Can A Washer And Dryer Get Wet?

Most washing machines cannot withstand the harsh weather conditions of being outside. It can cause them to look less impressive and not last long.

Generally, a washer and dryer can get wet if the splashes are minimal. However, these appliances will no longer be functional in excessive water volumes like floods and storms.

This article has the information you need to ensure that you can maintain your washer and dryer for a very long time.

What to Do When Washer/Dryer Get Wet?

Do not do things yourself, especially when talking about harmful objects like appliances. Below are some precautionary measures you need to remember:

Call a Professional

Trying to air-dry an appliance after a flood is one of the homeowners’ most common mistakes when keeping their home appliances working correctly. Doing so could cause them to short-circuit or even shock the user, causing them to suffer a severe injury.

If your home experiences floods and appliances have come into contact with the water, it’s essential to wait until the water stops flowing and disconnect the power to the devices. Not doing so while standing in water can risk your appliances.

Do Not Touch Anything

Switching on your washing machine and spinner/dryer can spread mold spores. It is true, especially when a storm has just finished and your appliances got soaking wet.

Before turning on your washer/dryer, it must be thoroughly cleaned and maintained. A professional can help kill mold and prevent it from growing. You can use a combination of cleaning and maintenance to get the appliance back in working order.

Can You Keep Your Washer/Dryer Outside?

Generally and for safety reasons, no. It is not safe for the wirings of your appliances like washer or dryer to be exposed outside.

Sometimes, we have to keep some of our essential appliances outside due to limited indoor space. One of these is the washer/dryer. Let’s admit it; traditional homes nowadays are not spacious enough to house many huge devices. Having them outside is a great idea.

Although some washing machines are to withstand the natural elements, they can still get sunlight and rainwater, which can cause them to look old and potentially decrease their lifespan.

Sometimes, you have to do what’s necessary to protect your appliances.

Factors Affecting the Placement of Washer/Dryer?

There are some mandatory things that you should consider when choosing a room for your washing machine. These can be hard to comply with when outside, but some solutions can help.

Source of Water

Ideally, a washing machine should have a space close to a water supply where the water can be collected and discarded. It is ideal to have a separate water hose to connect to the washing machine and dryer.

You can also utilize your kitchen sink as a water source in a pinch. If you have a problem with the inlet hose of your washing machine, you can try connecting it to the nearest faucet with hose extensions.

Source of Power

Although extension cords are generally safe for semi-automatic washing machines, you should only rely on them when a reliable power source is available.

Not doing so could pose a fire hazard since the machines would be pulling in more power than they can handle. Also, since you would connect the electric and the washer to the same circuit, there should be a tripped breaker.

What to Expect When You Place a Washer/Dryer Outside?

Direct sunlight can cause a breakdown in most appliances due to its harmful effects on the device’s internal structure. For instance, when a washer/dryer is colored white, its outer surface will be yellow due to UV radiation.

Aside from issues regarding the external aesthetics, exposure to sunlight can also damage the components of your washing machine. For instance, the heat from the sun can cause the motor to get too hot and cause it to malfunction.

Although it’s not a big deal if your washing machine comes with a plastic body, you should still go for a sturdier one like aluminum.

When washing machines have metal cases, they have special coatings that protect them from water damage. However, this protective layer might eventually break down once exposed to sunlight.

Also, when the body gets scratched or damaged, it can reveal a portion of it to water, which can cause it to corrode.

Not being water-tight can also cause the components of your washing machine to get damaged. It can lead to fires and even shorts.

Spiders and wasps can also live in your washing machine. Although they might not cause fires, they can still be annoying.

A serious issue is when a rat infestation occurs in your washer/dryer. Although some models have built-in protection against rodents, these little creatures can still get inside and eat the machine’s internal components.

To keep rodents at bay, regularly clean the machine and its area. Also, if you see signs of rat droppings, such as small gaps and ridges, you should set traps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Washer and Dryer Get Ruined in the Rain?

Washers and dryers can get ruined in the rain. It’s tempting to turn on the appliances after a storm, especially if you have wet clothes, but don’t do it.

Water can damage the inner workings of a washing machine, including the motor. If you suspect that you might harm your appliance, call a professional.

Can You Leave a Washer and Dryer Outside?

It is not safe to leave a washer and dryer outdoors. If you have a back porch protected from the sun and rain, moving your washing machine and dryer to the rear of the house is a great way to free up some space.

However, getting them there will take some work, and most modern dryers require 240-volt power. And sometimes, it’s tough to find the perfect extension cords.

Is It Ok to Store a Washer and Dryer in the Garage?

You can store a washer/dryer in the garage. If you’re keeping your appliances in a garage or a storage unit, make sure that they’re placed on wooden crates to prevent them from forming condensation. If you live in a humid area, make sure that the appliances are in a climate-controlled unit.

Should I Cover My Washing Machine?

If you’re going to put it outside, you need to put a cover for your washing machine. It is true even if there’s a shade covering such an appliance.

In most cases, keeping your washing machines having a protective cover prevents them from getting in direct contact with the elements such as rainwater, dust, and dirt.

Can Sunlight Damage Washing Machine?

Technically, sunlight can damage the outer part of your washing machine. One of the best ways to protect a washing machine from the elements is by placing it in a metal or resin cabinet.

You can use this type of cabinet to protect it from direct sunlight and prevent overheating.

Conclusion

Can a washer and dryer get wet? Of course! But, it doesn’t mean that you can leave it soaking in flood and then use it right after the outer part dries.

While it’s not ideal for placing your washing machine outside, there are some steps that you can take to extend its life. But, doing so could void your warranty.