Your Cart
£0.00
Is The Kitchen The Best Place For Your Washing Machine?
Your washing machine is used a lot. From cleaning work and school uniforms to fuzzy pyjamas, it’s an essential appliance for keeping your family looking their best. With laundry being such an important task, you deserve to have your washing machine in the best location possible. But where is that?
Most people in the UK, and a few other countries, usually keep their washing machine in the kitchen. This is quite normal for us, however others find this location weird, or even disgusting!
In this article we’ll discuss the pros and cons of possible washing machine locations, including the kitchen. In the end, the decision is yours.
Where should you put your washing machine?
There are a few options of where you could put your washing machine, depending on a couple of factors. For example, you could put your washing machine in the kitchen, bathroom, utility room, cupboard, or garage.
The Kitchen
Pros
- Lack of space elsewhere
- Convenient
- Multitask
- Plumbing access
- Integrated design
- Noise Control
Cons
- Limited space
- Noise pollution
- Increased humidity
- Odours
- Risk of cross-contamination with food
Bathroom
Pros
- Space saver
- Plumbing access
- Out of the way
- Convenient
Cons
- Increased bathroom traffic
- Added moisture
- Noise pollution
- Limited space
- Lack of electrical outlets
Utility Room
Pros
- Space saver
- Dedicated space
- Out of the way
- Noise control
- Storage
Cons
- Space requirements
- Lack of electrical outlets
- Lack of plumbing access
- Limited multitasking
Cupboard
Pros
- Space saver
- Concealment
- Noise control
- Accessible
- Plumbing access*
Cons
- Limited space
- Ventilation
- Accessibility challenges
- Lack of electrical outlets
- Plumbing access*
*Plumbing access will either be a pro or a con depending on the location of your cupboard and pipes.
Garage
Pros
- Space saver
- Noise control
- Easy clean-up
Cons
- Condensation
- Ventilation
- Extreme temperatures
- Dirty floors and surfaces
- Out of the way
- Plumbing access
Is a washing machine a kitchen appliance?
Kitchens are known for being a place to store and prepare food, so it can be difficult to see a non-food appliance as a kitchen appliance. However, because they’re most commonly found in the kitchen, at least in the UK, they are classified as a kitchen appliance.
To answer this question further though, we’ll address some common questions regarding washing machines in the kitchen.
Where is the best place to put my washing machine?
The best place to put your washing machine will depend on personal preference and the layout of your home. For example, you may prefer to have your washing machine in a dedicated laundry room. But if you don’t have this space, the next best place may be your kitchen.
To decide which place is the best for you, you should first weigh the pros and cons of each potential room. From here you can figure out which would be the best for you.
Many countries, such as Germany, put their washing machine in the bathroom. This does actually make a lot of sense. Plumbing is readily available, you can throw your dirty clothes straight in after a shower, and it saves space elsewhere in the home. But this often isn’t practical in the UK.
In the UK, electrical sockets must be at least 3 metres away from a water source. This makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to connect a washing machine in the bathroom. Furthermore, even if this wasn’t the case, bathrooms here are often quite small, leaving little space for such a large appliance.
Garages and cupboards are a few other options for setting up a washing machine. However, they do come with quite a few cons. For example, it’s likely that neither of these spaces are set up to accommodate a washing machine. Therefore plumbing and electrical work would need to be done just to get it working. And then once it is set up, there are practicality issues when it comes to accessing your washing machine, ensuring proper ventilation, and other issues that make it just a little less convenient.
Why is the kitchen the best room for a washing machine?
Most people in the UK have their washing machine in the kitchen. If they don’t have it in the kitchen it’s usually because they have a separate utility room. It would be very uncommon to find a washing machine in any other room.
Because of the issues with other rooms, keeping your washing machine in either your kitchen or utility room simply makes sense here in the UK. And with a lot of homes not having a utility room, or many people needing to use their utility room for storage or other purposes, the kitchen naturally becomes the go to location.
There are still some downsides to keeping your washing machine in the kitchen. For example, they can be quite noisy which can be disruptive whilst you’re cooking or conversing. They can also produce unpleasant odours if they are not cleaned properly. And finally, some find it gross or unsanitary to keep it in the same room that food is prepared. It’s possible that food could fall into your clean laundry, or dirty washing could be left on your kitchen side.
However, there are solutions to minimise these problems. For example, you can purchase a machine with a certified Quiet Mark to keep noise pollution to a minimum. You can also purchase an integrated washing machine, so that you’re able to conceal it behind a door and further reduce the noise and spread of smells. Finally, with good cleaning practices and organisation, you can minimise the risk of cross-contamination between your laundry and your food.
Can you have 2 washing machines?
Yes, you can have 2 washing machines. But, you do need to ensure you have the correct equipment to set them up, and of course have the space.
Some people may need another washing machine due to having large amounts of laundry, or need a separate washing machine for particular loads. When this is the case, getting a second washing machine is the perfect solution.
To fit a second washing machine, you can use a dual tap connector. Be sure to buy one of good quality to avoid problems. We recommended a heavy duty brass one with ball valves. With this, you will be able to connect both machines to the same water source. Keep in mind that if you run these washing machines simultaneously, it will take longer for the washing machines to fill.
How do I use 2 washing machines at the same time?
Materials You’ll Need:
- Dual tap connector (also known as a Y-splitter or dual hose connector)
- Two washing machines
- Two washing machine hoses (if not included with the machines)
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- PTFE tape (optional)
Step One: Shut Off the Water Supply
Before you begin, turn off the water supply at the main water valve.
Step Two: Position the Dual Tap Connector
Locate the water tap. Take the Y-splitter or dual hose connector, which should have one inlet and two outlets. The inlet is where you’ll connect the single end of the Y-splitter to the water tap.
Step Three: Attach the Dual Tap Connector
Connect the washing machine hoses to the dual tap connector’s two outlets. Use an adjustable wrench or pliers to tighten the connections securely. If the threads are prone to leaks, you can wrap them with PTFE tape before attaching the hoses.
Step Four: Connect Washing Machines
Attach the other end of each washing machine hose to the respective washing machine.
Step Five: Secure the Hoses
Double-check that all hose connections are tightened securely to prevent leaks. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the hoses or connectors.
Step 6: Turn On the Water Supply:
Carefully turn on the main water supply valve to restore water flow to the washing machines.
Step 7: Run the Washing Machines:
Set each washing machine to the desired wash cycle, and start them simultaneously. Ensure that both machines receive water without any issues. Keep an eye on the hoses and connections during the initial operation to check for any leaks. Remember that it will take longer for the washing machines to fill when running at the same time.
Step 8: Monitor Operation:
While the machines are running, check their performance to ensure they both fill, agitate, and drain properly. If you notice any issues, such as insufficient water supply or leaks, stop the machines and address the problem.
Step 9: Maintenance:
Regularly inspect the hoses, connectors, and the dual tap connector for any signs of wear, leaks, or damage. Replace any damaged components promptly to avoid water damage and ensure smooth operation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best location for your washing machine depends on your personal preferences and the layout of your home. While the kitchen is a common choice in the UK due to practicality and plumbing considerations, other rooms like the bathroom, utility room, or even a cupboard or garage may also be options.
We’re always more than happy to help with any washing machine questions you may have. You can contact a friendly member of our expert term on 0115 965 1937.
