The apartment building where we bought a flat is currently under construction.
The current plan includes a laundry room in the basement where each apartment has a designated space for its own washer and dryer. However, in our unit, additional connections for a washer and dryer were planned inside the storage room, as we preferred to have the machines within the apartment. The electrician—who also seems to be on the advisory board of the local housing cooperative—warned us strongly against placing washers in the small storage room, mainly due to concerns about humidity and the risk of mold.
The storage room has rough dimensions of about 1.5 m x 1.55 m (5 feet x 5 feet 1 inch), which is approximately 2.33 square meters (25 square feet). There will be a ventilation fan installed, but he still views it as problematic because technical equipment is also located there (the apartment’s network cabling is routed through that room, and the electrical panel is also located there).
Our question now is: How serious is the humidity issue likely to be? And if washers really shouldn’t be placed in the storage room, could it be practical to install one in the bathroom? We wouldn’t need a stacked washer and dryer setup but would rather consider a washer-dryer combo unit that combines both functions into one machine.
This is the current bathroom layout:
And here is an idea we had for placing the washer in the bathroom. Our question is whether this would "work" or if it’s not advisable:
It should be noted that the dimensions of the red walls around the shower would remain the same as in the current plan (1.52 m instead of 1.42 m (5 feet vs. 4 feet 8 inches) and 45 cm instead of 55 cm (18 inches vs. 22 inches)); the red walls shown here are just an old version. Also, the bathtub would hopefully be reversed so that you look into the room rather than at a wall.
We would also shorten the half-wall in front of the sink to about 1.5 m (5 feet) long and would avoid building a half-wall in front of the washer if possible. The water connections for the washing machine would come out sideways from the half-wall, allowing the machine to be pushed further back.
The current plan includes a laundry room in the basement where each apartment has a designated space for its own washer and dryer. However, in our unit, additional connections for a washer and dryer were planned inside the storage room, as we preferred to have the machines within the apartment. The electrician—who also seems to be on the advisory board of the local housing cooperative—warned us strongly against placing washers in the small storage room, mainly due to concerns about humidity and the risk of mold.
The storage room has rough dimensions of about 1.5 m x 1.55 m (5 feet x 5 feet 1 inch), which is approximately 2.33 square meters (25 square feet). There will be a ventilation fan installed, but he still views it as problematic because technical equipment is also located there (the apartment’s network cabling is routed through that room, and the electrical panel is also located there).
Our question now is: How serious is the humidity issue likely to be? And if washers really shouldn’t be placed in the storage room, could it be practical to install one in the bathroom? We wouldn’t need a stacked washer and dryer setup but would rather consider a washer-dryer combo unit that combines both functions into one machine.
This is the current bathroom layout:
And here is an idea we had for placing the washer in the bathroom. Our question is whether this would "work" or if it’s not advisable:
It should be noted that the dimensions of the red walls around the shower would remain the same as in the current plan (1.52 m instead of 1.42 m (5 feet vs. 4 feet 8 inches) and 45 cm instead of 55 cm (18 inches vs. 22 inches)); the red walls shown here are just an old version. Also, the bathtub would hopefully be reversed so that you look into the room rather than at a wall.
We would also shorten the half-wall in front of the sink to about 1.5 m (5 feet) long and would avoid building a half-wall in front of the washer if possible. The water connections for the washing machine would come out sideways from the half-wall, allowing the machine to be pushed further back.
I have had my washer-dryer in the storage closet of my apartment for 5.5 years now. The space is about the same size as the one you are planning. There is also a ventilation fan installed that removes the humid air. I even installed a rod above the washing machine where lightly damp blouses, t-shirts, etc., can hang on hangers to dry. Nothing ever gets moldy there. The electrical breaker panel and the underfloor heating manifold are also located in that room. Additionally, I have my storage shelves on one wall for items like toilet paper and kitchen towels (which don’t get damp). The vacuum cleaner and mop are stored there as well.
For the bathroom, I would install a towel radiator on the left wall between the bathtub and the shower. Mine is also connected only to the underfloor heating system.
For the bathroom, I would install a towel radiator on the left wall between the bathtub and the shower. Mine is also connected only to the underfloor heating system.
You even dry laundry in there sometimes, and it doesn’t get damp?? Then I’m surprised by all the panic about moisture....
Do you always keep the door open, or how do you manage that?
In our case, this storage room is located directly in/next to the kitchen, which is part of the open kitchen, dining, and living area.
Regarding the bathroom, yes, the current plan includes a towel radiator, but it will be electrically connected.
Do you always keep the door open, or how do you manage that?
In our case, this storage room is located directly in/next to the kitchen, which is part of the open kitchen, dining, and living area.
Regarding the bathroom, yes, the current plan includes a towel radiator, but it will be electrically connected.
Exhaust air requires intake air, meaning that when my Miele washer-dryer is running in drying mode, noticeably warm and humid air is generated, which is then removed by the exhaust fan. In my case, this is truly air being exhausted from the room. Naturally, fresh air needs to come in to replace it. Usually, the gap under the door to the floor is sufficient, but if I want faster air exchange, I leave the door open and open a window somewhere in the house.
There are also options where a ventilation grille is installed in the door.
The items I sometimes dry in that room are pre-dried by the smoothening function of the dryer.
I should also mention that I live in an older building, but with new windows installed.
The same humidity is generated in the bathroom, and the house design seems to handle that well. So why not with the storage room?
There are also options where a ventilation grille is installed in the door.
The items I sometimes dry in that room are pre-dried by the smoothening function of the dryer.
I should also mention that I live in an older building, but with new windows installed.
The same humidity is generated in the bathroom, and the house design seems to handle that well. So why not with the storage room?
Well, to be precise, the electrician said I shouldn’t install washing machines in the bathroom either, because modern houses are so well sealed... His opinion: in the laundry room.
I was just thinking maybe the bathroom, since it has a window and the room is also much larger.
I was just thinking maybe the bathroom, since it has a window and the room is also much larger.
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