Best Portable Washing Machines for Apartments and Small Spaces
Best Portable Washing Machines for Apartments and Small Spaces
Living in a compact apartment or a small space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the convenience of doing laundry at home. Portable washing machines have become increasingly popular, offering efficient cleaning power without taking up much room.
Whether you’re in a studio apartment, a dorm, or a mobile home, there’s a portable washer out there to fit your needs.
Table of Contents
What to Look for in a Portable Washing Machine
When shopping for a portable washing machine, consider the following factors:
- Size and Capacity: Ensure the machine fits your available space and can handle your typical laundry load.
- Weight and Portability: If you need to move the washer frequently, look for lightweight models with wheels or handles.
- Wash Cycles and Features: Some machines offer multiple wash cycles, spin functions, and timers for added convenience.
- Ease of Use: Look for user-friendly controls and easy setup, especially if you’ll be connecting the machine to a sink faucet.
Top Picks: Best Portable Washing Machines for Small Spaces
1. BLACK+DECKER 0.9 cu. ft. Portable Washer
- Features:
- Five wash cycles for versatile cleaning.
- Compact design with side handles and rollers for easy movement.
- LED display and transparent lid.
- Why We Like It: This model is praised for its ease of mobility and user-friendly interface, making it ideal for small apartments.
2. Magic Chef 1.7 cu. ft. Compact Top Load Washer
- Features:
- Six wash cycles including heavy-duty and delicate.
- Hot and cold water inlets for temperature control.
- Stainless steel inner tub.
- Why We Like It: With a slightly larger capacity, this washer is perfect for medium-sized loads and offers robust cleaning power.
3. Giantex Portable Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine
- Features:
- Twin tub design for simultaneous washing and spinning.
- 11 lbs wash capacity and 6.6 lbs spin capacity.
- Timer control for wash and spin operations.
- Why We Like It: The twin tub design allows for efficient washing and drying, making it a favorite among RV and dorm residents.
4. The Laundry Alternative WonderWash
- Features:
- Manual operation with a hand crank.
- Washes up to 5 lbs of laundry in minutes.
- No electricity required.
- Why We Like It: Ideal for eco-conscious users, this non-electric washer is perfect for delicate items and small loads.
Where to Buy
These portable washing machines are available on various online platforms, including Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot. Shopping online allows you to compare prices, read customer reviews, and choose the model that best fits your needs and budget.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a portable washing machine can significantly enhance your laundry routine, especially in small living spaces. The models highlighted above offer a range of features and capacities to suit different needs. Whether you prioritize portability, capacity, or eco-friendliness, there’s a portable washer out there for you.
Remember to measure your available space, consider your typical laundry load, and think about how often you’ll need to move the machine. With the right portable washing machine, you can enjoy the convenience of in-home laundry without sacrificing valuable space.
One of the things I love most about portable washing machines is the freedom they give you. You’re not tied to a laundromat schedule or shared laundry room anymore. I can do my laundry late at night or early in the morning without waiting on anyone else.
What really surprised me was how quiet some of these machines are. I was skeptical at first, but once I tried a portable washer in my studio apartment, I realized I could run it during a Zoom meeting without any background noise complaints.
If you’re in a small space, every inch counts. That’s why I appreciate how many of these machines are slim enough to fit in closets, under counters, or beside the bathroom sink. You don’t need a full laundry room to make them work.
I’ve found that hooking up a portable washer is incredibly simple. Most come with quick-connect adapters for standard sink faucets. No tools, no plumber, just twist, click, and wash. It was way easier than I expected.
When I moved into a fifth-floor walk-up, I dreaded carrying laundry up and down. A portable machine changed that. Now I just do laundry in my kitchen and drain it straight into the sink. It’s saved me so much time and energy.
A lot of models now include LED displays, multiple wash settings, and timers, which make them feel like full-sized machines. You’re not sacrificing quality just because it’s compact. In fact, the technology in some of these is surprisingly advanced.
Another thing I’ve noticed? Clothes come out cleaner than I expected. Even the smaller machines with under 1.0 cu. ft. capacity do a solid job for everyday clothes like T-shirts, socks, and workout gear. For bigger items, I just break the load into two.
One of my friends lives in a dorm, and their school doesn’t allow full washing machines. But their manual crank model (like the WonderWash) works perfectly and doesn’t break any rules. It’s also great for delicate items or hand-wash-only fabrics.
I’ve recommended these machines to multiple friends with mobility issues because they don’t have to lift heavy laundry baskets anymore. They just wheel the machine to the sink, wash, and drain right there. It’s incredibly empowering.
Let’s not forget about energy efficiency. Many portable washers use way less water and electricity than traditional machines. If you’re trying to reduce your environmental footprint, they’re a great step forward.
I also love that I can move my washer out of sight when not in use. Most units come with wheels or handles, so I can roll mine into a closet or corner once laundry is done. That’s a lifesaver in a small apartment like mine.
If you’re looking to avoid long-term commitments (like in a rental or temporary living space), these machines are perfect. No installation, no drilling, no hassle — just plug and play. It’s peace of mind without the landlord headaches.
