Content
A stacked washer and dryer saves a lot of space in your utility room. But how do you safely place a washing machine and dryer on top of each other? We’ll explain it in 6 tips.
To safely place a dryer on top of a washing machine, you’ll need a few things:
It’s also a good idea to ask someone to help with the lifting. Washing machines and dryers can be very heavy.
View all washing machine accessories View all dryer accessoriesAlways place the dryer on top of the washing machine, not the other way round. A washing machine is usually heavier than a dryer, especially when filled with water. Putting the washing machine at the bottom makes everything more stable and safer. So: washing machine underneath, dryer on top.
A washing machine that isn’t level can become unstable. This isn’t just unsafe; it can also cause a lot of noise. Position the washing machine where you want and place the spirit level on top. First check whether the floor itself is level. If the bubble sits in the centre, your washing machine is level. If not, you can usually adjust the feet. Turn the feet clockwise to raise the machine, or anticlockwise to lower it. Keep adjusting until the bubble is centred. Rotate the spirit level 90 degrees to check from another angle and adjust again if necessary.
To place your dryer safely on top of the washing machine, you’ll need a stacking kit that fits between the two. When your washing machine spins, it vibrates. The stacking kit ensures that the dryer doesn’t slide off. Some stacking kits even come with a pull-out shelf for folding laundry.
Different brands offer various kits, but they usually contain: a frame, 4 foam pads (anti-slip strips), and a strap. Here’s how to use it:
Lifting a dryer onto a washing machine is best done by 2 people. Make sure the area is clear and agree on your approach beforehand. When lifting, keep your back straight, bend your knees, and use the strength in your legs. Hold the dryer close to your body to reduce strain on your back.
For extra safety, it’s a good idea to secure the washing machine and dryer together with a tensioning strap. Let the strap hang loosely around the machines until the dryer is in place. Then tighten it firmly. Often, a strap is already included in a stacking kit, but you can also buy them separately. Many stacking kits have a slot through which you can thread the strap.
Yes, as long as you use a stacking kit and a strap, it’s safe to put a dryer on top of a washing machine. Just remember: never place the washing machine on top of the dryer. A washing machine is much heavier. A dryer can weigh up to 60 kilos, so always lift it with at least 2 people for safety.
Instead of using a stacking kit and strap, you could also consider placing your washing machine and dryer in a cabinet. These are sometimes called laundry towers, washing machine cupboards, or laundry units. They are often modular, so you can customise them.
No room for 2 separate appliances? Then a washer-dryer combo might be a better option.
