Ceiling clothes dryers on the balcony: varieties, selection, installation

A city apartment cannot do without a clothes dryer. Although many people prefer the usual folding and mobile design, the lack of free space in the rooms and the presence of a balcony makes the purchase of a ceiling model much more correct.

Ceiling clothes dryer on the balcony has several advantages and several disadvantages. The main advantages are its low cost, ranging from 600 to 1000 rubles, as well as the small size of the structure, which can accommodate even in limited spaces. In addition, the design is completely safe, since it is almost impossible to hit hard at the top of the system.

Ceiling models do not interfere with movement on the balcony, nor do they take up space on the floor. Hanging clothes is very easy, and the process does not even require the additional use of a stepladder or chair.

Some models allow you to combine individual rails using plastic parts, which means hanging massive things, for example, blankets.

The main disadvantage of the clothes drying system is the ability to place on average no more than 6 kilograms of wet laundry at a time, although, of course, this indicator depends on the chosen model. It’s also not very convenient for some people to hang small-format items on fairly wide crossbars.

If too heavy items are placed on the dryer, the slats may bend. However, in most cases, this deficiency is eliminated with one's own hand. We can call it a drawback and the fact that, provided there is insufficient extraction, trickles of water flow directly to the floor, and you have to substitute basins or put rags on it.

There are several options for the suspension design, which have one main similarity - their mechanism is fixed on the ceiling. However, the devices themselves can vary greatly, ranging from a simple frame to a complex electrical system. The simplest device looks like a frame made of metal or plastic. Usually cords or metal chains are attached to the corners of the structure, connecting into a pyramid, the top of which is decorated with a hook. The ceiling dryer is thus fixed either on a metal ring mounted in the ceiling, or even on a strong stretched clothesline.

Quite often, such dryers go on sale, equipped with clothespins, which greatly simplifies the process of using the design. Since such designs do not differ in particular strength or size, they are used to dry children's clothes and small items, for example, socks, underwear or handkerchiefs. An advantage of this design is that all the little things are dried in one place, without occupying the floor space. However, low strength prevents the use of drying for heavier items.

Such dryers have a subspecies that is used for those items of clothing that are not recommended to be hung on the bars and fixed with clothespins. In this case, for example, woolen wardrobe or delicate fabrics. The design has a special polymer mesh, stretched along the frame on which the laundry is laid out. Thanks to perforation, clothes are dried due to the flow of rising air. The frame, by the way, may not be the only one - multilevel systems are popular. They are compact, mobile and easy to stow.

Lowering dryers with an elevator mechanism, when not in use, are located almost at the ceiling, but if necessary they are quite simply pushed down. The design is assembled from two parallel traverses, between which several crossbars are mounted. On the ceiling, such dryers are usually fixed on shoelaces hanging on the ceiling blocks, which, in turn, are connected to traverses. The lift dryer is manually controlled, although large-sized structures with elongated rungs can also be controlled by manual gearboxes. The elevator system is easy to use and reliable, but requires even distribution of wet laundry to prevent skewing.

This type of dryer is sometimes movable. A more complex design costs a lot of money, but does not require an even distribution of wet clothing.

Dryers like "liana" have more functionality than traverse type designs, since there is no need to lift a heavy system, and the outer rows of clothes do not block the inside. "Liana" consists of several crossbars, but each is individual and works without reference to the rest. Therefore, it will be possible to raise and lower any horizontal bar independently of the others, which means that it will always be possible to place all washed laundry in a cascade. The design is quite powerful and allows you to place a large number of heavy wet clothes. When folded, the dryer "goes" almost to the ceiling and does not take up too much space.

Electric clothes dryers are equipped with a special mechanism that allows them to be controlled remotely. Modern models function both at -40 degrees, and at +50, which means that they can be installed even on balconies without proper insulation and heating. Most often, drying is equipped with daylight bulbs or LEDs, which additionally solves the issue of lighting the loggia. To activate the dryer, you will have to use either the control panel or the unit located here on the wall. Thanks to this, the dryer can be raised and lowered, as well as turn on the backlight. The highest quality models withstand up to 30 kilograms.

In addition, electric suspension structures can also carry out direct drying of the laundry. This happens either with the help of rods heated up to almost 50 degrees, or with heated air directed in the right way.

In general, all available designs can be divided into several groups depending on the available mechanism. Retractable models are made of two parts, one of which is equipped with a drum with a rope. This part is fixed on one of the walls of the balcony. With a simple movement, the structure is straightened, and the necessary parts are fixed on special nodes. After drying, the structure will be folded back, which does not seem particularly complicated.

Telescopic dryers work by pushing the supporting parts apart. When the system is folded, it takes up space on the wall and does not disturb the movement of the balcony. Descending dryers include “liana” type constructions. Several planks are fixed on the ceiling, and the system is regulated by ropes and a latch mounted on one of the walls. Sliding dryers function thanks to the links folding into an "accordion". Made of metal, such designs can have any dimensions.

The dimensions of ceiling dryers depend mainly on the length of the ropes or beams used, on which the washed laundry is placed. Moreover, we are talking about the total useful length, which is most often located in the range from 5 meters to 14.4 meters. This amount can be distributed on a different number of crossbars that are most suitable for a particular balcony.

Ceiling dryer on the balcony can be made of different materials. Stainless steel structures are considered the most reliable, but also expensive. The material can be used to implement a variety of models, and it will certainly last for many years. Painted or polymer coated steel is of slightly lower quality. A polymer coating in this case is preferable, since the coloring material erases over time.

A metal dryer made of aluminum also performs well but quite often contributes to the appearance of stains on clothing, resulting from oxidative processes on surfaces. Plastic constructions are the least preferred in terms of reliability, strength and durability. However, the appearance of these structures can be extremely attractive. Choosing materials for the drying structure, important to avoid chrome steel. As a rule, the coating crumbles rather quickly and flies around, after which rust appears.

The combination of materials is considered quite successful when the bearing parts are made of powder-coated steel, and the crossbars themselves are made of plastic. Such models are quite budget, but durable. With a home-made version, of course, the list of materials used becomes larger. For example, to strengthen the structure, an iron part is often used, for example, corners, and an ordinary rope takes up plastic crossbars.

Although it is generally accepted that the best products come from Europe, in the matter of ceiling dryers on the balcony, quality models quite often come from China. For example, we are talking about Alcona ASB-602, a dryer with automated lowering and lifting functions. The design has four rungs from 1250 to 2050 millimeters long. In addition to remote control, this model is equipped with additional illumination. The high-quality system withstands 35 kilograms and operates at temperatures from -25 degrees to +40 degrees.

If you need a dryer for wool or delicate linen, then it makes sense to purchase a model Niklen, created in Canada. The design has two levels and is made of polyester. The dimensions of this light system are not so large - only 600 by 700 millimeters.

Italian dryers are also popular, for example, Gimi lift 180. The design of the "liana" type consists of 6 rungs made of steel with a polymer coating. Withstand "liana" only 15 kilograms, occupying a length of 1800 millimeters, and a width of 430 millimeters.

Multifunctional dryer SensPa Marmi made in south korea. The automatic system has a hairdryer for blowing laundry, a timer and a pair of LED lights. In addition, a remote control is also available. The length of the structure is 1030 millimeters, and the width is only 431 millimeters.

In general, experts recommend giving preference to brands Leifheit from Germany, Italian Gimi and Meliconi, SNB from Poland, as well as Dogrular from Turkey. Chinese brands typically enter the market under the names Natalie or Delta.

In order to choose the right balcony hanger for laundry, you need to consider several important characteristics. In many ways, the selection of a model for the ceiling of the loggia is determined depending on how much bed linen to be dried at a time. Typically, this parameter is related to the total length of the rods. The latter is either immediately indicated in the instructions, or is calculated by multiplying the number of rods by their length. The larger the number, the more clothes can be dried, but also the more free space will be required.

The linen design should be made of quality materials in accordance with the technology. If the plastic is covered with color stains, or the metal parts have burrs or an incomprehensible shape, this immediately indicates a low quality and short life of the dryer. Of course, the absence of any cracks and chips is also important. Since the crossbars are made of either metal or plastic, their choice should be made depending on the conditions of use, that is, temperature. It is better to choose metal parts, but not those that have a plastic coating, or simply enameled. In addition, after each use of the dryer, it is recommended to wipe it with a dry and soft cloth.

Since the sizes of ceiling drying are very variable, it remains to be decided in advance which part of the space will be allocated to the structure. The size of the system in the folded state should also be determined, since it should not interfere with opening and closing windows, a balcony door and simply moving around the loggia.

Most often, the installation of a ceiling dryer is carried out by the owners of the apartment, since fixing the system is not particularly difficult. Installation instructions are usually attached to the purchase and contain all the necessary information. Before you hang the dryer and even decide on the mount, it is necessary to prepare the ceiling surface properly. The existing coating is cleaned of dust and dirt, and then marking is performed. To this end, the bracket is applied to the surface across the load-bearing wall, and the results are recorded with a pencil or wash-out marker.

The next mark is made through a gap equal to the length of the string, and also parallel to the first fastener. The brackets must be separated from the wall by at least 10 centimeters. Holes are made at these points with a drill, and the brackets are fixed using anchor bolts.

Installation according to another algorithm begins with the fact that the clothesline is threaded into the rods in such a way that one long and one short cord is fixed on each bar. Further on the ceiling mounted roller suspensions. If the ceiling is made of wood, then long screws are used, and if it is a regular concrete surface, dowels or anchors are suitable. It is important that the number of clips is sufficient to withstand heavy wet laundry. The gap between the individual fixtures should be equal to the length of the rails of the dryer.

The latches are mounted at the bottom of one of the walls in independently selected places. Next, rods are installed, which are then attached to the latch.

See how to install a clothes dryer on the balcony.

In most cases, reviews of ceiling dryers on the balcony are positive. Users note that the design allows you to quickly, efficiently and evenly distribute the stretched things. Most often, preference is given to models made of metal and high-quality plastic for the crossbars, which does not dye clothes and does not leave creases on it. Since the design is quite compact, it does not interfere at all and does not occupy important square meters. All linen is located under the ceiling, and therefore the overview also does not turn out to be obstructed.

Especially popular are electric models, which are convenient to operate and which often also work as balcony lights. A wide price range allows you to purchase a dryer that is suitable for any budget. Most preferred are brand dryers. Gimi Lift originally from Italy, or constructions like "liana" of Russian production. The first is easy to install and high quality, but the design of the "liana" is half the price. In addition, the model of the Russian manufacturer has a pair of clamps that allow you to fasten the rope for drying in different positions.

Returning to the Gimi Lift, we should definitely mention thick and reliable ropes, the presence of six 12-mm rods, the lack of need for assembly and the use of metal as the main material of manufacture.