Are washing machines waterproof? (Here’s what you should know)
There are many instances where you may have to place your washing machine outside of your rooms due to a lack of adequate space or other reasons.
But did you know that your washing machine may not be completely safe when exposed to water or other harsh conditions?
In fact, you risk reducing the lifespan of your washing machine.
Is washing machine waterproof?
Washing machines are not waterproof because they have some inbuilt components (motor and control panel) that will damage or rust. It may not be very easy for water to get to these but continuous exposure to water will slowly get to them and they will rust over time.
Even though washing machines made of metals have special coatings to protect them from deteriorating due to water, with time, they will give up, especially when they are scratched or exposed to direct sunlight.
Although washing machines are not waterproof from the outside, they are completely waterproof on the inside.
In this article, we will discuss what you should know to protect your washing machine from deteriorating due to exposure to water (rain, flood etc)
Table of Contents
Is there a waterproof washing machine?
There is no 100% waterproof washing machine. All washing machines are waterproof on the inside but they aren’t waterproof on the outside. The outside housing is not designed to withstand constant exposure to water and there are also electrical components that may be affected when exposed to water.
What does waterproof mean on a washing machine?
Waterproof on a washing machine means that it is completely waterproof only from the inside. The outer drum that houses the inner drum where you put your clothes is waterproof and watertight preventing water from leaking out of the washer through the drum.
How long can a washing machine stay in water?
The average time a washing machine is expected to last during usage is 10-25 years. The actual lasting time depends on a number of factors such as the washing machine brand, the frequency of use, and the loading you input into the washing machine. So your washing could last longer or shorter than the duration given above.
Frequently keeping your washing machine in water will only further reduce the life expectancy of your washing machine by a couple of years depending on the actual exposure conditions.
Pro tip: As much as possible keep your washing machine well shaded from sunlight and rain. If you have to keep it outside, then make sure to keep it under a form of a shed or provide a waterproof cover over it and create tiny holes in the cover to allow for the evaporation of moisture.
Check out how long washing machine shock absorbers last.
Where should a washing machine be placed?
You may be wondering if there’s the best place to place your washing machine. The truth is, there isn’t one particular place where you are supposed to place your washing machine. Where you place your washing machine actually depends on the available space you have in your home, the plumbing configuration in your home(especially for automatic washers), and how much extra work you’re willing to do after choosing a particular place to place it.
However, these are some areas in your home you can consider placing your washing machine if you can accommodate it:
In a room dedicated to laundry:
During the design and construction of your house, if there was a particular room that was designed especially for laundry, then that may be the best position to place your washing machine.
This is because configurations for plumbing and electrical works are already planned and fixed to accommodate your washing machine. Hence you wouldn’t need to spend any additional time and money to locate your washing machine.
Read Also: What is “washing machine air dry”? (Explained for beginners)
In the Pantry, Bathroom, and Kitchen:
The kitchen and bathrooms may be very good positions to place your washing machine. This is because these rooms usually have already fixed utilities such as plumbing and electrical.
These are some of the places in your kitchen, pantry, or bathroom your can place your washing machine; Under the wash hand basin counter below the kitchen counter, below the staircase, in a cupboard, and inside a shower stall.
Basement:
Your basement may be a great place to place your washing machine aside from your laundry room, kitchen, and bathroom. You’ll have good access to utilities and in case of a flood, you may not have to worry so much.
The issue with placing your washing machine in the basement may be that you’ll need to carry your laundry up and down the stairs and also have to keep close attention to the machine since you may hardly hear when it completes a cycle.
Also, if you don’t have any free space upstairs then the basement will be a sure bet.
Related article: Washing machine drain requirements
Can rain damage washing machine?
The simple answer is yes, rain can damage your washing machine. Will your washing machine survive in rain? It depends. Your washing machine is made of components that will break down when exposed to water such as the motor.
You’re going to damage your washing machine if you leave it to be rained on. Heavy and long exposure will render it either not repairable or so expensive to repair. You may be able to repair it if it’s just a drizzle.
Whatever the case, consult your appliance repairer for the best advice on whether you should repair it or get it replaced. In short, never leave your washing machine outside to the mercy of the rains.
Read also: LG Waterproof Cycle? (When And How To Use It)
How to protect outdoor washer and dryer
If it becomes absolutely necessary to keep your washing machine or dryer outside, you need to take measures to protect it from contact with rain.
You can invest in a thick tarpaulin to cover your washing machine after use or when it’s about to rain. Tarpaulins and similar covers are usually not breathable so there is the need if possible to create very tiny holes at the bottom on the sides to allow moisture to evaporate.
Alternatively, you can purchase a washing machine cover that already has holes that allow for moisture to evaporate. This will prevent any possible rusting or molds.
