Best Space-Saving Portable Washing Machines for Apartments
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Living in a small apartment, dorm room, or RV doesn’t mean you have to give up the convenience of doing laundry at home. The best portable washing machines for apartments are compact, easy to use, and take up very little space. Many models connect directly to your sink and can be stored in a closet when you’re finished. In this guide, we’ll review the best portable washing machines for apartments to help you find the right one for your space, budget, and laundry needs.
The Automatic Value Choice
The High-Capacity Upgrade
The Premium Brand Favorite
Product Name
Capacity
Physical Footprint (Inches)
Best For
18 lbs (~1.5 cu. ft)
20"D x 20"W x 33.7"H
Budget/ Small Apartments, & RVs.
25lbs (2.3 cu. ft)
22.5"D x 22.3"W x 36"H
High Capacity / Small Families
11 lbs (1.7 cu. ft)
21.7"D x 21.3"W x 36.6"H
Name-Brand Reliability / Singles & Couples
Product Name: Auertech 18 lbs Fully Automatic Portable Washing Machine
Capacity: 18 lbs (~1.5 cu. ft)
Physical Footprint (Inches): 20″D x 20″W x 33.7″H
Best For: Budget/ Small Apartments, & RVs.
Product Name: ROVSUN 25LBS Portable Washing Machine with Stainless Steel Drum
Capacity: 25lbs (2.3 cu. ft)
Physical Footprint (Inches): 22.5″D x 22.3″W x 36″H
Best For: High Capacity / Small Families
Product Name: BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Portable Washing Machine
Capacity (Liters): 11 lbs (1.7 cu. ft)
Physical Footprint (Inches): 21.7″D x 21.3″W x 36.6″H
Best For: Name-Brand Reliability / Singles & Couples
Deep Dives: Our Top 3 Small-Space Picks
1. Auertech 18 lbs Fully Automatic Portable Washing Machine
Why: The Auertech 18 lbs Fully Automatic Washer is our top value pick because it offers great features at an affordable price. Unlike many budget portable washers that require you to move clothes from the washer to a separate spinner, this fully automatic model washes and spins your clothes in one machine, making laundry much easier. It also includes useful features like a stainless steel drum, a built-in drain pump, and a child lock.
It comes with an approximately 4.1-foot (1.25 m) drain hose, making it easier to drain into a sink or floor drain.
It features Adjustable Leveling Legs which are flat, screw-in rubber feet designed to keep the machine completely steady and level on your floor so it doesn’t shake or “walk” during a high-speed spin cycle.
The 18-pound capacity refers to the weight of the clothes, not the machine itself. In one load, you can wash about 7–8 adult T-shirts, 2–3 pairs of jeans, or 2 large bath towels. It is the perfect size for everyday laundry while still fitting comfortably in small apartments, dorms, and RVs.
Who It’s Best For
It is small enough to fit in a tight corner or bathroom, but large enough to handle real everyday load. This unit is ideal for renters in compact living spaces or anyone tired of trekking to the laundromat.
Pros
According to real-world testing and everyday user feedback, this compact machine is a genuine lifesaver for people living in spaces without traditional laundry hookups.
Impressive Cleaning Power: Owners are consistently thrilled by how clean their clothes come out. Reviewers noted it easily handles everything from heavily soiled everyday wear to stubborn baby stains.
Surprising Capacity: Buyers love that it comfortably holds a full daily load or a complete set of bed sheets.
Whisper-Quiet Operation: Many apartment renters mention working on a computer just five feet away from the machine without being disturbed, praising its smooth and quiet spin cycle.
The Ultra-Fast Spin Cycle: What owners love most is the high-speed spin and “Tub Air Dryer” feature. It extracts so much water that clothes come out barely damp, allowing many users to skip buying a dryer entirely and simply hang-dry their clothes inside the apartment.
Excellent Customer Support: Even when faced with unexpected component failures, buyers highlighted Auertech’s responsive, 24-hour customer service, noting that the brand has replaced units free of charge.
- Built-In Lint Filter: Buyers like the built-in lint filter because it collects lint and loose fibers during each wash. This helps keep clothes cleaner and reduces the chance of lint going down the drain. The filter is easy to remove and clean, making regular maintenance quick and simple.
Cons
To keep our review completely honest, our analysis of user feedback highlighted a few minor flaws and design quirks that buyers should know before purchasing:
Short, Active Drain Hose: The most common complaint from owners is that the included drain hose is quite short.
It Requires Extra Space: While it fits neatly into a standard closet for storage, it has a notable footprint. When actively in use, it will completely occupy your kitchen or bathroom sink, meaning you can’t use the faucet for other tasks until your laundry is done.
Portability Requires a Dolly: Although technically labeled a portable appliance, lifting its physical frame around can be a struggle for a single person.
The Real-World Catch: However, based on our analysis of user feedback, long-term buyers note that because the hose has to travel from the floor up to the top of standard kitchen counters, that 4.1 feet disappears quickly. Owners frequently mention that the hose feels shorter than expected in practice, and because the powerful built-in pump expels water with high pressure, a short hose can easily slip out of the sink if it isn’t securely clamped down.
Quick Fix: Fortunately, this is incredibly easy to fix. You can secure the hose to your faucet in two seconds using basic twist-ties, or grab a cheap universal washing machine extension hose on Amazon for under $10 to give yourself total placement flexibility.
Pro-Tips for Auertech Owners:
Let the Motor Rest: Avoid “rapid-fire” back-to-back laundry cycles. Wait at least 30 minutes between loads to let the 380W motor properly cool down, as trapped heat can shorten its lifespan.
Use Less Soap Than You Think: Because this machine is highly water-efficient, heavy suds will strain the drain pump. Look for slightly milky water with mild bubbles rather than thick foam.
Don’t Overfill the Tub: Only fill the stainless steel drum about 2/3 of the way full. You should always be able to see the center impeller clearly so the water can create a proper washing vortex.
Invest in a Rolling Dolly: Since the machine features stationary leveling legs instead of wheels, placing it on a small wheeled appliance mover makes rolling it in and out of an apartment closet effortless.
Click here to view the latest price, check out more real-world buyer reviews, and see current availability for the Auertech 18 lbs Portable Washer directly on Amazon.
2. ROVSUN 25LBS Portable Washing Machine, Full-Automatic Electric Laundry Machine with Stainless Steel Drum and Drain Pump
Why: The ROVSUN 25 lbs Portable Washing Machine is our best overall pick because it offers a large washing capacity while still saving space. Unlike many compact washers that require several small loads, this model lets you wash more clothes at once, helping you finish laundry faster. Its spacious stainless steel drum can easily handle everyday clothes, towels, blankets, and even heavier items like hoodies and bedding. The stainless steel construction naturally resists rust and corrosion, ensuring your machine stays pristine and never stains your favorite fabrics. If you want a powerful portable washer that saves both time and space, this is an excellent choice.
It takes up a floor footprint of just under 2 feet by 2 feet.
It stands just under 3 feet tall.
This means it easily rolls or slides right into a standard apartment closet, a small bathroom corner, or an RV pantry when it’s not being used.
- Just like the Auertech, it plugs into a regular wall outlet and hooks temporarily to a kitchen or bathroom sink faucet. No heavy-duty plumbing required.
- It is the perfect choice to recommend to those who say, “I have a small apartment, but I have a family (or a lot of clothes) and those tiny 10 lbs washers just don’t meet my requirements.
The Heavy-Duty Blanket Saver (Heavy & Jeans Cycles): Most portable washers error out or shake violently if you put a heavy blanket or denim in them. The ROVSUN’s dedicated Heavy cycle is calibrated to handle thick fabrics without stalling the 400W motor.
Quick Wash (26 Minutes): Need clean clothes in a hurry? The Quick Wash cycle cleans lightly soiled clothes in about 26 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Air Dry Spin Cycle: The high-speed spin removes more water from your clothes, so they dry faster when hung up. This is especially useful in apartments where space for drying is limited.
Standard Household Voltage: This machine runs on standard 110V–120V / 60Hz electrical power. You do not need any special high-voltage appliance outlets; it plugs safely into any regular, standard three-prong wall outlet in your home, apartment, or RV.
Who It’s Best For
Based on our analysis of user feedback and long-term buyer reviews, this machine stands out as a “laundromat-killer” for anyone dealing with larger quantities of clothes in an apartment setting.
Pros
- Large Capacity: Buyers love that this washer can handle large loads. It easily fits 9–10 adult T-shirts, several towels, or even bedding, helping you do fewer loads.
- Powerful Cleaning: The 400W motor and stainless steel drum clean clothes thoroughly, removing dirt and stains more effectively than many smaller portable washers.
- Surprising Portability (When Empty): Even with its large capacity, multiple compact-living buyers note that the machine is easy to maneuver when empty, with some even hauling it up narrow camper steps solo.
- Fully Automatic Operation: Users like that they only need to choose a wash program and press Start. The machine automatically washes, rinses, and spin-dries the clothes without any extra work.
- Quiet and Stable: Many buyers say the washer runs quietly and stays stable, even during the high-speed spin cycle, making it a good choice for apartment living
Cons
Heavy Build Profile (54 lbs): Because it holds an upgraded 25 lbs of laundry, the machine itself scales in at roughly 54 pounds. It features stationary stabilizing feet rather than rolling wheels, meaning it isn’t an item you want to physically lift and carry across rooms every single day.
Factory Testing Moisture: A few buyers noted finding small traces of water inside the tub upon unboxing. Note to readers: According to manufacturer details, this is actually a sign of quality control, as every single unit is filled and factory-tested for leaks before being packaged.
Aggressive Fabric Agitation: Because the 400W motor provides such a thorough deep-clean, the powerful wash cycles can occasionally pull hard on loose threads or tear small holes in highly delicate garments if they aren’t protected.
Expert Tips for ROVSUN Owners:
Quick Fix for Mobility: Because this machine weighs 54 lbs and lacks built-in wheels, we highly recommend purchasing a generic rolling appliance dolly alongside it. This allows you to effortlessly roll the heavy-capacity machine to your kitchen sink and tuck it back into a closet when the cycle finishes.
Wash Delicate Clothes Safely:
To protect delicate items like lace, lightweight shirts, and underwear, place them in a zippered mesh laundry bag before washing.
Secure the Drain Hose:
Always make sure the drain hose is firmly placed in the sink or drain before starting the washer. The water comes out with strong pressure, and the hose can move and cause water to spill on the floor.
Protect Your Floor:
Placing a waterproof silicone washing machine mat under the washer can help protect your floor from scratches, vibrations, and small water drips.
Click here to view the latest price, check out more real-world buyer reviews, and see current availability for the ROVSUN 25 lbs Portable Washer directly on Amazon.
Say Goodbye to the Laundromat! ROVSUN 25lbs Portable Washer Review
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3. BLACK+DECKER 1.7 cu. ft. Portable Washer
Why: The worst part about living in a small apartment is hauling heavy laundry bags to the laundromat—or trying to squeeze a massive, full-sized washer into a tiny home. The BLACK+DECKER 1.7 cu. ft. Portable Washing Machine solves this problem by giving you real cleaning power in a compact size. It hooks right up to your kitchen or bathroom sink faucet, features a solid stainless steel drum, and has a clear lid so you can watch it work. For anyone living alone or with a partner, it lets you wash around 11 pounds of clothes without leaving the house.
The Verdict
Is it worth your money? Definitely. If you want a trusted name-brand machine that gives you the perfect balance between a tiny camper bucket and a giant house appliance, this is a fantastic buy. It won’t wash giant king-sized comforters, but for regular daily laundry, its automatic cycles and easy storage make it an absolute lifesaver.
Key Features & Why They Are Awesome
Fits a Lot of Clothes: Even though the machine looks small, it can hold up to 11 pounds of laundry at once. This means you can wash a whole week’s worth of clothes in one go instead of having to do laundry every single day.
Safe for Nice Clothes: Instead of using a big plastic pole in the middle that twists and pulls your clothes, this washer uses a spinning disk at the bottom. Your favorite shirts and delicate items won’t get stretched out, tangled up, or ruined.
6 Different Buttons for Different Clothes: It has six easy settings you can choose from. If your clothes are barely dirty, you can use the quick cycle, or you can use the heavy setting for bulky items. You just press a button and let the machine do all the work.
Start It Later Timer: You can set a timer to make the machine start washing up to 24 hours later. This is super helpful because you can load it up before you go to school or work, and time it to finish right when you get back home so your clothes don’t sit wet.
Easy to Roll Away: If you don’t have a permanent spot for it, this feature is the best. It has wheels on the back and handles on the sides. You can easily roll it to the sink when you need it, and push it back into a closet when you’re done.
See-Through Lid That Doesn’t Slam: The lid on top is completely clear so you can watch your clothes spin around. Also, the lid closes slowly and softly on its own, so it won’t slam shut and make a loud noise if your hands are full.
Stays Steady and Quiet: Sometimes portable washers shake a lot if all the heavy, wet clothes pile up on one side. This washer can tell when that happens and automatically fixes itself so it stays quiet. Your neighbors or roommates won’t hear a thing.
Hooks Right to Your Faucet: You don’t need a plumber to install this. It comes with a special adapter that snaps right onto your regular kitchen or bathroom sink faucet, making it super fast and easy to set up.
Just remember two quick things before you buy it! When hooked up to a standard single sink faucet, it typically runs on cold water, which saves energy while still getting clothes thoroughly clean.
It doesn’t have a special drawer for liquid fabric softener. But don’t worry, you can easily pause the machine to pour the softener in yourself, or just use a dryer sheet later!
Point to remember: If you overload it, it throws an E2 error code.
Who It’s Best For:
This washing machine is a great choice for students, singles, couples, and renters living in apartments, dorms, or other small spaces. It is perfect if you want to avoid expensive trips to the laundromat while enjoying the convenience of a fully automatic washer. With no complicated setup or plumbing required, you can simply load your clothes, press a button, and let the machine do the work. When you’re finished, roll it away to save valuable floor space.
Pros
Super Easy “Plug and Play” Setup: You can easily hook it up using standard laundry pipes or connect it right to your kitchen faucet with the included adapter.
Saves a Ton of Money: It pays for itself fast! Instead of wasting tons of quarters at the laundromat, this machine saves you money on every single load.
Fits Bulky Items (Twin Comforters and Blankets): For a portable machine, the 1.7 cu. ft. tub is surprisingly spacious. It easily handles daily loads, heavy jackets, bath towels, and twin-sized bedding without struggling.
Strong Spin Cycle for Fast Drying: The spin cycle is super powerful and squeezes out most of the water. If you hang your clothes up, they are usually dry and ready to wear by the next day.
Quiet and Fun to Watch: It runs quietly enough that it won’t bother you in a small one-bedroom apartment. Plus, the clear lid lets you watch your clothes spin around while they get clean.
Cons
Uses a Bit More Water: It can be a little thirsty and uses slightly more water per cycle compared to a giant, full-sized front-loading washing machine.
Sink Faucet Restrictions: The faucet adapter won’t fit if you have a spray-bottle style “shower head” faucet, and taking the adapter on and off every time you want to do dishes can get a little annoying.
“Pro-Tip: If you live in an apartment on the second floor, spend $30 on a plastic drip pan to put under the washer just in case a hose ever slips. It will save you from an angry landlord or HOA!”
The great news is that all three of these compact washers use way less electricity than a giant, full-sized washing machine. They won’t make your electric bill shoot up!
Here is how to choose the best small washing machine:
1. How Much Clothes Can It Hold? (Capacity)
Portable washers come in different sizes based on how much weight they can hold:
10 pounds or less: This is very small. It is perfect for one person, or for washing just basic things like t-shirts, underwear, and gym clothes.
15 to 25 pounds: This is much bigger. You need this size if you want to wash heavy towels, lots of clothes at once, or big bed sheets without breaking the machine.
2. Two Tubs vs. One Tub (How It Works)
You need to decide how much work you want to do on laundry day:
Twin-Tub (Two Tubs): These machines have two separate sides. When the clothes finish washing on one side, you have to physically pick up the wet clothes and drop them into the other side to spin them dry. They are cheaper, but you have to stand there and help.
Fully Automatic (One Tub): This is a “set it and forget it” machine. You put your clothes in one single bucket, press start, and walk away. The machine does all the washing, rinsing, and spinning by itself.
3. Noise and Shaking (Quietness)
In a small apartment or camper, a loud machine can be super annoying.
Look for a washer that promises to stay quiet while it works.
Make sure the machine has adjustable feet on the bottom. You can twist these feet to make sure the washer sits perfectly flat on the floor, which stops it from shaking and making loud noises.
4. Electricity Use (Power)
You want a machine that plugs into a normal wall outlet without blowing a fuse or cutting off your electricity.
Normal Plugs: Make sure it uses standard household electricity so you can plug it in anywhere.
Low Energy: Look for a machine that uses low power (around 400 watts). This keeps your electric bill low and means it will work perfectly inside smaller places like campers or old apartments.
5. Water and Draining (Getting Rid of Water)
Since small homes do not have a drain built into the floor, you need to know how the water leaves the machine.
Water Levels: Look for a machine that lets you choose exactly how much water to use based on how many clothes you put inside. This stops you from wasting water.
Built-in Pump: If you need to drain the water upward into a kitchen sink or bathroom tub, you must buy a washer with a built-in electric pump. If it doesn’t have a pump, the water will only flow out downwards onto the floor!
Explore the latest buyer feedback and community questions on Amazon to see how this BLACK+DECKER 1.7 cu. ft. Portable Washer performs in everyday apartments.
Q: Can I wash a big queen blanket or comforter in these washers?
Yes, but only if you wash it completely by itself. Portable washers have smaller tubs than giant regular machines. A queen comforter will take up all the room inside. To protect the motor and get the blanket clean, do not add any other clothes to the load.
Q: Do I need a professional plumber to install them?
No, not at all! All of these machines are made for a fast and easy setup. They come with simple hoses that connect right to your normal home water taps or sink faucets, and they plug right into a standard wall outlet. You can set them up yourself in just a few minutes.
Q: What happens if my kitchen faucet has a pull-out spray hose?
The standard sink adapter might not fit. The quick-connect adapter that comes in the box needs a normal, round faucet tip to screw onto. If your sink has a modern spray head that pulls out, you might need to buy a cheap extra adapter from a hardware store, or simply hook the washer up to a bathroom sink instead.
Q: Why do these machines use cold water? Is that bad?
It is not bad at all! Using cold water is actually great because it protects your favorite clothes from shrinking and keeps your electric bill very low. If you want to sanitize extra dirty things like bath towels, you do not need hot water—you can just use a cold-water laundry sanitizer detergent.
Q: How do I clean the lint filter, and how often should I do it?
It is super easy! Inside the washing tub, there is a small plastic filter that catches fuzz and hair from your clothes. Just press the little clip to snap it out, empty the lint into the trash, rinse the filter under your sink faucet, and snap it right back in. Try to do this every 2 or 3 loads so your clothes stay clean.