European laundries are awesome in theory, the idea I could hide away my dirty laundry behind some well-placed doors seems amazingly appealing but with comfort comes considerations.

Let me guide you through the euro laundry experience for renovators throughout Australia with a guide on the disadvantages and what they don’t tell you.

What is a European laundry called in Australia?

In Australia, a European laundry is called a European laundry, a New York-style laundry, or a hidden laundry. Really they are just any laundry in a really tight space often between two very close walls.

The other names for these types of laundries are concealed laundries and hidden laundries are the most common

These setups are popular in European homes or heavily populated areas such as New York where space is limited so obviously space will be a big downside but what else do you need to consider?

Reason Australian Renovators Should Avoid European Laundries

Below we have the 5 major reasons you should maybe reconsider having a euro laundry set up for you next renovation.

Limited capacity: European laundry appliances are usually smaller than standard separate washers and dryers, leading to reduced laundry capacity.

This can be a problem for larger households or families with heavy laundry loads.

Solution: Be mindful of the laundry load size and consider doing more frequent, smaller loads to avoid overloading the machine. Alternatively, if space permits, you could invest in a larger-capacity standalone washer and dryer.

Longer drying times: European laundry dryers may have lower drying capacities and less powerful heating elements, leading to longer drying times.

Solution: Optimize your laundry routine by not overloading the dryer. Also, try to use a high spin speed on the washer to remove more water from the clothes before drying.

If possible, hang certain items to dry, which can also save energy.

Reality is more condensed spaces result in damper clothes.

Noise and vibrations: Some compact European laundry appliances can be noisier and generate more vibrations during operation, which might be a concern in smaller living spaces.

Solution: Ensure that the appliance is correctly installed and levelled to minimize vibrations. Consider using anti-vibration pads or mats to reduce noise and movement.

Higher initial cost: Euro laundries are not cheap. They often are the most expensive laundry for two reasons.

Firstly no cabinet maker likes doing them. When working between walls you often come across a mind field of in and out walls and uneven surfaces

Secondly mechanism to make the doors work at the best level are not cheap but needed like the Hawa Concepta which for me is the best.

Solution: While the initial investment may be higher, consider the long-term benefits, such as space-saving and potentially more energy-efficient operation.

Maintenance challenges: Due to the compact design, some European laundry appliances can be more challenging to access and maintain.

Solution: Regularly clean lint filters, check for clogs or obstructions, and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines.

When using a European laundry set up in an Australia home you will be challenged with hoping your kids don’t break the doors from the constant open and closing so be careful.

What does a European laundry normally contain?

If you’re planning on designing a hidden-style European laundry, try not to do away with anything you might otherwise have in a conventional laundry just to save space if that’s possible.

The idea’s really to design efficiently, not to save space by doing without (that’s something you’ll regret). At the very least, your laundry should have space for:

• A washing machine
• A dryer
• Some storage space
• A laundry tub (n.b. some don’t – but this makes a big difference)

Ideally, it will also incorporate:

• A broom closet
• Space for an ironing board
• Some bench space
• A full linen cupboard/drawers

Tall storage is the true secret of an ideal Aussie euro laundry.

Why You Should Have A Euro Laundry In An Australian Home

Besides the obvious lack of space, you get in units or apartments having a European laundry in a bigger house can have real benefits.

Firstly, the biggest benefit of the euro laundry is you can hide away all that mess and shut the doors. Perfect for the busy household and the time poor cleaners out there me being one of them.

Secondly, they are amazing for the combined laundry bathroom set up.

Combined laundry bathrooms are becoming more and more popular, so the the euro laundry allows you to have a space that looks like a bathroom but also functions as a bathroom.

How Much Does Creating A European Laundry Cost In Australia?

As a very rough guide of costing for a European laundry set up in Australia you are looking between $10,000 to $20,000 for all your cupboards and fittings custom made.

That cost does not include the benchtop or tiles etc but is a guide for the average cost of materials involved in a European laundry,

Final Thoughts

I love euro laundries in the right settings, but they are not the easiest item to install in your everyday 4 x 2 aussie home. The comes with lots of cons and for me not that many pros.

If you are reading this because you are getting some push back from cabinet makers or builders, it’s because as I have personally found the juice is not worth the squeeze with them.

It’s important to note that all our advice is general in nature and all bathrooms are unique so always speak to your local qualified tradesman for the best advice.

If you are looking for a laundry renovation quote and live in Perth, Western Australia just email us at laundryrenovations@gmail.com

Looking for more content – Check out all our socials below and give us a follow for more awesome ideas and inspiration

@laundryrenovations – We have all your pretty and wonderful laundry renovations we find all over Instagram and the internet

@laundriesofinsta – This page is dedicated to all the before and after we can find of laundry renovations

Follow Us On Our Laundry Renovations Perth Facebook

Have an upcoming laundry renovation or have any questions about the pros and cons of European laundries just let me know

Perth European Laundry

If you live in Perth WA and you have a small Perth European laundry you are looking to renovate or create just drop us an email above.