A washing machine cabinet in the bathroom saves space, keeps your laundry area tidy, and reduces noise. Safe installation does require attention to regulations, zones, ventilation, and stability. This guide includes a clear zone table, practical installation tips, and a step-by-step plan for safely stacking and storing your washer and dryer. Where relevant, we refer to NEN 1010 and share product tips that are suitable for Wasdroom cabinets.
What is and isn't allowed in the bathroom? Rules and zones (NEN 1010)
Electrical appliances in the bathroom are covered by NEN 1010. This standard divides the room into zones based on splash risk. The rule of thumb: place a washing machine and electrical outlet outside of wet areas. Have a certified installer assess your situation and install the circuit, earth leakage circuit, and connection points in accordance with the standard.
Overview of bathroom zones and IP requirements
| Zone | Where | Minimum protection | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 0 | In bath or shower tray | SELV, very high IP value | No 230V equipment |
| Zone 1 | Directly above bath/shower up to 225 cm high | Min. IPX4, RCD 30 mA | No washing machine or toilet |
| Zone 2 | Up to 60 cm around the bath or shower | Min. IPX4, RCD 30 mA | Preferably avoid for WCD/devices |
| Outside zones | Further than 60 cm from wet parts | RCD 30 mA | Washing machine cupboard and WCD allowed |
Always ensure there's a 30 mA earth leakage circuit breaker, a separate circuit for the washing machine and dryer, and splash-proof switchgear where necessary. Place sockets and cables where accessible but protected from splashes and condensation. Also read how to design a bathroom laundry area (ventilation, moisture, and electrical) .
Safe stacking and storage: washing machine cabinet or intermediate piece?
If you're short on space, stacking is ideal. The safest way is with a suitable washing machine cabinet or a manufacturer-approved spacer. A cabinet offers extra storage space and neatly conceals pipes, while a spacer primarily provides stability between the washer and dryer.
Pay attention to the order and weight: the washing machine goes on the bottom and the dryer on top. Check the total weight and the load capacity of the cabinet. Wasdroom cabinets are designed for heavy loads of up to 140 kg and have a base plate that absorbs vibrations. This limits resonance in the bathroom and keeps the unit stable, even at higher speeds.
If your appliances are placed side by side, a low cabinet or countertop keeps everything at an ergonomic height and creates extra space for detergents. In narrow bathrooms, a vertical arrangement with a cabinet often trumps a horizontal one. Allow a few centimeters of space on the left and right sides for air circulation. Check out our stackable washing machine cabinets for small bathrooms for a sturdy and space-saving solution.
The washing machine cabinet itself: safety requirements in the bathroom
Vibrations, load-bearing capacity and stability
A safe bathroom setup starts with a sturdy cabinet. Choose a model with sufficient load-bearing capacity for your appliances. Wasdroom cabinets can support up to 140 kg and feature a vibration-absorbing base plate. This reduces noise and vibration through the floor. Check that the cabinet is level and use adjustable feet where necessary. Anchor the cabinet to the wall and use a safety lock to prevent appliances from shifting or vibrating out of the cabinet. For maximum peace of mind and load-bearing capacity, choose double washing machine cabinets with extra stability .
Ventilation and moisture resistance
Heat and moisture are the biggest enemies of electronics and woodwork. Choose cabinets with ventilation openings and leave space behind the appliances for airflow. Connect a heat pump dryer or condenser dryer according to the regulations and ensure adequate mechanical ventilation in the bathroom. Wasdroom uses sheet material with a durable melamine coating. This is easy to clean and more resistant to splashes than untreated wood. Dry any condensation immediately and keep ventilation openings clear.
Confirmation, floor load and water protection
Mount the cabinet to a load-bearing wall using the supplied wall brackets or use suitable hollow wall anchors. Check that your floor can support the point loads, especially if it's wooden. A vibration mat can help, but it's not a substitute for leveling. For water safety, place a drip tray under the washing machine, use a sturdy hose with an aqua stop, and connect the drain to a trap without leaks. Don't trap cables and hoses behind panels, and keep the plug and wall socket accessible, but out of the splash zone. This minimizes short circuits and water damage.
Convenient layout: storage space, ergonomics and accessibility
A well-organized laundry closet makes your routine faster and more organized. Place frequently used items like detergent, fabric softener, and laundry bags in hip-height drawers. Reserve a separate, ventilated space for the dryer to release warm air. Wall cabinets are ideal for storing supplies and cleaning supplies out of reach of children. In narrow bathrooms, pull-out shelves or baskets on runners are handy for reaching the back of the machines.
Think ergonomically: the washing machine drum should ideally be between knee and hip height, so you don't have to bend over. Also see our tips for ergonomic placement at working height (preventing back pain) . Position pipes and electrical outlets so you can reach the plug without disassembling the entire cabinet. At Wasdroom, you'll find compact washing machine cabinets for narrow bathrooms and matching storage modules suitable for both small and large bathrooms.
- Checklist layout:
- Free space behind and next to equipment for ventilation
- Pull-out drawer or tray for laundry baskets
- Safe, child-proof storage of cleaning products
- Accessible tap, siphon, plug and switching material
Step-by-step plan: safe installation in 7 steps
- Measuring zones and distances: place the setup outside zone 1 and preferably outside zone 2.
- Check the electrical system: separate circuit, 30 mA earth leakage, splash-proof switchgear where necessary. Have this done by a qualified electrician.
- Prepare water and drain: tap, hose with aqua stop, drip tray and a good siphon connection.
- Assemble the cabinet: level it, secure it with wall brackets and activate the anti-tilt protection.
- Position the machines: the washing machine on the bottom, the dryer on top. Leave a few millimeters of space around the machine and keep ventilation openings clear.
- Test vibration and stability: run a short spin cycle, adjust with feet or a vibration mat if necessary.
- Complete and inspect: check for leaks, cable clearance, and accessibility of plugs and taps.
Want to follow the step-by-step process? Check out the washing machine cabinet installation manual (step-by-step safe installation) for additional step-by-step instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you place a washing machine in the bathroom?
Yes, that is allowed as long as you stay outside wet zones and the electrical installation complies with NEN 1010. Place sockets and the washing machine outside zone 1 and preferably outside zone 2, protect them with a 30 mA earth leakage circuit breaker and use splash-proof switching equipment where necessary.
How far should the washing machine be from the shower or bath?
Maintain a minimum distance of 60 cm from the edge of the bath or shower to stay outside zone 2. A greater distance is preferable due to splashing and condensation. Protect the installation from direct spray and ensure good ventilation.
Do you need a pull switch in the bathroom?
Whether a circuit breaker or pull switch is necessary depends on your situation. NEN 1010 primarily requires proper earth leakage protection and correct installation. An installer can determine whether additional switching is desirable or required and where it should be installed.
Can a tumble dryer also be used in the bathroom?
Yes, provided it's outside the designated zones and has adequate ventilation. A heat pump dryer produces less heat but does require air circulation. Connect a condenser or exhaust dryer according to the regulations and provide a separate circuit if the load requires it.
How do you prevent mold and rust in the cupboard?
Ventilate the bathroom, keep cabinet vents clear, and dry any spills immediately. Choose a moisture-resistant cabinet finish, such as melamine. Leave the washing machine door slightly open after use and regularly clean the seal and drawer.
What if the floor is not completely flat?
Level the cabinet and appliance feet. If necessary, use a vibration mat for additional dampening, but first correct the height difference with the adjustable feet. After leveling, check the wall anchors and perform a test wash with a spin cycle.
Want to get started right away with a safe and sleek solution for your bathroom? Check out Wasdroom's single and double washing machine cabinets, featuring vibration-absorbing bases, anti-tilt protection, and a moisture-resistant finish. You get a 5-year warranty and a 30-day return policy.
