How to Stack a Washing Machine and Tumble Dryer

Whether you have limited room in your home or prefer the convenience of keeping your appliances together, stacking your washing machine and tumble dryer together can be a great solution. However, it’s important to do this safely and with caution, ensuring you have the right tools and stacking kit necessary to safely secure your appliances together.

Alternatively, if you are looking for space-saving solutions, you may want to consider our combination washer dryer machines. These space-saving appliances combine both a washing machine and a dryer in one unit, ideal if space is limited.

Preparing for stacking washer and dryer

When it comes to stacking your washing machine and tumble dryer, you need to prioritise the safety of yourself, your appliances, and your space. You don’t want any accidents happening due to your environment being ill-prepared or your appliances being unstable.

Make sure you plan ahead and have the right tools and precautions in place to stack your washer

Safety precautions

For a hazard-free setup, you’ll want to have the right safety precautions in place beforehand. Before stacking your washing machine and tumble dryer, it is important that you take the manufacturer’s notes into consideration for both appliances.

You’ll also want to consider how you’re going to lift your tumble dryer. Make sure you’ve got at least two people to lift the appliance and ensure you’re wearing protective footwear. Other safety precautions should include unplugging your tumble dryer before lifting.

Requirements and capabilities

Another crucial aspect to check before attempting to stack your washing machine and dryer is their compatibility requirements. Specific manufacturers will have different advice, and compatibilities when it comes to stacking these items. For the best chances of compatibility, try to buy a tumble dryer from the same manufacturer as your washing machine.

Make sure to thoroughly check your manual for any advice and guidance on your washing machine and tumble dryer.

Step-by-step guide to stacking washing machine on a tumble dryer

Stacking washing machines and tumble dryers together offers several advantages, such as convenience and space-saving benefits. However, staking your appliances can be difficult without the right knowledge. Here’s how to get your washing machine and tumble dryer stacked safely.

Positioning the appliances

If you're planning to stack your washing machine and tumble dryer, you likely already know where you want to put them. Making sure you have the right height and level flooring to support these appliances is a must.

It is important to note that your tumble dryer should sit on top of your washing machine.

Installing the stacking kit

Installing a stacking kit for your washing machine is crucial for keeping your tumble dryer secure and hazard-free, especially during operation. If you don't use a stacking kit, you run the risk of your tumble dryer falling. A stacking kit is also important for absorbing vibrations and distributing weight.

To install your stacking kit, begin by removing the two large bolts at the back of your washing machine and attach them to the top of the machine. Next, install the brackets provided with your stacking kit, securing them with bolts according to the instructions. Then, follow the provided instructions to attach the tray. After attaching the tray, double-check the security of all bolts and tighten them if needed.

Securing the appliances

Tilt your tumble dryer and extend the legs so they can easily sit on the stacking tray without the bottom of your tumble dryer catching the washing machine.

Once ready, with the help of two people, lift your tumble dryer from the bottom, ensuring each corner is supported. Then, place it on top of your washing machine, ensuring both appliances are sitting straight and not leaning with the weight. Don't forget to screw in the feet for a sturdy structure.

Ensure that the brackets at the back of the stacking kit are securely attached to both appliances, using the supplied bolts.

Connecting power and vents

As with any washing machine or tumble dryer installation, connecting to power and water or vents is crucial for the proper functioning of your appliance. Before connecting, make sure your location has the appropriate sockets and vents for your appliances.

When connecting, ensure that each pipe and lead can move independently without becoming tangled. Your pipes shouldn't be unnecessarily kinked or bent. Once you're happy that everything is connected and working, push your stack to your desired position.

Common issues with putting tumble dryer on top of washing machine

Stacking your tumble dryer on top of your washing machine can present a few potential issues, ranging from security concerns to noise management. When planning to stack your appliances, it’s important to consider the following factors: If you’re unsure whether your washing machine stack is causing your problems, refer to our common causes of problems page for further advice on what could be going wrong and how to fix it.

Unstable or wobbly stack

Stability is a critical issue when stacking appliances. If you're worried about the security of your appliances, it is important that you solve this before operating them. Using a stacking kit can provide a straightforward solution for securely fastening your appliances together, ensuring a hazard-free setup.

Excessive vibration or noise

If stability remains a concern, excess vibrations can also be worrisome. Splitting heavy bulk loads into smaller ones can help reduce noise and vibrations. Certain items, like duvets, can cause your washing machine to move more during the spin cycle than others. Making sure you’re not overfilling your drum could alleviate this issue.

Learn more about reducing your washing machine noise here.

Ventilation or airflow problems

If you're experiencing ventilation or airflow problems, they may stem from a buildup of dirt and dust blocking vents, thereby restricting airflow and leading to moisture buildup. Regularly pulling out your tumble dryer and checking its back can help reduce this buildup, ensuring your washing machine and tumble dryer stack operate efficiently.

Tips for safe and efficient stacking

Hazard-free stacking will create a safe setup that can last over time. If you're looking to save space by stacking your washing machine and tumble dryer, make sure to prioritise safety for both you and your appliances. Proper care and maintenance are important to ensure a long-lasting and safe arrangement.

Proper maintenance and cleaning

You wouldn't want to stack your appliances only to find that one needs maintenance or repairs. Before stacking your appliances, make sure that both are working effectively and without any issues. You should also test your washing machine and tumble dryer separately within the designated space to ensure that all sockets, vents, and water inlets are working.

Cleaning your washing machine and tumble dryer before stacking is also important for the maintenance and care of your appliances. Giving your appliances a deep clean, both inside and out, can ensure that they’re in the best condition before stacking. This is particularly important for the maintenance of your tumble dryer, which might be more challenging to clean once stacked atop your washing machine.

Click here for more advice on how to clean your washing machine.

Load distribution and balance

How you load your washing machine and tumble dryer plays a crucial role in the safe balance and stacking of your appliances. Maintaining a stable load distribution is important for reducing the vibrations from your washing machine, keeping your stack stable, and ensuring the safety of your appliances.

Avoid overloading your washing machine or tumble dryer when they’re stacked together. Additionally, if you're washing items like shoes in your washing machine, it's important to balance the drum by adding towels or similar items to help distribute the weight evenly.

Energy efficiency considerations

Considering energy efficiency is another valuable tip for your washing/dryer stack. In addition to saving space, you’ll want to ensure that you’re using the right amount of water and energy for your laundry loads. Understanding your energy rating labels can help you find appliances that meet your energy efficiency needs.

Keeping your washing machines and tumble dryers well-maintained is essential for optimal energy efficiency. Promptly fixing broken parts when an issue arises and regularly deep cleaning your appliances are important steps to ensure they run as efficiently as possible.

Visit our dedicated page for tumble dryer spare parts.

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