Ceiling clothes dryers: how to choose a suitable design?
Without washing, no family can do. With the development of technical progress, this process has become much easier. However, the subsequent drying of wet laundry is still an urgent problem. Even a few decades ago, kitchens and corridors of communal apartments were hung with ropes and things hanging on them. They represented an aesthetic problem, interfered with easy access. Fortunately, today these difficulties are in the past, thanks to the appeared devices for drying clothes. There are several varieties of these devices. This article will discuss ceiling structures.
Special features
Ceiling devices for drying linen consist of several narrow tubes with a length of 0.5 to 2 meters. Usually they are made of metal or plastic, the total number does not exceed 5-6 pcs. That the construction was not too heavy, the tubes are made hollow. 2 nylon ropes of various lengths are attached to the ends of the pipes, which are adjusted using a special clamp. The dryer is suspended from the ceiling using roller mounts. Such constructions are called "elevator" because of the peculiarities of the mechanism: special brackets allow the dryer to be lowered down, hang clothes on it and raised back up.
The advantages of this mechanism are obvious.
- Available montage. A step-by-step instruction with a detailed description of each stage, as well as all the necessary fasteners, is attached to each instance of the dryer.
- Does not occupy a scarce place on the floor and does not interfere with the passage.
- Compact size and versatile design allow you to use the dryer in different places of the room.
- At height, air circulation is better than below. Therefore, the process of drying clothes occurs in a short time.
- The dryer is adjustable in height, which eliminates the use of additional devices in order to reach it (chair, staircase). She can benefit from a person of any height, even a child.
- The ceiling structure can be installed absolutely on any surface (be it concrete, plastic or wood).
- A device purchased once from a reliable manufacturer will serve for many years. The life of the dryer is not organic.
Each individual pipe can withstand a load of more than 2 kg. This circumstance allows you to hang a large number of things on the dryer. The product can withstand a total load of about 15 kg on average. If you need to hang a large item such as a blanket or blanket, several pipes can be joined together with special plastic mechanisms.
The disadvantages of this design include several factors.
- The limit of gravity of the ceiling dryer is limited. If to exceed it and hang up linen weighing more, than it is capable to sustain, the pipe can bend or break.
- In some cases, it will be necessary to drill concrete to install the dryer; special tools will be needed.This makes immediate use impossible and less attractive than other types of dryers.
Kinds
The principle of operation for all ceiling dryers is the same. The difference is only in some design features. For example, they may differ in the way of fasteners: some models are mounted directly on the ceiling, others are fixed to the wall surface. There are several main types of appliances for drying clothes.
Mobile
The simplest example of such a model is a hanger with clothespins. You can take it with you on a trip, hang it anywhere on a hook, nail or rope. Installation of such a dryer is not required, it is inexpensive. This design has a small capacity, used mainly for drying small items.
Another type of portable dryer is a mesh with a rigid base on the sides.divided into several compartments. In these compartments things are dried in a horizontal position. The grid takes up little space, it can be collected if necessary. Usually, this model is used to dry things that can lose their shape.However, due to the small capacity of this type is suitable for individual things.
Stationary
They are attached to the ceiling, wall, often do not fold or are not fully assembled. Such dryers consist of two steel brackets, horizontal tubes and guide ropes. The brackets are attached to the surface, the tubes are fixed with ropes. This design has rollers for raising and lowering. The disadvantage of it is that it has a fixed length, which limits the use of the dryer in the premises of a given size.
Sliding
These options are popular because of their compactness. They have fixed and removable parts. The first block is constantly mounted on the surface. Strings or ropes are pushed out of it and fixed with a help of a special mechanism at some distance.
After the laundry dries, the ropes retract and the dryer collapses. In this form, it is almost invisible and does not interfere with the passage. The advantage of such dryers lies in their affordable price. The disadvantages are that the strength and length of the rope are often not large enough, which does not allow heavy things to be hung on them.
Sliding dryers can be divided into three subgroups.
"Harmonic"
Such models can be mounted on the wall at different levels, as well as under the ceiling. This device is indispensable in a room with a small area. The design with the accordion mechanism is convenient in that it can be used not only as a dryer, but also as a clothes hanger. The disadvantage is that it is impossible to hang a lot on it: fastenings can withstand no more than 15 kg.
Telescopic
The telescopic model is a crossed rod on a steel frame. They are made on the same principle as the furniture mechanism. Withstand such dryers more than 20 kg, but their price is slightly higher.
"Elevator"
The descent and ascent of this structure is carried out by bending the crossbars on which it rests. The mechanism is simple and reliable, but very expensive.
Modern ceiling fixtures sliding type endowed with various additional features that expand their capabilities. For example, some dryers have an automatic mechanism extension mechanism, which is driven by an electric tubular motor.For the convenience of users, a control panel is provided.
There are models with built-in electric lamps, giving a soft unobtrusive glow. Due to the heat emanating from the lamps, the process of drying wet things is accelerated. In addition, there are several dryers available for sale. They can be used for its intended purpose and as a hanger for dry clothes, as well as shelves for storing various items. However, such technical wonders are quite expensive, they are not affordable for everyone. If there are small children in the house, you should look at the models that have a built-in fan and a UV lamp. Fans accelerate the process of evaporation of moisture, and the lamp disinfects linen.
System "Liana"
This design consists of several tubes, inside which pass the ropes. You can attach it on the ceiling or on the walls with the help of special roller brackets. This system has a multi-level cascade form, due to which the laundry dries relatively quickly. The peculiarity of this system is that it is possible to lower each crossbar separately.To do this, just select the tensioning rope attached to it and pull it. The length of the tubes in "Liana" can be from 0.5 to 2 meters.
The width can also be different, so anyone can choose the sizes that are suitable for themselves. By cons include the complexity of installation. In a large number of ropes can be confused. If you understand the instructions yourself is not possible, you will have to resort to the help of paid specialists.
Materials
The most common materials for the manufacture of drying mechanisms are wood, plastic, aluminum, stainless steel. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Tree
This natural material has a large margin of safety, does not cause allergies, and therefore is safe to use. Wooden beams do not rust or sag, installation of such a structure does not require long trials. However, ceiling dryers made of wood are not without drawbacks. The tree is afraid of moisture, over time, the appearance deteriorates, and the rope parts that are present in wooden dryers wear out quickly.
Plastic
This is a light and inexpensive material.However, plastic fittings quickly fail. Replacing it in some cases is not possible.
Aluminum
Aluminum parts are more durable, but they are afraid of moisture. Over time, they oxidize, there is an unpleasant bloom that spoils things. Therefore, aluminum parts need to be painted. Aluminum is considered a soft metal, accessories from it are not much more reliable than plastic.
Plain steel
Steel tubes withstand a lot of weight and are not deformed. To protect metal parts from rust they are treated with anti-corrosion compounds. To give a more aesthetic look, they are covered with special powder paints or put on a plastic sleeve.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel leads in its qualities. It has an attractive appearance and does not corrode. The accessories from this material will serve not one ten years. The only disadvantage is the high cost.
Where to install?
Before you start choosing a clothes dryer, you should decide on the place of its installation. From this directly depends on the choice of the type and size of the product. The ideal option is considered to be a special utility room, where the ironing board, washing machine and other household items are located.In private homes for drying things often fit a veranda or a covered terrace.
If the dryer is chosen for a city apartment, the traditional place to install it is a balcony or loggia. For balcony ceiling dryers fit almost all models. If we are talking about stationary structures, then the main thing here is not to be mistaken with the dimensions. Not less popular place of installation is the bathroom.
If the bathroom is separate, you can opt for permanent dryers. When it comes to sharing a bathroom, it is better for him to choose a folding or sliding option, allowing to expand the area of use. Sometimes clothes dryers are mounted on the ceiling in the hallway or kitchen. Here modern automated models with lighting and other technical bells and whistles will be appropriate.
Tips
For the dryer to work properly for a long time and fulfill its intended purpose, Experts advise to follow some rules.
- Begin installation of the dryer should be only after all the finishing work in the room.
- If the installation site is a glazed balcony or loggia,and the doors are hinged and open inwards, you should first measure the distance from the ceiling to the open door. The dryer should not interfere with the opening of the shutters and the balcony door.
- Pay attention to the magnitude of the load. With a length of construction more than 150 cm, it must withstand more than 15 kg.
- It is better to choose models with metal mounts. They are considered the most reliable.
- In the case of buying a model with a “Liana” type lifting mechanism, the thickness of the nylon rope must be at least 3 mm.
- If the dryer is from an imported manufacturer, the instruction with the translation into Russian must be provided. In this case, the copy must be original, printed in the printing house. A photocopy of dubious quality should be alarming.
- A dryer more than 120 cm long is best mounted on anchor bolts. Ordinary nails with dowels will not withstand the design with wet clothes.
- On the dryer, which has tubes instead of threads, the laundry dries faster. In addition, it does not leave traces of the rope.
- When choosing an electric dryer, you should check the noise level and the amount of energy consumed so that the sound of the motors running and the electricity bills do not become an unpleasant surprise.
Installation
If you plan to do the installation of the ceiling clothes dryer with your own hands, before proceeding to the installation, you should carefully read the instructions, where the installation scheme will be described step by step and the features of the purchased model are indicated.
The whole process of installing the dryer consists of several stages.
- Layout for fixings. In order to correctly measure the distance at which the structure will be attached, you need to attach the bracket to the surface and make marks through the holes in it.
- Next, you need to make holes in the wall or ceiling. For this you may need a drill with a set of drills or a hammer drill with drills of different diameters. To prevent dust from getting in your eyes, you can put a plastic cup or a cut plastic bottle on the drill.
- Dowels are inserted into the prepared holes, after which you can begin to fasten the brackets. Then they need to be fixed on the ceiling or on the wall. Through them pass the rope or metal cables and fixed to the frame.
Manufacturers Rating
Today in the shops you can choose a huge number of dryers manufacturers from different countries. The most demanded models of European brands.In the first place you can put products from Germany, for example, the company Leifheit, engaged in the production of household utensils. Its products are distinguished by modern design and traditionally high quality for which all German goods are famous.
No less popular dryers Italian companies. For example, Gimi brand products are successfully sold not only in Europe, but throughout the world. The range of the company is diverse. In its model range there are almost all types of modern ceiling dryers. The materials used in their production are high quality steel and non-toxic plastic.
To protect against external hazards, dryers are equipped with protective covers and plugs. All components are interconnected by electric welding. The company has a range of stationary and sliding versions of dryers. Some sliding models can fold up to 20 meters in length.
Belgian manufacturers also try to keep up with their European colleagues. For example, Quick has created a uniquely unique device for drying wet laundry with a blowing system that makes it dry in a short time.Some models of this company may have a UV disinfection lamp, an air ionizer that cleans the airspace. In addition, the products have additional features.
Highly valued and clothes dryers Swiss company Eurogold. They are reliable and high quality. In terms of functionality, comfort level and design, they are not inferior to any European manufacturer. The system "Liana" of Russian production is available only in the ceiling version. These models can be installed in any room (in the bathroom, storage room, on the veranda, loggia or balcony).
Ceiling devices of the Turkish firms Bierhof and Dogrular are produced mainly in the stationary version. They are characterized by simplicity. Plastic and metal parts can withstand loads up to 10 kg. Having kept an aesthetic design, manufacturers left only a minimal set of functions and removed all unnecessary. Due to this, the models have an attractively low cost.
Russians can get acquainted with Chinese products on the example of Alkon. Its automated laundry drying systems meet all modern requirements.Steel reliable design, location under the ceiling, remote control light illumination and lower than the European models. The price as a bonus makes it attractive for buyers.
In the next video you will see an overview of the Zalger Lift Comfort 120cm ceiling dryer and how to install it.