made furniture, or maybe you have your own ideas? Then you can design or make shelves yourself. Home craftsmen can easily cope with the task - the main thing is to find a suitable material - durable and moisture-resistant.
Preparation of the drawing
Let's consider an example of creating a rack - a simple and affordable design. Start by drawing up a drawing. Only by making an accurate calculation will it be possible to purchase materials. In the drawing, reflect the exact dimensions - height, width and depth of the structure. The dimensions will depend on the size of the washing machine - it must fit completely into the niche of the rack. Choose the height at your discretion. But keep in mind that an excessively high structure will be unstable and bulky.
The width of the rack should be 3–4 cm larger than the width of the machine.
Preparation of materials
To create a rack you will need the following tools and materials:
- Chipboard. There must be a moisture-proof coating. The PVC layer allows the use of chipboard for furniture installed in the bathroom. It is not recommended to use laminated MDF sheets - they will swell from moisture and lose their original appearance
- Metal corner.
- Self-tapping screws.
- Four legs.
- Screwdriver or screwdriver.
- Marker and tape measure.
How to assemble?
Assembly order:
- Referring to the drawing, mark the materials and cut out the parts. So, if the rack has dimensions (HxWxD) 250 x 45 x 64 cm, the following parts will be needed:
- 2 side panels 247 x 45 cm;
- 4 shelves 64 x 45 cm;
- top panel 67 x 45 cm;
- bottom lintel 67 x 10 cm.
- Assemble the finished parts using self-tapping screws and corners. First attach the roof and bottom lintel. At a distance of 85.5 cm, fasten the first shelf, after 38.5 cm - 3 more pieces.
- Screw the legs to the side walls. That's it - the rack is ready.
Installing a glass shelf
If there is no space for a rack, limit yourself to the simplest solution - make a glass shelf above the machine. It won’t fit many accessories, but it certainly won’t be superfluous. Buy a glass shelf at any construction market; your task is to install it correctly. The width of the glass must be at least 0.4 cm. Glass installed in bathrooms must be covered with a special film.
Make fastenings from aluminum profiles or decorative holders. To attach them to tiled walls, you will need a drill. But do not turn on the hammer drill mode. Insert dowels into the holes made, and holders into them. Secure the glass surface and the job is complete.
Thanks to the shelves installed above the washing machines, it is possible to obtain significant space for useful items and accessories. In addition, by browsing the assortment of online stores and showing your imagination, you can enliven the room with interesting interior solutions.
Review of ready-made solutions
Go to any online store of functional furniture, and you will be presented with dozens of models designed for installation above the washing machine. Especially popular are cabinets with many compartments and linen baskets.
Pillar cabinet
Pillar cabinet - ideal for the bathroom. The machine is protected from moisture. The shelves are open and closed, the latter are adjustable in height. It is easy to hide detergents - powders, conditioners, etc. behind the doors; small but important items used daily can be placed in plain sight. The size is designed for a full-size SMA with a width of 60 cm. Material - laminated MDF.
Algot 8 - model from Ikea
You can assemble a variety of combinations from ALGOT series items. In the photo there is a whole wall-mounted module with a pull-out laundry basket. You can make one or two baskets - the module is assembled taking into account the characteristics of the room and the needs of the user. Here, in addition to shelves, there is also a convenient clothes dryer. If there is no dryer in the machine, then small items can be dried on the shelves - no water gets on the cover of the SMA. A variety of materials were used in the manufacture of module components - chipboard, galvanized steel, polypropylene.
Floor cabinet from Leroy Merlin
An elegant solution, laconic and functional. It is possible to save space and create convenient places to store towels, linen, and toiletries. Width - 64 cm. A full-size washing machine with a width of 60 cm will fit here. The design does not depend on the parameters of the load-bearing wall; it can be moved from place to place. The bottom is open at the front and back. The floor cabinet allows you to hide all communications necessary to connect the washing machine.
Mounted version from Vod-Ok
Household wall-mounted module with a niche. This option will be appropriate both in the bathroom and in the kitchen - if it fits into the interior. Made from MDF and chipboard. You can hide a lot of useful things in a niche. The width is designed for a full-size device. The manufacturer also offers a variation with a pull-out laundry basket.
What other options are there?
In cramped conditions, when there is no extra space, SMA owners try in different ways to save space, using the space above the machine. To do this, other household appliances are placed above the device. For example, an oven. A horizon is placed between the washing machine and the oven, located in a single module . True, the oven should be induction - not heated. The same solution will be useful when placing a dryer above a washing machine.
Another solution, simple and practical, is a built-in wardrobe above the SMA. It's easy to do it yourself. Let's look at an example of creating wooden shelves on your own.
