Many of us have grown accustomed to seeing the dryer perched on top of the washer.
It’s almost as if this pair has been eternally ordained to be in this arrangement but ever wondered whether there’s a solid reasoning behind this common setup or if it is entirely possible to swap their spots?
This article will delve into everything there is to know regarding the art and science of stacking washers and dryers.
Stackable Washer And Dryer: Which Should Go On Top?
Many people are puzzled about the right way to stack a washer and dryer, mainly because they’re unsure about which appliance should go on top.
While both of these machines fulfill key roles in maintaining our clothes clean and fresh, they aren’t exactly made equal in terms of their stacking compatibility.
The washer is usually heavier than the dryer, which makes it an excellent base for stacking. Imagine building a Lego tower – you’d want to start with the larger, heavier pieces on the bottom to create a strong foundation.
Another aspect to consider is the fact that washers need to be water-fed. If your washer is placed on top of another appliance, it may require more energy for water pumping, thus increasing your energy consumption.
Practicality matters too when deciding which appliance should be on top. Operating a washer involves loading clothes and adding laundry products. Having it at the bottom makes these tasks easier and less cumbersome.
Finally, when we delve into the territory of stacking kits from different brands designed specifically for these appliances, most are created with slots to secure a dryer onto a washer rather than vice versa. Finding an alternate style kit that flips this arrangement might prove challenging.
What Happens When You Stack Washer On Top Of Dryer?
Surprisingly, a good number of people don’t fully comprehend the potential dangers and inconveniences of stacking a washer on top of a dryer.
It seems like an innocuous arrangement, right? Save space and time by making your laundry appliances double-decker.
But have you thought about the extra stress you’re placing on your dryer?
Much like expecting a table to hold an elephant, placing your washer atop your dryer adds much more weight than the latter is designed to handle. This could cause it to deteriorate faster or even get damaged under the excessive load.
But let’s sidestep from the technical issues for a moment and delve into everyday practicalities. We all use various products – bleach, vinegar, detergent and peroxide – to keep our clothes looking their best. Now imagine trying to navigate these items on a top-shelf washer! You might find yourself precariously balanced on a stool, reaching for the bleach bottle while praying not to take an embarrassing tumble.
The takeaway here? It’s simple: stacking your washer on top of the dryer might seem like an easy solution for saving space, but it’s potentially risky for both you and your appliances.
Plus, it’s hardly doable!
Tips For Successfully Stacking Washer And Dryer
The process of stacking a washer and dryer can be slightly puzzling, especially when you’re unsure about the compatibility of your appliances.
But here are a key things to note for a successful stacking operation.
- Not every washer or dryer model can be stacked. Your best shot includes a front-loading washer partnered with a compatible dryer that shares the same width or if the washer is larger than its accompanying dryer.
- Ensure to possess a stacking kit that fits your appliances’ brand and model like a glove. The brackets that come with your stacking kit are lifesavers here offering stable support once attached properly preventing any unexpected toppling of dryers off their elevated perch atop the washer.
- Before you hop into the purchasing or stacking process, cross-check your appliance manuals, specifications and warranties.
- Additionally, before leaping headfirst and begin to stack your laundry units, measurement is key. Yes, it may sound tedious, but ensuring you have adequate vertical and horizontal space for your soon-to-be towering appliance duo is crucial. Always allow at least an inch space on both sides with an additional 6 inches behind the unit for effective ventilation and cord storage.
- Don’t forget to factor in accessibility – reaching dryer controls and doors must not feel like scaling Mount Everest. For sanity’s sake, make sure this double act can squeeze through doorways or hallways.
- Location selection might seem like an easy task – park it where there’s enough space, right? Wrong! Levelness is paramount here; use a carpenter’s level to measure floor evenness. If unevenness persists you may need to adjust the washer legs or shimmy shims beneath for balance purposes.
- If you’re using an electric-powered dryer you might need to prepare for installing a 240-volt outlet.
- Get yourself ready for some hands-on work as most dryers come fitted with standard feet that call for replacement with specialized hardware from your stacking kit arsenal. To do this operation smoothly, get yourself a Phillips head screwdriver and an adjustable wrench. You might want to call in some help here; dryers aren’t known for their lightness! While working on this step remember to place protective cardboard beneath the dryer to avoid pesky scratches while unscrewing original feet and attaching new ones; follow all instructions closely.
- Another beneficial, though optional tip focuses on dampening vibrations by placing an anti-vibration pad or mat sandwiched between your washer and dryer – these magic mats not only reduce noise but also offer protective support against wear-and-tear damage while ensuring zero interferences occur with stacking kit hardware.
- Once all steps are completed it’s finally time for testing your newly stacked appliances – check diligently for issues ranging from leaks to abnormal noises or vibrations while operating these machines.
