Portable Washer and Dryer for Apartments Without Hookups
When it comes to laundry, apartments tend to offer a few different options. Most apartment communities have a shared laundry room. Some apartments also have washer/dryer hookups for private laundry machines, and a rare few communities offer included washers and dryers. The most common option, however, is apartments without hookups.
But what if you want to do private laundry? The best answer is a portable washer and dryer for apartments without hookups. All you'll need is an available power outlet, two hoses, and a little extra floor space.
What is a Portable Washer and Dryer
Portable washers and dryers are designed to work in homes (and any space) that does not have washer/dryer hookups. These compact and efficient appliances allow you to do laundry privately in any location with an outlet and a sink.
- They tend to be designed for apartments and/or RVs, and many are called "compact" washers instead of "portable" in the product names.
- Portable washers are often sold solo, but you can also find portable washer/dryer combos to provide full laundry functionality in your home.
- While there are many styles of portable washers and dryers, they all tend to be small in size and run smaller laundry loads.
How a Portable Washer Works
A portable washer is a small washing machine that can run using only a normal power outlet and a sink with two hoses. One hose is the water inlet line. This connects to the sink faucet, allowing the washer to fill without a dedicated utility water fixture. The second hose is the rain, which you will place pointing down the sink's drain so water can leave the washer safely.
Portable washers allow you to do private laundry loads in apartments without hookups. They will need either a dedicated sink or to be set up each time you want to run a load. Most people with a portable washer keep the hoses attached to the appliance and simply attach and detach the inlet from the sink when it's laundry time.
Portable Camping Washers
There is also a manual variation of the portable washer designed for camping and RVs. They require very small loads and a hand crank. These washers are not recommended as apartment appliances unless you personally find them fun or want to handle your hand-wash laundry in this fashion.
Portable Washer/Dryer Combos
For a more complete private laundry setup, you can purchase a portable washer and dryer unit. Portable dryers are rarely sold alone, so these are often an attached set. The most common arrangement is a compact stack with the dryer on top. You will need two available outlet plugs and the tpyical two hoses for your portable washer.
- Note: Portable washers that claim to dry in the same unit have a very efficient spin cycle. They do not actually dry clothes.
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Best Portable Washers and Dryers for Apartments Without Hookups
GE Portable Washer & Portable Electric Dryer Set
- Stacking portable washer and dryer combo
- Larger load capacity
- Wheels for positioning
- 2 units and stacking kit sold separately
Black & Decker Small Portable Washer
- Elegant appliance design
- Efficient Spin cycle
- Lightweight and rollable
Magic Chef Compact Top Load Washer
- Simple top loader design
- Digital control panel
- Viewing window
How Much Space Does a Portable Washer Require?
Portable washers are fairly small, about the size of a dishwasher or even smaller. This allows you to fit a portable washer into a tidy apartment floorplan. Some portable washers have wheels, so they function much like a "floating island". They can be rolled out when it's time to do laundry and then tucked into a less accessible storage space between laundry loads.
Portable washers are often called "compact" washers precisely because they are efficiently sized. You can enjoy private laundry in your apartment without taking up a significant amount of extra space.
Drying with Just a Portable Washer
If you choose to get a portable washing machine without the dryer, naturally you will need an alternative drying option. The usual solution is a drying rack or, if permitted, a clothes line on your apartment patio/balcony.
The spin cycle of your portable washer will leave clothes damp but not dripping, which is ideal for a drying rack set up inside your apartment. The small size of the washer loads also makes indoor drying manageable with just a few clothing items to hang on the drying rack.
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Personalize Your Apartment in Grandview, MO
If you are looking for an apartment in Grandview, MO, you will find beautiful floorplans and a welcoming community at Arbors of Grandview. There is a sunny and well-maintained shared laundry room for all residents and you can choose to incorporate a portable washer/dryer in your apartment for private laundry as well. Contact us to ask about availability, book a tour, and get answers to any questions you may have.