Why are washing machines kept in the kitchen? (Explained)
If you find yourself in many parts of America and Europe, it may be normal to see washing machines being kept in the bathroom or other utility rooms.
However, you may be wondering why washing machines are kept in the kitchen in other places like most British homes.
Here is why washing machines are kept in the kitchen:
Washing machines are kept in the kitchens due to a lack of space in homes. Also, most houses are old and predate a lot of kitchen appliances and traditional homes don’t have enough room in bathrooms to accommodate a washing machine.
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Which countries keep their washing machines in the kitchen?
The foremost country that comes to mind when talking about keeping washing machines in the kitchen is Britain.
But aside from Britain, some other countries do keep their washing machines in the kitchen such as Malaysia and China.
Most modern-day homes have enough space in the bathrooms that accommodates their washing machines. It is also common to have many homes dedicating a separate room for laundry.
Where is the best place to place your washing machine?
Choosing a place to keep your washing machine largely depends on the plumbing and electrical requirements, the size of your home, and of course, your choice.
These are 7 clever places you can choose to keep your washing machine at home:
1. Under the counter of your wash hand basin
Plumbing and electrical in modern washrooms are put in place from inception, It’s no surprise many homes today choose to keep their washing machines in there.
One smart place to place your washer is on one side under the washbasin counter in your bathroom. It keeps your washer secured in place and provides more free space in your bathroom.
2. Under the kitchen counter
If you don’t have enough space in your bathroom and the kitchen counter could also be a great place to keep your washing machine. Over there also, plumbing and electricals will be sorted out.
3. In the shower stall
You can actually build a waterproof partition in your shower cubicle and dedicate one-half of it to keeping your washing machine.
In case you own a washer and a dryer, you can stack them on top of each other in the shower stall maximizing the use of the space.
4. In the Pantry
The pantry is another cool place you can keep your washing machine. You’ll need to partition out a little space to fit your washing machine.
Consider vertical stacking if you need to keep your dryer there as well.
5. Under the staircase
If the space under your staircase is free, you can consider incorporating your washing machine into that free space.
6. In the hallway
You may have a long and spacious hallway that’s empty most of the time. Again, you can take advantage of this space to keep your washing machine.
Read also: Are washing machines waterproof?
Where do Americans keep their washing machine?
About all American homes keep their washing machines in the bathroom or have dedicated laundry rooms where washing machines, dryers, and other related appliances are kept and used.
Unlike the united kingdom and other countries, American homes are generally big and have a lot of space which gives Americans the space to position their washing machines in places other than the kitchen.
Why do the British keep their washing machine in the kitchen?
The answer is simple; Lack of space! British keep their washing machines in the kitchen because there actually isn’t any other place.
In the UK, the average home size is about 820 square feet as compared to the united states where the average home size is about 2,170 square feet.
That’s almost three (3) times bigger than in the UK. D
So it’s not the fault of the Brits. They just don’t have enough space.
The kitchen is usually the best place to keep the washer whiles at the same time taking advantage of the existing plumbing and electrical connections in the kitchen.
What are the advantages of keeping a washing machine in the kitchen?
1. Kitchens are most at times located on the ground floor of houses. So there’s the advantage of easily being able to deal with the washer if it develops a fault or similar.
It’s easier to move your washing machine outside if you are relocating or taking it for servicing.
2. Kitchens have their plumbing and electrical systems configured from the get-go of any building construction.
That means that you can easily tap into the existing system to connect your washing machine to water and electricity.
3. Keeping your washing machine in the kitchen could help you in multitasking. For instance, you can be doing your laundry downstairs in the kitchen whiles you take a good nap in your bedroom upstairs.
No need to worry about noise from your washing machine disturbing your sweet nap. Also, you can be preparing a meal, whiles doing your laundry at the same time.
4. Take advantage of the existing cabinets and counters in the kitchen. The kitchen usually has a lot of cabinets and counters you can keep your washing machine in.
If you are someone who prefers to keep your washing machine hidden out of sight when not in use, then the kitchen is a good option for you.
5. Having all your appliances in one place; Many home appliances such as dishwashers are kept in the kitchen.
Keeping your washing machine in the kitchen too may be a good idea so you can have access to all your appliances in one place.
Read also: Why do Girls sit on Washing Machines? (18 Interesting Reasons)
What are the disadvantages of keeping a washing machine?
1. Extra neatness and tidiness must be taken whiles in the kitchen. Food and other liquids may get on your clothes which may stain them.
2. If you spend long hours doing your cooking or other work in the kitchen, noise from the washing machine may tend to be a nuisance to you.
3. Your visitors may not be so comfortable with you washing preparing a dish and washing at the same time; People who aren’t familiar with this type of setup may find it disgusting or improper.
4. You may have to move your clothes to the bedroom or living room to fold them. However, if you have a dedicated room such as a laundry room you could just fold your clothes right away.
References:
I am a product of the 50s. Both washer/dryer were very common in the kitchen. (Connecticut). When I remodeled by kitchen about 20 years ago, I took my washer/dryer from the basement back to the kitchen. Friends that are younger than me (I am 75) think having these appliances in the kitchen is totally gross. That is something I will never understand. It’s common sense to have your washer/dryer (under the counter) in the kitchen.