Can I put my Tumble Dryer in a Shed?

Modern life moves fast, so it’s no surprise a good tumble dryer is now a must-have in many busy working homes.

Fresh clean clothes are always needed and nothing beats this handy appliance for drying your laundry quickly.

But where you put your tumble dryer matters, to ensure it can work safely and well.

You may not have space in your kitchen, so where else can it go? Here’s how to choose the best place for a tumble dryer in your home.

3 things to check before installing a tumble dryer

Always check the following first. Not only will they help you decide where to put your tumble dryer – they’ll ensure you buy the right type too.

Ventilation – All tumble dryers need a good flow of air to work safely, so choose a place where the air can move freely around.

Vented tumble dryers must be close to a window or external wall, as their vent hose needs a route outside. Condenser and heat pump tumble dryers don’t need this, so they are a more flexible option when it comes to where they can be installed.

Temperature – All tumble dryers also need to be in a room that doesn’t get too cold or too hot.

Most manufacturers recommend an ambient temperature of at least 10°C. Why? Too cold and your tumble dryer won’t work as it should. Moisture can also freeze inside the machine, causing damage.

Too hot and your tumble dryer can’t condense moisture from the warm air it creates as it dries your laundry.

Flooring – Finally, all tumble dryers need to be stood on a hard surface (or a suitable stacking kit).

Concrete, tile, vinyl and laminate flooring are all safe options. Carpet, though, is ‘no-go’ as it could become a fire risk if the tumble dryer gets hot as it dries.

Can I put my tumble dryer in a garage or shed?

Good question, as not everyone has space in their kitchen or the luxury of a utility room.

Vented, condenser or heat pump tumble dryers can go into a garage, if the garage doesn’t get too cold. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines and warranties as they can vary per product and manufacturer.

Some manufacturers state their tumble dryers are safe to put in an outside building as long as the ambient temperature falls no lower than 5°C.

Of course, the shed or garage must also be waterproof, insulated and have a safe electrical connection.

However, always read the manufacturer’s guidelines first.

Can I put my tumble dryer in a cupboard or under the stairs?

In a word – no. This is because neither of these places has the free flow of air every tumble dryer needs to do its job safely. Keep your tumble dryer clear of curtains and clutter too.

Choosing a new tumble dryer – what else is it useful to know?

Important as it is, there’s more to buying a tumble dryer than finding a place for it to go.

Whether you’re managing laundry for a large family or a smaller household, you need a tumble dryer with the right kg capacity and a range of programmes you’ll actually use. Energy efficiency also matters, given the cost of energy bills.

It can feel confusing, but it doesn’t have to. Read our simple guide to choosing a tumble dryer and check our range of Blomberg, Hotpoint and Hoover tumble dryers. Or for more advice, pop into your local store to talk to one of our experts.