Having a Washing Machine Upstairs (Pros and Cons)
Washing machines remain one of the essential appliances to have in a home. If you just moved into your home, you may be considering the best location for your washer, especially if you have multiple floors.
You’ll have to choose one whether you should put your washing machine upstairs or not. We’ll cover the pros and cons of having a washing machine upstairs so you can determine the best location for your needs.
The Pros
First, you should start with the pros of having a washing machine upstairs. Doing so will make it easier to understand why people do it, so you can decide if those benefits make it worth the effort.
1. Avoiding embarrassing moments
People sometimes get embarrassed when others see their dirty laundry. However, if you have your washing machine upstairs, you won’t have to worry about guests coming across your laundry while they visit.
For example, if you have your washing machine downstairs, it might be near the entrance or the kitchen. As guests spend time with you on the first floor, they may see the washer and some of your delicates near it.
If you have it downstairs, you’ll have to remember what clothes you left out or even hide them before the guests arrive. This is part of the reason why so many people choose to put their washing machine upstairs.
2. Transporting clothing
Some people don’t want the inconvenience of transporting clothing while they do their laundry. For example, college students sometimes have to deal with staircases when they want to get their laundry done, so you probably don’t want to walk up and down them.
Most people have their bedrooms upstairs, so you could do your laundry upstairs and wait for it to finish. Once the clothes finish, you only have to transport your clothing a few feet. Otherwise, you’ll have to go up and down the stairs with your clothing whenever you need to wash them.
If you have multiple loads to do, you’ll make it easier for yourself by having the washing machine upstairs. All you have to do is to transport yourself from the laundry room to the bedroom.
3. Saving time
Not only will you make it easier for transportation, but you’ll also save time. Since you don’t have to carry your clothes down the stairs and back up once you finish washing them, you won’t have to walk as much.
You just have to move the clothes from your bedroom to the washing machine. Once you finish, you can easily walk your clothes over, which only takes a minute. If you have to go up and down the stairs, you’ll end up spending more time washing your clothes. After all, time is money.
The Cons
While you may enjoy the benefits listed above, you can’t ignore the drawbacks. As you understand why some people don’t put their washing machines upstairs, you can see if you should put your washing machine downstairs instead. Here are some of the cons to putting a washer upstairs:
1. Facing water damages
Your floor could face serious water damage if you have a washing machine upstairs. If your washing machine breaks or develops a leak, the water could get everywhere and ruin your floors. It could soak into the wood or carpet flooring, causing permanent damage.
While you can face those side effects on the first floor, the upstairs floor works as the ceiling. That means any damage done to your floor could impact your ceiling, leading to further consequences and damages. While the base floor isn’t perfect, you have fewer risks than the second floor.
2. Installing it upstairs
Installing a washing machine upstairs will pose more challenges than one downstairs. Not only do you have to get a water line up there, but you also have to transport the washing machine up the stairs. Doing so will take tons of maneuvering and involve some challenges.
You could damage your home while you take the washing machine upstairs. Even if you have professionals bring it in, they could bump the machine into the walls or the staircase and cause dents or breaks.
While you could hit the washing machine into walls on the first floor, you won’t have to maneuver around staircases and many hallways. Thankfully, installing a washing machine is not a recurring task.
3. Making loud noises
When you have a large appliance on the second floor, it naturally makes more noise. It rattles against the floor whenever you run it, so it’ll make noise throughout the house. Also, since it happens against a thinner ground than the base floor, it’ll cause even more noise.
If you want to do something downstairs, you may find it difficult to focus while you run the washing machine. In addition, the noise will become even louder if you stay in the room underneath the washing machine, so keep that in mind as you choose a location.
While you will have to deal with noise on the first floor, the second one will naturally make more noise. Most washing machines vibrate when they are operational. This might disturb the people in your house.
Which Should You Choose?
As you consider the benefits and issues, you’ll naturally question which one you should choose. After all, having a washer upstairs can be convenient for clothes, but having it downstairs can reduce the noise.
It comes down to if you prefer convenience or safety. Washing machines upstairs offer plenty of conveniences while saving you time and effort. On the other hand, you run more risks if your washer is on the second floor.
You must determine if the potential risks outweigh the benefits. The second floor works better if you want to enjoy the conveniences and not worry about the risks. You should go with the first floor if you want to play it safe and avoid potential damages or disturbances.
Final Comments
Washing machines can go in different locations throughout your house. Finding the right floor for it matters since you’ll notice additional benefits and drawbacks if you plan on having a washing machine upstairs.
Placing your washing machine upstairs offers some benefits, so think about it if you don’t mind the cons. You’ll notice which works best for your home, so you minimize problems and pick the convenient option.
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