Moving to a new apartment or replacing old equipment often encounters one annoying problem: the dimensions of the doorway turn out to be smaller than the dimensions of the purchased unit. The situation when the washing machine does not fit through the door occurs everywhere in old houses and modern new buildings with a non-standard layout. There is no need to panic at such a moment, since manufacturers of household appliances provide the possibility of dismantling individual structural elements.
Modern models LG, Bosch or Samsung have impressive depth and width, which when assembled can exceed the standard 60-70 cm opening. However, knowing the design features of the device, you can reduce its physical dimensions by several centimeters, which often becomes a decisive factor for successful installation. It is important to act consistently and follow safety precautions so as not to damage either the equipment or the door frame.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the legal ways to reduce the size of a washing machine. You will learn which parts you can remove yourself without voiding the warranty, how to properly pack the released components, and what tools you will need for the job. Proper preparation will allow you to avoid scratches on the walls and breakage of fragile elements of the body.
Before you take action, you need to take accurate measurements. You will need a tape measure to determine the width of the door leaf, the thickness of the door itself and the height of the opening. It is also critically important to know the exact dimensions of your model, which are indicated in the technical data sheet or on a sticker on the back of the case. Comparing these numbers will give you an understanding of exactly how many centimeters you need to win.
Preparing tools and work area
The success of the operation directly depends on the quality of preparation. You will need a set of tools that will allow you to quickly unscrew bolts and carefully remove heavy parts. You should not rely only on the screwdriver included in the kit, as the fasteners may be tightened with great force or have a specific head. Collect everything you need in one place in advance so as not to be distracted by searching while working.
Pay special attention to protecting the floor and the equipment itself. The washing machine weighs between 50 and 80 kilograms, and accidentally dropping it can cause serious injury or damage to the flooring. Prepare thick cardboard, old blankets or special soft pads. If the floor is slippery, lay down non-slip material or have an assistant hold the unit during dismantling.
The list of necessary tools and materials includes:
- 🔧Adjustable wrench or set of open-end wrenches (often required size 10, 13 or 17 mm)
- 🪛 Phillips and flathead screwdrivers (preferably with a magnetic tip)
- 📏 Construction tape and level
- 📦 Thick cardboard or cotton blanket to protect the floor
- 🧤 Work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to disconnect the washing machine from the power supply and turn off the water supply. Even if the machine is not plugged in, moisture may remain inside, so keep a cloth handy.
Use a magnetic tray or small container to store all screws and bolts. Small fasteners tend to roll under the baseboard or get lost in the carpet pile.
Removing the transport bolts
The first and most obvious step is to remove the shipping bolts. These elements are designed to secure the drum during transportation and prevent it from being damaged by impacts against the walls of the housing. Until the bolts are unscrewed, the machine has the maximum depth specified in the specification, and often they are what prevent you from going through the opening.
These bolts are located on the rear wall of the case. Their number varies from two to four depending on the model and brand. To remove them, you will need the key that usually comes with the equipment, or a similar one from your kit. After unscrewing the bolts, holes are formed that must be closed with plastic plugs included in the kit to prevent dust from getting inside.
Removing these elements allows you to reduce the depth of the machine by 3-5 centimeters, which can be a decisive argument. However, it is worth remembering that transport bolts - this is not the only thing that can be removed. If even after removing them the car does not pass, you will have to move on to more complex manipulations with the front panel and hatch.
☑️ Preparation for dismantling
It is important to note that operating the washing machine without the transport bolts tightened during transportation is prohibited. If you plan to transport the equipment further to the country, do not forget to take the bolts with you. In a stationary position, they are not needed, and their absence does not affect the operation of the unit in any way, except that vibration during spinning may become a little more noticeable without additional fixation, but modern shock absorbers cope with this perfectly.
Removing the top cover and front legs
If the depth of the machine still exceeds the width of the opening, you can try to reduce the height or depth by removing the top cover. This element often has a decorative overhang at the front or back, which adds extra centimeters. To dismantle it is necessary to unscrew two screws located on the rear upper edge of the case.
Removing the top cover lowers the car, which can help if you're bringing it into a prone position or at an angle. However, a more effective way to reduce the depth is to remove the front adjustable feet. They are screwed to the bottom and have a threaded connection. By unscrewing them completely or replacing them with lower analogues (if the design allows), you can gain another 2-4 centimeters.
The process of removing the legs requires caution:
- 🔄 Carefully tilt the car (preferably with an assistant) to gain access to the bottom
- 🔩 Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the legs counterclockwise
- 🛑 Make sure the machine is stable on the remaining supports or supports
Some models Electrolux or Indesit have plastic pads on the legs, which can also be removed. After removing the top cover and legs, the machine becomes much more compact. However, remember that without the legs and top cover the case may be less rigid, so you should carry it very carefully, holding it by the supporting elements.
What should I do if the top cover does not come off?
On some models, the top cover is not only secured at the back, but also has latches at the front under the control panel. Carefully inspect the joints. If there are no screws, the cover may not be removable or requires disassembling the front panel, which will make the process much more difficult.
Removing the hatch and front panel
The most radical, but often the only possible way to carry a large machine through a narrow door is to remove the laundry hatch and, in some cases, the entire front panel. The hatch protrudes beyond the plane of the body by several centimeters, and its dismantling can significantly reduce the depth of the device.
To remove the sunroof, it is not necessary to disassemble the entire car. Simply open the door, find the screws securing the hinge to the body (usually there are two), and unscrew them. After this, the hatch can be easily removed. Separately, you can remove the glass circle of the hatch itself if it is fastened with screws from the inside, but this is rarely required, since the main depth is removed by removing the entire door assembly.
If this does not help, you will have to remove the front panel completely. This process is more complicated and requires care:
- Remove the top cover (as described in the previous section).
- Remove the powder tray by pressing the lock in the center.
- Remove the screws hidden behind the tray and on the top edge.
- Carefully disconnect the wires from the control buttons and sunroof cuff.
- Remove the front wall, freeing it from the latches.
⚠️ Attention: Removing the front panel may void your warranty if seals are damaged or wiring is damaged. Act only if other methods do not work and you are confident in your abilities.
After dismantling the front panel, the machine is an open frame with a tank inside. In this form, its depth is minimal. However, it should be remembered that in no case should the tank be removed independently without special knowledge - it is suspended on springs and shock absorbers, and its displacement can lead to imbalance and breakage at the first start.
Removing the hatch and front panel allows you to reduce the depth of the car by 10-15 centimeters, which is often the only solution for very narrow openings.
Comparison of dimensions of popular models
Understanding how different models can differ in size helps you choose the right drift strategy. Some brands focus on compactness, others on drum capacity. Below is a table showing the difference in assembled dimensions of popular models and the potential reduction in size after dismantling the protruding parts.
| Model | Depth (cm) | Width(cm) | Height (cm) | Savings after removing the hatch (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch Serie 4 | 60 | 60 | 85 | ~4-5 |
| LG F2J3 | 56 | 60 | 85 | ~3-4 |
| Samsung EcoBubble | 55 | 60 | 85 | ~4 |
| Electrolux PerfectCare | 63 | 60 | 85 | ~5-6 |
As can be seen from the table, the standard width of 60 cm is the most problematic for narrow doors, the width of which is often 55-58 cm. In such cases, only a diagonal skid or complete dismantling of the front part helps. Depth also plays a role, especially if the corridor has turns.
When planning a purchase, always take into account not only the size of the room where the machine will be installed, but also the size of all doorways along the route. A margin of 5-10 centimeters on each side will make life much easier for installers or yourself when installing yourself.
Safe movement techniques
Even a reduced size washing machine remains a heavy and bulky item. Lifting incorrectly can result in back injury or equipment damage. The basic rule is to lift the load with your legs, not your back, and keep your body as close to the center of gravity as possible.
When passing through a doorway, one person must guide the machine, controlling the gaps, and the second must push and support the weight. If the opening is very narrow, you can use the “tilting” method, when the machine is brought in vertically or at an angle, but for washing machines this is risky due to the possibility of displacement of the internal counterweights.
Basic recommendations for moving:
- 🤲 Use wide carrying straps to free your hands for belaying
- 🚫 Do not drag the machine along the floor - this will damage the legs and floor covering
- 👀 Constantly monitor the position of your hands so as not to pinch them on the door frame
Is it possible to tilt a washing machine?
Manufacturers do not recommend tilting the machine more than 45 degrees, as this may cause residual water to enter the electronic components. If tilting cannot be avoided, do it briefly and in the direction opposite to the location of the powder tray.
If you feel the car is stuck, do not use force. A jerk may cause the protruding corner of the frame to rest against the jamb and crush the metal, or you may damage the door frame. It's better to move the car back, regroup and try to change the entry angle.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to transport a washing machine lying down?
Transportation in a horizontal position is highly undesirable. This may damage the springs holding the tank or break off the counterweights. If there is no other way out, place the car strictly on the back wall (where there is no hatch) and secure it from impacts. After installation, let the machine sit for a few hours before turning it on.
What should I do if the car still does not work after removing all the parts?
If even disassembled (without the hatch, legs and top cover) the machine does not pass, there are two options left: dismantle the door frame (if this is possible due to the structure of the house) or use a window/balcony to bring in the equipment using climbing equipment. The last option requires calling professionals.
Does removing the front panel affect the warranty?
Formally, violation of the integrity of the factory assembly and damage to seals may become grounds for refusal of warranty service. However, if you acted carefully, did not damage the wires and put everything back together correctly, service centers rarely ask questions if the breakdown is not related to your actions. However, there is a risk.
Do I need to drain the water before carrying it?
Yes, definitely. Even if the machine is not connected, water remains in the pump and pipes (usually about 1-2 liters). To drain it, open the water drain filter (located at the bottom front behind the small door) and prepare a flat container. This will reduce weight and prevent leakage when tilted.