When you are planning your new home or remodeling your current one, you’ll have to decide where to put the laundry room. Some people think that it has to be on an outside wall, but that is not always the case.
The washing room location is determined by your appliances. Gas dryers require outdoor ventilation, but electric dryers come with interior venting alternatives. Consider the distance to the exterior wall when deciding where to put the dryer’s vent.
Washing machines have a little more leeway in terms of drainage installation options, so they don’t always have to be near an outside wall.
In this blog post, we will discuss different types of washers, dryers, and whether or not they need to be on an outside wall.
We will also provide some tips on how to make the most of your laundry room, regardless of its location.
Do Laundry Rooms Need to Be On an Exterior Wall?
The main reason people think a laundry room needs to be on an outdoor wall is because of the dryer. If you have a gas dryer, it needs to vent outdoors in order to release combustion fumes and heat.
However, if you have an electric dryer, you can choose between two types of vents:
Exterior Rear Venting Dryers
The exhaust from the dryer is released through a pipe that goes out the back of the unit and vents to the exterior of your home. This is common for gas dryers, as they require an exterior vent.
Interior Venting Dryers
The exhaust from the dryer is released into an indoor vent kit, or can also be directed outdoors if your laundry room has access.
There will be more humidity in your home if you have this type of dryer, but it is a good option if you don’t want to run the risk of exhaust fumes coming into your home.
Washing Machines Don’t Always Need to Be On an Exterior Wall
Although most washing machines require an exterior drainage hose, there are some models that come with an interior drain.
If you have an existing washer and don’t want to move it, make sure the new one has an interior drain. This will save you from having to run a drainage hose through a window or door.
Interior drain hoses work by gravity and will release water into a sink or a drain that is lower than the washer.
If you are installing an interior drainage hose, make sure to place your washing machine on a raised platform or use risers to create enough slope for the water to flow freely.
Laundry Room Location Tips
Regardless of where your laundry room is located, there are some things you can do to make the most of it:
- Install an exhaust fan to help remove moisture and smells from the room. This will keep your clothes smelling fresh and prevent mildew from forming.
- Make sure that there is a floor drain or that your washing machine can be installed near a sink so you can easily dispose of dirty water.
- Install a sink and countertop to fold clothes on and organize dirty clothes. This will give you a designated space for your laundry tasks and will keep the rest of your home clutter-free.
- If you have room, install a closet, cabinet, or storage space to store detergents, fabric softener, and other supplies. This will keep everything organized and easy to access.
- If your laundry room is in a basement, consider adding a window for natural light. This will make the space feel more welcoming and less like a dungeon.
FAQ: Does a Laundry Room Have to Be On an Outside Wall?
Here are some of the common questions we get about laundry room location:
Can You Put a Dryer on an Interior Wall?
Yes, you can put a dryer on the interior wall of a home. If it requires external ventilation, it can be configured to vent humid air directly through your floor or along the side of the home.
Many people vent their dryer into their basement or garage. If you choose to do this, make sure the room is well-ventilated and that there is no danger of fumes entering your home.
Can You Put a Washing Machine on an Interior Wall?
Yes, you can put a washing machine on an interior wall if it has an internal drain. However, not all models come with this feature, so you may need to check the specifications before you buy.
How Do You Vent a Dryer Without an Outside Wall?
If you don’t have an outdoor wall to vent your dryer, there are two other options:
You can install a dryer vent kit that will release the fumes and heat into your home. This is not ideal, as it will increase the humidity in your space and could cause problems with combustion gases.
Alternatively, you can direct the exhaust to an indoor vent. This will require more regular cleaning, as lint can build up in the pipe over time.
Can You Add a Window to a Basement Laundry Room?
Yes, you can add a window to a basement laundry room if it doesn’t already have one. This will provide natural light and make the space feel more welcoming. It will also provide a space for easy ventilation.
What Is the Minimum Size for a Laundry Room?
There is no minimum size for a laundry room, but it should be at least three feet by five feet to accommodate a washer and dryer. If you have more space, you can add storage shelves or cabinets to keep your supplies organized.
Can You Put a Washing Machine in a Closet?
You can put a washing machine in a closet. This is common in apartments and small homes, where space is at a premium.
People also do this in bathrooms in order to make the most out of their home’s space. If you do this, make sure the closet has adequate ventilation to prevent fumes from entering your home.
Do I Need an Exhaust Fan In My Laundry Room?
An exhaust fan is not necessary, but it is recommended and most laundry rooms have some form of ventilation.
An exhaust fan will help remove moisture and smells from the room, keeping your clothes smelling fresh and preventing mildew from forming.
Can I Put a Washer and Dryer Outside?
You can put a washer and dryer outside, but you will need to provide an appropriate shelter to protect them from the weather.
If you live in a cold climate, make sure that your washer and dryer are winter-proofed so they don’t freeze during the winter months.
Do I Need Hookups for My Washer and Dryer?
Not necessarily. If you purchase a portable washer and dryer, you won’t need any special hookups.
However, if you have an electric washer and gas dryer, you will need to ensure that your home has the appropriate wiring and plumbing in place.
With portable washing machines, you can drain the water through a nearby sink. You can then use a portable dryer or hang clothes for air drying.
How Do I Clean My Dryer Vent?
Cleaning your dryer vent is important because it prevents lint from building up and causing a fire. You should clean your drying machine vent at least twice a year.
To clean your drying machine vent, you will need to remove the lint trap and access the exhaust pipe. Use a vacuum cleaner or shop-vac to remove any lint that is blocking the airflow. Be careful not to damage the pipe while you are cleaning it.
If you can’t reach the exhaust pipe in your laundry room, you may need to use a ladder or hire a professional cleaner to do this for you.
Final Thoughts
A laundry room doesn’t have to be on an outside wall, but it is recommended for ventilation purposes. If you don’t have an accessible outdoor wall, you can install a dryer vent kit or direct the exhaust to an indoor vent.
You can also add a window to a basement laundry room if it doesn’t already have one.
The most important consideration is safety for yourself, your family, and your home, so make sure to follow all safety precautions when installing or using a washer and dryer.