Want to keep your washing machine neatly out of sight, without hassle from noise, vibrations, or moisture? With the right cabinet, good ventilation, and a stable base, you can safely place your washing machine in a cabinet. In this article, you’ll find the best setups, exact size and ventilation tips, and practical installation advice. Prefer to get it right immediately? Wasdroom’s TÜV-certified cabinets support up to 300 kg and dampen vibrations for extra safety and comfort. Interested? Check out all washing machine cabinets.
Is it allowed to put a washing machine in a cabinet? Here’s what you need to know
Yes, you can place a washing machine in a cabinet, provided you consider ventilation, free space for hoses and power, and a stable, level surface. Never seal a door airtight: use ventilation grilles or openings and leave 5-10 cm of space behind the appliance for cables and hoses. Always ensure access to the tap and power outlet, and preferably choose water-resistant materials around the machine.
Which setup do you choose: side by side, stacked, or washer-dryer combo
- Side by side - Comfortable to work at ergonomic height with a countertop above. You need more width, but it’s calm and practical. Ideal with a double cabinet solution and pull-out shelves.
- Stacked - Space-saving in narrow niches. Always use a suitable spacer or a stable cabinet frame that absorbs vibrations. The Wasdroom Stack Series offers extra stability and a pull-out shelf for your laundry basket.
- Washer-dryer combo - Compact and convenient if you have limited space. Keep in mind that the program duration is longer and ventilation remains important.
Looking for more ideas on layout, ventilation, and storage? Read Wasdroom’s Setting up a laundry room: practical tips.
Technical requirements for a washing machine cabinet
A secure cabinet meets minimum internal dimensions, has sufficient ventilation, and can support the weight and dynamic load of a spinning drum. The guidelines below will help you get started right away.
| Aspect | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Internal width | At least 62-65 cm (standard machine is about 60 cm) |
| Internal height | At least 88-90 cm for freestanding machines |
| Internal depth | At least 70-75 cm, plus 5-10 cm for cable and hose space |
| Free space at the back | 5-10 cm for hoses, plug, and air circulation |
| Ventilation | Grilles or openings at the bottom and top of the cabinet for airflow |
| Load capacity | Suitable for at least 100 kg dynamic load, preferably heavier |
| Floor | Flat and level, optionally with vibration-damping material |
- Vibrations and noise - Adjust the machine legs precisely level, use an anti-vibration mat, and anchor the cabinet frame where necessary. Preferably choose closed washing machine cabinets if you want extra noise reduction and a sleek finish.
- Water safety - Place a drip tray with drainage, ensure an easily accessible tap, and consider a water trap. Keep hoses as short and kink-free as possible.
- Power and cable pass-through - Use a grounded wall socket and neat pass-throughs with edges to prevent cable wear.
Professional cabinets, like those from WASDROOM, are TÜV-certified, dampen vibrations, and have a load capacity of up to 300 kg. This provides reliability for daily use.
Build it yourself or ready-made cabinet?
You can build it yourself if you are handy and choose the right materials. A ready-made solution saves time and risk because the design and load capacity have already been tested. Wasdroom cabinets come with a plug-in assembly system and clear instructions, so you can finish quickly and safely. Already know what you want? Customize your cabinet in the My Configurator.
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If you build it yourself, keep in mind:
- Moisture-resistant sheet material such as coated plywood, melamine, or concrete plywood
- Stainless steel screws, wood glue, corner brackets, and a sturdy base plate
- Ventilation grilles and cable and hose pass-throughs
- Tools: tape measure, level, saw, cordless drill
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Work sequence:
- Measure the niche and draw the cabinet with all pass-throughs marked
- Build a stable, level frame and check the support point
- Install panels, place vents, test the machine for vibrations
How high do you place the washing machine in the cabinet?
For ergonomic work, a pedestal of 20-40 cm is ideal so you have to bend less. Check if the washing machine door can open fully and if the soap drawer and filter remain accessible. When stacking with a dryer, a pull-out shelf at mid-height is handy to carry baskets without lifting. For side-by-side setups, maintain about 90 cm work height for a comfortable surface.
Choice guide: Double, Single, or Stack Series
- Single Series - For small spaces or if you only want to hide a washing machine. Compact, with storage options for detergents.
- Double Series - Washing machine and dryer side by side, maximum ergonomics and extra worktop. Ideal if you have space and want calm in the laundry room.
- Stack Series - Washing machine and dryer stacked in a secure frame that absorbs vibrations. Perfect for narrow niches, with an option for a pull-out shelf.
Unsure? Check the options and manuals at wasdroom.comYou get a 5-year warranty and 30 days to change your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you place a washing machine in a wardrobe?
Only if the cabinet is suitable for this. Standard wardrobes lack load-bearing capacity, ventilation, and moisture protection. Use a specially designed washing machine cabinet or reinforce and ventilate the cabinet thoroughly.
Can you build in a regular washing machine?
Yes, but conversion is not the same as true built-in. Leave space around for ventilation and vibrations, ensure service access, and neatly hide pipes without pinching them.
How much space do you need behind the washing machine?
Allow 5-10 cm for hoses, plug, and air circulation. For a heat pump dryer in the cabinet, extra air supply is needed through vents or openings.
Can the cabinet door be closed while running?
Yes, provided the cabinet can draw in and exhaust enough air through vents. If there is a lot of heat buildup, you can provide a gap or extra ventilation openings.
Do you want to place your washing machine in a cabinet without worries? With Wasdroom's TÜV-certified cabinets, you install quickly, safely, and stylishly. View all series at wasdroom.com.