Portable washers and dryers are easy-to-use moveable washing and drying machines that serve as perfect solutions for small spaces and lower budgets.
A portable washer and dryer is the easiest way to cut laundry costs. You can eliminate the water and electricity bills conventional washers and dryers rack up or the weekly trips to the Laundromat that keep getting more expensive.
Types of Portable Washers
The types of portable washers available are extensive, encompassing various categories, features, and functions.
Electric Portable Washers
Electric portable washers can be front-loaders or top-loaders, and they rely on electricity to power the agitation.
These compact washers are suitable replacements for conventional washers and last long.
There are two types of electric washers: manually filling and sink connection.
Manually-filling Washers
The user must fill the washer with water using a bucket for every load and wash and rinse cycle.
Sink Connect
Hoses on the washers connect to a water source to fill the washer with water and subsequently drain the washer of water.
Manual Portable Washers
Manual portable washers, also called pedal-powered washers, do not rely on any electricity source. These washers are tiny compared to electric washers.
The manual portable washer works when the user rotates the attached arm of the washer continuously until the user meets the recommended number of rotations.
These rotations, or pedals, spin the clothes in the washer, although the number of spins per pedal differs across various types.
Manual portable washers are more environmentally-friendly as they don’t rely on electricity and the water usage is minuscule compared to the electric washer.
Types of Portable Dryers
The various portable dryers depend on the user’s intent and choice. There are hardly any manual portable dryers as most people air-dry without an electric dryer.
Front-Loader Portable Dryers
Front-loader portable dryers are similar to electric front-loader portable washers and are often a joint purchase.
These dryers require electricity to function properly and have different buttons for different drying speeds, drying times, etc.
Tiered Electric Portable Dryers
These portable dryers are available in two tiers or three tiers. It works by attaching a drying mechanism to the bottom of the tiered racks.
This drying machine has a remote control that controls the drying temperature, drying time, and drying speed.
These dryers can function as wardrobes or drying racks when not in use. The setup of the dryers conveniently aids this repurposing.
An advantage of this dryer is that the drying mechanism is detachable, allowing the user to move it around and dry clothing not attached to the tiered racks.
How to Use a Portable Washer
Once you have a portable washer, follow the instructions on the owner’s manual to prevent damage and water spillage.
Components of a Portable Washer
- Water Hoses
Water hoses connect the portable washer to a water source, filling the washer with water when needed. Consider that some washers only attach to faucets with removable aerators when making your purchase.
- Drain hose
A drain hose removes water from the washer after a wash cycle. The drain hose should have a clamp that secures the hose and prevents water leakage.
There are two types of drain hoses; gravity drains and pump drains. Gravity drain only removes water downward, while pump drain can remove water from any direction.
- Connectors
Connectors connect the water hose to the sink.
- Sink faucet adapter
A sink faucet adapter is suitable when your water hose does not fit the faucet.
- Owner’s manual
The user has to study the manual judiciously to ensure a seamless installation and subsequent usage.
How to Install a Portable Washer
- Portable Washer Placement
The advantage of a portable washer is its mobility; however, deciding on the correct position for washing can be tricky.
The portable washer should be close to a water source and a GFCI electrical unit. This location can be the bathroom, the kitchen, another room, or close to the shower.
- Level the Portable Washer
The wheels make the washer mobile, but not ensuring the feet touch the ground can cause the washer to jettison off during the spin cycle.
Twist the leveling feet on the washer clockwise till it touches the ground, and then secure the feet in place by twisting the locking nuts counterclockwise.
- Connect the Water Hose
Remove the faucet’s aerator and install the faucet adapter. Connect the water hose to the adapter and the other end to the corresponding inlet spot on the washer. The hose placement on the washer determines the chosen water temperature.
You can connect to a handheld shower head by removing the shower pipe and attaching the water hose to the shower head.
- Connect the Drain Hose
The drain hose valve is at the bottom of the portable washer. Take the drain hose clamp and place it on the hose, then connect the hose to the valve. Lock the clamp on the drain hose to secure it.
Gently tug the hose to ensure it is secure without fear of leaks.
Ensure you place the drain hose in the sink, shower, or bucket to avoid accidental water spillage.
- Run a Test
Plug the wire of the washer to the electrical source, turn on the faucet to let the water fill the washer, and turn on the power source. Check if the hoses are secure and the washer is operating adequately.
How a Portable Washer Works
Portable washers have a similar technique to conventional washers. They require force to agitate and spin the clothes soaked in water and detergent to remove the dirt and rinse the soap. After the washer spins the clothes, they will be almost dry.
It is effortless to clean a compact portable washer.
- Arrange the Laundry
Separate the laundry load by color and fabric type. When loading the washer, consider the washer capacity; so you don’t overload it. Overloading the washer will prevent spinning and might cause severe damage.
Read the instruction manual to know the washer’s weight capacity. Smaller portable washers can carry laundry loads weighing 6kg, while massive portable washers can carry laundry loads weighing 18kg.
- Fill the Washer with Water
Follow the clothes’ care label to know the correct water temperature for the wash cycle.
For sink connecting washers
Connect the water hose to the sink’s faucet or shower head. Turn on the desired water temperature, and fill the washer.
For Manual Filling
Use a sizable bucket to fill the washer with the desired water temperature.
There is a line in the washer indicating the appropriate water level, do not pass the level when filling with water.
- Add Laundry Additives
Portable washers don’t come with detergent dispensers making the user pour the detergent directly into the load.
Use a detergent that doesn’t produce much suds to reduce the rinse time and avoid accidents.
- Turn on the Washer
Plug the washer into the GFCI power source and turn on the washer. Set the washer to the desired wash cycle, based on the care label’s instructions.
- Rinse and Spin
After the wash cycle ends, turn on the knob controlling the drain hose to drain the dirty water from the washer and start the spin cycle, or transfer the clothes to the spin tub (depending on the type of washer you have).
After the first spin, fill the washer with clean water and turn on the rinse cycle. After rinsing, run a second spin cycle.
Transfer the clothes to a dryer or air-dry.
- Turn it Off
After a successful wash cycle, unplug the washer from the electrical outlet, disconnect the water hose from the faucet, and place the washer back.
Using a Portable Dryer
Having a dryer is unnecessary, and some people consider the item redundant, especially when there are other suitable ways to dry clothes.
A portable dryer is cost-effective and fits into any room. However, if you must have a portable dryer, you should study the instruction manual thoroughly to avoid accidents.
Components of a Portable Dryer
- Drain hose
The drain hose removes water from the dryer. The drain hose should have a clamp that secures the hose and prevents water leakage.
- Level
The level balances the dryer to prevent excessive shaking and damage.
- Lint Filter
The lint filter collects all the lint from the clothes during the cycle. Ensure to clean this filter regularly to prevent clogging.
- Instruction Manual
The instruction manual contains all the information from the manufacturers about the portable dryer and how to use it.
How to Install a Portable Dryer
Installing the portable dryer is a lot easier than installing the portable washer.
- Place the dryer next to a GFCI electrical source.
- Attach the drain hose to the corresponding valve at the back of the portable dryer.
- Twist the leveling feet on the washer clockwise till it touches the ground, and then secure the feet by twisting the locking nuts counterclockwise. Use a wooden block if the dryer is still not straight.
Steps to Using a Portable Dryer Works
- Turn on the power button on the portable dryer.
- Place the drain hose in the sink or a bucket.
- Select the preferred cycle for your laundry load; ‘mixed’, ‘heavy-duty’, ‘normal’, ‘synthetic’, ‘delicate’, etc.
- Select any additional options like the ‘steam’ option.
- Clean the lint screen or filter.
- Place your wet laundry inside the dryer and start the drying cycle.