DIY Clothes Dryer for the Balcony: 85+ (Photo) Options

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Alena Gievskaya

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A clothes dryer on the balcony is an insignificant thing at first glance, but it is difficult to do without it.

Clothes dryer

In most apartments there is no way to dry washed clothes in the rooms, so you have to use the balcony. In summer, this method is generally advantageous, because under the sun's rays, clothes of any density dry almost instantly. In winter it is more difficult; a prerequisite for drying things is to have a glazed balcony, since otherwise they will only turn into ice.

But even in a glazed balcony, it is important to organize the clothes dryer in such a way that there is free access to the window, because it has to be opened regularly to ventilate the room. Otherwise, mold and dampness are inevitable.

Convenient clothes dryer for the balcony

In the cold season, you will still have to dry your clothes in the apartment, no matter how good the dryer on the balcony is. An excellent option to avoid this are batteries. In some apartments they are specially placed on the balcony in order to facilitate the drying process.

When buying an apartment, the balcony is not given the same attention as all other rooms. In fact, this room is irreplaceable, so if you see mold, unpleasant odor and dampness on the walls, immediately think about where the laundry will dry. If there are no options for organizing a dryer in the room, this will create many problems.

Outdoor option

Advice You should never delay repairing your balcony if you use this room for drying clothes. When the first signs of dampness, mold and other unpleasant phenomena are detected, they must be eliminated immediately. Otherwise, after some time it will be impossible to use the dryer on the balcony.

Conclusion

Choosing the best option for drying clothes can be difficult; if previously the only option was a rope stretched somehow, today dryers look attractive and are very convenient to use. The video in this article will tell you in more detail about some of the nuances, and if something is not clear to you, then write questions in the comments under the review.

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September 12, 2016

Accessories, Balcony and loggia

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Pros and cons of dryers

A dryer on the balcony is more of a necessary measure, rather than a whim. If there are no other options, then you have to occupy this room. However, this process does have positive aspects; it is not without reason that it has long been practiced in many developed countries:

space in the apartment is saved;
the laundry is ventilated, a pleasant smell of freshness appears;
It’s easy to block children’s access to wet things - you can simply close the door;
hiding laundry is also easy - you can simply curtain the window to the balcony.

Saves space in the apartment

These advantages are especially noticeable in those apartments whose balcony windows do not face the road, but the forest or other nature. No rinse aid will give things as much freshness and aroma as such a natural scent.

Advice If the balcony windows face the highway and other dusty places, it is best to dry clothes at night and early in the morning.

A clothes dryer on the balcony also has disadvantages. However, they are not so catastrophic as to abandon this process; it is important to simply know all the nuances and learn to adapt to them. Among the disadvantages of a balcony clothes dryer are the following factors:

Dependence on weather. If it rains and the window on the balcony is open or there is no window at all in the summer, most likely the washing will have to be repeated again. To avoid such situations, it is better to dry things when someone is at home and check the weather forecast in advance.

Linen must be hung very carefully

The smell of smoke. Some people use the balcony as a smoking area, so if neighbors below smoke and the balcony windows are open, the smell of smoke will certainly be absorbed into their clothes. And if they smoke from above, then ash may also fly into the window. To prevent such situations, it is better to use the dryer with the windows closed, and ventilate the room before and after.

Danger. No matter how strange it may sound, we still hear about cases where people fell out of a balcony window while hanging laundry, especially if they did it behind the balcony. In this regard, it is important to take safety precautions when also caring for small children.

Portable option

Note: In some countries, drying things outside the balcony (on the street side) is strictly prohibited by law. The authorities believe that this spoils the overall appearance of the city and creates an unfavorable impression among tourists.

Aesthetics

Many people, especially women, worry that a dryer on the balcony can ruin their reputation in the eyes of guests and create a bad impression of the comfort in the apartment. If this moment worries you too, you can apply a few simple rules and tips. They will help organize the drying of things in such a way as not to spoil the overall appearance of the apartment.

Will not spoil the appearance of the balcony

As already mentioned, the practice of drying things on the street side of the balcony has long been outdated, and besides, such behavior is considered a sign of bad taste. Few people want their clothes, and especially their underwear, to be examined by strangers, while some, without hesitation, hang them out for everyone to see. Even if it is not possible to dry everything at once, you need to adapt to your circumstances and wash less, but more often.

In order to hide wet things from the eyes of guests, you need to take care of the presence of a curtain that would cover the window between the room and the balcony . It is desirable that it be dense and not see through. Some housewives find an original solution to this problem - they place a large climbing flower on the windowsill, which completely covers the entire glass, so that no one will guess that it is not just a houseplant, but also an important part of the interior.

Saving space on the balcony

It happens that it is not possible to close the curtain: if guests come during the day, then there must be daylight in the room. In this case, a simple rule that should always be followed when hanging clothes will be useful: intimate items, underwear should be located in the center, and everything else on the sides. Then sweaters, T-shirts and other large clothing will be a kind of barrier protecting intimate clothing from prying eyes.

Preparatory process

Selecting a location

Ceiling dryer in bathroom

It is important when installing a dryer to find a suitable place for the structure so that it does not interfere with the passage, is not visually noticeable and does not cause discomfort during use: in the corridor such an “accessory” looks rather ridiculous.

The most suitable place for drying clothes is a balcony or loggia, of course, if they are insulated and glazed. Otherwise, drying laundry in winter is quite problematic, as it will freeze.

Therefore, if you have a very cold balcony in winter, it is better to attach the structure to the ceiling in the living room or bedroom. The exception is rooms in which there is a tension fabric or a hanging system installed. If you have a dressing room, you can place the dryer there.

Tool

In order to install the structure, you must use the following tool:

Drill or hammer drill. The drill can only cope with wooden floors; in other cases it is better to use a hammer drill and drills: 6 mm and 8 mm.
A ceiling hanger for drying clothes requires precise dimensions, so a tape measure or a long ruler is necessary.
Self-tapping screws and dowels (to the size of the drill).
Screwdriver or screwdrivers.

Drying assembly

Assembling a ceiling hanger yourself is quite easy, but if you still have difficulties, then below are instructions that will certainly help you:

Drawing for description

The kit includes two types of cords: long ones designed to be passed through the roller brackets; The short one is designed to be attached to a fixing bracket.
Having distributed them in places, you should alternately pass the cords through the upper cap (fixing the rod in the upper position) and through the lower one, respectively, for lower fixation.

Basic elements of the dryer

Clotheslines

The easiest way to organize a dryer on the balcony is to string ropes. At first glance, it seems that there is nothing complicated about this. But those who have ever had to waste time re-washing clothes because they were found on the floor with broken ropes know that this is not so.

The easiest way

To begin with, it is important to choose the right material - it should be light, but at the same time durable so that it does not wear out quickly. Also, it should not stretch like an elastic band and get dirty, because if the rope turns black, it is unlikely that any housewife will want to hang clean laundry on it. The most suitable materials, which are easy to find, are:

metal cable wrapped in PVC;
jute;
polypropylene.

Metal cable

There are also standard materials that are inexpensive, but can serve you well for a while. However, their endurance is not so long, over time they begin to sag lower and lower, and they also quickly get dirty, so after that you immediately have to look for a replacement. These include :

standard twisted rope, which is in greatest demand among residents of our country;
plastic, which attracts attention with the variety of available colors.

To secure the rope to the wall, you have to make special structures with your own hands, since it is usually sold not as a set, but separately. To do this, you will need two slats, their length depends on how many rows will be located. They are attached opposite each other; for reliability it is better to use strong nails or special screw-in hooks.

Good choice of clothes dryer

Advice The easiest way is to first firmly tie the edge of the rope to the outermost nail, then stretch it in different directions, wrapping it around each nail on the slats. A strong knot is made on the last nail, as on the first.

How to choose the right one

When choosing a dryer for a balcony, you should consider some data. These include the following:

How compact is the dryer?

That is, before making your choice, you need to decide on the ratio of the size of the dryer and your balcony. This means, find out what the length and width of the balcony is, and then make markings for the dryer, and thus find out what size it should be.

What material?

As a rule, people look for a dryer based on its cost, but this is wrong, a lot depends on the material of manufacture. If you choose a mount made of wood, make sure that it is covered with a protective layer of varnish, and if it is made of metal, then it should be coated with an anti-corrosion coating.

Work surface size

This parameter will determine how the device can be loaded to its maximum. For a large family, a model is recommended with a large working surface, on which not only clothes can be dried, but also heavy textile items.

In this case, give preference to a ceiling model or an external type of dryer.

Lianas

Linen vines look stylish and do not spoil the overall appearance of the balcony. In addition, in terms of strength and service life, such a dryer is several times better than simple ropes attached to slats. It belongs to the category of ceiling devices for drying things.

Lianas for linen

The vine is a frame equipped with cords and attached to a mechanism on rollers. One of the advantages of this model is that the length of each rope can be easily adjusted. Thanks to a special clamp, the rods can be easily fixed at the desired level.

Many note another advantage of the vine - it can be folded and in this position it takes up absolutely no space and does not attract attention to itself . The latest models are made so thinly that looking at them in assembled form, it is generally difficult to understand what it is.

long vine

Installation of the vine begins with the preparation of the fastening; it can be wooden beams or any other made of durable material. After this, you need to mark the place using a tape measure and a pencil. To install panels with rollers, you will need to drill into the previously installed fastening and drive a plug into it, and screw the panel on top.

After this, 1.5 m is measured from the floor and a bracket is attached, the ropes are alternately pulled through the panels with rollers. In this case, the short one is directed towards the fastening, and the long one clings to the roller opposite itself and descends along the fixed bracket. As a result, all ropes become the same length, stretched evenly.

Review of manufacturers

It would seem that a clothes dryer is a household appliance that is present in almost every home and is a one-time purchase. But in fact, there is a serious struggle for leadership in the market for drying device manufacturers.

Moreover, each company offers potential buyers high-quality and reliable drying units in different price categories.

The first on the list of famous brands is the Italian company Gimi .

This company occupies a leading position in the production of floor-mounted clothes dryers. The range of this manufacturer is quite wide, and accordingly, the price also varies widely. Gimi products are available in the Russian Federation and CIS countries.

The Turkish company Dogrular deserves special attention. For the manufacture of products, the company uses exclusively high-quality materials. All models are easy to use.

The cost of the products is very affordable, thanks to which the consumer purchases a very useful and durable drying device for a small amount.

But the Italian company Meliconi produces luxury clothes dryers.

Each individual model has a special thoughtful design, unusual shapes and dimensions. The design itself uses many decorative elements, thanks to which it is possible to select a product in accordance with the style of the balcony or loggia.

Based on this, it becomes clear that the prices for Melicone products cannot boast of being affordable.

Despite this, dryers of the represented brand are actively purchased by consumers for whom beauty, strength and durability are important.

Leifheit is in particular demand .

The products of the described brand are of high quality and reliability. The attention of consumers is attracted not only by the characteristics of drying products, but also by a surprise from the manufacturer: each set contains additional elements, for example, hangers, clothespins and holders.

Along with foreign companies, Russian ones are in great demand.

This name has been on the market since 2008, but in such a short period of time the company has managed to win the recognition of many consumers from the CIS countries. The domestic manufacturer offers a wide range of clothes dryers of various types at the most affordable prices. Only high-quality materials are used in the production of structures, due to which all products are distinguished by a high level of strength and durability.

Ceiling dryer

Ceiling dryers are more practical to use than wall-mounted ones, because they take up minimal space, while being very practical in functionality. Even ordinary clotheslines attached to slats also fall into this category. This demand is absolutely justified, because ceiling systems have a number of advantages:

both the floor and walls of the balcony remain free, so you can move freely and arrange the necessary furniture;
do not attract attention when there is nothing on them;
It doesn’t require a lot of expense, and some of them can be done by purchasing only the necessary materials.

Most practical to use

One of the popular models of ceiling dryers are retractable systems called “accordion dryers”. The principle of operation of the mechanism is that the model is attached to the ceiling, and in order to hang laundry on it, it must first be lowered to the desired level.

There are different versions of the release system for pull-out dryers, the most popular of which is a mechanism that operates by pulling a string. It is enough to pull it down, and the structure immediately lowers; immediately after it is released, it stops. The structures themselves can be of completely different sizes and contain any number of ropes.

Often, in retractable ceiling dryers, thin pipes made of plastic or other material are available instead of ropes.

The disadvantage is the fragility

The only drawback of this ceiling model is its fragility . Most pull-out dryers are designed to weigh no more than 5 kg, but even then they often fail prematurely. Therefore, such ceiling models are suitable for small families who dry things in a small volume.

Advice Some housewives successfully combine several types of ceiling dryers. For example, you can use both a retractable dryer and Liana, which inherently also has a retractable mechanism. But you can combine them only if you have a large balcony, which is used only for drying clothes.

Best models

A ceiling-mounted clothes dryer is a useful invention that is designed to make household work easier. In addition, it makes it possible to place wet laundry after washing in such a way that it does not create interference or take up much space. The question often arises, which ceiling clothes dryers are best. For these purposes, you need to familiarize yourself with this list.

Liana-lux 2m (5 rods)

This device is a design with rods that are adjusted with cords. The brackets are made of durable metal alloys, so they can withstand long periods of use. It is possible to immediately place items with a total weight of up to 2.5 kg on each rod.

The rods in this device are not made of plastic, but of light metal with anti-corrosion properties. They are round and wide, so they do not leave creases on the dried fabric, which often form during drying on a rope.

Floor

A floor-mounted clothes dryer can be used not only for balconies, but also in any room, however, many simply do not have the space to place it in their room. These models are used mainly in cases where, for some reason, it is not possible to attach ceiling ones. In some apartments, the walls and ceilings on the balconies are so unreliable that it is not worth painting, so you have to do without using them.

Used not only on balconies

Floor dryers have their advantages, the main ones include:

1 Mobility . If you suddenly need to move the dryer from one place to another, or even temporarily to another room, this can be done without any problems. They are usually not heavy and can also be folded to make them easier to lift.

2 Variety of sizes. Floor dryers come in completely different sizes, so there is a suitable option for any family size. Also, such models are often used as an addition to ceiling ones; some attach a retractable model to the ceiling, and place a floor model underneath.

For different types of things

3 Option not to use . If you have attached a ceiling dryer, it is unlikely that you can easily remove it the first time you need it. However, floor dryers are more practical - they can be easily folded and put away, especially since when folded they usually take up little space.

4 Easy to attach . Unlike other models, these do not need to be screwed or otherwise secured using tools. All you need to do is simply press on the mechanism, and it will immediately open.

Types of floor

The most popular is the classic type, the mechanism of which resembles the principle of folding out an ironing board. The support consists of pipes crossed between each other, the shape of which resembles the letter “X”. Clothes are hung on pipes, of which there can be any number.

Stylish dryer option

When choosing a classic floor dryer, special attention should be paid to the strength of the tubes. Some cheap models are not designed to withstand a weight of more than 5 kg and it is better not to buy such ones, because even if someone accidentally leans on it, it will immediately break. It’s worth thinking about whether it’s really necessary to save money when purchasing, and then go to the store again a month later.

For families with small children

In families where there are small children, and, therefore, a large amount of clothes are washed, multi-tiered floor dryers will be practical. They are structures, often from floor to ceiling, on which pipes are placed. Outwardly, they look as if several classic models were stacked on top of each other.

Among the assortment of floor dryers, there are often Chinese models known for their fragility. To avoid buying them, you must carefully study the manufacturer’s instructions yourself, without trusting sellers.

Portable

A standard model that will fit on a balcony or loggia with large dimensions. The floor structure can be in the form of:

“table” with folding small sections on the sides;
compact bookcase;
“scissors” with folding arches;
multi-level design with an additional hanger for outerwear.

A variety of devices will allow you to choose a model that suits all the required parameters.

Hanger

Hangers for drying clothes on the balcony are the only way to dry and store clothes in a natural position. This is especially practical for drying men's suits and other large items that should not be folded when wet. Everyone has at least once had to spend time smoothing out wrinkles that appeared as a result of drying things in the wrong way.

Convenient to dry men's suits

Drying hangers can be used as an auxiliary structure, that is, you can use a floor dryer and one at the same time, or combine it with any other models. Another advantage of this method of drying things is that you can use the means available in the house. The easiest way to build a dryer with hangers is this way :

We are looking for a pipe of the required length; it must reach from one wall to another, and there must be room for fastening. An excellent option would be a hanger holder from a wardrobe. You can use the one that is no longer used in the closet, or you can purchase it separately; usually the holders are sold as separate spare parts in many furniture stores.
We attach the pipe or holder to the walls. Some of them are attached directly to the ceiling; you just need to tighten the holders with screws. Using such designs, it is easier to choose the length, because it does not have to be from wall to wall, it can occupy half or any desired part of the ceiling.
We select the required number of hangers and dry the clothes. Some people use the same ones on which clothes hung in the closet for this, but this is not advisable. It is better to have hangers separately for storing clothes in the closet and separately for drying.

It is possible to attach a hanger - this is sometimes not enough

Tip In furniture stores, in departments with ready-made clothes dryers, they sell special hangers made of moisture-resistant material. Their use is convenient and practical, because they can last a long time.

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Additional functions - from lighting to disinfection

Modern clothes dryers provide additional functions for maximum convenient use.

Backlight. It is located above the strings and is usually represented by bright LED lamps. They illuminate the workspace in the dark, making it easier to hang laundry.
Wind drying. Built-in powerful fans blow air over wet clothes for a preset time.
Disinfection with built-in ultraviolet lamp.
Heating of rods with electric cable.
Remote control. Using the remote control, you can set the operating time of individual mechanisms, lower and raise the laundry beams.

Multifunctional dryer model

“Smart” dryers are produced mainly by Japanese companies, for example, SensPa. Their Chinese colleagues are not lagging behind, presenting such worthy examples on the market as the Alcona models.

The price of automatic devices with the functionality discussed above ranges from 23-46 thousand rubles.

Much more affordable are standard options with a rod heating function. The price starts from 2.5 thousand rubles. They are easy to install and connect to the electrical network. Heating can be smoothly adjusted within the temperature range specified by the manufacturer. Electricity costs will increase slightly.

Electric dryer Sharndy

Wall dryer

Wall-mounted dryers can be used in different cases: if it is not possible to use a ceiling dryer, if the ceiling on the balcony is too high, so it is not easy to reach the rope, and for other reasons. This category consists of various models that differ in design, mounting method and other parameters.

Inertial

When folded, these dryers are very compact, so there are no problems with storing them. Inertial models consist of two parts :

Frame. Equipped with a drum with springs that tensions the cord and, if necessary, hides it inside. Thanks to this, good tension is ensured, so that the cord does not sag, and even over time, the clothes still dry at the desired level, and do not interfere with walking.
Fastening. It can use either hooks attached on the other side or a bar. The mount is permanently present on the wall, and the body is put on it when necessary to dry clothes.

The inertial option is good for a balcony with a high ceiling

The cost of inertial clothes dryers varies, but cheaper models are less practical - over time, the cords on them still begin to sag, so that the tension becomes not the same as it was originally. On more expensive models, this problem does not arise, because the housing drum is equipped with a tension function, so as soon as the cords begin to sag, you can immediately use it.

Console

These wall-mounted dryers are even more compact than inertial dryers. If you need that immediately after drying there is no trace of ropes and cords left, this option will be suitable for you. When it is closed, you can see a small plank on the wall, no more than 10 cm wide, and its length can be different, depending on the model you choose.

They are even more compact than inertial ones

When a cantilever wall dryer is unfolded, tubes arranged in rows extend out. You can either simply throw clothes on them, or fasten them with clothespins. Like inertial models, such models are not designed for drying large amounts of laundry; it is usually recommended to weigh no more than 5 kg.

Sliding dryer

If you need a wall-mounted clothes dryer on the balcony, but the permissible weight does not suit you, sliding dryers are an excellent option in this case. Standard models can withstand a weight of no more than 10 kg, but if necessary, even more durable models can be found.

The sliding dryer is a structure made of metal pipes, which explains its strength. When the system is folded, it takes up very little space, since the pipes themselves are thin. In order to use the dryer, you need to open it - just grab the outer pipe and pull it towards you.

In wooden version

As a result, the design, which when folded seemed like one continuous metal pipe, turns into a multi-tier drying rack on which you can place many things. Considering that a sliding dryer is designed to carry more weight than inertial and cantilever dryers, it is necessary to pay due attention to fastening. For this, both dowels and screws can be used, but the main thing is to ensure powerful fixation.

Selection options

A clothes dryer for a balcony is selected not only by design, but also by parameters:

number of rods and their length;
rod material;
bracket material.

Everything is clear from the materials. The best, but also the most expensive, is stainless steel. Just don't confuse it with chrome steel. As a rule, chrome plating wears off very quickly, after which the metal begins to rust.

Ordinary powder-coated steel behaves quite well, but only if the technology was not violated during painting. Otherwise, rusty spots will also appear.

The combined option is very good: the load-bearing parts of the structure are made of powder-coated steel, and the lintels on which clothes are hung are made of plastic. This type of dryer can be called optimal in terms of price/quality ratio.

Modern plastics are a fairly durable material that can withstand the load of laundry, it is not very expensive and does not change its performance characteristics for a long time.

But in load-bearing structures, especially at the junction of the legs of folding floor models, the presence of plastic is undesirable. This is still too much of a load for plastic.

The set of characteristics will determine how convenient or not it is to use a particular model. For example, for drying bed linen, rods at least 2 meters long are optimal. In this case, any part of the double set can be hung without folding.

The amount of laundry that can be hung at one time is determined by the total length of the rods.

It is usually in the description, but if not, then you can multiply the number of rods by the length. So we get the same characteristic. Here, of course, the larger the number, the more laundry you can hang. But, on the other hand, the more space on the balcony or loggia will need to be allocated for the dryer.

Electric

A couple of decades ago, no one had heard of electric dryers, but today you can buy them in many stores. These designs consist of a bar with rays emanating from its center. The beams usually have different sizes, large ones are used for drying larger items, and small ones are used for smaller ones.

At the bottom of the electric dryer there is a device that supplies hot air. The cost of such models is higher than that of others; the main factor influencing it is the material. Typically electric dryers are:

aluminum is the cheapest option, but it does not last long, since this substance quickly oxidizes, and rusty stains remain on clothes;
made of stainless steel - a more expensive option, but at the same time more durable;
steel ones are the most durable and reliable models, the only drawback of which is their high cost.

For those who are always in a hurry

Advice The most popular electric dryers are made of stainless steel, because they are more expensive than aluminum ones and have good strength. However, when purchasing, you must carefully study the instructions, since unscrupulous manufacturers may add an admixture of aluminum, so that over time the structure will begin to oxidize and become unusable.

Advantages of automated drying

For those who love the latest technology, ceiling models equipped with remote control are recommended. Textiles dry quickly, regardless of the weather. The structures are installed in closed, unglazed loggias. They are a ceiling-mounted electric dryer equipped with a fan, the drying area is located underneath it.

They are made of plastic, metal, and equipped with an automatic up and down movement. Often supplemented with LED lighting and program control. The price of such complexes is high and requires the supply of electric current.

General installation rules

Think about what your weight limit is. Remember that if you always load the structure to the maximum, weighing the maximum permissible weight, then its service life will be significantly reduced. It is better to take a model with a weight reserve; if you usually dry several kilograms of laundry, then a dryer with a permissible weight of five kilograms will be enough.
Carefully consider the location of the dryer, as some models are mobile and easy to move, while others are simply not possible. Draw a plan on the wall or ceiling and think through all the little things: try opening a window to see if it will interfere with the structure and whether there will still be a passage.

Installation is quite simple

If you are planning to repair your balcony soon, then you should wait to install a clothes dryer, since some structures cannot be reattached after removal. If the apartment, including the balcony, is designed in a certain style, then you will have to pay attention to the design of the dryer so that it does not spoil the overall appearance.
If you have children, be sure to consider dryer safety. For example, if the wall model is placed too low, the child may be able to reach it. As a result, it will break, but what is even more dangerous, he may get injured.

Installation subtleties

Correct installation will save time, effort and nerves. Before starting installation, you should carefully study the instructions for the ceiling dryer for the balcony, photos and diagrams.

It is necessary to open the window completely - make sure that it will not touch the laundry.

Almost all designs have plastic fastenings. Therefore, for more reliable fastening, you should use not only dowels. But also small boards that need to be screwed to the wall or ceiling. If there are suspended or suspended ceilings on the balcony, then the dryer will have to be installed in another room. Or use an embedded beam - there will be a ceiling dryer on it. To reduce the likelihood of damage to the canvas, you need to stick small pieces of tape in the places where the holes are supposed to be.

It is not recommended to install structures on unglazed balconies and loggias. Because in winter the laundry will freeze.

If the floors are wooden, then a drill will be enough for installation work. Otherwise, you need to use a hammer drill and drills (6 mm, 8 mm). You will also need a tape measure and a screwdriver.

Almost all dryers have plastic mounts

The ceiling brackets on which the entire structure is supported must first be attached to the ceiling and the drilling locations must be marked. Then make as many holes as possible, since wet things place a significant load on the entire structure. Secure the dowels.

Markings are made on the wall for fixing brackets. It is not advisable to place it in hard-to-reach places. The placement height depends on the design features. The optimal distance from the floor is 1.5 m.

It is also necessary to accurately calculate the spaces between strings and ropes. It is better if the distance is about 10 cm. This will be enough for free air circulation. This will allow the laundry to dry faster.

Assembling the structure is quite simple. The kit comes with two types of cords:

long ones are passed through roller brackets;
short ones are attached to a fixing bracket.

The cords are alternately passed through the upper and lower rod. This allows for reliable fixation.

If the dryer is made of stainless steel, you don’t have to wipe it after wet laundry.

After installation is completed, it is necessary to lower all the tubes, hang the maximum amount of clothing, and raise the structure. If nothing creaks or falls off, the installation work was completed successfully.

If the dryer is made of stainless steel, you don’t have to wipe it after wet laundry. It is better to dry plastic dryers thoroughly as they are not very durable and require maintenance.

During operation, it is necessary to check the condition of the ropes from time to time. High-quality dryers have durable threads that can last up to 10 years. But constant rubbing and contact with sharp objects can significantly reduce the service life.

DIY dryer

If you don’t see the point in spending money on purchasing something that you can do yourself, try making a dryer for the balcony with your own hands. At the same time, if you have never dealt with such work, it is better not to take risks. The easiest way to make a design yourself consists of several stages:

We attach two planks of wood or metal on walls opposite each other.
We attach ring-screws to them; how many ropes are needed, so many pairs of screws are needed.
We make small holes for the screws, the diameter of which should be slightly smaller than the holes themselves.
We screw in the screws, it is important to ensure that they are fastened firmly.
If there are empty gaps in the places where the screws are screwed in, they must be sealed with ordinary putty or other means to impart strength to the structure.
We stretch the rope, threading it through the prepared ring-screws, and secure it with strong knots.

Easy to do it yourself

It’s better not to skimp on a skein of rope; it should be strong and durable enough so that you don’t have to buy a new one in the near future. When tensioning, you need to take into account the “golden mean” - it should not sag, but too much tension will lead to it simply breaking.

Tip When making a dryer with your own hands, you can take into account all the nuances of your own balcony, free space, quality of walls and ceiling and other features. If you don’t have time to bother, then you can find ready-made models from ready-made options by considering different options.

Thus, using clothes dryers on the balcony has certain disadvantages : dependence on the weather, the possibility of dust contamination, and the risk of absorbing the smell of cigarette smoke. At the same time, the advantages of the designs outshine all the disadvantages: you can choose a mobile model with any convenient mounting - on the wall, ceiling, floor. At the same time, you can decide for yourself how much and what space the dryer will take up, and also choose any design and even color.

Which material to choose?

Different types of materials are used to make drying systems; any design can last a long time if it is made of high-quality material. Poor-quality coating on cheap dryers will lead to damage to the laundry surface under wet clothes hung on the balcony, especially if it is not glazed.

Plastic

Light ceiling products made of plastic look very attractive when new, but very quickly the beauty of the coating disappears due to the high humidity of things. The most unpleasant moment is that plastic components, not intended for heavy loads, can break under the weight of wet clothes.

Tree

The wooden elements of the drying device look impressive, the natural material creates home comfort. But wooden parts will quickly deteriorate due to sudden changes in humidity during frequent use of the dryer, and the surface of the crossbars will simply crack.

Aluminum

Aluminum structures for balconies will please you with their light weight and strength, but the tubes of wall-mounted aluminum dryers often bend. The ability of metal not covered with a protective layer to oxidize will lead to unpleasant consequences - the laundry will be stained if you do not paint the folding parts before installation.