Ceiling clothes dryers on the balcony: varieties, self-installation, rating of the best models

Residents of apartment buildings very often face the problem of finding a place to dry clothes. The small area of balconies does not allow using a lot of space for this; hanging outside the window is not aesthetically pleasing and is not always acceptable. Fortunately, there are now special ceiling dryers. These lightweight compact designs look aesthetically pleasing and completely solve a complex household problem. Ceiling clothes dryers are placed on the balcony in such a way that the hanging laundry dries very quickly and does not interfere at all.

Design features of a ceiling-mounted clothes dryer on the balcony

Convenient ceiling dryers are unnoticeable because they are attached to the ceiling slab. They do not spoil the overall appearance of the loggia or balcony at all and look very stylish and modern. In addition, drying occurs several times faster due to the fact that the air above is much warmer. The large loading area allows you to dry a lot of laundry at once. Thanks to this, space no longer limits the amount of washing you can do.

The main advantages of ceiling dryers include the following:

significantly save space in the house;
do not block the light of the sun and the view from the window;
do not make it difficult to open and close the balcony door and window;
A ceiling dryer relieves the apartment from high levels of humidity. When you usually hang wet things on ropes, the air becomes saturated with moisture, and obstacles arise to its normal circulation. In such conditions, mold and mildew often develop, not only on the balcony, but throughout the apartment;
Even a child can hang the laundry - the rods can be easily raised and lowered to the desired height;
affordable cost - almost everyone can afford to buy a ceiling dryer;
There are a large number of types of designs, among which you can choose the most convenient option for yourself.

But, despite many advantages, the ceiling dryer still has some minor disadvantages. Firstly, it is not designed for drying small items, so it is better to use an additional small drying rack with clothespins. Secondly, it requires installation work and the presence of clamps.

Varieties of designs for drying clothes

The popularity of this phenomenal device has led to the creation of a wide variety of options. They differ in material, design, color, size and design features.

If we consider the classification of dryers by material, they are:

Wooden — they look original and unusual, but require regular and timely treatment with special means, since frequent contact with wet things has a negative effect on the wood.
Aluminum - a lightweight and inexpensive material, has low strength, oxidizes and turns black over time. As a result, things begin to get dirty. Initially, you can prevent this problem from occurring by treating the surface with a protective coating.
Steel — have a relatively high specific gravity, do not corrode and last a very long time. Typically, dryers made of high-quality steel are much more expensive than their counterparts.
Combined — manufactured in order to reduce the cost of the product while maintaining its quality as much as possible. Quite often, manufacturers combine steel and plastic or aluminum and steel inserts.
Plastic - budget lightweight structures that are much inferior in strength to all other materials.

The following ceiling dryers are distinguished by type of design:

Sliding — represent a modification of the standard floor system. Mainly used in wall dryers.
Folding is a convenient modular mechanism consisting of a bracket attached to the ceiling and a retractable module. When it is necessary to hang laundry, the module can be easily pulled out; the rest of the time it is in the folded position.
Telescopic — they work on the principle of sliding structures, but are distinguished by the ability to securely lock into the desired position. They can open partially or completely. Telescopic dryers are not designed for heavy loads. They are used for drying shirts, blouses and other lightweight items.
Wall-ceiling — they can be placed either at a regular level or high under the ceiling. Fix them directly to the wall.
Electrical — convenient and modern dryer options that connect to the network and dry laundry much faster.

For convenience, ceiling dryers can be divided into two main subtypes: with a single suspension for the entire structure and a separate suspension for each plank.

The simplest models with a single suspension are rectangular or round structures made of plastic or metal with a large number of clothespins. Threads or chains are attached to all sides of the dryer, which come together in the center, at a common fastening hook. They are usually used for drying clothes, children's or other small items. They are completely unsuitable for drying bulky and heavy items.

The next option is extremely convenient for clothes that should only be dried in a horizontal position. This is usually indicated by the manufacturer on the product label. These include all items made from cashmere, knitwear, natural wool and other capricious fabrics. The design of the dryer can be in the form of a single plane made of a polymer mesh or consist of multi-tiered frames. Warm air masses easily penetrate to things through the mesh. Typically, this drying process takes a long time, but it does not cause deformation of the fabrics and does not spoil the appearance of the product.

Traverse dryers are a simple and functional model, equipped with a lift mechanism for lifting and lowering. It consists of two main rigid traverses, between which crossbars are placed. The height is adjusted using a regular cord thrown over the ceiling beam. This can be done manually or automatically. When the structure is not needed, it is located high under the ceiling, which makes it unnoticeable. If you need to hang laundry, the dryer can be lowered with ease.Various materials are used for the manufacture of traverse dryers, the most common being aluminum and steel models. Such dryers are relatively difficult to install, but they can withstand very heavy loads. Simplicity of operation makes it easy for an elderly person or even a child to use it.

A significant drawback is the high instability of the structure, and when moving it can tilt strongly to the side. To avoid this, you need to lay out the laundry evenly. More stable dryers with a complex lifting mechanism have a parallelogram shape.

The most popular model of many housewives is built according to the “Liana” type. It is not expensive and is designed to take into account the shortcomings of other types of dryers. The structure consists of 5-6 steel two-meter crossbars, each of which has a separate device for raising and lowering. Cords with a roller mechanism are passed through the slats. Thus, only a certain part of the structure can be used. "Liana" is characterized by lightness and ease of use. The presence of special clamps does not allow the crossbars to change their position without permission. If desired, they can be placed in a cascade to provide better air access to large quantities of washing. In this way, you can dry up to 15 kg of laundry at a time.

Unfortunately, after a few years of heavy use, ropes will most likely begin to wear out and break. In addition, many users complain that the distance between the rods is too small, which causes inconvenience when hanging bulky items.

An electric ceiling dryer is the next type of modern device, which includes the latest developments in the field of household appliances and ease of use. It is controlled remotely using a remote control, allows you to hang up to 30 kilograms of laundry at a time, is equipped with LED lighting, a UV lamp and a hair dryer for additional ventilation.

Usually drying is carried out by heating the rods. Thus, you can very quickly dry any laundry, including small blankets and rugs. If desired, you can use the function of disinfecting clothes by turning on the ultraviolet lamp. In addition to its direct purpose, an electric dryer can serve as additional lighting on the balcony.

The disadvantages of electric models include significant energy costs and the high cost of the device.

In addition to the main varieties, there are many other models of ceiling dryers: with a pipe structure, a paddle dryer and a crossbar dryer on special cables. How to choose a clothes dryer for a balcony

It can be very difficult for a person who is faced with choosing a clothes dryer for the first time to decide on such a wide variety. The range of domestic and foreign manufacturers surprises with functionality, design and ease of installation. To navigate the choice, you should take into account not only the design features of the model, but also the expected load, the space of the balcony itself and the parameters of the product. The latter include the number, length and material of the rods. Of course, stainless steel is considered the best. Its high cost is fully justified. High-quality powder-coated steel has proven itself in operation.But products made of chromed steel very quickly begin to peel and rust.

Often there are combined dryers that use plastic parts. Modern plastic has excellent characteristics, but still it cannot compete with metal. Therefore, it is better to choose models whose connections are made of more durable material. These places bear the maximum load, and plastic definitely cannot cope with it.

As for the length of the crossbars, it should be assumed that a standard double bed linen set is two meters wide. Therefore, the rods must be no smaller. This will allow you to hang your laundry without folding it in half. But ropes that are too long can become deformed under heavy load.

The description accompanying the dryer must indicate the volume of laundry that can be hung at a time at maximum load. But if it is not there, it is enough to simply multiply the length of one rod by the total number of rods. The larger the number, the more things can be placed. But this issue has a downside: large dryers require a lot of space, which is not always available.

The next important point is the country of origin. China offers the most affordable options. Unfortunately, most often they are characterized by fragility and fragility of parts. If you have the opportunity to pay attention to more expensive and high-quality dryers, then you should familiarize yourself with the range of Turkish and German manufacturers. Some overpayment will more than pay for itself over many years of successful operation.

Self-installation of the dryer

You can install the dryer yourself.It is important to inquire in advance about any installation features of a particular model before purchasing. Before starting work, you should carefully study the attached instructions and diagrams. Actions must be performed in strict sequence, otherwise you can waste a lot of time and effort to no avail, and ultimately return to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Example of installation of a ceiling dryer "Liana":

The first step is to first thread the clotheslines into the rods. Two cables are attached to each traverse: short and long.
Next, roller hangers should be securely fastened to the ceiling. For concrete ceilings, anchors or dowels are used, and for wood, long self-tapping screws are perfect. Fasteners are placed at a distance that corresponds to the length of the slats. Considering the large load that awaits the structure during operation, a sufficient number of clamps should be used.
Fixing fasteners - at the bottom of one balcony wall an anchor is placed under them, the location of which can be chosen at your own discretion.
Step-by-step installation of rods - a long cable of the strip is passed through the back side of the far bracket. Then both cables are connected to each other and passed inside the next roller mount. A clamp is installed on the edge of the cable, the cable is pulled up to the ceiling, and the position is indicated in accordance with the fastening on the wall. To prevent the latch from moving out, a secure knot is tied under it.
Attaching to a clamp - the rod is pulled up and secured to the wall using a clamp.
The final adjustment is to install the lower clamp on the cable. Its position is chosen according to the height at which it will be comfortable to hang laundry.
The final testing stage is to hang out fresh laundry as an experiment. If all the above steps are performed correctly, it will not fall.

If the finishing work on the loggia has not yet been completed, you can use dowels and a hammer drill to install fasteners.

If installation work occurs at the time of reconstruction of the balcony, you can take the opportunity and prepare special wooden embeds. Their length should not extend beyond the edge of the interior decoration of the room. The timber should be fixed to the ceiling using special hangers.

How to make a clothes dryer for the balcony with your own hands

To do this, it is not necessary to buy a new dryer in the store. If you wish, you can do it yourself. This is an easy creative task that requires a little thought and time. To complete the job you will need some basic construction tools.

The following describes an example of making a very ordinary dryer, which is designed for balconies with two opposite walls and can accommodate a large volume of wet laundry.

A rail is installed on one balcony wall, and a stretcher is attached to the opposite wall. Self-tapping screws in the form of rings are fixed on both sides. They must be located at the same distance from each other. A clothesline is threaded through the rings. The use of self-tapping screws, which are shaped like rings, allows you to easily and quickly adjust the degree of rope tension. The work is ready.

To perform a slightly complicated dryer you will need:

special screw-in hinges; ·
finished wooden frame;
drill;
clothesline;
wires with hooks at both ends;
2 large hooks on wheels and 2 regular ones.

The same number of holes must be drilled in the interior of the wooden frame on both sides. Then screw the loops into them, onto which the wires are attached using hooks. At this point, good tension should be adjusted.

Holes are made in the four corners of the frame through which the cable is threaded and knots are tied. Knots with loops are made in the center, a long rope is attached to them and threaded through hooks with wheels so that they can smoothly rise and fall. At a short distance from the device, a third hook is attached to the ceiling, through which two fixed cables are pulled.

The fourth hook is placed in the wall along with the attached ropes slightly below the lowered level. This design allows you to easily change the height of the dryer as needed.

If you have absolutely no time or skills in carpentry, the following simplified option will come to the rescue. With its help, you can make a homemade clothes dryer in five minutes. You should take two plastic or wire tramples for clothes of the same size. Between them, rods or laces of the required length must be securely fastened. The finished structure is suspended from the ceiling.

Top 6 best clothes dryer models

Well-known models that have proven themselves well include the following:

Ceiling dryer Lakmet - an inexpensive model from a Russian manufacturer. The design is simple and easy to use. The model is not designed for high loads and is made of plastic parts. The length of the working load is 7.8 m, the dimensions when unfolded are 1.3×0.5 m, the maximum permissible weight is 6 kg.
Sliding ceiling dryer Artex All Stain 1000 — Korean dryer with a record high load capacity. Almost all elements are made of high quality stainless steel. The desired height is fixed using a rope. The maximum loading area is 7.6 m, the dimensions of the unfolded dryer are 1.9×0.3 m, the load capacity is 30 kg.
Sliding ceiling dryer Vileda Highline 160 — Polish compact model, made of aluminum and steel. The type of construction is liana. Wide textile hanging strings do not leave wrinkles on clothes. High quality connections and anti-corrosion coating guarantee a long service life. Working length - 9.5 m, dimensions of the unfolded device - 1.6 × 0.46 × 1.35 m, maximum load - 12 kg.
Ceiling dryer Nika 2.0 m — a convenient budget model made in Russia. The crossbars are durable and protected with a special coating. The dryer looks neat and stylish. The fully loaded area is 10 m2, when unfolded it occupies 2x0.3 m2, the maximum permissible weight is 12 kg.
Italian ceiling dryer Gimi Lift 120 - ideal for small balconies. The frame is made of metal, there are plastic elements. The height is adjusted using a roller mechanism and a hook on a long rod. Hook and fasteners are included. The length of the working surface is 7 m, the dimensions of the unfolded product are 1.2 × 0.46 × 1.35 m, the permissible load weight is 15 kg.
Dryer DOGLULAR SP1505. Manufacturer: Russia. Characterized by affordable price and simplicity. In this model, the manufacturer has combined price and quality indicators as harmoniously as possible. You can adjust the height of the bar using a rope; it is possible to fix each crossbar separately.The working length is 9 m, the dimensions of the product are 1.5 × 1.5 × 0.45 m, the maximum weight load is up to 10 kg.

Care tips

Frequent contact with wet clothes, height adjustment and heavy loads on the crossbars can eventually lead to breakdowns of the structure and even damage to things. To extend the service life and maintain the aesthetic appearance of the dryers, you should properly care for them. Care features depend on the material from which a particular model is made.

Wooden dryers require regular and timely treatment with water-repellent agents. To do this, you can buy a professional product for the care of wooden surfaces in the store or simply use a primer and paint. First, the wood is carefully primed, given time to dry, and then painted. You can choose any color, but white looks best.

Plastic dryers should be wiped after each use, but often, despite all efforts, their service life ends too quickly. Good quality metal dryers are made of such material that there should be no problems with their maintenance at all. It is enough to wipe them with a dry cloth from time to time.

During operation, the integrity of the ropes may be damaged, their deformation may occur. Reliable manufacturers equip their dryers with ropes that serve for at least 10 years. But exceeding the permissible load, contact with sharp objects can significantly reduce the period of operation.

A ceiling clothes dryer is an indispensable thing in an apartment.Working length - 9 m, product dimensions - 1.5x1.5x0.45 m, maximum weight load - up to 10 kg.

Care Tips