Ensure the machine doesn’t shake itself to pieces within the cabinetry during the wash or spin cycle. Most machines come with brackets and adjustable feet designed to reduce damaging vibrations, movement and ‘walking’. To serve the same function, the machine base within cabinetry must be perfectly level.
stow an ironing board in a custom-built cupboard and flip it out when needed. Keep the iron on a shelf in the same place and make sure there is an electrical socket within the cavity to conveniently power the iron. Alternatively, mount the ironing board directly onto the wall or hang it on the back of the laundry door to keep it up and out of the way.
The rack is composed of either four or six laths suspended between two cast-iron ends and anchored to a marine-style wall cleat. To load and unload, lower the pulley to your desired height by pulling on the cord. Raising it upward keeps longer articles from brushing the floor and also makes use of warmer air at the ceiling level. When not in use, it’s out of the way. Just make sure you have adequate support in the ceiling. By itself, a system weighs between 3 and 4.5kg.
Wall-mounted units can hold only a hinged ironing board, so you still have to store your iron elsewhere. And they don’t come with electrical capabilities, so you’ll need to install the system near an outlet. Plus, they must be attached externally to wall studs for support, and they protrude from walls quite a bit, so consider how that will affect your overall space.
A drying cabinet, despite being twice as tall as an average dryer, may be a surprising space saver. As well as drying regular laundry in quiet, gentle heat, it also copes well with damp towels and outdoor clothes, including boots and shoes. With around 16 metres of hanging space, it could replace a dryer and line and be a mini-mudroom. (It’s also excellent for proving bread dough and making yoghurt). Asko is the major Australian supplier of free-standing electric models, expensive at around $1900, but costing less to run than tumble dryers.
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