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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.
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 secure ropes on a balcony
Metal brackets with holes have the highest popularity. They make it easy to secure ropes on the balcony. Use a single piece of long rope. They tie it into a knot in several places: at the beginning, at the end, where the fasteners are located.
This method of stretching a clothesline on a balcony reduces the sagging that occurs after hanging heavy, damp items. Greater reliability of the entire drying structure is ensured.
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.
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.
How to choose
The main areas are: ease of installation, material strength and price.
Clotheslines are made from different materials: metal, plastic, jute. There are cotton varieties. They have many shortcomings. They are not in great demand. Just like plastic products that quickly sag under heavy weights.
The “Liana” model has gained great popularity. In stores it is sold complete with components. The product is made from different materials, the most durable being steel.
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.
Balcony “liana”: design features
The design of “Liana” itself is simple. This is a combination of horizontal bars and several laces. They are made of durable material. They have a control function.
Main details:
- Crossbars are metal rods that are hollow inside. The surface is treated with an anti-corrosion compound. The treatment was carried out by spraying. The length can be from 0.5 m to 2 m. In the markets you can find models with lengths of 1.5 m, 1.9 m, 2 m. Another type of “Liana” crossbars is plastic. It is light in weight, but this does not increase its strength. This model is suitable for light items. Heaviness deforms it. Plastic rods become cracked and turn yellow. In contrast, aluminum analogues are more durable. Steel rods have proven to be the most reliable and wear-resistant. The loads they can withstand are determined in the range of up to 30 kg. This type of operation simultaneously creates additional stress on the cords. They begin to wear out faster.
- Steel brackets. Fastening part. Takes on the bulk of the load. Fastening to the base of the wall or ceiling of the balcony is done with self-tapping screws. The brackets contain rollers that regulate the tension and movement of the cords.
- The cords are made of durable nylon. Hollow metal rods are strung on them. By collecting all the rods and fixing them at the same level, a wall block (“comb”) is obtained.
- The Liana design has manual control. The horizontal bar goes down by loosening the clamp and extending the working cord. The rod is at the height most convenient for hanging laundry. The rod is fixed, the following is the distribution of raw things, and the crossbar with the load is lifted up to the ceiling.
As a result, things, linen located on the rods, do not interfere with movement.
The evolution of clotheslines – the Liana dryer
"Liana" has been known for a long time. It is often mounted on a balcony on the ceiling surface.
“Liana” can be called an invention that replaced the usual ceiling clotheslines, which were simply pulled and secured at home in the bathroom or on the balcony. They did not have the ability to adjust the lift height. To hang the laundry, you had to make an effort to reach the top. Or install the ropes at a comfortable height. The underwear should not be wide. Otherwise it could get dirty again.
“Liana” for drying clothes on the balcony has a number of advantages compared to conventional clotheslines:
- The rods can be arranged either in one row or in a cascade. Clothes will dry faster.
- You can mount the structure on the balcony with your own hands. The process will not take much time. The main thing is to choose a more comfortable place for the balcony. Further:
- mark the place on the ceiling where the brackets will be attached;
- make holes with a puncher in the designated places;
- secure the brackets with self-tapping screws;
- fix the cord holder (corner bar with open holes located horizontally) on a vertical surface with self-tapping screws;
- take the barbell and pull the cord through it. Run a long cord along the left roller and a short cord on the right;
- Place special height clamps at the ends and in the middle of the cords. They look like caps.
At the time of lowering and ascent, the caps are inserted into the holes of the wall plate and fix the rod at the required height.
The secret to the popularity of a simple dryer
In addition to the balcony, loggia and bathroom, “Liana” can be used on the terrace, in the corridor. The balcony is considered the most suitable place for drying. Freely circulating air allows things to dry faster. There is no drying out. Things stay fresh.
Dryer advantages:
It is safe and can have any comfortable location. To hang things on the balcony, you do not need to use benches or stepladders. It is enough to lower and fix the crossbar using the hanging cord, hang the laundry and return the loaded crossbar to its original place.
Attracts the convenience of design and design. The free “Liana” does not hide the volume of the balcony. She has an elegant look. The design greatly benefits from stretched wire or rope.
The dryer can withstand heavy loads. Maximum up to 30 kilograms if the structure is made of metal. If made of plastic - up to 7 kg. Lightweight aluminum varieties can withstand loads of up to 12 kg.
The weight recommended by the manufacturer is indicated in the instructions included with the product.
It is easy to install. You can do all the work yourself with a minimum number of tools. All fastenings are included in the package.
An important advantage is the price. She is not tall. The simplest domestic models are relatively cheap, more advanced ones cost up to 40 dollars. Imported ones reach up to 55 dollars, but here the brand influences the cost.
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.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene rope is the most popular due to its price. Of the synthetic fibers, polypropylene is the cheapest raw material. It is quite durable for its weight, but is not very resistant to ultraviolet light, heat, or abrasion. For this reason, rope made from it is not the best choice for long-term outdoor applications where it will be exposed to the sun or abrasive loads (for example, in pulley systems).
Its advantage, in addition to its excellent price, is its ability to float on the surface of water, that is, zero moisture absorption. Dielectric capacity is another important quality of polypropylene. If the rope touches the electrical cable, it will not conduct current. That is why it is safe to use near bare wires.
Pros:
waterproof, lightweight, inexpensive, dielectric, does not sink, wide range of colors.
Minuses:
stretchable (although this can be a positive feature), susceptible to abrasion, low breaking loads, poor UV resistance.
Application:
household needs, tourism, fishing, barriers for swimming lanes, life-saving equipment on the water.
Conclusion:
Polypropylene rope is a budget option for a wide variety of applications where it will not be subject to friction and exposure to ultraviolet radiation for a long time or where its buoyancy is important (sea, river subjects).
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.
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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Installing a dryer on the ceiling
It should not interfere with the free opening of the balcony door and windows. A film is placed below the floor onto which water flows. The “Liana” set consists of the following elements:
- two load-bearing blocks;
- side fixing bracket;
- slats (cylinders). The standard set contains 5 pieces;
- 2 cords, long and short. The first goes to the roller brackets, the second is fixed on the bracket.
The next stage is installation of “Liana” on the ceiling:
Load-bearing blocks are taken and applied to the ceiling. The places where they will be attached are marked. The interblock distance corresponds to the length of the cylinders.
Holes are drilled in the designated places. The blocks are secured with self-tapping screws. Plugs are installed on top. The maximum number of holes and subsequent fastenings is necessary to ensure high resistance to the influence of heavy loads.
The fixing bracket is attached to the near wall. It can be any height and location. The main thing is that “Liana” is convenient to use.
Cords are pulled into the cylinders. They are then passed through blocks. Long cord through left block Both long and short through right block.
The rope ends are threaded through the fixing caps located on the bracket. This way the laundry is fixed at the desired height.
The remaining rods are attached in exactly the same way.
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.
The best clotheslines up to 10 meters long
Elfe polypropylene with core
This product can be used for drying clothes both at home and in the country. In addition, such a cord is suitable for use in other household needs, and is also useful for fishermen and hunters.
“Elfe polypropylene with core” is highly resistant to wear and will not lose its properties when subjected to repeated bending. It is also worth noting that this material has low moisture absorption, thanks to this it will not undergo the process of rotting and mold will not form on it. But at the same time, “Elfe polypropylene with a core” has softness and elasticity, this will allow you to easily tie a knot. You should not ignore the fact that the cord is not afraid of frost or high temperatures, and also will not change its properties from environmental factors and is not afraid of chemical exposure. Thanks to this, “Elfe polypropylene with core” can be used both outdoors and indoors.
The length of “Elfe polypropylene with core” is 10 m, and the diameter is 5 mm. In this case, the breaking load is 95 kg/s. The cord is available in white.
The average cost is 25 rubles.
Elfe polypropylene with core
Advantages:
- Will not stain clothes;
- Wear resistance;
- Flexible and soft;
- Suitable for many household needs;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Rozenbal IVF
This cord model from the French brand “Rozenbal” is available in light green color. To make this cord, the manufacturer used durable plastic. "Rozenbal ECO" can be used for drying clothes both indoors and outdoors. This material does not change its properties under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and is not afraid of precipitation. In addition, the product is resistant to both low temperatures during the cold season and high temperatures during the summer heat. The plastic here is soft enough that you can tie knots to secure it.
"Rozenbal ECO" has a length of 10 meters and a weight of 80 grams.
The average cost is 88 rubles.
Rozenbal IVF
Advantages:
- Has a fastening element;
- Ease of use;
- Does not change properties under the influence of external factors;
- Affordable price;
- European manufacturer.
Flaws:
- Small diameter.
Migliores Anti-slip clothesline, hangers and hooks
Are you tired of clothes constantly sliding towards the middle when drying on a clothesline and leaving marks from clothespins on them? Then this version of anti-slip rope will be the ideal solution to your problem. A special feature of this model is the multi-layer structure of the cord, which allows you to hang clothes directly on hangers. Due to the fact that the cord has a mesh weave, the hanger or hook will remain in the place where they are hung. And due to the fact that things will be hung in this way, ironing will take less time, and good ventilation will allow the laundry to dry in a short time.
This cord model is available in several colors and has a length of 5 meters. Installation of the cord is possible both indoors and outdoors.
The average cost is 160 rubles.
Migliores Anti-slip clothesline, hangers and hooks
Advantages:
- Ease of use;
- Possibility to install outdoors;
- The linen will not slide off;
- Durable weave.
Flaws:
- Hard to find on sale.
Basesus universal laundry cord with hooks
This model is an elastic cord that can be easily stretched. The product can be used both indoors and outdoors, and even in a car, which makes it universal.
There are plastic hooks at the ends of the product, which have metal fasteners for greater reliability. Thanks to this, the product can be installed only when necessary. This feature also allows you to take the cord with you on vacation or travel. Hooks easily attach to the surface and allow you to dry clothes in any conditions. The product is resistant to external environmental factors, so when used outdoors, it will not lose its characteristics.
This device is a cable, inside of which there are as many as 50 rubber fibers. These fibers are durable and can withstand high loads. Although the length of the product is 1.5 meters, when stretched it can reach three meters. But when assembled, the device will take up no more space than a tablet. Also, for greater convenience, there are four hooks on the cord where you can attach hangers. Thanks to this, the laundry will not wrinkle when drying and will be well ventilated.
The average cost is 500 rubles.
Basesus universal laundry cord with hooks
Advantages:
- Durable design;
- Compact storage;
- Withstands heavy loads;
- There are hooks for hangers;
- Ease of use.
Flaws:
- Short length.
Bison Master
This model has a steel core of 12 threads with a plastic braid. Due to the steel core, “Bison Master” can withstand heavy loads. In this case, the product will not stretch and sag over time. The strength of the steel threads will prevent rupture. And due to the plastic braiding, “Bison Master” is not afraid of moisture. This will also allow you to easily remove dust and dirt from the cord before hanging the laundry. In addition, the surface of the product will not be subject to abrasion.
The length of the “Bison Master” is 10 meters, and the diameter is 2.6 mm.
The average cost is 100 rubles.
Bison Master linen cord
Advantages:
- Possibility to use indoors and outdoors;
- High strength;
- Good braid;
- Trusted manufacturer;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
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.
Types of clotheslines
What people often pay attention to when buying ropes. First of all, their strength. They need to withstand the initial load from heavy wet laundry and damp heavy things. As it dries, it will decrease. Secondly, the factor of stretching and sagging is taken into account.
The choice is made from several options:
Metal cable. Protected with a polyvinyl chloride shell. It is the strongest, most durable product. He is not afraid of moisture or deformation. The protective shell prevents the laundry from getting dirty. The only drawback of the cable is its high cost.
Cord made of plastic. The product is moisture resistant and does not leave marks on clothes. It comes in several colors and is inexpensive. The downside is that the cord begins to sag very quickly. Especially if you often dry heavy laundry.
Polypropylene variety. It has excellent wear resistance and high resistance to deformation.
Jute cord. Main characteristics: strength, environmental friendliness. An additional advantage is that the cord is not electrified.
Cotton rope. It is also characterized by durability and environmental friendliness. The disadvantage is the fear of moisture. Dark stains may appear that can leave marks on clean washed clothing.
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.
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 pull ropes from the street side
Installing a balcony dryer is a simple process. The work is performed as follows:
On the sides of the parapet, mark the places where the brackets with rollers will be attached.
Holes are made at the marks. Brackets are installed. They are fixed using anchor bolts with a wide washer.
Next, we decide how to tighten the clothesline. It is stretched and secured between the rollers. The fastening should be such that the rope can easily move along with clothing.
To protect the laundry from the influence of precipitation, solar influence, and birds, it is recommended to glaze the balcony.