85+ Photos of Devices for Drying Clothes on the Balcony with Your Own Hands: Hanger, Creepers, Ropes. Which Option to choose?

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Alena Gievskaya

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A clothes dryer on the balcony is an insignificant thing at first glance, but it is difficult to do without it.

Clothes dryer

In most apartments there is no way to dry washed clothes in the rooms, so you have to use the balcony. In summer, this method is generally advantageous, because under the sun's rays, clothes of any density dry almost instantly. In winter it is more difficult; a prerequisite for drying things is to have a glazed balcony, since otherwise they will only turn into ice.

But even in a glazed balcony, it is important to organize the clothes dryer in such a way that there is free access to the window, because it has to be opened regularly to ventilate the room. Otherwise, mold and dampness are inevitable.

Convenient clothes dryer for the balcony

In the cold season, you will still have to dry your clothes in the apartment, no matter how good the dryer on the balcony is. An excellent option to avoid this are batteries. In some apartments they are specially placed on the balcony in order to facilitate the drying process.

When buying an apartment, the balcony is not given the same attention as all other rooms. In fact, this room is irreplaceable, so if you see mold, unpleasant odor and dampness on the walls, immediately think about where the laundry will dry. If there are no options for organizing a dryer in the room, this will create many problems.

Outdoor option

Advice You should never delay repairing your balcony if you use this room for drying clothes. When the first signs of dampness, mold and other unpleasant phenomena are detected, they must be eliminated immediately. Otherwise, after some time it will be impossible to use the dryer on the balcony.

Types of indoor balcony dryers

There are a great variety of design options for clothes dryers: floor-mounted, wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted.

Some are convenient because they are easy to fold and transport, others have several tiers and are able to withstand a large weight of wet things.

There are also those that will dry clothes in any weather in the shortest possible time. Below is a description of the most popular types of dryers.

Note!

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Pros and cons of dryers

A dryer on the balcony is more of a necessary measure, rather than a whim. If there are no other options, then you have to occupy this room. However, this process does have positive aspects; it is not without reason that it has long been practiced in many developed countries:

• space in the apartment is saved;
• the laundry is ventilated, a pleasant smell of freshness appears;
• It’s easy to block children’s access to wet things - you can simply close the door;
• hiding laundry is also easy - you can simply curtain the window to the balcony.

Saves space in the apartment

These advantages are especially noticeable in those apartments whose balcony windows do not face the road, but the forest or other nature. No rinse aid will give things as much freshness and aroma as such a natural scent.

Advice If the balcony windows face the highway and other dusty places, it is best to dry clothes at night and early in the morning.

A clothes dryer on the balcony also has disadvantages. However, they are not so catastrophic as to abandon this process; it is important to simply know all the nuances and learn to adapt to them. Among the disadvantages of a balcony clothes dryer are the following factors:

Dependence on weather. If it rains and the window on the balcony is open or there is no window at all in the summer, most likely the washing will have to be repeated again. To avoid such situations, it is better to dry things when someone is at home and check the weather forecast in advance.

Linen must be hung very carefully

The smell of smoke. Some people use the balcony as a smoking area, so if neighbors below smoke and the balcony windows are open, the smell of smoke will certainly be absorbed into their clothes. And if they smoke from above, then ash may also fly into the window. To prevent such situations, it is better to use the dryer with the windows closed, and ventilate the room before and after.

Danger. No matter how strange it may sound, we still hear about cases where people fell out of a balcony window while hanging laundry, especially if they did it behind the balcony. In this regard, it is important to take safety precautions when also caring for small children.

Portable option

Note: In some countries, drying things outside the balcony (on the street side) is strictly prohibited by law. The authorities believe that this spoils the overall appearance of the city and creates an unfavorable impression among tourists.

How to hang a clothesline

Using these instructions, you can install ropes on wooden slats or secure a ready-made drying system.

The following tools and materials will be required:

• electric drill and screwdriver;
• screws and plastic dowels;
• set of wrenches;
• pliers;
• nails and hammer;
• anchor bolt with ring;
• drill attachment - a concrete drill corresponding to the diameter of the dowel;
• chalk - will be used for marking;
• long ruler.

First, the concrete slab is marked. Then you need to make holes in the wall and secure the brackets there with anchors. It is important that the anchors are held inside the wall, and not just in the cladding. Next, twine is attached to the brackets, or the system itself is installed.

If the question is how to stretch a clothesline on a balcony, but there are no brackets, they can be replaced by homemade wooden planks nailed to two opposite walls. A number of nails equal to the number of future crossbars are driven into each plank. A knot is tied at the end of the string and attached to a nail located on one of the edges of the plank.

Next, the cord is pulled in different directions, wrapping each nail. Having reached the last nail, a knot is tied at the end of the rope. The knot needs to be hooked onto a nail.

You can go the simple way or the more complicated one. If a lady plans to do the installation without outside help, she can attach the cord to opposite parts of the balcony railing or grille. In Soviet times, when it was not customary to do glazing, this is what they did.

Aesthetics

Many people, especially women, worry that a dryer on the balcony can ruin their reputation in the eyes of guests and create a bad impression of the comfort in the apartment. If this moment worries you too, you can apply a few simple rules and tips. They will help organize the drying of things in such a way as not to spoil the overall appearance of the apartment.

Will not spoil the appearance of the balcony

As already mentioned, the practice of drying things on the street side of the balcony has long been outdated, and besides, such behavior is considered a sign of bad taste. Few people want their clothes, and especially their underwear, to be examined by strangers, while some, without hesitation, hang them out for everyone to see. Even if it is not possible to dry everything at once, you need to adapt to your circumstances and wash less, but more often.

In order to hide wet things from the eyes of guests, you need to take care of the presence of a curtain that would cover the window between the room and the balcony . It is desirable that it be dense and not see through. Some housewives find an original solution to this problem - they place a large climbing flower on the windowsill, which completely covers the entire glass, so that no one will guess that it is not just a houseplant, but also an important part of the interior.

Saving space on the balcony

It happens that it is not possible to close the curtain: if guests come during the day, then there must be daylight in the room. In this case, a simple rule that should always be followed when hanging clothes will be useful: intimate items, underwear should be located in the center, and everything else on the sides. Then sweaters, T-shirts and other large clothing will be a kind of barrier protecting intimate clothing from prying eyes.

Types of material from which dryers are made

Plastic products are lightweight and easy to fold and move. At the same time, plastic structures are less durable than similar metal ones. Under the weight of wet things, they sag quite quickly and fail.

Wooden structures are made from natural, environmentally friendly materials and look beautiful. But such dryers quickly become deformed due to changes in humidity. Over time, the wood often gets wet and dries out and begins to crack, which leads to undesirable consequences.

Aluminum products are light and durable, easy to use. But under the weight of heavy wet laundry, the aluminum tubes of dryers can sag, also oxidizing from humidity.

Metal coated with plastic. This material option is one of the most successful. The metal slats are highly durable and do not bend, and the plastic does not give corrosion the slightest chance of ruining the laundry.

Dryers made from stainless steel have similar excellent characteristics.

Clotheslines

The easiest way to organize a dryer on the balcony is to string ropes. At first glance, it seems that there is nothing complicated about this. But those who have ever had to waste time re-washing clothes because they were found on the floor with broken ropes know that this is not so.

The easiest way

To begin with, it is important to choose the right material - it should be light, but at the same time durable so that it does not wear out quickly. Also, it should not stretch like an elastic band and get dirty, because if the rope turns black, it is unlikely that any housewife will want to hang clean laundry on it. The most suitable materials, which are easy to find, are:

• metal cable wrapped in PVC;
• jute;
• polypropylene.

Metal cable

There are also standard materials that are inexpensive, but can serve you well for a while. However, their endurance is not so long, over time they begin to sag lower and lower, and they also quickly get dirty, so after that you immediately have to look for a replacement. These include :

• standard twisted rope, which is in greatest demand among residents of our country;
• plastic, which attracts attention with the variety of available colors.

To secure the rope to the wall, you have to make special structures with your own hands, since it is usually sold not as a set, but separately. To do this, you will need two slats, their length depends on how many rows will be located. They are attached opposite each other; for reliability it is better to use strong nails or special screw-in hooks.

Good choice of clothes dryer

Advice The easiest way is to first firmly tie the edge of the rope to the outermost nail, then stretch it in different directions, wrapping it around each nail on the slats. A strong knot is made on the last nail, as on the first.

No. 8. Material of manufacture

When choosing a clothes dryer, the material of its design plays a decisive role, affecting durability, strength and resistance to moisture. Among the most popular options we highlight:

• aluminum dryers lightweight, but may not be very stable. Over time, aluminum turns black and begins to stain things, so manufacturers have learned to coat it polymer layer. This technique allows you to get rid of all imperfections, however, until a crack or chip appears on the coating;

• stainless steel – an ideal design for the dryer, including both the supporting elements of the structure and the strings. The material does not rust, it is durable and strong. Among the disadvantages are large weight (for floor dryers this, by the way, means increased stability) and cost;

• plastic dryers are lightweight, cheap, do not oxidize, but are short-lived. As a rule, only compact portable, wall-mounted or wall-mounted models that are designed for drying lightweight items are made from plastic. Less commonly, floor dryers are made of plastic, but you won’t be able to hang a set of bed linen or heavy sweaters on them;
• wooden dryers look good, but not very practical. In order for them to maintain their original appearance for a long time, they will have to be regularly coated with protective substances;

• combined models.

Lines for drying clothes can be made of thick, strong thread or fishing line; an alternative option is steel or aluminum tubes, which are better because they do not leave creases on clothes.

Lianas

Linen vines look stylish and do not spoil the overall appearance of the balcony. In addition, in terms of strength and service life, such a dryer is several times better than simple ropes attached to slats. It belongs to the category of ceiling devices for drying things.

Lianas for linen

The vine is a frame equipped with cords and attached to a mechanism on rollers. One of the advantages of this model is that the length of each rope can be easily adjusted. Thanks to a special clamp, the rods can be easily fixed at the desired level.

Many note another advantage of the vine - it can be folded and in this position it takes up absolutely no space and does not attract attention to itself . The latest models are made so thinly that looking at them in assembled form, it is generally difficult to understand what it is.

long vine

Installation of the vine begins with the preparation of the fastening; it can be wooden beams or any other made of durable material. After this, you need to mark the place using a tape measure and a pencil. To install panels with rollers, you will need to drill into the previously installed fastening and drive a plug into it, and screw the panel on top.

After this, 1.5 m is measured from the floor and a bracket is attached, the ropes are alternately pulled through the panels with rollers. In this case, the short one is directed towards the fastening, and the long one clings to the roller opposite itself and descends along the fixed bracket. As a result, all ropes become the same length, stretched evenly.

Technology comes to the rescue

The current technology, which is used in everyday life, is an excellent alternative to balcony rope.
A drying machine is simply an excellent solution to problems if there is no balcony. Its operating principle is very simple: you need to hang clothes on the dryer and place them in a special container. Warm air will circulate inside the machine, which dries the laundry. But such a purchase is not affordable for every budget. Moreover, the electricity bill also runs up. In addition, you should take into account the area of ​​the bathroom in order to install such a miracle.

Another option is a heated towel rail in the bathroom. It fits socks and small items perfectly, but the problem is hardly solved. Dark cotton items dry better on the radiator. But for things of white and delicate material, hot utensils are a death sentence: the white fabric will turn yellow and spread out in different directions, becoming shapeless.

Quickly and gently dry clothes after washing at home

Ceiling dryer

Ceiling dryers are more practical to use than wall-mounted ones, because they take up minimal space, while being very practical in functionality. Even ordinary clotheslines attached to slats also fall into this category. This demand is absolutely justified, because ceiling systems have a number of advantages:

• both the floor and walls of the balcony remain free, so you can move freely and arrange the necessary furniture;
• do not attract attention when there is nothing on them;
• It doesn’t require a lot of expense, and some of them can be done by purchasing only the necessary materials.

Most practical to use

One of the popular models of ceiling dryers are retractable systems called “accordion dryers”. The principle of operation of the mechanism is that the model is attached to the ceiling, and in order to hang laundry on it, it must first be lowered to the desired level.

There are different versions of the release system for pull-out dryers, the most popular of which is a mechanism that operates by pulling a string. It is enough to pull it down, and the structure immediately lowers; immediately after it is released, it stops. The structures themselves can be of completely different sizes and contain any number of ropes.

Often, in retractable ceiling dryers, thin pipes made of plastic or other material are available instead of ropes.

The disadvantage is the fragility

The only drawback of this ceiling model is its fragility . Most pull-out dryers are designed to weigh no more than 5 kg, but even then they often fail prematurely. Therefore, such ceiling models are suitable for small families who dry things in a small volume.

Advice Some housewives successfully combine several types of ceiling dryers. For example, you can use both a retractable dryer and Liana, which inherently also has a retractable mechanism. But you can combine them only if you have a large balcony, which is used only for drying clothes.

The best floor dryers according to customers

The rating of the best models includes both budget options and more complex and expensive designs that were appreciated by consumers.

Gimi Jolly

Gimi Jolly - a budget option from an Italian manufacturer. A horizontal dryer from an Italian brand, made of stainless steel, powder-coated, and with plastic inserts.

The accessory has two side inserts and a central working surface. Maximum load – 15 kg. Dimensions – 180 × 55 × 92 cm. Can be used for drying bedding sets. Users consider the only drawback to be the possibility of creases appearing on dry laundry. The cost of the model is 980 rubles.

dryer Gimi Jolly

Floor clothes dryer "Nika SB3"

The Nika floor dryer is simple, beautiful, reliable and affordable. Another budget option, manufactured in Izhevsk. The main material is aluminum, coated with a layer of high-quality powder paint, which prevents snagging and tearing of the fabric. The presence of plastic corners on the legs prevents scratches on the laminate or linoleum.

The hollow tubes of the legs provide lightness of the structure, but under heavy loads they reduce stability. The rods are spaced at a large distance (from 3 to 5 cm), which ensures good air circulation for better drying. The cost of the model is 690 rubles.

Nika dryer

Dogrular LD-2002

Dogrular LD-2002 is a two-tier model with a large working surface. A two-tier model made of metal coated with paint that prevents rust from constant exposure to moisture. The upper tier of the structure is represented by two “wings” that can be adjusted in height. Between the legs there is a second tier designed for drying small items.

The model is also equipped with a plastic basket in which you can put clothespins. The plastic covering of the legs will save the floor from damage. The total useful length of the working surface is 17 meters. Disadvantages include the low weight capacity - 10 kg, and the lack of rollers for transportation. The cost of the accessory is 1,300 rubles.

dryer Dogrular LD-2002

Vertical floor clothes dryer Leifheit 81345 Pegasus Tower

Leifheit 81345 Pegasus Tower - three-level dryer with thick rods A model that, at first glance, is associated with a stepladder. To maximize the amount of laundry, the design has 3 levels for hanging clothes, equipped with durable 1.5 mm thick rods. Small overall dimensions allow the structure to be placed in the bathroom.

The frame itself is metal, with plastic inserts on the legs. The maximum weight of laundry is 19 kg. The dryer also folds. The disadvantages are the inability to place bed linen and the lack of wheels for movement. Also among the disadvantages is the high cost, amounting to 7,800 rubles.

Leifheit Pegasus Tower

SuperGulliver

SuperGulliver is a true natural beech Gulliver among floor dryers. A model that lives up to its name, offering one of the largest usable areas (35 m) of any dryer on the market. This is a two-tier Italian-made model with a massive wooden frame. There are two side parts on top that can be folded out and locked in the desired position. The lower “floor” is represented by crossed “wings”.

Since the design is massive, the manufacturer equipped it with 4 wheels for movement. There is also a rack for hangers and hangers. The only drawback is the cost of this colossus, which is 19,900 rubles.

clothes dryer SuperGulliver

Floor

A floor-mounted clothes dryer can be used not only for balconies, but also in any room, however, many simply do not have the space to place it in their room. These models are used mainly in cases where, for some reason, it is not possible to attach ceiling ones. In some apartments, the walls and ceilings on the balconies are so unreliable that it is not worth painting, so you have to do without using them.

Used not only on balconies

Floor dryers have their advantages, the main ones include:

1 Mobility . If you suddenly need to move the dryer from one place to another, or even temporarily to another room, this can be done without any problems. They are usually not heavy and can also be folded to make them easier to lift.

2 Variety of sizes. Floor dryers come in completely different sizes, so there is a suitable option for any family size. Also, such models are often used as an addition to ceiling ones; some attach a retractable model to the ceiling, and place a floor model underneath.

For different types of things

3 Option not to use . If you have attached a ceiling dryer, it is unlikely that you can easily remove it the first time you need it. However, floor dryers are more practical - they can be easily folded and put away, especially since when folded they usually take up little space.

4 Easy to attach . Unlike other models, these do not need to be screwed or otherwise secured using tools. All you need to do is simply press on the mechanism, and it will immediately open.

Types of floor

The most popular is the classic type, the mechanism of which resembles the principle of folding out an ironing board. The support consists of pipes crossed between each other, the shape of which resembles the letter “X”. Clothes are hung on pipes, of which there can be any number.

Stylish dryer option

When choosing a classic floor dryer, special attention should be paid to the strength of the tubes. Some cheap models are not designed to withstand a weight of more than 5 kg and it is better not to buy such ones, because even if someone accidentally leans on it, it will immediately break. It’s worth thinking about whether it’s really necessary to save money when purchasing, and then go to the store again a month later.

For families with small children

In families where there are small children, and, therefore, a large amount of clothes are washed, multi-tiered floor dryers will be practical. They are structures, often from floor to ceiling, on which pipes are placed. Outwardly, they look as if several classic models were stacked on top of each other.

Among the assortment of floor dryers, there are often Chinese models known for their fragility. To avoid buying them, you must carefully study the manufacturer’s instructions yourself, without trusting sellers.

Portable

A standard model that will fit on a balcony or loggia with large dimensions. The floor structure can be in the form of:

• “table” with folding small sections on the sides;
• compact bookcase;
• “scissors” with folding arches;
• multi-level design with an additional hanger for outerwear.

A variety of devices will allow you to choose a model that suits all the required parameters.

Hanger

Hangers for drying clothes on the balcony are the only way to dry and store clothes in a natural position. This is especially practical for drying men's suits and other large items that should not be folded when wet. Everyone has at least once had to spend time smoothing out wrinkles that appeared as a result of drying things in the wrong way.

Convenient to dry men's suits

Drying hangers can be used as an auxiliary structure, that is, you can use a floor dryer and one at the same time, or combine it with any other models. Another advantage of this method of drying things is that you can use the means available in the house. The easiest way to build a dryer with hangers is this way :

• We are looking for a pipe of the required length; it must reach from one wall to another, and there must be room for fastening. An excellent option would be a hanger holder from a wardrobe. You can use the one that is no longer used in the closet, or you can purchase it separately; usually the holders are sold as separate spare parts in many furniture stores.
• We attach the pipe or holder to the walls. Some of them are attached directly to the ceiling; you just need to tighten the holders with screws. Using such designs, it is easier to choose the length, because it does not have to be from wall to wall, it can occupy half or any desired part of the ceiling.
• We select the required number of hangers and dry the clothes. Some people use the same ones on which clothes hung in the closet for this, but this is not advisable. It is better to have hangers separately for storing clothes in the closet and separately for drying.

It is possible to attach a hanger - this is sometimes not enough

Tip In furniture stores, in departments with ready-made clothes dryers, they sell special hangers made of moisture-resistant material. Their use is convenient and practical, because they can last a long time.

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Automatic drying

In addition to mechanical dryers, innovative automatic dryers are available on the market. Dryers can be stand-alone or combined with washing machines: 2 in 1. The pricing policy depends on the size of such products, as well as the reliability of the manufacturer. I would like to note right away that the convenience and quality of dried laundry justifies the money spent on this miraculous technique.

Problems with indoor humidity, fungus and hanging laundry disappear. The linen is soft after drying. The towel is always airy, all the fibers on it are fluffy. With dryers, just like with washing machines, you need to select the right program to get great results.

Dryers

Progress doesn't stop! Now you can dry clothes directly in the washing machine, if it has not only a spin function, but also resistance to drying. There are several pitfalls here:

• the machine can dry approximately half as much laundry compared to linen, so you will have to dry it in portions;
• it is difficult to regulate the drying intensity so as not to damage the fabrics, but also not to leave them wet;
• after drying in the washing machine, the laundry must be ironed - it wrinkles more than usual and usually remains damp;
• This type of washing machine costs an order of magnitude more than a regular one.

The same disadvantages, with the exception of the drying volume, remain with independent dryers. On average, they do a better job, but take up extra space.

No matter how you dry your clothes, don’t let housework bring you any trouble, just the joy of cleanliness and freshness!

Washing machine

Modern machines can not only wash, but also dry clothes. The operating principle is simple: things are hung inside a special container, after which the hot air supply is turned on. Obviously, you won't be able to dry all your laundry in one sitting. It should be noted that you can dry things in a machine faster than on the street or on lines inside the apartment.

The most popular dryers:

• Samsung eco-bubble;
• Bosch WVD24460OE;
• Zanussi ZKG2125;
• LG F1496AD3;
• Indesit IWDC 6105.

Despite the fact that the machines cope with the task perfectly, they have a significant drawback - high cost. Many people cannot afford such devices, so they have to think about how to build a dryer at home.

Electric dryer

With the development of technology, devices such as electric dryers have appeared. Most often they are used with the onset of cold weather. Such a device is capable of drying delicate and warm clothes, soft toys, backpacks and shoes. The whole process takes no more than 3 hours.

Electric dryers have a number of advantages:

• the time required for drying is reduced several times;
• after use, the dryer can be folded, and this will increase the free space of the room;
• it is possible to regulate the temperature required for drying this or that laundry;
• low power consumption.

Electric dryers allow you to dry clothes in any room, which means you can’t even dry them on a balcony.

Housewives who decide to buy an electric dryer need to pay attention to the fact that there are different types of devices. Most often the dryer is:

• Ceiling. Such a device can be mounted on the ceiling. Most often, the installation location is a loggia, but any room can be used. Typically, such devices allow you to dry things up to 35 kilograms.
• Wall. If it is not possible to make a balcony, the device can be mounted on the wall of the bathroom. Wall-mounted devices can withstand loads of up to 15 kilograms.
• On open air. This is the most mobile electric dryer that can be used in any room. It is convenient to use an electric dryer if the constructed balcony has not yet been put into operation.

Wall dryer

Wall-mounted dryers can be used in different cases: if it is not possible to use a ceiling dryer, if the ceiling on the balcony is too high, so it is not easy to reach the rope, and for other reasons. This category consists of various models that differ in design, mounting method and other parameters.

Inertial

When folded, these dryers are very compact, so there are no problems with storing them. Inertial models consist of two parts :

• Frame. Equipped with a drum with springs that tensions the cord and, if necessary, hides it inside. Thanks to this, good tension is ensured, so that the cord does not sag, and even over time, the clothes still dry at the desired level, and do not interfere with walking.
• Fastening. It can use either hooks attached on the other side or a bar. The mount is permanently present on the wall, and the body is put on it when necessary to dry clothes.

The inertial option is good for a balcony with a high ceiling

The cost of inertial clothes dryers varies, but cheaper models are less practical - over time, the cords on them still begin to sag, so that the tension becomes not the same as it was originally. On more expensive models, this problem does not arise, because the housing drum is equipped with a tension function, so as soon as the cords begin to sag, you can immediately use it.

Console

These wall-mounted dryers are even more compact than inertial dryers. If you need that immediately after drying there is no trace of ropes and cords left, this option will be suitable for you. When it is closed, you can see a small plank on the wall, no more than 10 cm wide, and its length can be different, depending on the model you choose.

They are even more compact than inertial ones

When a cantilever wall dryer is unfolded, tubes arranged in rows extend out. You can either simply throw clothes on them, or fasten them with clothespins. Like inertial models, such models are not designed for drying large amounts of laundry; it is usually recommended to weigh no more than 5 kg.

Sliding dryer

If you need a wall-mounted clothes dryer on the balcony, but the permissible weight does not suit you, sliding dryers are an excellent option in this case. Standard models can withstand a weight of no more than 10 kg, but if necessary, even more durable models can be found.

The sliding dryer is a structure made of metal pipes, which explains its strength. When the system is folded, it takes up very little space, since the pipes themselves are thin. In order to use the dryer, you need to open it - just grab the outer pipe and pull it towards you.

In wooden version

As a result, the design, which when folded seemed like one continuous metal pipe, turns into a multi-tier drying rack on which you can place many things. Considering that a sliding dryer is designed to carry more weight than inertial and cantilever dryers, it is necessary to pay due attention to fastening. For this, both dowels and screws can be used, but the main thing is to ensure powerful fixation.

Types of clothes drying devices

Depending on the working mechanism and method of fastening, there are several types of dryers. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Sliding and folding models

If a private house has a spacious balcony where a stationary dryer can fit without any problems, there is no question about its working mechanism. The area of ​​similar premises in typical high-rise buildings is modest

Therefore, when purchasing dryers, close attention is paid to their dimensions and folding capabilities.

Some of the most compact options are sliding ones. This can be a closed stationary block with strings that are wound inside on rollers. It is mounted on one wall, and the counter plate with hooks is mounted on the opposite wall.

When you need to dry clothes, the strings are pulled out in the manner of a construction tape and secured. Their tension can be adjusted manually (with a lever) or automatically.

Option with retractable strings

Advantages of sliding models:

Disadvantages: fragility of the plastic block, sagging strings, cannot withstand more than 8 kg of laundry.

Sliding products also include products with a stationary block and rods folded in the manner of an accordion bellows. To put them into working condition, they need to be pulled towards you. They are durable but short, making them suitable for small balconies and small families.

Top shelf and hooks provide additional storage and drying space for clothes

Folding models are floor-mounted, wall-mounted, and rarely ceiling-mounted. They usually take the form of guides with strings or rods. When not in use, they are compact - folded or simply fixed on the wall. If necessary, they are folded out or folded back.

Folding floor drying rack

Ceiling mounted

Mounting the dryer to the ceiling is convenient for small or complex balconies. If it is possible to adjust the height, when not in use they do not occupy any useful space and are almost invisible. The control can be automatic (remote control) or mechanical. In the second case, the dryer is equipped with a lever or a chain that performs its function, like on blinds.

Ceiling mounting option

All multifunctional models are attached to the ceiling for more efficient operation of fans and ultraviolet lamps.

Wall systems

Most sliding and folding drying racks are mounted to the walls. This is appropriate if the floor of the balcony is occupied by furniture or other objects. Assess the possibility of drilling into walls in advance. In old residential buildings they can crumble literally under your hands.

Wall-mounted clothes dryers are presented:

• Blocks with strings or ropes stretched between them.
• Blocks with retractable rods.
• Barbells with hangers.
• Folding, stationary nets on brackets.
• Brackets with fastenings for hangers.
• Platforms with hooks.

Compact tilt-up dryer

The greatest weight is supported by stationary structures on steel brackets.

Floor clothes dryers

Floor dryers are convenient for spacious balconies. Their advantages are as follows:

• Withstands heavy loads.
• Stable, safe.
• Allows efficient use of vertical space (products in the form of racks).
• They do not require fastening to the walls and, accordingly, damage to their finishing, or the use of special tools.

The lineup is impressive.

A variant familiar to many is a “clamshell” with strings. Its main part can be supplemented with folding or retractable side elements. Models with heated strings are usually made on the basis of these particular dryers.

For all its advantages, this design is unstable

Racks with horizontal or inclined “shelves”. For greater functionality and ease of use, manufacturers equip them with additional hooks, hangers, and wheels.

Electric

A couple of decades ago, no one had heard of electric dryers, but today you can buy them in many stores. These designs consist of a bar with rays emanating from its center. The beams usually have different sizes, large ones are used for drying larger items, and small ones are used for smaller ones.

At the bottom of the electric dryer there is a device that supplies hot air. The cost of such models is higher than that of others; the main factor influencing it is the material. Typically electric dryers are:

• aluminum is the cheapest option, but it does not last long, since this substance quickly oxidizes, and rusty stains remain on clothes;
• made of stainless steel - a more expensive option, but at the same time more durable;
• steel ones are the most durable and reliable models, the only drawback of which is their high cost.

For those who are always in a hurry

Advice The most popular electric dryers are made of stainless steel, because they are more expensive than aluminum ones and have good strength. However, when purchasing, you must carefully study the instructions, since unscrupulous manufacturers may add an admixture of aluminum, so that over time the structure will begin to oxidize and become unusable.

Factors to consider when purchasing

1. A cheap design breaks down quickly, so it’s better to take a closer look at a more expensive analogue. This way you can save money even though the dryer is more expensive.
2. If the device will be placed in a room with high humidity, it is better to buy a plastic or stainless steel dryer.
3. It is necessary to clarify how much weight the dryer can withstand, because for a large family it is better to take a durable model.
4. In order for the device to fit well into the interior of the room, you need to choose neutral colors or give preference to aesthetic options.
5. It is advisable to inspect the assembly and sliding mechanisms in the store, so that there are no misunderstandings later and you have an idea of ​​what to replace them with if they break down.

General installation rules

• Think about what your weight limit is. Remember that if you always load the structure to the maximum, weighing the maximum permissible weight, then its service life will be significantly reduced. It is better to take a model with a weight reserve; if you usually dry several kilograms of laundry, then a dryer with a permissible weight of five kilograms will be enough.
• Carefully consider the location of the dryer, as some models are mobile and easy to move, while others are simply not possible. Draw a plan on the wall or ceiling and think through all the little things: try opening a window to see if it will interfere with the structure and whether there will still be a passage.

Installation is quite simple

• If you are planning to repair your balcony soon, then you should wait to install a clothes dryer, since some structures cannot be reattached after removal. If the apartment, including the balcony, is designed in a certain style, then you will have to pay attention to the design of the dryer so that it does not spoil the overall appearance.
• If you have children, be sure to consider dryer safety. For example, if the wall model is placed too low, the child may be able to reach it. As a result, it will break, but what is even more dangerous, he may get injured.

Advice from experts

1. If there is a small space between the strings, then the laundry will take longer to dry. Therefore, the optimal space is considered to be 8 cm.
2. If you need to replace parts, then you should choose high-quality ones so that the savings don’t hit your pocket even further.

In order for the dryer to serve for a long time, you need to use it according to the instructions.

DIY dryer

If you don’t see the point in spending money on purchasing something that you can do yourself, try making a dryer for the balcony with your own hands. At the same time, if you have never dealt with such work, it is better not to take risks. The easiest way to make a design yourself consists of several stages:

• We attach two planks of wood or metal on walls opposite each other.
• We attach ring-screws to them; how many ropes are needed, so many pairs of screws are needed.
• We make small holes for the screws, the diameter of which should be slightly smaller than the holes themselves.
• We screw in the screws, it is important to ensure that they are fastened firmly.
• If there are empty gaps in the places where the screws are screwed in, they must be sealed with ordinary putty or other means to impart strength to the structure.
• We stretch the rope, threading it through the prepared ring-screws, and secure it with strong knots.

Easy to do it yourself

It’s better not to skimp on a skein of rope; it should be strong and durable enough so that you don’t have to buy a new one in the near future. When tensioning, you need to take into account the “golden mean” - it should not sag, but too much tension will lead to it simply breaking.

Tip When making a dryer with your own hands, you can take into account all the nuances of your own balcony, free space, quality of walls and ceiling and other features. If you don’t have time to bother, then you can find ready-made models from ready-made options by considering different options.

Thus, using clothes dryers on the balcony has certain disadvantages : dependence on the weather, the possibility of dust contamination, and the risk of absorbing the smell of cigarette smoke. At the same time, the advantages of the designs outshine all the disadvantages: you can choose a mobile model with any convenient mounting - on the wall, ceiling, floor. At the same time, you can decide for yourself how much and what space the dryer will take up, and also choose any design and even color.

How to choose clotheslines for the balcony

The cheapest synthetic models are often flimsy. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the material from which the product is made:

1. Cotton is durable, but absorbs water and dirt, so it can leave black streaks on your laundry.
2. Jute cord is similar in properties to cotton; it is a natural material made from plant fibers. It is capable of absorbing moisture and dyes, but over time traces of paint may appear on clothes.
3. Polypropylene - unlike cotton, does not stain clothes.
4. Metal cable with PVC braid - steel threads intertwined into one cord, covered with a polymer sheath. The cable is useful for drying down jackets and heavy blankets; it does not sag under the weight of clothes.
5. The cord is plastic - does not absorb water and does not get dirty. But it stretches quite quickly and begins to sag. The weight of coats and blankets cannot withstand.

The simplest method of fastening is to nail two nails and stretch a cord between them. But the technique has many drawbacks, so it has not been used for a long time. This method of fastening does not look aesthetically pleasing; over time, the rope will begin to sag and sink lower and lower.

Therefore, they often resort to various factory drying systems.

On battery

Of course, you can hang wet laundry on the batteries themselves, but it is better to purchase compact mounts for them. They will allow you to place the maximum number of things near the source of warm air, and, if necessary, can be easily removed. Such a dryer can be disguised using thick curtains or furniture.

Check out a selection of ideas on how to hide batteries.

The mount can be purchased at any hardware store.

Selection options

A clothes dryer for a balcony is selected not only by design, but also by parameters:

• number of rods and their length;
• rod material;
• bracket material.

Everything is clear from the materials. The best, but also the most expensive, is stainless steel. Just don't confuse it with chrome steel. As a rule, chrome plating wears off very quickly, after which the metal begins to rust.

Ordinary powder-coated steel behaves quite well, but only if the technology was not violated during painting. Otherwise, rusty spots will also appear.

The combined option is very good: the load-bearing parts of the structure are made of powder-coated steel, and the lintels on which clothes are hung are made of plastic. This type of dryer can be called optimal in terms of price/quality ratio.

Modern plastics are a fairly durable material that can withstand the load of laundry, it is not very expensive and does not change its performance characteristics for a long time.

But in load-bearing structures, especially at the junction of the legs of folding floor models, the presence of plastic is undesirable. This is still too much of a load for plastic.

The set of characteristics will determine how convenient or not it is to use a particular model. For example, for drying bed linen, rods at least 2 meters long are optimal. In this case, any part of the double set can be hung without folding.

The amount of laundry that can be hung at one time is determined by the total length of the rods.

It is usually in the description, but if not, then you can multiply the number of rods by the length. So we get the same characteristic. Here, of course, the larger the number, the more laundry you can hang. But, on the other hand, the more space on the balcony or loggia will need to be allocated for the dryer.