Apartment living comes with its fair share of laundry cleaning challenges. Every so often, landlords don’t offer in-unit washers and dryers, and laundromats are expensive. So, you’ve to wonder if you can use a washer and dryer for apartments without hookups.
Fortunately, yes. You can use a washer and dryer for apartments minus hookups, and there are several options on the market. Among them are portable washers and dryers, manual washer-dryer combos, and electric washer-dryer combos.
We’ll discuss the three options, highlighting their pros and cons, and mention relevant examples. After that, we’ll see how you can install a washer and dryer without hookups.
It’s worth mentioning beforehand that you ought to get the apartment’s owner or manager’s permission before using a washer and dryer. Otherwise, go back to the lease agreement to see if it’s acceptable.
Let’s now jump into why you can use a washer and dryer in an apartment without hookups and the options available.
In a rush? Check out the best washers and dryers for apartments on the hotlist below:
Top 3 Washers and Dryers for Apartments Without Hookups
- Pyle XPB20–288S PYRPUCWM22 Portable Washer and Dryer: Best Portable Washer and Dryer for Apartments Without Hookups
- KHOME Gear – Mini Portable Washer and Dryer: Best Manual Washer-Dryer Combo for Apartments Without Hookups
- VIVOHOME Electric 2-in-1 Twin Mini Washer and Spin Dryer Combo: Best Electric Washer-Dryer Combo for Apartments Without Hookups
Can I Use a Washer and Dryer Without Hookups?
While you expect apartment owners to provide washer and dryer hookups, they often don’t, and some don’t allow you to bring your washer or dryer. There are however those that enable you to get a washer and dryer and use it.
So, yes, you can use a washer and dryer without hookups, but you have to get consent from the apartment owner or manager.
It’s also advisable to revisit the lease agreement. The apartment owner ought to have mentioned if you could bring a washer or dryer or not. If yes, then here are the three best washers and dryers for apartments without hookups:
1. Portable Washers and Dryers for Apartments Without Hookups
Portable washers and dryers are small, move-ready laundry machines that allow you to do your laundry on the go. Their capacity is mostly about 1.6 – 2.6 cubic feet, but there are a few vast options that amount to 3.0 cubic feet.
These laundry machines are generally top-loaders and feature rollers or other mechanisms for moving them around the apartment. They come with special connectors for connecting them with the sink faucet. So, you must hook them each time you want to use them.
But once the machine is in use, you can detach the hose from the special connector. However, they discharge water into the sink or tub, rendering them unusable.
Pros
- Move-ready (seamless to move around)
- Readily portable outside the apartment
- Compact size, thus space saving
- Don’t require specialized installation
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Requires hooking up before use and unhooking when in use
- Smaller capacity (not more than 3.0 feet cubic)
- Renders the bathtub and sink unusable when in use
- Can be noisy
Example – Pyle XPB20–288S PYRPUCWM22 Compact & Portable Washer and Dryer
Pyle XPB20 – 288S is a top-load portable washer and dryer with a 7.7-pound capacity. The laundry machine is relatively compact and doesn’t require any installation.
Thus, you can start it right out of its box, and you don’t need an expert plumber to help you set it up. It’s also easy to use, owing to its simple setup, and comes with a drain hose and power cable.
Overall, the laundry machine is ideal for smaller laundry loads.
2. Manual Washer-Dryer Combo for Apartments Without Hookups
Manual washer-dryer combos are non-electric washer and dryer combinations that promise simplicity and efficiency. Thus, they are perfect for apartments.
The machines allow you to wash and dry your clothes simultaneously. But still, you can opt for the wash-only or dry-only option, depending on your preference.
The laundry machines are generally space-saving, something apartment renters prefer. Though they cost more than standard portable washers and dryers (discussed above), they prove their worth in efficiency and performance.
Pros
- Two machines in one (dryer plus washer)
- They save time since you don’t have to transfer your clothes from the washer to the dryer
- No specialized installation
- Readily portable
- Use less water and detergent
- Not dependent on electricity
Cons
- Slightly costly
- Smaller capacities
- Require a bit of extra effort (hand-operated)
- Less energy/power efficient
Example – KHOME Gear – Mini Portable Washer and Dryer
The KHOME Gear Mini Portable Washer and Dryer is a non-electric washing machine and rotary dryer best for apartments, camping, RVs, and dormitories.
This manually-operated laundry machine promises to clean and dry your clothes in 15 minutes. It is, however, only best for small loads.
The machine is easy to operate and enjoys immense cleaning power. It weighs 6.6 pounds, making it moving-ready.
3. Electric Washer-Dryer Combo for Apartment Without Hookups
The only difference between manual washer-dryer combos and their electric counterparts is the power source. Unlike manual hand-powered options, electric options depend on electricity for their operation. For that reason, they are quicker and more efficient.
The machines don’t require specialized installation. You only need to plug them into the power, connect the water supply, switch them on and press start.
Pros
- Economical in suing water and electricity
- Small size (compact), thus space-saving
- Readily portable
- Saves physical energy
- No specialized installation
- Two machines in one
Cons
- Dependent on electricity
- Costlier than the other two options
- Have a longer drying time
- Smaller capacity
Example – VIVOHOME Electric Portable 2-in-1 Twin Mini Laundry Washer and Spin Dryer Combo
The VIVOHOME Electric Portable 2-in-1 Washer and Spin Dryer Combo brings the most portable packable.
This laundry machine lets you wash and dry your laundry simultaneously. It’s simple to run owing to its pre-programmed settings and only costs a fraction of the price of a standard in-built electric washer and dryer.
Its capacity is slightly bigger, given that the washer compartments can hold 8 pounds and the dryer 5.5 pounds. To operate it, you only need to drop your laundry in, fill it with water, adjust the timer, and select start.
The portable laundry machine is overall lightweight, thus, move-ready.
How to Install a Washer and Dryer in an Apartment Without Hookups?
Here are the critical steps for installing a washer and dryer in an apartment that lacks hookups:
- Step 1 (location/identification) – Start by picking a location where you would want to install your washer and dryer. The place should allow you to vent out the dryer’s heat.
- Step 2 (breaker connection) – Identify the breaker connections and choose two prong outlets where the two breakers will hook up. The breaker connection will create a 240V connection.
- Step 3 (plug lining) – Prepare the electrical cords and add them to the dryer’s electrical section. The two electrical wires should form an intersection with each other.
- Step 4 (Heat protection) – Ensure you position your washer and dryer away from the heat not to interfere with its temperature.
- Step 5 (cold water connection) – Unhook the warm water hose from the washer and hook a 1-2-inch diameter water hose into the cold water pipe. After that, link the cold water line with your home tap.
- Step 6 (Spigot connection) – This step requires you to connect the washer with the spigot. Ensure you secure the connection with PVC adhesive or thread to prevent leaks.
- Step 7 (connection emptying) – Lastly, connect the contacts with the drainage sink or bathtub. Secure the connection to ensure the wastewater drains smoothly.
That’s it! You’ve just installed your washer and dryer in your apartment without hookups. You can now start washing.
People Also Ask…
1. Can You Set Up a Washer and Dryer Without Hookups?
Yes, you can set up a washer and dryer without hookups. You just need to get the correct washer and dryer, and your options include a portable washer and dryer or a washer-dryer combo.
All it takes to use these laundry machines is water access, and a means to drain the wastewater.
2. Is It Possible to Install a Washer and Dryer in an Apartment?
While you can get a portable washer and dryer or washer-dryer combo to use in an apartment, you’ve to consider your apartment’s piping and electrical connections.
Ensure the washer and dryer do not interfere with the plumbing or electrical works. More importantly, you must get consent from the apartment owner.
3. How Much to Install a Washer and Dryer Without Hookups?
Depending on the type, size, and brand of washer and dryer you go for, the installation will cost you $600 – $2,700 without hookups. But if you’ve access to hookups, you’ll only spend $100 – $200 on the installation.
4. Can You Have a Portable Washing Machine in an Apartment?
You can have a portable washing machine in an apartment if there are no hookups, and the lease agreement does not forbid it. If you need clarity, talk to the apartment owner or manager.
5. Where Do I Place a Washing Machine in A Small Apartment?
The best spots for putting a washing machine in a small apartment include under the Island staircase, or kitchen counter, in your pantry or shower stall, or the wardrobe.
Closing Remarks
Now you know what washer and dryer for apartments without hookups to get when the apartment owner does not offer the convenience. It’s, however, essential to earn approval from your landlord not to violate any clause in the lease agreement.
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