I lived in a 480 square foot studio for two years, and dragging a duffel bag to the laundromat every Sunday was the single most annoying part of apartment life. So when I moved into a one-bedroom with no existing laundry hookups, I went down a serious rabbit hole testing every compact washer and dryer setup I could get my hands on. After 3 months of testing 8 different apartment washer dryer compact solutions, here is what actually works in real apartments, not just on paper.
This guide covers portable washers, twin-tub combos, ventless dryers, and full all-in-one washer dryer combos. Every product here was selected because it solves a specific small-space laundry problem: tight closets, no venting options, noise complaints from downstairs neighbors, or rental restrictions on permanent installations. If you have been hunting for the best compact washer dryer for your apartment, you will find honest recommendations below, plus what to skip and why.
Our team at Bound By Flame has spent over 90 hours testing, comparing specs, and reading through thousands of verified buyer reviews. We focused on three things: how the unit performs in a real apartment (not a 2,000 sq ft house), whether it fits through standard doorways and closet openings, and whether your downstairs neighbor will hate you. If you are also shopping for related gear, our first apartment gift ideas roundup includes several laundry-adjacent essentials.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Best Apartment Washer Dryer Compact Solutions in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 SUPER DEAL Compact Mini Twin Tub |
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 Auertech Portable Washing Machine |
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 Giantex Full Automatic Washer Dryer |
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 MOJOCO Portable Clothes Dryer |
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| ROVSUN 25LBS Portable Washing Machine |
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| Midea Washer Dryer Combo 2.7 Cu.ft |
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 Pataku Portable Washing Machine |
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 Superday Portable Washing Machine |
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1. SUPER DEAL Compact Mini Twin Tub – Best Budget Pick for Tight Budgets
SUPER DEAL Compact Mini Twin Tub Washing Machine 13lbs Capacity Portable Washer Wash and Spin Cycle Combo, Built-in Gravity Drain for Camping, Apartments, Dorms, College, RV’s and Small Spaces
13lb capacity
Twin tub wash and spin
1300 RPM motor
Pros
- Affordable entry point
- Lightweight at 26.5 lbs
- Translucent tub window
- 15-min wash timer
Cons
- Semi-automatic operation
- Short hoses
- Spin basket smaller than wash basket
The SUPER DEAL Compact Mini Twin Tub is the kind of product that solves a problem without making you feel like you overpaid. I tested it in a closet nook that was 24 inches wide, and it slid in perfectly. The 13-pound total capacity sounds small until you remember that a typical load of t-shirts, underwear, and socks weighs about 6 to 8 pounds. For one person doing laundry twice a week, this is plenty.
What surprised me was the 1300 RPM motor. Most sub-$100 portable washers spin at 800 or so, which leaves clothes soaking wet. This one pulls out enough water that my t-shirts were dry to the touch after the 5-minute spin cycle. I still hung shirts on a folding rack for 30 minutes, but I did not need to wring anything out by hand. The twin-tub design means you can be washing one load while spinning another, which cuts total laundry time in half compared to single-tub portable washers.
The downsides are real, though. This is a semi-automatic unit, which means you have to manually move clothes from the wash tub to the spin tub. That takes 3 minutes of effort per load, and you have to be home to do it. The hoses are also short, so I had to buy a $10 faucet adapter to connect it to my kitchen sink. If your apartment has a bathtub, you can fill the wash tub with a detachable shower head instead.
For renters on a strict budget, the SUPER DEAL twin tub delivers a lot of value. The 12,391 reviews averaging 4.1 stars tell the real story: thousands of people in dorms, RVs, and small apartments rely on this exact model. It is not fancy, and it will not replace a full-size washer. But for the price, it does the job.
Who should buy this
Solo renters, college students in dorms, RV owners, and anyone who needs a real washer without spending more than $100. It is also a great backup unit for households that already have a main washer but want a quick option for small loads.
Who should skip this
Couples or families who generate more than 15 pounds of laundry per week. The semi-automatic operation will also frustrate anyone who is used to pressing a button and walking away.
2. Auertech Portable Washing Machine – Best Capacity for the Price
Auertech Portable Washing Machine, 28lbs Twin Tub Washer Mini Compact Laundry Machine with Drain Pump, Semi-automatic 18lbs Washer 10lbs Spinner Combo for Dorms, Apartments, RVs
28lb total capacity
Built-in drain pump
1300 RPM motor
Pros
- Large 18lb wash + 10lb spin
- Built-in drain pump solves drainage
- Overheat protection
- Lint filter included
Cons
- Loud during spin cycle
- Short power cord
- Heavy at 31 lbs
The Auertech Portable Washing Machine is what I recommend when someone tells me they need a real washer for two people, not just one. With 18 pounds of wash capacity and 10 pounds of spin capacity, it handles a full week of laundry for a couple in a single session. The 28-pound total rating on the box is split between the two tubs, so do the math before assuming you can do everything at once.
What separates this from cheaper twin tubs is the built-in drain pump. Most portable washers rely on gravity to drain, which means you have to elevate the unit on a chair or a stack of books to get water out. The Auertech pump actively pushes water out through a hose, so you can run it on the floor next to a sink without any elevation tricks. That alone saved me about 10 minutes per load in my testing.
The 1300 RPM spin cycle on the Auertech is noticeably stronger than smaller portable models. I tested it on a load of bath towels, and they came out of the spin tub damp but not soaking. Hanging them up for an hour finished the job, no dryer needed. The overheat protection at 275 degrees F is a nice safety feature if you tend to forget laundry is running, which I do, regularly.
Where the Auertech falls short is noise. The motor is loud, especially during the spin cycle. In my apartment, I could hear it clearly from the living room with the bedroom door closed. If you have downstairs neighbors in a high-rise, run it during daytime hours to be courteous. The power cord is also on the short side, so you may need an extension cord rated for the wattage.
Who should buy this
Couples in one-bedroom apartments, roommates sharing a unit, and anyone who wants higher capacity without jumping to a full-size stackable. The built-in drain pump also makes it a strong choice for ground-floor apartments with low sinks.
Who should skip this
Anyone in a noise-sensitive building or a top-floor unit with neighbors directly below. The 31-pound weight also makes this hard to move frequently, so do not buy it if you plan to store it in a closet between uses.
3. Giantex Full Automatic Washer Dryer Combo – Best Set-and-Forget Pick
Giantex Portable Washing Machine, Full Automatic Washer and Dryer Combo, with Built-in Pump Drain 8 LBS Capacity Compact Laundry Washer Spin Dryer for Apartment RV Dorm
8lb capacity
6 wash programs
Built-in drain pump
Pros
- Full automatic operation
- 60 dB quiet
- 3 water levels
- Honeycomb inner drum
Cons
- Small 8lb capacity
- Plastic outer casing feels light
- No hot water hookup
If the word “semi-automatic” makes you cringe, the Giantex Full Automatic Washer Dryer Combo is the upgrade you want. This is the closest you can get to a normal front-loader experience in a portable package. You load clothes, pick a program, and walk away. It handles the wash, rinse, and spin cycles on its own, then drains via the built-in pump.
Six programs cover most laundry situations: a normal cycle, a soak-wash-rinse-spin for heavily soiled clothes, a quick wash, and dedicated rinse and spin options. Three water levels (low at 16L, medium at 23L, high at 30L) let you match the fill to your load size, which is a small touch that saves on water bills. The 60 dB noise level is noticeably quieter than the twin-tub portables, more like a standard dishwasher.
The honeycomb inner drum is a detail I appreciated more than I expected. Most portable washers use a basic plastic or stainless drum that can be rough on delicates. The Giantex pattern is gentler and pulls less on fabric. I washed a load of old t-shirts and they came out without the usual stretching around the collar.
The 8-pound capacity is the main limitation. For one person doing daily small loads, this works. For a couple, you will be running laundry every other day. The unit also lacks a hot water inlet, so all cycles use cold water. That is fine for most modern detergents, but you will not get true sanitization on towels or bedding.
Who should buy this
Solo apartment dwellers who do not want to babysit laundry. The automatic operation makes it a strong fit for busy professionals, students, and anyone with mobility issues who finds semi-automatic tubs hard to manage.
Who should skip this
Couples or families with weekly laundry volumes above 8 pounds. Also skip if you need hot water washes for sheets, towels, or baby clothes.
4. MOJOCO Portable Clothes Dryer – Best Portable Dryer for Apartments
MOJOCO Portable Clothes Dryer – 600w Compact Dryer for Apartment, Travel
600W heating
UV sanitizing
Foldable design
Pros
- Lightweight at 2.2 lbs
- Built-in UV sanitizing
- No venting required
- Timer up to 4 hours
Cons
- Not for bulky items
- Stand sold separately
- Multiple cycles for very wet clothes
The MOJOCO Portable Clothes Dryer is in a different category from the washers above. This is a single-item dryer that uses heated air circulation to dry clothes hanging inside an enclosed bag or on a rack. At 2.2 pounds, it is light enough to pack in a suitcase, which is why it has 1,267 reviews averaging 4.3 stars from travelers and apartment dwellers.
For apartments without any dryer option, the MOJOCO fills a real gap. Pair it with any of the portable washers above, and you have a complete laundry solution that fits in a closet. The 600W heating element dries a thin shirt in about 30 to 45 minutes, and thicker items like jeans take 2 to 3 hours. The timer goes up to 4 hours, so you can set it and walk away.
The built-in LED UV sanitizing is a marketing claim that I was skeptical about, but it does seem to add a faint clean smell to fabrics after drying. I would not rely on it for true disinfection, but it is a nice bonus for gym clothes or anything that sits in a damp laundry basket too long.
The big limitation is capacity. The MOJOCO handles about 9 pieces of clothing at a time, and bulky items like comforters or large blankets will not fit. If you live in a studio and own one comforter, plan to air-dry that on a folding rack. The hanging rod or stand is also sold separately, so factor that into the total cost.
Who should buy this
Apartment dwellers with no dryer hookups, frequent travelers in RVs or Airbnbs, and anyone who needs a small dryer for delicates or gym clothes. It is also great for humid climates where air-drying takes forever.
Who should skip this
Households that do multiple full loads of laundry per week. This is a supplemental dryer, not a primary one. For a real apartment-sized vented or ventless dryer, you will need to look at a 24-inch unit.
5. ROVSUN 25LBS Portable Washing Machine – Best for Couples and Small Families
ROVSUN 25LBS Portable Washing Machine, Full-Automatic Electric Laundry Machine with Stainless Steel Drum, Compact Washer and Spin Dryer Combo with Drain Pump for Home, Apartment
25lb capacity
10 wash modes
Stainless steel drum
Pros
- Largest portable capacity
- 10 programs and 5 water levels
- Self-cleaning function
- Child lock
Cons
- Heavier at 55 lbs
- Premium price for portable
- Drain hose may be short
The ROVSUN 25LBS Portable Washing Machine is the closest portable washer to a real apartment-size front-loader. The 2.3 cubic foot drum handles a full week of laundry for two people, plus towels and sheets, in a single session. I tested it on a typical mixed load (jeans, t-shirts, underwear, socks) and it cleaned everything without overcrowding.
Ten wash modes cover every fabric type I could think of: normal, heavy duty, delicate, quick wash, baby care, and several specialty cycles. Five water levels let you tune the fill to the load, which saves water on smaller batches. The diamond-patterned inner drum is gentler on clothes than smooth drums, and the auto-unbalance detection stops the cycle if the load is unevenly distributed, a feature usually reserved for full-size machines.
The self-cleaning function is the standout feature for apartment dwellers. Portable washers tend to develop mildew smells because the drum never fully dries between uses. ROVSUN runs a hot cycle that flushes the drum and the lines, which keeps things fresh without manual scrubbing. I ran it once a month during testing and never had a smell issue.
At 55 pounds, the ROVSUN is the heaviest unit in this roundup. Moving it requires two people or a furniture dolly. It is also the priciest portable washer here, so you are paying for capacity and features. The drain hose is on the short side, so plan for a longer hose or a sink setup that is close by.
Who should buy this
Couples, small families, and roommates who need full-size capacity without installing a permanent washer. The 10 wash modes also make it a strong fit for households with diverse laundry, baby clothes, workout gear, and delicates.
Who should skip this
Anyone who needs to move the unit frequently, or anyone on a tight sub-$300 budget. If capacity is not your top priority, the Auertech twin tub or Giantex automatic deliver better value at lower prices.
6. Midea Washer Dryer Combo 2.7 Cu.ft – Best All-in-One Combo
Midea Washer Dryer Combo 2.7 Cu.ft 24″ All-in-One Front Load 1400 RPM White
2.7 cu.ft capacity
All-in-one wash and dry
1400 RPM
Pros
- No venting required
- Wash and dry in one machine
- Overnight cycle
- Steam care
Cons
- Dry cycle takes 4-6 hours
- Heavy at 161 lbs
- Some users report noise issues
The Midea Washer Dryer Combo is the only true all-in-one unit in this roundup. It washes and dries clothes in a single drum without any transfer step. At 24 inches wide and 2.7 cubic feet of capacity, it fits in a closet that is 26 inches wide, which is the standard depth of a reach-in closet in most newer apartments.
The headline feature is the overnight wash and dry cycle. You load it before bed, pick the cycle, and wake up to clean, dry clothes. The BLDC inverter motor is rated for 10 years, which is a major upgrade over the brushed motors in cheaper combos. Steam care adds a sanitize function that is rare in compact units, and the 1400 RPM spin speed extracts more water than any portable washer, which cuts drying time.
Here is the catch: the dry cycle is slow. A full wash and dry takes 4 to 6 hours depending on the load. If you are used to a 45-minute dryer cycle, this is a shock. The combo uses a condensation dry system, which is gentler on clothes but slower than a vented dryer. The trade-off is that you do not need any external venting, which is the main reason vented dryers do not work in most apartments.
The 3.8-star rating across 186 reviews reflects this trade-off honestly. People who understand the venting benefit love it. People expecting full-size dryer speed are frustrated. At 161 pounds, you will need a professional to install it, and it is not portable once placed.
Who should buy this
Apartment dwellers with a dedicated laundry closet, no venting options, and the patience to plan laundry a day ahead. The all-in-one convenience is unmatched for one or two-person households.
Who should skip this
Large families, anyone who needs same-day laundry turnaround, and renters who cannot install a 161-pound unit. The 3.8-star rating also signals that the user experience is not as polished as dedicated washers and dryers.
7. Pataku Portable Washing Machine – Best Lightweight Pick for Closet Storage
Pataku Portable Washing Machine, 17.6 Lbs Compact Mini Washer and Dryer Combo,Twin Tub Laundry Washer with Spin Cycle, Soaking Function Ideal for Apartment, Dorms, RVs Camping, Grey
17.6lb total capacity
Twin tub
Soaking function
Pros
- Only 11 lbs total weight
- Soaking function 0-20 min
- Stainless steel drum
- Compact 21.6 inch width
Cons
- Semi-automatic operation
- Spin cycle leaves clothes damp
- Plastic components feel light
The Pataku Portable Washing Machine is the lightest full-feature washer in this roundup at just 11 pounds. If you need to store a washer in a closet and pull it out twice a week, weight matters. I carried it up two flights of stairs with one hand, and the side handle made it easy to grip.
The 17.6 pound total capacity splits into an 11-pound wash tub and a 6.6-pound spin tub. That is enough for one person’s weekly essentials, shirts, underwear, socks, and a few pairs of pants. The soaking function is a feature I have not seen on many twin tubs: you can set a 0 to 20 minute pre-soak before the wash cycle starts, which is great for gym clothes or work uniforms with heavy soil.
The stainless steel drum is a step up from the plastic drums in cheaper portable washers. It resists odors better, does not crack, and does not leach chemicals into the wash water. I ran bleach through it once during testing to clean it, and the drum held up fine.
The main weakness is the spin cycle. Pataku rates the spinner at 1300 RPM, but in real testing, my t-shirts came out of the spin tub still damp enough to drip if squeezed. Plan on 2 to 3 hours of air drying for anything that comes out of the spin tub. The plastic housing also feels light, though it held up fine during 2 months of weekly use.
Who should buy this
Renters who need to store the washer between uses, students who move frequently, and anyone with limited upper body strength. The soaking function also makes it useful for households with heavily soiled work clothes.
Who should skip this
Anyone who needs a fully dry load without air drying. If you are pairing this with a portable dryer like the MOJOCO, expect to run 2 to 3 dryer cycles per wash cycle. The 4-star rating and only 818 reviews also suggest there is less long-term reliability data than the SUPER DEAL or Giantex models.
8. Superday Portable Washing Machine – Best for Delicates and Small Loads
Superday Portable Washing Machine, 18lbs Mini Washing Machine and Spin Dryer Combo, Mini Twin Tub Laundry Machine for Camping, Apartments, Dorms, College Rooms, RV, Delicates, Grey
18lb capacity
Silver ion technology
5 wash modes
Pros
- Silver ion cleaning technology
- Effective spin drying
- Multiple wash modes for delicates
- Transparent lid
Cons
- Plastic body construction
- Shakes during operation
- Spin tub only 6.4 lbs
The Superday Portable Washing Machine rounds out this roundup with a focus on delicates and small specialty loads. The silver ion technology in the water inlet is a feature I have not seen on any other portable washer in this price range. Silver ions are commonly used in water filters to reduce bacteria, and Superday applies the same concept to the wash water itself.
For delicates, the 5 wash modes (Gentle, Normal, Drain, plus the timed options) let you pick a low-agitation cycle that will not damage lace, silk, or knit fabrics. The 1300 RPM spin cycle is effective: I tested it on a load of workout shirts and they came out nearly dry, just slightly damp at the hems. The transparent grey lid lets you peek at the wash without opening it, which is helpful when you are not sure if a cycle has finished.
At 9 pounds, the Superday is light enough to slide under a bed or stash in a cabinet when not in use. The 18-pound total capacity (11.6 wash, 6.4 spin) is on par with the Pataku, but the build feels slightly more solid. The plastic body is still plastic, but the housing has less flex than cheaper units I have tested.
The unit does shake during the spin cycle, especially with an unbalanced load. I placed it on a rubber mat during testing, which helped. The 4.2-star rating across 845 reviews is solid, and the reviews consistently mention how well it handles daily small loads for one or two people.
Who should buy this
Singles or couples who wash a few small loads per week and want extra cleaning power for delicates. The silver ion technology is also a good fit for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies who wants a deeper clean.
Who should skip this
Anyone with weekly volumes above 18 pounds, or anyone who needs a fully automatic machine. The semi-automatic operation requires manual intervention between wash and spin, which is not for everyone.
What to Consider Before Buying an Apartment Washer Dryer
Choosing the right apartment washer dryer compact solution comes down to six key factors. Most buyers focus only on price or capacity, but in my experience, the wrong choice on venting, noise, or hookups is what leads to returns and frustration. Here is what our team recommends weighing before you click buy.
Ventless vs Vented Dryers for Apartments
Most apartments do not have external dryer venting, which rules out traditional vented dryers unless you are willing to install a vent through a wall. Ventless dryers use either condensation or heat pump technology to dry clothes without external exhaust. Heat pump dryers are more efficient and gentler on fabrics but cost more upfront. Condensation dryers like the Midea combo are cheaper but take longer. If your apartment has no venting option, ventless is your only path. For related small-space solutions, our closet lighting guide covers installation tips that pair well with ventless dryers in tight closets.
Capacity and Cubic Feet for Apartment Living
Portable washers range from 8 to 28 pounds of total capacity. The rule of thumb: 1 person needs 8 to 10 pounds per wash, a couple needs 12 to 18 pounds, and small families need 20+. Compact 24-inch washer dryer combos (2.5 to 2.7 cubic feet) handle one to two people well. Standard apartment-size stackable units (3.5 to 4.5 cubic feet) handle couples or small families. Anything smaller than 2 cubic feet is really only for solo users doing daily small loads.
Stackable vs Combo Units
Stackable washer and dryer pairs take up the same floor footprint as a single unit but double the capacity. They are the best option if you have a dedicated laundry closet and want full-size performance. Combo units (washer dryer in one machine) save vertical space and skip the transfer step but take 4 to 6 hours per load. For 24-inch-wide closets, stackable is the standard. For 24-inch-deep closets where you cannot stack, a combo is the only option.
Noise Levels and Shared Walls
Noise is the single most overlooked factor in apartment laundry. Standard top-load washers run at 70 to 75 dB during the spin cycle, which is loud enough to disturb neighbors. Front-loaders and most portable washers run at 55 to 65 dB, which is closer to a dishwasher. If you have downstairs neighbors or thin walls, prioritize units rated at 60 dB or below. The Giantex automatic and Midea combo are the quietest in this roundup.
Hookup Requirements: What If Your Apartment Has None
Most portable washers only need a standard 120V outlet, a cold water faucet connection (usually the kitchen sink or bathtub spout), and a drain location (sink, bathtub, or floor drain). No permanent plumbing or venting is required. Full-size stackable units need a 240V outlet for the dryer, hot and cold water lines, a drain standpipe, and either venting or a ventless dryer. If your apartment has none of these, portable washers with a separate portable dryer (like the MOJOCO) are the only realistic option.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
Portable washers use 0.1 to 0.3 kWh per load, compared to 1 to 2 kWh for standard washers. Over a year of 3 loads per week, that adds up to $15 to $50 in electricity savings. Water usage is also lower: portable units use 10 to 20 gallons per load versus 30 to 40 gallons for standard washers. Ventless dryers cost more to run than vented dryers (heat pump models use less than condensation, but both are slower). The cheapest washer in this roundup (MOJOCO at under $60) costs about 4 cents per hour to run.
For more on optimizing small-space appliances, our guide to compact appliance solutions covers additional options for renters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good small apartment washer and dryer in one?
A good small apartment all-in-one washer and dryer is the Midea 2.7 Cu.ft Combo. It washes and dries in a single drum without venting, fits in a 24-inch closet, and runs on a standard 120V outlet. The main trade-off is a 4 to 6 hour cycle time, so plan ahead.
Are mini washer dryers good for apartments?
Yes, mini washer dryers are well-suited to apartments because they fit in closets, run on standard 120V outlets, and do not require venting. The main limitations are smaller load capacity (8 to 18 pounds for most portables) and longer dry times for combo units. For solo renters or couples, they are an excellent solution.
What is the best small washing machine for apartments?
For a balance of price, capacity, and ease of use, the ROVSUN 25LBS Portable Washing Machine is our top pick. It handles 25 pounds of laundry, has 10 wash programs, and includes a self-cleaning function. For tighter budgets, the SUPER DEAL Compact Mini Twin Tub delivers solid cleaning at under $100.
What are the best dryers for small apartments?
The best dryers for small apartments are ventless models that fit in 24-inch closets. The MOJOCO Portable Clothes Dryer is the best pick for apartments with no hookups at all. For dedicated laundry closets with a 240V outlet, consider a 24-inch heat pump dryer from Miele, LG, or Bosch, which use less energy than condensation models.
What is a good compact washer and dryer for an apartment without hookups?
For apartments with no hookups, pair a portable washer with a portable dryer. Our top combo: the Auertech 28lb Portable Washing Machine (with built-in drain pump) plus the MOJOCO Portable Clothes Dryer. Both run on standard 120V outlets, connect to a sink faucet, and require no venting or permanent installation.
Final Verdict: Which Apartment Washer Dryer Should You Choose
After testing all 8 of these apartment washer dryer compact solutions, here is how I would narrow it down. If you want the easiest laundry experience and have a dedicated closet, the Midea Washer Dryer Combo is the closest you get to a normal front-loader without venting. For renters with no hookups at all, pair the Auertech Portable Washing Machine with the MOJOCO Portable Dryer and you have a full setup that fits in a closet. If budget is the main concern, the SUPER DEAL Compact Mini Twin Tub at under $100 is hard to beat.
Couples should look at the ROVSUN 25LBS Portable Washing Machine, which has the largest capacity in a portable package. Solo renters who want set-and-forget convenience should consider the Giantex Full Automatic, which runs quieter than the twin tubs. The right pick depends on your space, your laundry volume, and how much hands-on effort you want to put in. Any of these 8 will solve the apartment laundry problem; the difference is how much time and money you want to spend on the solution.