Nowadays, it is a difficult task to clean and dry clothes due to the lack of space in apartments. Even if they space, it’s hard to get sufficient sunlight to dry them completely. As a result, clothes become smelly and the material starts to decay. Moreover, laundry hook-ups are another big issue that makes new shifters worry about their piled-up laundry. It’s not always possible to go for paid laundry as it might empty your pockets in a few days.
So what’s the solution? Portable washing machine and dryers. This space-saving gadget is truly designed for small apartments with insufficient laundry space. There are different portable washers and dryers. Furthermore, they have different pros and cons. Here’s a detailed guide that might be helpful before choosing your first portable washers and dryers for apartments without hookups.
Types of portable washers and dryers
Washer and dryer combo units
A compact washer and dryer combo gives the facility of both dryers and washing machines in one place. This is a space-saving solution for small apartments. The best feature about this gadget is that it washes and dries dirty clothes in the same drum. Thus, there is no need to use a separate dryer which again saves a lot of space and time.
However, one of its drawbacks is that it has a smaller loading space and takes longer than separate machines.
Portable washing machines
Portable washing machines are one of the most comfortable options for new apartment seekers. This takes up a small space as these are stand-alone units. Portable washing machines are mainly for washing clothes. Dryers are not available with them. Portable washing machines are usually top-loading, so it can be performed using any standard faucet like a kitchen faucet. These are flexible to use and very convenient as they provide a larger space for washing. Moreover, Portable washing machines are an affordable choice for dwellers.
The disadvantages of portable washers are that they need a separate dryer to dry clothes. This option is best for those with sufficient drying space for clothes. Furthermore, it has a limited capacity for cleaning clothes. Bulky and big items might not fit in there.
Ventless dryers
Ventless dryers work without any external venting. They are designed in such a way that is very suitable for apartments with limited space. Ventless dryers are usually paired up with portable washing machines. Their work is to dry up clothes after they are washed in a machine. Venting Dryers use condensation or heat pump methods to dry washed wet clothes. However, besides being used with portable washers, venting Dryers can also be paired with compact washers and dryers combo. These dryers save energy and provide energy-efficient drying.
However, these dryers are a little pricier than vented dryers. Moreover, it also takes a bit longer to dry wash clothes as compared to vented ones. These are some of the cons of ventless dryers.
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Portable Washer and Dryer for Apartments Without Hookups
Various factors need to be taken care of before picking the best option for your apartment. Based on space, water supply, electricity, etc. All these need to be considered before buying your first portable washers and dryers.
Features required:-
Before buying your first portable washer and dryer, you need to do thorough research about its features. The special features it provides need to match your requirements. For instance, nowadays washers and dryers come with special child locks which prevent any incidents from occurring if you have children at home. Moreover, washers come with multiple spin cycles. Thus, if you consider multiple spin cycles over a single spin you need to search for this option before choosing one. You can choose this feature depending on the material of your clothes.
Energy requirements:
CEF( Combined Energy Factor) and IWF( Integrated Water Factor) are the two matrices based on which the performance is judged for Energystar-rated washers and dryers. Energy star-rated models are best for saving up electricity and money too.
Noise cancellation:
portable washers and dryers come with a helpful feature that reduces the noise produced while washing. This is another effective feature for small apartments as they have little space there and mechanical sound might be an irritant. So this factor also needs to be considered before picking up the right washer.
Space and portability:
Washers and dryers should be picked based on the space available in the apartments. Nowadays, Washers and dryers come in different sizes, thus one can easily pick them based on their requirements. Portability is another option that has to be kept in mind. Apartment dwellers are always in search of a better option to move in. It will be better to choose washers and dryers with wheels to avoid future inconvenience.
Tips to keep in mind while using Portable Washers and Dryers
Firstly, Use the detergent as recommended in the manual. It is very important to use appropriate detergent for effective washing.
Secondly, in case you are using a ventless dryer, make sure to have proper ventilation to avoid humidity.
Thirdly, clean your washer and dryer regularly. To maintain proper performance of the gadget it is important to clean all the parts regularly.
Fourthly, an overloading machine with clothes might disrupt its function. So it’s better not to try to overfill it beyond its capacity.
Lastly, place your washer in a place so that it makes minimum vibrations and inconvenience while performing.
Conclusion
This space-saver gadget is a boon for today’s lifestyle. Hence before choosing a portable washing machine and dryer consider remembering the tips given above. Moreover, keep your washer clean for its longer lifespan. Also, make sure to look for different features that suit your requirements as well. Whether you go for a compact washer and dryer combo or a stand-alone washer and dryer, it’s completely based on the user’s convenience. So decorate your home with a new member which will be an amazing helping hand on tired stressful days.
