How to Save Money on Laundry: Portable Washer and Dryer

Save money on laundry

If you want to save money on laundry and live in an apartment that doesn’t have an in-unit washer and dryer, this is your sign to consider getting a portable washer and dryer. Why? Because who enjoys going to the laundromat or using the shared laundry room at an apartment complex? Not us! If wasting time wasn’t bad enough, it’s also expensive! Enter the portable washer and dryer – a compact space-saver that also saves you money in the long run.

Pros of Portable Washer and Dryer

doing laundry at home portable washer

Although portable washing machines and portable dryers are not as imposing or spacey as their big cousins, they offer some cost-effective advantages that will effectively make them a worthy investment to many homes.

Less Upfront Costs:

In most cases, the upfront cost of buying a portable washer and dryer is much cheaper than purchasing a full-sized set. This is what makes them attractive to people that don’t have an in-unit washer/dryer or anyone that is budget conscious.

Reduced Utility Bill:

While it might sound quite shocking to most, the portable washers and dryers are designed to use much less water as well as electrical power compared to their traditional competitors. This savings piles up over time and enables you to cut the cost of your household monthly utility bills.

No Laundromat Fees:

If you are a renter who lives in an apartment or does not have a washing machine in your own home, then you should be worried about how your monthly budget may easily go through the roof from the numerous Laundromat visits. The average American family does about 300 laundry loads a year, with an average cost of $3.00 each; that’s an astounding $900 annually! Cut down these recurrent costs and get to enjoy the convenience of home-based laundry.

Longer Clothing Lifespan:

Yes, you read that right! Traditional washers and dryers tend to wear clothes quicker because of the rough nature that the systems have with fabrics. Portable units on the other hand, have a gentler wash cycle, which conserves and uses lower heat settings, thereby making your clothing last longer—meaning you will have to replace clothes less often, saving you money on new ones.

Better Laundry Habits:

With a portable washer and dryer, you no longer must have the largest pile of clothes waiting to get laundered. Even better yet, you eliminate the need to use up gas to go the nearest laundromat. You’ll have the ability to wash and dry smaller loads more frequently, and you can do this anytime, whether you are cooking, cleaning, or watching TV while doing your laundry in the background.

Space-Saving Design:

The most obvious advantage of portable washers and dryers is their compact size. These appliances are typically much smaller than their traditional counterparts, making them ideal for apartments and other tight living spaces.

No Installation Required:

Unlike traditional washers and dryers, portable units don’t require any special installation or hookups. Simply plug them into a standard electrical outlet, connect them to a sink or faucet for water supply, and you’re ready to go.

Portability:

These appliances are designed to be moved around easily. Whether you’re relocating to a new apartment or just rearranging your living space, you can take your portable washer and dryer without having to worry about hookups.

Versatility:

Portable washers and dryers come in a variety of sizes and configurations to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you need a compact unit for a small apartment or a larger model with advanced features, there’s portable options available to meet your needs.

Cons of Portable Washer and Dryer

cons of a portable washer and dryer

Now, we are not saying it’s always sunshine and rainbows, there are some cons you must consider if you’re thinking about getting an in-unit washer/dryer combo for your household.

Limited Capacity:

A portable washer and dryer is the mini-me version of their larger counterparts. This means you may need to do more frequent loads of laundry, especially if you have a large family or are a messy spaghetti eater.

Longer Wash and Dry Times:

Portable washers and dryers often have longer cycle times compared to traditional machines. This is partly due to their smaller size and lower water pressure, which can result in longer wash and dry times.

Manual Operation:

While many portable washers and dryers offer convenient features like programmable wash cycles and automatic shut-off timers, some models still require manual operation for tasks such as filling and draining the water reservoirs.

Limited Features:

Being portable, some of its full counterparts’ features and settings might be lacking in a portable unit. This may encompass sanitizing cycles and custom wash programs.

Water Drainage Problems:

Since portable washers and dryers typically connect to a sink or faucet for water supply, drainage can sometimes be a challenge. Depending on your setup, you may need to manually empty the drainage hose or use a pump to remove wastewater.

Our Setup

The Proper Placement:

The perfect placement for our washer is by the kitchen so we can easily connect the hose to the sink. However, depending on your space, your bathroom might be a better spot. As for our dryer, we put it by a window so it could vent out the heat. That’s how I’ve got mine set up at home.

More Mobile:

Sure, people with some strength and zest just lift and move their appliances, but for most, a tube extension and a little cart with wheels just makes life easier when it’s laundry time.

Dedicated Area:

We decided to place our in-unit washer in the corner of our apartment. Since we didn’t want to waste extra space, we bought a cool rack stand that can be used to stack them on top of each other. To further hide it, we placed a space divider around it (although you can certainly still see the dryer peeking out), but we love it anyway!

In unit laundry in an apartment
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Save money on laundry

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a portable washer and dryer can be a game-changer for anyone looking to how to save money on laundry or simply save time or space. While these appliances may have some cons compared to traditional machines, their cost-saving benefits and convenience make them a great investment for many households. Whether you’re living in a small apartment, RV, or dorm room, a portable washer and dryer can help streamline your laundry routine and put more money back into your pocket. With that said, what are you waiting for? Make the simple switch to portable laundry appliances today and start reaping the rewards of a more efficient and budget-friendly laundry routine. SaveSensei out!

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