Even though it is not ideal, many keep their washing machines and dryers outdoors. When these machines are outside, depending on where you live, they can be damaged. If the climate is harsher and there is rain, you risk severely lowering your appliances’ lifespan.
So, it is smart to learn how to protect outdoor washer and dryer. While most appliances today are built to withstand more and last longer, it does not mean that you should not take any preventative measures.
Now, let’s discover how you can protect your outdoor washer and dryer!
How to Protect Outdoor Washer and Dryer
There are various ways to safeguard your outdoor washer and dryer. For example, you can do the following:
- Purchase a washing machine cover.
- Install a shed.
- Weatherproof cover and a surge protector.
- Use a canopy or a tarp.
- Keep the appliances elevated.
Protecting Outdoor Washers and Dryers
Washing machines and dryers are appliances built to last at least a decade and more with proper use and maintenance.
However, they can stop working sooner than later depending on how you use them and where you store them. There are many people who use their washing machines outdoors without any issues.
Yet, the sun, wind, and rain can harm your washing machine. Your washing machine’s plastic components are susceptible to fading and cracking from the sun. The washing machine’s metal components may rust due to the wind and humidity.
Additionally, your washing machine’s electronic components may short circuit due to the rain. It is crucial to take the appropriate safety measures to shield the washing machine from the elements when it’s outside.
Purchase a washing machine cover
Investing in a washing machine cover is one of the easiest ways to shield your outdoor washer or dryer from the outdoor elements. There are various sizes and types of washing machine covers available.
You will easily find ones that fit your washer and dryer. A high-quality cover will shield your washing machine and dryer from the sun, wind, and rain. It will also keep your appliances clean and dust-free.
Read more: Do I Need A Plumber To Install A Washing Machine?
Install a shed
Another great outdoor washer and dryer solution is enclosing them in their shed. The shed does not have to take up too much of your backyard. Instead, it can be only big enough to keep your appliances inside.
This is an excellent way to shield your washer and dryer from the elements and also from rodents.
Weatherproof cover and a surge protector
You should get a weatherproof cover if you plan to keep your washing machine outside. A weatherproof cover protects your washing machine from the sun, wind, and rain.
Plus, since it is specifically designed to protect against these elements, it may be a better solution than a simple cover.
Also, it would help if you bought a surge protector for outdoor appliances. A surge protector will protect your appliances against voltage spikes that can damage them and prevent fires.
Use a canopy or a tarp
You may always use a canopy to cover your washing machine if you want to save money on something other than a weatherproof cover. Also, using vinyl tarps is a cost-effective way to protect an outdoor washer and dryer.
If you go with the less expensive, portable option, you will not need to construct a concrete or wood washing machine and dryer shed. A canopy will shield your appliances from the sun and rain.
Keep the appliances elevated
Maintaining your washing machine in a higher place is another strategy to safeguard it. Keep your washing machine and dryer elevated if you live in a place with a lot of rainfall to avoid flooding.
Placing your washing machine and dryer on a platform or raising them with bricks or blocks will keep the appliances elevated.
By doing that, you can ensure that your washing machine and dryer are not submerged in water, which could harm the machines.
Also read: Do Washing Machines Use A Lot Of Electricity?
Conclusion
So, if you wonder how to protect outdoor washer and dryer from the elements and other dangers, the solutions mentioned above are the best.
You can use any of them to protect your washing machine and dryer if you keep them outdoors, as they should provide sufficient protection.
After all, you do not want the appliances to rust over and stop working sooner than intended.
