Methods for embedding technology
To choose the installation method, you first need to decide on the room for the home assistant. The classic location for the machine is the bathroom . There will always be a place for dirty laundry and household chemicals, and the washing process itself will not distract from other household chores.
We bring to your attention a selection of photos in which you will see various ways to install washing machines in the bathroom.
If the size of the bathroom does not allow for the placement of appliances, the kitchen . Most household appliances are collected here, so it will be easy for the housewife to control several processes, including washing. Water is supplied to the kitchen sink, and a sewer drain is installed there, which means connecting the machine to the communications will be easy. Some users specifically choose the kitchen to house the washing machine, protecting it from the high level of humidity in the bathroom.
To prevent equipment from standing out against the general background, you can use the most popular method - placing the washing machine under the countertop . In this case, it is advisable to match the unit to the main kitchen appliances. Under the common surface, the machine will not be very noticeable and will allow you to functionally use part of the countertop.
An excellent solution is to integrate a washing machine into the kitchen unit . This will allow you to hide the unit in a separate box behind a door or panel and maintain the integrity of the interior. This method is technically more difficult to implement than the previous one, but the result of such work is worth the effort.
The installation method will depend on the size of the machine, the area of the room and the financial capabilities of the user. Next, we will consider specific recommendations that will help you decide on the appropriate method.
How to make a sink with a countertop for a washing machine
The most common type of household appliance, which appeared in apartments a long time ago, is considered to be a washing machine.
The actual problem is its location, because the premises have a rather small area. People living in old apartments invent a variety of options to ergonomically arrange household appliances. A popular solution is to install a washing machine in the kitchen or bathroom . The kitchen is considered not a very good room for this due to several reasons. The main one is that the washing machine will get very dirty, and its noise can greatly irritate people who are going to have a good time at the dinner table. Also, household appliances very rarely fit harmoniously into the interior of the kitchen. In other words, it is best to install the machine in the bathroom, because a person spends a small amount of time in it, and the noise from the equipment will not irritate him.
However, it may not be possible to place a washing machine in the bathroom due to lack of free space. That is why most designers and designers are trying to find the optimal solution to this problem . Nowadays, the most convenient and popular option is a special sink for a machine with a comfortable countertop.
Partial installation (under the countertop)
To place it under the countertop in the bathroom or kitchen, you can use any washing machine: a regular one, one that can be built-in (with a removable top panel) and one specifically designed for integration into furniture. It will be easiest to install a built-in washing machine or a unit with the possibility of embedding: in this technique, the top cover is removed, thanks to which it can be reduced in height by 1-2 cm, adjusting it to the level of the countertop.
The standard height of a washing machine is 82-85 cm, and the height of kitchen floor cabinets is 84-88 cm, which makes it easy to install equipment under a common surface. There are two ways to place the unit under the countertop:
The following recommendations will help you install the unit under the countertop correctly and reliably:
If, after installing the countertop, the detergent tray is blocked, you can pour the powder directly into the drum - this will not affect the quality of the wash.
If you decide to place an ordinary washing machine under the countertop, remember that such equipment vibrates during operation (especially during spinning), so you cannot place it close to the walls of kitchen cabinets or appliances - you need to leave free space (at least 5 cm on each side) .
Plasterboard option
The first step is to prepare and install the supports for the tabletop. To do this you will need 2 metal profiles. Their length should correspond to 1/3 of the width of the future structure. The supports are attached as follows: perpendicular to each other, while one should be located along the wall (vertically), the other along the edge of the cutout in the slab. The third piece of metal profile should be installed as the hypotenuse for the resulting triangle.
When giving preference to a material such as drywall, you should remember that it does not perform well in operating conditions with high humidity.
Sections of the profile are attached to the resulting braces from above (they should be located parallel to the wall). Be sure to cover them with some kind of moisture-resistant material.
Now you can proceed directly to creating the top part of the tabletop:
- Attach the guide profile to the wall (at a height of about 0.8 m).
- Build a frame to support the main structure (use temporary supports to hold it in position).
- Cut a piece of drywall exactly to the size of the frame and place it on the frame.
- Mark the sink and cut the required hole in the drywall.
- Secure the resulting template and trim it around the edges.
Attention! Drywall is not one of those materials that can retain its properties for a long time in conditions of high humidity, which means that it must be covered with an additional protective layer that will be moisture resistant (the best option is ceramic tiles/mosaics).
Full embedding: what you need to know
Users often ask the question: how to integrate a washing machine into a kitchen unit or into a bathroom cabinet? First, it’s worth assessing the dimensions of the equipment and the cabinet in which you plan to place the device.
Remember that full installation implies stationary placement of the unit, and you will not be able to pull out the machine without first disassembling some of the furniture. Therefore, the optimal model for installation is a built-in front-loading washing machine. Thanks to its design features, it is convenient to hide it behind a door or an adapted panel, and increased reliability will allow you not to worry about leaks or other malfunctions. The advantages of built-in technology are as follows:
Both full-size and built-in units can create difficulties with the fit of the front furniture door. Carefully measure the depth of the equipment before placing it and compare it with the parameters of the cabinet where you plan to integrate the washing machine.
When fully installed, you should make sure that the drain hose filter is not covered by the cabinet base, otherwise before each cleaning you will have to remove not only the filter, but also the piece of furniture.
In the kitchen, you can arrange appliances in a non-standard way - build them into the front side of the unit. In this case, the width of the washing machine should match the depth of the kitchen cabinets of the lower row.
Sheathing with plasterboard
For a countertop under a bathroom sink you will need 2 identical gypsum board blanks. They are cut to the dimensions of the frame. One workpiece needs to be attached on top of a horizontal surface, and the second below the first horizontally. After this, the prepared templates for the sink are taken, attached to the gypsum plasterboard at the top and bottom, and holes for the sink are carefully cut out.
The sides require sheets cut to size. First, the drywall is “set with glue, after which it is fixed with self-tapping screws. They are attached every 20 cm. At the bottom, the gypsum board should not touch the floor so as not to get wet. To do this, it must be shorter by 5 mm. The side parts are sheathed on 2 sides, on the outer and inner sides. The ends are sheathed with cut gypsum board strips. First, the planks are glued and then secured with self-tapping screws.
An example of plasterboard covering the side parts of a table top
After completing the plasterboard covering, all corners of the structure should be sanded using sandpaper. After this, they should be treated with a primer. The basics of installing a countertop in a bathroom combined with a toilet can be viewed in the video.
Video
In the following video, you will learn how to integrate a front-loading washing machine into your kitchen furniture, as well as some rules and tips for installing the unit.
She graduated from the Institute of Tourism of the Federal Pedagogical University with a degree in Management, loves to travel and communicate with people. She is interested in psychology, enjoys dancing, and studies English. During the five years of maternity leave, I thoroughly mastered housekeeping, not forgetting about my own development. He skillfully uses words and can support a conversation on any topic thanks to his interest in different areas of life.
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Astronauts, while in Earth orbit, solve the problem of dirty things using an original method. Clothes are dropped from the spacecraft and burn up in the upper atmosphere.
The first officially patented washing machine was made of wood and was a box with a frame, half filled with wooden balls. Laundry for washing and detergent were loaded inside and the frame was moved using a lever, which, in turn, made the balls move and grind the laundry.
In the 19th century, washing ladies' toilets took a lot of time. The dresses were first ripped open, and then each part was washed and dried separately so that the fabric did not become deformed. After washing, the clothes were sewn again.
For washing small items on the road or in a hotel, it is convenient to use a regular plastic bag. Socks or tights are kneaded inside a tied bag along with water and a small amount of detergent. This method allows you to pre-soak things and wash them without damaging the fabric or wasting a lot of powder and water.
There is a washing machine “for bachelors”. Linen washed in such a unit does not need to be ironed at all! The thing is that the device does not have a drum: some things can be placed inside the container directly on hangers (for example, jackets and shirts), and smaller things (for example, underwear and socks) can be placed on special shelves.
The expression “soap opera” (“soap”) did not arise by chance. The very first series and shows that had a female audience were broadcast on television at a time when housewives did cleaning, ironing and laundry. In addition, to attract female viewers to the screens, commercials for detergents: soaps and powders were often played on air.
History knows the fact that a kitten fell into the drum of a washing machine and, after going through a full wash cycle on the “Wool” program, got out of the unit unharmed. The only trouble for the pet was an allergy to washing powder.
Washing machines equipped with the “No Iron” or “Easy Iron” functions can wash clothes with little to no wrinkling. This effect is achieved through a special approach to spinning - it is performed at low speeds, with long pauses, and a small amount of water is retained in the tank.
There are a variety of balls that are used in the washing machine. Antistatic ones will prevent the fabric from sticking to the body after washing, balls with special loops will “comb” the lint and prevent the appearance of pills, and silicone ones with pimples will prevent fluff from matting when washing outerwear.
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Installing a washing machine: what should you immediately pay attention to?
There are many solutions for integrating a washing machine into furniture. In this case, it is necessary to comply with the general style of the kitchen set.
Interesting to know! There are simple and unusual installation methods. Of the latter, there is an option when the housing can be installed in a niche under the window.
To install the equipment correctly, several nuances are taken into account:
Below are specific examples.
Disguise as a facade, with a door
The most popular idea for installing this household equipment. The appliances are covered with a countertop on top and a kitchen cabinet door on the front. If the design concept in the kitchen is developed in such a way that you do not want to disturb the design with an inappropriate type of household equipment, then this solution of installing a “washing machine” in the set is chosen.
With a competent approach to the matter, the washing machine will successfully fit into the kitchen interior.
In addition, a washing machine under the countertop in the kitchen does not affect the correct operation of kitchen appliances. However, remember that the washing machine creates vibration during operation.
Under countertop, without door
Sometimes a washing machine can look appropriate in a kitchen set without disguise. Household appliances in the same color ensemble are perceived well. Alternatively, you can fit the device under the countertop by covering it with a special film. In another case, you can order the service of decorating your car to match the color of the interior, decorating it in an artistic style.
Embedding the machine in a cabinet
In this case, the equipment can be built in not on the floor, but in a cabinet compartment. The equipment looks laconic in its built-in design. Below is usually a niche of a cabinet for utensils, above another section.
The main thing is to find the optimal place and install the machine correctly.
Thus, the standard built-in model of the machine fits succinctly into the kitchen design.
The advantage of this location! The housewife does not need to bend over or squat to load or unload laundry from the machine. In addition, this is a rational option for using space in the room.
Under the sink
When there is little space in the kitchen, the installation option under the sink is chosen. It may not be the best arrangement option, but in conditions of strict spatial economy it may be an ideal choice.
This is the most common way to install a washing machine.
In this case, the height of the machine should be no more than 70 cm, otherwise it will be difficult for children and small adults to reach it. You'll have to put up a stool.
On the one hand, it saves space, on the other hand, there are many disadvantages:
Therefore, this installation is a controversial choice.
Pros and cons of such placement
Advantages of a combined design of a sink and washing machine under one countertop:
- Efficient use of space. The combination will solve the problem of installing equipment in a room with limited free space. A very relevant solution for small Khrushchev houses, the owners of which are the majority of families. The kitchen in a small-sized apartment usually does not allow room for all the large appliances.
The kitchen and bathroom are the most suitable places to place a sink with a countertop for a washing machine. Installation of a small-sized washing machine is possible under the sink in the bathroom or under the countertop in the kitchen.
- Fewer problems with water supply. The close placement of the inlets to the washbasin makes it easier to connect the drain and fill hose system.
- Stylish camouflage of a large part of the interior. A variety of design solutions for a combined washing machine and sink. Properly selected parameters of appliances, bowls, cabinets will solve the issue of a stylish addition to the design of the kitchen and bathroom.
There are also disadvantages to this arrangement:
- The mini-car is not very spacious. Some brands have developed quite spacious built-in machines with a drum capacity of up to 4 kg. If more than three people live in an apartment, you may need a solution with a washing machine sink 100 cm wide and with a larger capacity.
- There is a high probability of blockages. The water lily bowl has a drainage system of small diameter.
- Difficulty in cleaning. Stationary cabinet with built-in appliances. It will be difficult to move parts of the combined structure. It will require dismantling with special tools, complete removal of water, and, if necessary, treatment with a mold preventative.
Positioning the Top Loading Machine
Installing appliances in a small top-loading kitchen is inconvenient, but even here the design solutions are well thought out.
Remember that the washing machine vibrates during operation.
Two options are being considered:
The first and second ideas solve the aesthetic and functional problem of placing equipment in a compact room. The rest depends on the personal preferences of the customer.
Features of location in a small kitchen
Another nuance that raises doubts is noise and vibration in the kitchen. Today's technologies make it possible, if not to solve the problem as a whole, to reduce noise to a minimum.
In a small kitchen you can find space for a washing machine.
Solution! Install the equipment on ceramic or porcelain tiles, which, compared to linoleum or parquet, reduce noise and vibration levels. Also, the location behind the door and the correct adjustment of the legs almost completely eliminates noise. In some cases, soundproofing materials are used.
In addition to the correct integration of household equipment into the set, it is necessary to provide storage space for gels, rinse conditioners, powders, and tablets. This compartment is necessary so as not to constantly run to the bathroom for washing detergents.
It is better if the washing machine is on the floor.
Advantages of a sink with a countertop for a washing machine
Experts who have a washing machine installed in this way highlight the following advantages:
- a special sink with a countertop for household appliances will help a person use the free space above the washing machine. In the resulting niche it is worth putting various cosmetics, bath accessories or towels. When these items already have storage space, it is worth placing various decorative elements for the room on the tabletop, for example, fresh flowers or unique lamps;
- The countertop protects household appliances from mechanical damage and harmful influences. Heavy objects placed on the machine can damage its surface, but the tabletop can withstand such loads perfectly. In addition, it will protect equipment from carelessly spilled water and various cleaning liquids;
- This interesting solution will help you decorate your bathroom in the same style. A unique tabletop can combine all decorative elements into one picture.
Washing machine in the kitchen under the countertop
A kitchen with a washing machine is more common in country houses, where they usually save on bathroom space, leaving more square meters for the kitchen-living room.
A washing machine built under the countertop in this case is the most successful location option from the point of view of both convenience and aesthetics. The main difficulty is related to the fact that the equipment must be connected to communications (water supply and sewerage).
First of all, we will consider machines with a front loading type, because... they are best suited for under-counter installation. But there is another type - with vertical loading. This option will require a folding countertop, but sometimes for a kitchen with a non-standard layout this can be the most successful solution. We will consider all the nuances regarding top-loading machines in a separate paragraph below.
Other types of washbasins
Not only lily pad sinks are installed above appliances, but also other types of sinks. This applies to cases where the room is quite large . In such a case, a washbasin under a machine with a countertop can be considered an ideal option. It is not at all necessary to use flat sinks, because you can install, for example, washbasins of unique shapes and different sizes.
For similar purposes the following is used:
- built-in washbasins, which are placed in a cabinet or countertop;
- console washbasins, which are mounted on the wall;
- overhead sinks, the installation of which requires a specific piece of furniture.
If you look at people's reviews, washbasins with countertops for household appliances can be considered an ideal option for small bathrooms. They allow you to increase free space and harmoniously arrange all the necessary little things.
Dimensions of built-in washing machines
There are several ways to install SM under the countertop of a kitchen unit. The choice of a specific installation option will also depend on the dimensions of the equipment itself.
Built-in with special fasteners for facades
The cabinet doors are hung on metal hinges on the front of the machine. This allows the SM to fit perfectly into the interior and make its use more comfortable.
This option is already pre-set in dimensions that are ideal for integration into a standard kitchen cabinet.
With equipment made specifically for embedding, as a rule, there are the fewest problems in terms of installation and selection of dimensions. But there is one significant drawback - high cost.
Embedding a stationary washing machine with a door under the countertop
Stationary washing machines have their own height standard - 85 cm. But this option can also be installed under the countertop in an open position and hidden behind the door. Many manufacturers, adapting to customer requests, make the top cover removable. This allows you to reduce the height of the equipment by the very necessary 2-3 cm.
Full-size SM have a standard depth of 55-60 cm and a width of 58-60 cm. It is worth keeping in mind that this option, with a standard kitchen cabinet depth of 60 cm, will extend somewhat beyond the facade. This means that you won’t be able to hide a full-size washing machine behind the door. But narrow models with a depth of up to 45 cm and even up to 35 cm can fit perfectly with all the hoses and taking into account the protruding hatch.
For an analysis of important points, watch the video:
Installation of open CM (without door)
As already stated above, the dimensions of full-size cars, mainly the depth, do not allow them to fit behind the facades. But what if a large family still needs a spacious washing machine? It is for this case that this embedding method is suitable.
This option is also the simplest. But several important points still need to be taken into account at the kitchen planning stage:
Despite the fact that the interior with an open washing machine does not look so complete, this arrangement also has its advantages:
Installation from the end of the headset or in the island
A non-standard way of arranging the CM, which first of all will require a complete match between the depth of the lower cabinets and the width of the machine. As a rule, this standard value in both cases is 60 cm.
In this way, you can arrange even very narrow SM models with a depth of up to 35-40 cm, if you select a kitchen module that matches the dimensions of the built-in.
Frame installation
Installation work begins with the fact that you need to take profiles of the required sizes (cut them according to the measurements obtained) and number them. Make holes for fasteners in each profile with a certain step. Profiles are attached to the lines one by one, maintaining accuracy. For this, a building level is used. To create a frame, the guide profiles are made double - 2 profiles are nested inside each other. Horizontal jumpers are also made double for structural strength. Each attached part must be checked for “flatness”.
The base of the frame should be strengthened with spacers - double profiles. Two spacers are placed horizontally with the same distance. To do this, the total height is divided into equal three parts. Vertical spacers are placed on the sides where the posts are. It will be easier to install the upper lintels if you use a cardboard model of the washbasin.
The process of assembling a frame for a plasterboard tabletop
After the frame is completely ready, it needs to be checked again with a level for accuracy. Apply a little effort by pressing on the structure, it should not “walk”, but stand clearly - this is the practicality of the tabletop.
