Moving to a new apartment or replacing old appliances often faces the same architectural problem: the standard width of doorways is only 60 cm, and the dimensions of modern washing machines often exceed this value. The situation is aggravated by the fact that most models have a depth or width of 60 cm or more, not counting protruding elements. Trying to push the unit by force can lead to damage to the door frame, scratches on the body of the equipment, or even back injuries.
There are several proven ways to solve this problem that do not require calling movers or disassembling the door frame. The key factor The key to success here is proper preparation and understanding of your washing machine's design. In some cases, it is enough to remove the shipping bolts; in others, you will need to remove the top cover or even the front panel. Ignoring these nuances turns a simple operation into a complex puzzle.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to safely bring household appliances into the room. You will learn how to correctly measure the diagonal, what tools you will need and why tilt devices plays a decisive role. The key is to take your time and follow instructions to avoid costly mistakes when moving heavy equipment.
Accurate measurements and preparation of the opening
Before you begin physical actions, you need to arm yourself with a tape measure and take careful measurements. The standard 60 cm is the width of the door leaf, but the actual opening may be narrower due to platbands or installation features. Measure the distance between the jambs at three points: top, middle and bottom. Minimum value of those received will be decisive for further actions.
Pay special attention to the height of the opening and the trim. Often it is decorative strips that interfere with passage, and their temporary dismantling solves the problem without the need to tilt the equipment at a dangerous angle. Also check if there is a threshold or height difference on the floor in the doorway that could become an obstacle for the wheels or legs.
Take measurements from the packaging box if the equipment is new. Often the box itself adds an extra 3-5 cm to the dimensions, and it is better to remove it in advance.
Don't forget to evaluate the trajectory of movement. The path from the entrance to the installation site may contain narrow corridors or flights of stairs, where maneuver will be even more difficult. Diagonal The width of the washing machine when tilted is often less than its width, which allows this method to be used to get through narrow spaces.
Required tools and materials
For a successful operation, you will need a minimum set of tools that most men have in their homes. First of all, these are Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, as well as an adjustable wrench or a set of open-end wrenches. They will be needed to remove the transportation bolts and dismantle the housing elements. Without these tools disassembly technology is impossible.
Be sure to prepare protective equipment and auxiliary materials. Thick work gloves will protect your hands from sharp metal edges and splinters, and soft rags or cardboard will help protect door frames from scratches. If the floor is slippery, you may need a mat or piece of linoleum to provide traction when dragging.
- 🛠️ Tools: Phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, adjustable wrench, tape measure.
- 🧤 Protection: work gloves with rubber coating, knee pads (optional).
- 📦 Packing: cardboard to protect the floor and jambs, masking tape to secure the doors.
It is important to have a flashlight on hand, as hallways or alcoves may have poor lighting. It's also a good idea to use a marker to mark removed screws or make marks on the floor. Workplace organization - a guarantee that you will not lose small parts during the work process.
Removing the transport bolts and preparing the machine
The first and mandatory step is to remove the transport bolts. These elements secure the drum inside the housing, preventing damage during transportation. If you try to turn on the machine with bolts, it will vibrate a lot and may fail. They are located on the back wall of the device, usually in the amount of four pieces.
To remove them, tilt the machine forward slightly to gain access to the rear panel. Use the supplied wrench or a suitable open-end wrench. After removing the bolts, be sure to save the plastic bushings and plugs - you will need them if you decide to transport the car in the future. Storing shipping bolts is critical to safely transporting equipment over long distances in the future.
☑️ Preparing the washing machine
After removing the bolts, check to see if there is a hose or cable protruding from the back. They must be secured to the body using tape or special clamps so that they do not cling to the door jambs. Recording communications significantly simplifies the process of pulling equipment through narrow openings.
Methods for reducing dimensions: dismantling elements
If, after removing the bolts, the car still does not fit into the 60 cm opening, you will have to take drastic measures. The easiest and most effective way is to remove the top cover. On most models it is secured with two screws at the back. After unscrewing them, the cover moves back and is removed. This reduces the height of the device by 5-7 cm, which often allows you to carry it sideways or at an angle.
In more complex cases, when this does not help, some craftsmen resort to removing the front hatch or even the side walls, although the latter requires high qualifications. Removing the hatch allows you to reduce the depth of the machine. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to limit yourself to removing the top cover and legs.
| element | Difficulty in removing | Winning amount | Necessary tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport bolts | Low | 0 cm (required) | Key included |
| Top cover | Low | 5-7 cm (height) | Phillips screwdriver |
| Legs | Average | 3-5 cm (height) | adjustable wrench |
| Hatch door | High | 3-5 cm (depth) | Hex/Screwdriver |
When removing any parts of the housing, be careful not to damage the plastic latches or paintwork. Hull integrity important not only for aesthetics, but also for maintaining structural rigidity.
Risks of removing the front panel
Removing the front panel (metal apron) is possible, but requires disconnecting many wires and hoses. Without experience, this can lead to a leak in the tank.
Moving and tilting technique
When the preparation is completed, the most crucial moment comes - the physical movement. Basic rule: never drag the machine across the floor, this will damage the floor covering and may tear off the legs. Use the method of re-edging or carrying by weight. If the machine is heavy, be sure to call a helper.
To get through a 60 cm door, the "jack" method is often used. The machine is placed on the lower corner, tilting it. In this position, its overall dimensions become smaller than the width of the body. However, there is a risk here: internal components, such as the concrete counterweight and motor, are heavy. A tilt of more than 45 degrees can lead to their displacement or breakage of the fasteners.
⚠️ Attention: Do not tilt the washing machine on its side more than 45 degrees and do not place it “on its back”. This may cause water to enter the electronic modules or the drum to become dislodged, causing excessive vibration in future washes.
When pushing the equipment, make sure that the corners do not scratch the door frame. Use cardboard or fabric as spacer. Movements should be smooth, without jerking. If you feel resistance, don’t push harder—it’s better to move the car away and try changing the angle.
Installation and check after skidding
After the washing machine has safely passed the doorway and is in the bathroom or kitchen, it must be installed correctly. First of all, if you removed the top cover or legs, put everything back in place (except for the shipping bolts, you don’t need to screw them in yet). Level the machine by tightening the legs.
Connection to communications should be made only after the machine has been in an upright position for at least 30-60 minutes. This is necessary so that the oil that could flow into the system when tilted flows back into the engine. Compliance with settling time prolongs the life of the unit.
- 🔌 Electrical: Connect only to a grounded outlet, avoiding the use of extension cords.
- 💧 Water: Check hose connections for leaks upon first start-up.
- ⚖️ Balance: Make sure the machine does not wobble when pressing on the corners.
Run a test wash without any laundry to make sure there is no vibration or extraneous noise. If everything went smoothly, the operation can be considered successful. Correct installation guarantees long and trouble-free service of your household appliances.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation the machine jumps or hums a lot during the spin cycle, check whether the transport bolts are unscrewed. Working with tightened bolts destroys bearings in a matter of minutes.
The main secret of success is an integrated approach: removing the lid + correct tilt + protecting the corners with cardboard.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to carry a washing machine while lying on your side?
Strongly not recommended. There is always a small amount of water left in the tank, which, when lying down, can get onto the electronic control board or into the engine, causing a short circuit. In addition, a heavy drum can damage the suspension springs.
What should I do if the car is still wider than 60 cm even without the cover?
In this case, remove the hatch door (if the design allows) or, as a last resort, dismantle the door trim to increase the usable width of the opening by 2-3 cm on each side.
Do I need to secure the drum before moving it if the bolts are lost?
Yes, this is highly desirable. If the shipping bolts are lost, you can carefully line the space between the tank and the body with thick foam rubber or foam to secure the drum and prevent it from hitting the walls when tilted.
How many people does it take to carry a washing machine?
Optimally - two people. One person can carry a machine weighing up to 50-60 kg, but maneuvering in a narrow space of 60 cm alone is extremely difficult and dangerous for the back. A second person will help guide and provide backup.