How Much Space Is Required Around A Washing Machine & Dryer?

When purchasing a washer or dryer, it's extremely important to make sure you have the space for them. If not, you face expensive room renovations. Measuring your space carefully and understanding the clearance space such machines need is key to avoiding these extra expenses. Having the correct amount of space for your washer and dryer not only means they will fit into the room, but that they will be able to function effectively and safely.

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The average width of a washer or dryer is 27 inches, meaning if you have one next to the other you'll need at the very least a space of 54 inches. Washers vary between 25 and 28 inches in depth, while dryers can be between 25 and 32 inches deep. Top loading machines are typically around 36 inches in height, while front loaders have more variance–usually between 34 and 39 inches. Washer dryer combo dimensions tend to be in the range of 27 inches wide by 29 inches deep by 38 inches tall. Before you make any washer or dryer purchase, it's absolutely essential that you are aware of its own specific dimensions.

There are smaller, compact washers and dryers specially made for smaller homes. However, it's worth noting that these can have a smaller drum size, making them inconvenient and inefficient. It's important to be aware not only of outer dimensions but the load capacity, too.

On top of the physical space a washer or dryer takes up, it needs additional space called clearance. It's recommended that there's at least one inch of space around a washer or dryer to allow for proper air circulation. This space also helps minimize noise transfer.

The other aspect to take into consideration is leaving adequate space behind your washer or dryer. Both washers and dryer require a significant space for their water hoses and hookups. Dryers also need extra space for adequate ventilation. Around six inches of space behind your washer and dryer is ideal.

Space can be saved behind a dryer by installing a periscope dryer vent. This helps ventilate the areas quickly and thus allows the dryer to sit closer to the wall.

Alongside the clearance needed to safely install a washer or dryer, it's also important that you have comfortable access to your machines. If it's a top loader, you must be able to fully open the lid in order to add and remove laundry. Similarly, for a front loading machine, you must be able to fully open the door and reach inside.