The only Automated Laundry System guide you ever need - Part 1 of 2

When you are not blessed with an abundance of space in your service yard or do not have a yard, a compact laundry dryer and an automated laundry system could be an alternative to resolve this.

Nevertheless, if cost is a concern, between having a laundry and an automated laundry system, the dryer is usually more expensive since it drives the monthly utility bills more. Therefore, if you are keen to get an automated laundry system, here is a list of lifestyle and practical considerations.

#01. The location matters

Design: Icon Interior Design

The type and size of the automated laundry system are constrained by the area in which it was installed. Case in point, if the automated laundry system is installed in a place where there is no sunlight, poor ventilation or absence of artificial lighting, the system should have a built-in powerful solar drying function to improve the drying efficiency or an LED light to illuminate the area.  

Pro Tip:  The location of the automated laundry system should be away from the kitchen cooking area in order to prevent the cooking fumes from getting into the laundry. Unless you have installed a very powerful cooker hood ventilator, the fumes will make the laundry smell and the laundry rack oily.

#02. Discuss with your family members on the ideal location of the automated laundry system

Image from Airer Sg

One of the craziest Singaporean superstitions is that is considered unlucky to walk underneath hanging clothes. For other families, it is considered bad luck for men to walk under women's underwear. Therefore, you should have a discussion with your family members before finalising the location of the automated laundry system.

Pro Tip: Avoid installing the automated laundry system near a walkway. This is to prevent the hanging clothes from dripping onto the people.

#03. Get an on-site assessment from the vendor before committing to a brand or model

Image credit: Mensch

Most vendors provide a free non-obligatory on-site assessment, to gauge the technical feasibility and suitability of the space. Some vendors may get you to answer a list of questions to find out whether if the model is the most suitable for your needs and if the chosen place is the most optimal location.

Pro Tip: You should have at least 1 place in mind where you prefer the automated laundry system to be located, before arranging for an on-site assessment. 

#04. Install a rain shield in the balcony

Image from Weiken 

If the location of the automated laundry system is the balcony, you should consider installing an additional PVC sheet at the side to protect the laundry from heavy rain splashes.  

Pro Tip: If you are living in a Condominium, check with your Condo Management whether if you are allowed to dry the clothes in the balcony.

#05. Aside from the laundry size, the lifestyle affects the capacity too

Design: Design 4 Space

If you have a habit of putting out daily laundry loads to dry, you will need to have a larger capacity automated laundry system even if the laundry load per wash is small. This is because the laundry may take a few days to fully dry.

Pro Tip: If you intend to dry comforters and blankets, look for an automated laundry system with long extendable poles.

#06. Interior design and family members and may influence the types of automated laundry systems you choose

Design: Ace Interior Design

Some models of the automated laundry system offer both day and warm light and they allow you to toggle between the two according to your preference and needs. Others only offer day and warm light which may clash with your home interior lighting. In addition, some models have safety anti-collision features that automatically stop when they detect an obstruction, while others come with child safety locks that will keep the prying fingers safe.

Pro Tip: Safety should be a priority when choosing a suitable automated laundry system. So do remember to inform the vendor in advance if you have young children and/or the elderly at home.