Many can't do without a washing machine, and this has long become the norm. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford such a unit for financial reasons; in addition, the small area of Russian Khrushchev-era buildings is not able to provide several square meters of free space for installing the machine. In addition, the issue of relaying communications often arises. We suggest you consider the option: a washing machine in the pantry.
Possible difficulties
Imagine the size of your pantry will allow install a washing machine, but you will have to solve some problematic issues that will arise during the work.
First you have to figure out how to connect communications. As a rule, there is not even an electrical outlet in the pantry, and what can we say about other communications in the form of water supply and sewer networks. If the central communications pipes are laid in the apartment at a distance from the storage room, and moving them causes certain difficulties, this idea should be completely abandoned.
In addition, the pantries do not provide another communication system - a ventilation system, which negatively affects the functionality of the washing machine. This issue can be resolved, but additional financial costs will be required.
In addition, if the pantry is located in the hallway, then its floor covering does not always allow washing machine installation. If there is a smooth concrete floor, the issue will be resolved positively, but old boards or chipboards will have to be replaced or strengthened.
We arrange ventilation
If the process supply of communications does not cause problems, therefore, the pantry borders the kitchen space or the bathroom. This layout option is considered the most popular. In this case, to install ventilation communications in the pantry, you can use one of the existing methods:
- An overflow grille is installed in the door leading to the pantry. After this, a hole is made in the wall dividing the pantry with one of the rooms and a grate is mounted. Air currents penetrating into the pantry are discharged through an additional hole;
- you can install a grille and install an air duct through the wall separating the pantry from the bathroom or kitchen.
The first installation option is considered cost-effective, but if there are unpleasant odors in the pantry, it is recommended to abandon it. The problem is that the odors will transfer to the kitchen or bathroom, which will cause discomfort to everyone living there. True, some solve such problems by eliminating sources of odors and arranging ventilation in the simplest way.
Strengthening the floor
In progress washing machine vibrates, some modifications even “bounce” at high speeds, thus creating strong pressure on the floor.
Before placing the washing machine in the pantry, it is necessary to repair the floor so that it becomes hard and level, which will ensure the normal operation of household appliances, protect the equipment from premature breakdowns, and extend the service life of household appliances.
It's bad if the floor in the pantry is made of boards. It will not be suitable for installing a washing machine; you will have to carry out repair work by following certain steps:
- First, the area where the washing machine is planned to be placed is precisely marked on the floor covering. Ten centimeters are added along the perimeter of the applied rectangle to avoid destruction of the platform when using washing equipment;
- the floorboards of the pantry are carefully dismantled;
- a formwork structure is installed in the prepared rectangle;
- a reinforcing mesh is laid, providing additional strength to the concrete base;
- the prepared site is filled with concrete mortar, the mixture is carefully compacted;
- Place logs along the edges of the base to prevent the boards from hanging.
Decorating the storage room
We have already found out whether it is possible to install household appliances in a cramped room. True, there is little free space here, and it is not recommended to clutter it further.Under storage of washing powders and other products used in washing, containers placed on hanging shelves are used.
As follows from user reviews, this solution allows you to save at least thirty percent of usable space. Illumination in the room is best done from spotlights, placing them on the central part of the ceiling. As you can see, even such a small room as a pantry can bring significant benefits.
