Never Store These 5 Things On Top Of Your Dryer
We all have that one spot in the house that becomes a magnet for clutter. For many of us it is the top of the dryer. It is a nice flat surface at waist height that just begs to hold a laundry basket or a bottle of detergent. I used to pile all my laundry stuff on mine until I realized that this appliance is not just a table. It is a machine that vibrates and generates heat which actually makes it a surprisingly dangerous place for storage.
Your Iron And Ironing Board
The top of your dryer seems like the perfect place to stash your iron since you probably use it right after the clothes are dry. But irons are top heavy and the cord is easy to snag. A fall from that height can easily break the iron or dent your floor. Additionally, the magnets inside the dryer motor can sometimes interfere with the electronics in modern smart irons. Keep your ironing gear on a wall mount or in a closet to be safe.
Heavy Detergent Bottles
I know those economy sized jugs of detergent are incredibly heavy and lifting them feels like a workout. However, leaving them on top of the machine can actually damage the unit over time. The constant vibration of the spin cycle can cause heavy items to dent the metal casing or even affect the drum alignment inside. Plus, the vibration has a way of unscrewing caps slightly which leads to sticky leaks that ruin the finish of your expensive appliance. It’s better to leave detergent on a nearby shelf or on the ground, not on top of your machine.
Anything Made Of Glass
We often put a cute jar for loose change or a glass vase of flowers on the dryer to make the laundry room look nicer. The problem is that dryers move much more than we think they do. Over the course of a forty minute cycle, that subtle shaking can walk a glass jar right to the edge until it crashes down. Dealing with shattered glass on a laundry room floor is a nightmare you definitely want to avoid, so leave the decorations for other parts of the room.
Flammable Cleaning Products
It feels logical to keep your stain removers and laundry treatments right where you might need them but this is a serious safety hazard. Your dryer generates a significant amount of heat while it runs and that heat radiates through the metal top. If you store aerosol cans or solvent based cleaners there, you are essentially heating up volatile chemicals. It is much safer to keep these items on a nearby shelf or in a cabinet where they can stay cool and dry.
Harsh Chemical Bleach
Bleach is a laundry staple, but the bottle does not belong on top of the machine. Even a tiny drip from the spout can eat right through the enamel paint on your washer or dryer. Once that protective coating is compromised, the metal underneath will start to rust very quickly in the humid environment. It is better to store your bleach on a low shelf or in a plastic bin that can catch any accidental drips before they do damage.
Related Articles
-8 Secret Dryer Hacks That Will Get You More Out Of Your Machine
-Can Tennis Balls Replace Dryer Balls? Here's What You Need to Know
-I Tested Dryer Balls Against Dryer Sheets: There Was An Obvious Winner
Clearing off the top of your dryer might feel like losing a storage spot, but it is actually a way to protect your home. Your laundry routine will be safer and your machines will look new for much longer. Try installing a simple shelf above the units if you really need the space. You will thank yourself the next time you run a load and do not hear things rattling around or falling off the edge.
Bliss Donahue-Power
