Despite the fact that automatic washing machines are no longer a rarity in our apartments, still not every one of them has a full drying function, after which the laundry can be sent directly for ironing. For housewives living in apartment buildings, it’s still more common to hang wet items on the loggia or balcony. Previously, there were two traditional methods for this. One of them is stretching ropes and laces on the balcony itself. The second is the construction of external structures beyond. Today, there are many devices for drying clothes on the balcony (see photo in the article below). They take up very little space, but at the same time allow you to hang a large number of things on them.
In place of the usual clothesline for drying clothes on the balcony today came various devices of floor, wall and ceiling type. They have folding, stationary and sliding structures, are equipped with electric heating or are made without it. However, their differences relate to materials of execution and size. How can owners understand this huge assortment and choose the most convenient and practical device for drying clothes on the balcony? To do this, you should study the market, after which it will be possible to make the right decision.
Classification
What is the best laundry dryer for your apartment? To date, on sale you can find various options for such designs. In addition, each of these devices does an excellent job of its intended function.
By the method of placement, operation and assembly, all dryers are divided into:
- outdoor;
- ceiling lifting;
- wall-mounted, including pull-out cantilever rod ("creepers"), tension;
- floor with folding parts;
- electric dryers.
Hostesses can only, based on their preferences, choose the best option for their balcony, which will correctly organize the space of this part of the apartment.
Main characteristics
What you need to consider when choosing a device for drying clothes on the balcony? When deciding on a purchase, you will need to consider such important design characteristics as:
- The size of the total work surface. This indicator represents the length of all the rods of the structure, if we consider it in expanded form. The larger the working surface of the dryer, the more massive and expensive it is.
- The number of bars. This indicator directly affects the width of the structure.
- The number of tiers. The larger the number, the greater the opportunity to place in a small space as a lot of washed items. Multi-tier dryers save space, but they always cost a lot.
- Maximum load. This indicator directly depends on this or that type of design, as well as on the materials used in its manufacture. When choosing a dryer, it is recommended to pay increased attention to this characteristic. After all, the duration of the operation of the product will depend on this parameter. Manufacturers recommend purchasing ordinary wall-mounted models to accommodate from 5 to 10 kg of linen. Dryers of the "liana" type, as well as folding floor structures - from 20 to 25 kg.
When choosing a device for drying clothes on the balcony, you should pay attention to additional options. One of them is the presence of shipping rollers. Such parts help move heavy floor structures. These wheels are made of rubber, plastic or rubber. Parts made of the first of these materials tend to leave marks on the floor. Plastic wheels are unstable to various mechanical damages. In this regard, it is recommended to pay attention to dryers with plastic wheels with rubber coating. When choosing a floor structure, it is desirable that it be provided with a latch. This device will allow her to be stable and not roll away.
Modern manufacturers are developing their products for drying clothes and other useful additions. For example, some models have compartments designed to accommodate shoes. There are constructions with holders for hangers, with protection against accidental closing, as well as with the function of installation in the bathtub, which becomes possible when using special devices that are worn on the legs of the dryer.
Now let's move on to the consideration of various types of models.
Outdoor dryer
Such a device is considered the easiest to use. It is recommended to pay attention to the outdoor device for drying clothes on the balcony to those housewives who prefer that their things dry on the street and gain freshness from the wind and the sun.
The main advantage of this model is that it does not occupy the interior space in the apartment. Such devices for drying clothes on the balcony (see photo below) are ropes that are on the fixtures located outside the house. When using modern roller mechanisms, the process of hanging things can be made more convenient.
The disadvantage of this design is the inconvenience of the installation process. The fact is that manufacturers recommend to fix the external structure not to balcony panels, which are not able to withstand heavy loads, but to the external wall. In addition, you will need to take into account the place where the house is located. If the apartment’s balcony is located on the side of a busy street, then hanging things so that they dry in an open way and absorb the exhaust fumes is simply unhygienic. Do not forget about the effects of precipitation. Things on the outdoor structure are not protected from snow and rain.
Wall-mounted dryer
One of the most traditional and reliable ways of organizing the hanging of washed clothes is pulling a rope (cord). On the loggia it is placed between two opposite walls. On the balcony, the rope is stretched between metal or wooden frames, which are attached to the parapet from the ends.
The advantages of this design are its reliability and ease of installation. According to these parameters, none of the models can compare with wall-mounted dryers. Another advantage is cheapness. When installing clothes dryer on a balcony yourself, investments will consist in buying a cord covered with polymer, as well as fastening in the form of screw-loops. Hardware products are sold complete with dowels made of plastic. When choosing them, you need to pay attention to the packaging. It should indicate the maximum weight that one loop can withstand. When buying hinges, screws should take into account the length of the balcony (loggia). The longer the rope, the more wet laundry there will be on it, the more weight the hardware should withstand.
If the owners of the walls of the balcony or loggia have not yet been sheathed with PVC panels or wooden lining, then in a concrete or brick surface you just need to drill the required number of holes for the dowels. Their diameter should be 6-8 mm. The next stage of installing the system for drying clothes on the balcony consists of manually screwing the hinges of screws into the prepared holes. Next, the cord itself is pulled, on which subsequently the laundry will be hung. It can either be cut into pieces whose length is equal to the distance between the walls, or left whole and passed through the rings entirely.
The fastener for drying clothes on the balcony is performed only once. After all, such a wall structure is non-removable. Caring for her is quite simple, namely wiping the ropes before hanging raw linen on them.
What should be the height of such a design? The level of the clothesline of the dryer is calculated based on the growth of the highest member of the family, to which another 10-15 cm is added. Most often, the balcony or loggia are glazed and have doors that open inward. In this case, the first of the ropes from the side of the street should not impede the movement of the frame.
When the walls are already lined with panels or lining, the hinges should be screwed into a wooden block attached to the end walls of the balcony or loggia. For this, metal expansion anchors are used. In order for them to pass through the casing and whetstone, their length should be 100-150 mm.
Wall Dryers
Today, manufacturers market advanced hinged structures. They are sliding mechanisms or folding according to the accordion principle. In such constructions, the ropes are replaced with wooden, plastic or stainless iron bars. All things on any of these models of wall-mounted clothes dryer on the balcony or on the loggia as a result do not have creases. The only drawback that many housewives note is a small amount of washing that can fit on such a design.
Install wall-mounted devices for drying clothes on the balcony on one of the load-bearing walls. At the same time, a sufficient amount of free space should be provided, which would make it possible to easily transform the structure.
Wall-mounted dryers are available in different variations. Among them:
- inertial folding;
- by type of accordion;
- telescopic;
- type of "elevator";
- folding;
- conventional landlines.
Consider each of these models in more detail.
Inertial Dryers
The structure of such structures is two parts that are installed on opposite walls. In one of these elements a spinning drum and ropes are placed, and in the second - hooks. Being folded, such a design will occupy a minimum of space on the wall. For its transformation, with little effort, the ropes are pulled and fastened to hooks located on the opposite wall.
The disassembled design is a fairly large device that can fit a decent amount of things. This option is an improved analogue of traditional ropes, which until recently decorated almost every balcony.
Accordion dryer
This design is mounted on one wall. It is advanced using a special mechanism similar to an accordion. In this case, not ropes or strings are the place for hanging clothes. Tubes are used here, the diameter of which is 1 cm. Hanging laundry on them avoids creases.
The number of tubes on the accordion dryers differs depending on the model and ranges from 5 to 10 pieces. The width of the structures varies between 0.5-1.2 m. Based on the small size of such dryers, hanging linens on them will not be very convenient.
Designs are considered durable, and, based on the recommendations of manufacturers, they can hang a large amount of linen. When assembled, they take up very little space.
Telescopic dryers
These designs are similar to accordion devices with their forward-facing mechanism. However, the principle of its action is somewhat different. Telescopic dryers can be opened fully or partially. The big advantage of these designs is their compactness, but at the same time, manufacturers warn that they are not able to withstand the heavy weight of the laundry. That is why they can be mounted only to accommodate socks, blouses, shirts and other light things.
Lift dryer
This model is considered the most universal. It can simultaneously be attributed to both wall structures and ceiling. The fact is that for fixing a similar design, you need two planes at once.
The dryer of the "elevator" type consists of metal horizontal tubes. Its height is adjusted using a special mechanism.
The design, consisting of two slats and, as a rule, six metal tubes (in the standard model), is attached to the supporting wall of the balcony or loggia. If necessary, a special mechanism can easily raise or lower the device to the desired height. At the bottom, the structure is placed when it is necessary to hang laundry on it, and at the top so that drying clothes do not interfere with households. Moreover, the mechanism of such a dryer allows you to set it to any height. Adjusting the location of the ropes allows you to achieve the best ventilation of the laundry. Moreover, each of the tubes of such a wall-and-ceiling construction can lower or rise by itself, regardless of all the others. Another name for such a device for drying clothes on the balcony is “liana”. Today it is quite popular. Indeed, the design for drying clothes on the balcony “Liana” is able to withstand weight up to 25 kg, which is confirmed by its manufacturers, and, judging by customer reviews, is the most convenient and thoughtful device.
Folding Dryers
Such designs are quite simple and able to withstand heavy weight. As long as they are not needed, they are on the wall and occupy a minimum of space. If necessary, hang up the washed laundry, the appliance is tilted, giving it any angle of inclination.
Transformation of the design takes literally a few seconds. Judging by the reviews of the hostesses, using such a dryer is very convenient. At the same time, modern manufacturers offer various models of folding devices that have different widths and the number of partitions.
Ceiling Dryers
This type of structure for hanging washed laundry is similar to wall-mounted. However, in this case, the device is mounted on the ceiling. In this regard, ceiling dryers have an obvious advantage. It consists in the minimum amount of usable space that they occupy on the balcony. At a time when such dryers are not used, they fold. This allows them to become almost invisible.
Such a device for drying clothes on the balcony is a ceiling structure, which is original in its design and affordable. A sufficiently high service life becomes possible due to the solid crossbars. It is on them that everything washed is hung.
What ceiling design can be purchased today? Devices for drying clothes on the balcony are available in the following types:
- The previously mentioned Liana design, which provides for height-adjustable tubes. The slats of such a fixture are attached to the ceiling. However, a block with ropes is mounted on the wall to control its height.
- Ceiling dryers - accordions. The principle of this design is similar to that of wall-mounted "harmonica". The difference is only in the installation location. The dryer is mounted to the ceiling. However, a block with rungs designed for hanging clothes, if necessary, is placed below and fixed at the desired height. After things are placed on the dryer, the unit can be lifted. This will remove it so that it does not interfere with free movement. What is used to create a ceiling design for drying clothes on a balcony? Ropes or tubes. But in that, and in another case, they are located on the same level. Such a dryer is very compact, but hanging large linen on it is very difficult.
- Hanging dryers. This is the most primitive option for placing laundered laundry. It is a ceiling hanger for drying clothes on the balcony in the form of a hook, on which there is a bar with clothespins. Models made of plastic are notable for their low strength and reliability. The best option would be hangers for drying clothes on the balcony, made of wood or metal.
Homemade designs
Is it possible to make a device for drying clothes on the balcony with your own hands? Yes. Designs made at home will save money, and the idea itself will provide an opportunity for creativity.
Consider the manufacturing algorithm of a conventional ceiling dryer. First of all, it will be necessary to prepare the material, namely, two bars of wood, a dozen self-tapping rings and a linen cord. Needed for the work of a hammer drill and drill and dowels.
At the initial stage, in each of the bars you will need to drill five holes. In this case, it is necessary to trace their symmetrical arrangement. After this, the holes will need to be cleaned by screwing screws into them. Next, three holes are drilled in the ceiling for attaching each of the strips to the ceiling.
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The simplest device is a sliding one, forming only one plane with many ropes, on which linen is hung. Some designs have reclining sides. They form additional planes for drying.
On sale are also vertical floor devices. In them, the planes are located one below the other.
Electric dryers
In the designs that were discussed above, moisture from things is removed naturally. But there are also electric dryers. In them, the process is accelerated by additional heating.
There are such devices floor, wall and ceiling. They can be connected to an electric network for heating rods on which linen is hung, which will accelerate its drying.